Styling Your Curly Hair

Let face it ladies, styling curly hair is no easy task. In fact, it can present quite a challenge. A majority of the time, humidity, dryness, and frizz develop into obstacles that test patience and skill of the most experienced curly haired women. Curly hair is full of character and personality that changes often, making it incredibly difficult to style your hair on a daily basis.

If you’re new to the natural hair scene, or veteran curly looking for some inspiration, here are some helpful tips and advice on how to style your curly hair better.

It’s all about moisture

Moisturizer is the key to frizz free hair. Not only does natural moisturizer protect and benefit overall health, but also keeps frizz away. Make sure you wash and condition your hair with natural moisturizers before you begin styling your curly hair. This helps prepare your hair and makes it behave and work well, in addition to treating your hair to a healthy dose of much needed nourishment.

Begin fresh

Before you style your hair it is important to rid your locks of any remains of product or serum. Cleanse and wash your hair thoroughly to ensure you clean out any excess conditioner or leftover product. Be sure to use a gentle and preferably sulfate free natural shampoo or cleanser when rinsing out your locks.
 
Avoid excessive use of product

An overload of product usually leaves hair crunchy and difficult to style. Make sure the product you use does not overwhelm your hair. If the product you prefer is too strong, then it would be good to dilute it with a little water before applying it.

Treat your hair in sections

One of the more pronounced problems when styling curly hair is that some sections turn out better and curlier than others. To obtain an even look, make sure you apply product evenly across your head and locks. You can improve your technique by using clips and section your hair when applying product, to ensure each part receives the same amount of attention.

The wetter the better

A trade secret to achieving great curls is to apply product into your hair when it’s wet. Hair reacts much better to product when wet. This makes for far more defined curls, if you have a long wait time between post shower and styling time, then re-soak your hair before you apply product. 

Get Rid of Limp Hair the Natural Way

More often than not, limp hair is inherited. In addition, several factors like excessive smoking, chemical treatments, and exposure to heat on a regular basis contribute to unhealthy and limp hair.

On the upside however, there are several natural remedies to thicken and introduce bounce and volume to your hair. You don’t have to continue to live with limp and lifeless locks much longer. Here are some easy and simple ways to get a body and morale boosting look you will adore.

Basic maintenance and care

Make sure you get regular hair trims and cuts to maintain a natural, bouncy look. Shampoo and wash your hair with gentle natural products. The fewer chemicals involved the better, for both you and your hair.

Avoid combing your hair too much; limit brush strokes to as many required to detangle your locks. Using a large toothed comb will make a difference and comb the knots out as gently as possible.

Pamper yourself

Frequent oil massages are the best thing you can do to nourish your hair. Quality moisturisers and lost nutrient restorers, natural oils bring new life to hair with added volume and bounce, not to mention the healthy factor involved.

Mix about two tablespoons of castor oil with around one tablespoon of almond or coconut oil. Heat the mixture up a bit to increase nutritive value. Castor oil works brilliantly to bring bounce and volume to limp hair.

Home made hair packs

Try one or all of these hair packs to bring back the snap and bounce in your hair.

• Avocado – Avocado hair masks deliver instant protein and vital nutrients to lacklustre hair. Blend the pulp of one avocado with a tablespoon full of castor and olive oil. Gently apply the mask starting at the roots, all the way down to the tips of your hair. Leave in for about 30 minutes, cover with a cotton head cloth and rinse well after. 
• Banana – Banana is a wonderful source of essential minerals and vitamins. Mix an overripe banana with about one tablespoon of honey and apply the mixture onto your scalp and hair. Leave in for about 20-30 minutes and wash it clean with a gentle shampoo. 
• Egg – Raw eggs are perfect sources of protein and work wonders on dull and lifeless air. Simply beat two eggs in a bowl, apply onto scalp and hair and leave in for about 15 minutes. Wash clean with shampoo for beautiful soft hair. 

Why you Should Stick to your Naturally Curly Hair

Nothing compares to originality, and going natural is to accept and own your true self. Natural curly hair is amazingly sexy and comes equipped with beautiful texture, body and volume. A feature of rocking naturally curly hair is the personality it brings to your look.

Besides, sticking to your natural hair is healthy and avoids unnecessary use of chemicals and chemical products to maintain your style. Here are some of the top reasons in my book why staying natural is the best thing you could do.

Natural hair is stunning

Natural hair is instant statement style in addition to being totally hip and cool. Unlike relaxed hair that requires heaps of products and methods that can cause near permanent damage, natural hair is absolutely safe.

Women with natural curls love their hair because it’s wonderfully fun and suits face and features best.

Healthy

It’s a known fact that natural hair is healthy and perhaps the best lifestyle choice you can make. Naturally curly hair doesn’t need an overload of hair care products and you’ll come to love and appreciate your locks better. Look and feel great naturally, besides you stand to save heaps on product and upkeep.

Get playful and creative

There isn’t much you can do with straight hair, while naturally curly hair allows for heaps of styles that completely transform you look. Play with texture and get creative with your locks. Something as simple as an updo tied in with some funky and bold accessories introduces a variety of styles and variations to create completely new and different looks every single time.

Natural curls are fun to style and can be worn in so many absolutely chic ways, to suit any kind of event or mood.

Freestyle 

Natural hair is all about you and your personal style, and a great way to let your personality shine. There’s no way you can go wrong with natural afro hair. You can change it whenever you feel like and wear it any which way you like.

Feel free, uninhibited, and truly relaxed. Natural hair doesn’t come with many restrictions and rules you need to stick to unlike chemically relaxed hair. Enjoy a swim or live as active a lifestyle you wish. Quit worrying about how exercise makes you sweat, which might possibly ruin your hairstyle. Live the way you want with natural hair. 

Lengthen and Thicken your Hair with the Help of these Tips

Do you often find yourself wishing your hair would grow faster and thicker? It’s a common fact that state and condition of your hair affects your appearance and can add on the years. Thinning hair is far from appealing and quite a turn off.

Instead of waiting for your hair to grow out, here are some sure methods to speed up the process in addition to improving health and texture quickly and naturally.

Get a trim

While it might seem counter-intuitive to get frequent trims when growing your hair out, it is important to rid of unhealthy and damaged ends. It is true that trimming hair doesn’t make your hair grow any faster, though it does make a difference in overall maintenance.

Taking care of dead and split ends will keep your hair looking great while you grow it out. Trim about a quarter of an inch every two months, to keep your hair healthy and luscious.

Scalp massages

Treat your roots to hot oil massages at least once every week. A superb way to keep your hair moisturized, regular oil massages promote faster growth, stimulate roots and supply important nourishment. Over and above a scalp massage is relaxing, enjoyable process that will keep both you and your hair healthy and happy.

Natural oils like olive, jojoba, coconut, almond, and castor, make hair softer, and thicker.

Eat healthy

A healthy and balanced diet makes a huge difference on the quality and growth rate of your hair. Make sure you add a good portion of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and egg to your regular diet. Try and avoid junk and fatty foods as far as possible.

Replenish vitamins

Vitamins like A, B, and C are important for optimal thicker hair growth. Potato water is enriched with vitamins and can be used to rinse and wash hair to ensure better and faster growth.

Egg whites

A brilliant source of protein, egg whites are known to replenish lost nutrients and nourish hair from root to tip. Your hair is bound to improve instantly with weekly applications of egg white hair mask. Healthy and strong hair grows faster and thicker for sure.

Avoid too much heat

Healthy natural hair isn’t a big fan of hot irons or blow dryers. Try and keep blow drying your hair to a minimum. This helps keep split ends away, and makes for healthier, gorgeous hair. 

Winter Hair Care Regime for Curly Hair

Ladies who enjoy natural hair throughout the year should maintain a special treatment regimen to achieve optimal protection and functionality. It is integral you take care and nurture your locks as the temperatures recede. Here is some sage advice to follow to avoid excessive tangles and enjoy healthy, smooth, luxurious hair during winter.

Crash course

A quick rundown of essentials to a winter hair care regimen.

• Wash and condition your hair regularly, though remember to do a natural deep condition at least twice a month.
• Use flexi rods to stretch out those locks.
• Use a thick toothed comb or natural fiber wide tooth brush to detangle your hair.
• Make the most of protective functional styling, do your hair up in buns and rock twists, as much as possible.
• Treat your hair with henna at least once a month.
• Religiously oil your hair ends every single day.
• Moisturize your hair every three days, followed by an oil treatment to seal in the moisture.
• Tie your hair up in a satin bonnet every night before going to bed.

Complete winter hair care regimen   

• Open up your messy bun or hair twists every other week and massage a deep, preferably natural, conditioner, pull on a plastic cap with a microwave heat cap over for about 15-30 minutes.
• Rinse your hair out and separate into two sections. Wash thoroughly with shampoo a side at a time, rinse clean.
• Then apply a silky conditioner to both sides in a scrunching motion. Quickly pass your head under the shower to spread in the conditioner and add more slip. Leave in for a bit.
• Work at detangling hair, one side at a time, with your fingers. If you have persistent tangles that remain as the conditioner washes away, simply apply more conditioner and continue detangling.
• Once all the conditioner has been washed out and your hair is tangle free, gently blot-dry your hair and leave to dry for about 15-30 minutes. Apply a leave in conditioner, seal in with oil.
• Then stretch your hair out with flexi-rods and leave to set for about 5 hours.
• Remove the rollers and comb your curls adding oil to separate and define them further.
• Tie your hair up either in flat twists, high bantu knot, chunky twists or a bun. Once your twists are done, finish them up with a spray of hair dew, focus on the ends, to keep them moisturized and help set.
• Pull on a satin scarf bonnet over your well treated hair and turn in for the night.

5 Hair Myths Debunked

One of the most popular fallacies in hair care is that washing your hair every day keeps it clean. By now, almost every woman knows that daily hair washes can deliver serious damage and makes hair incredibly dry and brittle. A reason why hair experts recommend a maximum of three shampoos every weak to maintain gorgeous healthy hair.

Apart from scrubbing this secret clean off the myth list, here are a few more common prescribed hair care truths demystified.

Periodic trims make hair grow faster

Rate of hair growth has nothing to do with the ends, but depends on how you care for the roots instead. Hair begins to grow from the hair follicle, so keeping your scalp well moisturized, nourished, and conditioned will definitely help boost hair growth. While trimmed ends help prevent and rid of split-ends which leaves overall healthier and plush head of hair, it does not speed up growth.

Change shampoo often to get better results

Hair doesn’t tend to get used to preferred shampoo and conditioner combinations, though frequent use of the same product does play in residual build-up that causes hair to feel lack luster and coarse. Stick to your tried and tested shampoo and conditioner; just make sure you use a gentle clarifying shampoo once every week to rid of any excess product build-up.

100 brush strokes makes hair shiny

While it is good to brush your hair daily and keep it tangle free, excessive brushing, like 100 strokes before bed, can cause damage and hair breakage. Apply leave in conditioner instead, when detangling hair and avoid brushing wet hair.

Greasy hair does well without conditioner 

Overproduction of sebum, natural oil produced by the body, is a major factor of greasy hair. Skipping conditioner won’t help your condition, and might cause further damage with dry and brittle, though greasy hair. It is best to use a clarifying shampoo on the roots and a gentle moisturizing shampoo, and stick to conditioning hair midway down to the ends.

All hair grows at a same pace

Contrary to popular belief, not all hair grows at the same rate. In fact, hair grows at different rates across the body. Head hair grows in three distinct and separate phases and each area of the body grows at varying speeds. Regular haircuts and trims is an effective way to maintain consistency in style and length.

Natural Remedies to Soften Coarse Hair

Say goodbye to coarse and damaged hair that’s difficult to control and just doesn’t sit right. All women go through phases when hair can get awfully dry and coarse, with texture like something as rough as sandpaper. This is your hair screaming for attention and in desperate need of some special treatment. Set aside a little hair spa time to better treat and condition your locks to feel softer, bouncier and lighter than ever before.

Here are some natural ways to go about bringing out the best in your hair.

Sweet caramel treatment

Natural moisturizers used in this treatment absorb moisture from the air, retaining it in your hair to enhance softness, which makes hair a delight to manage and style. Positive feedback to this treatment claim that it helps loosen and straighten out curls.

Puree three bananas and put it through a sieve a few times. Make certain you remove all lumps and strands, as this can get a bit difficult to wash out. Alternatively you can use banana baby food. Blend your banana puree with equal portions of honey, black strap molasses, and olive oil, about ¼ cup should be cool. Add about 1 tsp apple cider vinegar.

Using an applicator brush, gently apply the mixture onto sectioned damp hair, from root to tip. Cover your hair up with a hairnet and leave in for 30 minutes or leave to soak in overnight for the best results. Rinse clean for silky soft hair.

Egg-ceptional treatment

Egg contains copious amounts of protein and lecithin that work incredibly well to moisturize, strengthen and soften hair.

Mix three raw eggs with two tablespoons olive or coconut oil and a tablespoon honey, apply all over scalp and leave in for about 30 minutes. Rinse clean with mild shampoo for soft luscious hair.

Blend half cup yogurt with about 2 tablespoons olive or almond oil and mix in two beaten eggs till the paste turns creamy. Apply onto scalp and leave hair mask in for about 30 minutes, rinse off with mild shampoo and feel the difference.

Banana and Avocado

A delicious fruit combination and perfect cure for coarse hair, banana strengthens and rids hair of split ends while avocado nourishes and moisturizes dry strands.

Blend a banana and avocado together with half a teaspoon of almond oil and apply thoroughly onto scalp and hair till the ends. Leave mask on for up to an hour and wash off with mild shampoo. 

Five Ways to Avoid Having Bad Hair Days

There’s very little you can do when you wake up to a bad hair day, especially when you’re late for work with absolutely no time to shower and set things right.

Make terrible hair days a phenomenon of the past. Make sure you only see days when your hair is soft, manageable and shiny in the morning is far better. Because when hair starts acting up, things can get from bad to worse in no time.

It’s unbelievable the number of natural home remedies you can use to completely eradicate chances of undergoing a bad hair day. Here are five simple steps to happily avoid ugly hair days.

Nighttime conditioning

Prevention is always better than cure. Let your hair moisturize over night to do away with unmanageable hair in the morning. Deep conditioning is a welcome technique to ensure your hair stays healthy and a dream to style. Apply a non-chemical based conditioner on your hair and leave it in overnight. No need to shampoo, simply rinse your hair when you wake up and you’re good to go.

Use a touch of soda

Keep unruly and frizzy hair at bay by mixing a sprinkle of baking soda in with your shampoo. Found in every household, baking soda is a multi-functional ingredient that works like a miracle remedy for dry hair. Bi-carbonate of soda helps rid of chemical residue left behind by styling creams, gels and other products, which not only makes your hair incredibly clean and easy to manage, but also super soft.

Amazing avocado

A number of natural fruits and products make great hair conditioners. Avocado works brilliantly to banish ruinous hair days. Make a paste of the fruit and apply it onto the scalp and roots and leave in for 30 minutes, for stronger, protein enriched healthy hair that rarely acts up.

Olive saves the day

Olive oil is a marvelous cure all for hair and certain to annihilate any streaks of bad hair days you’ve been facing. Combine olive oil with an equal portion of Aloe Vera for additional armor to combat shabby hair. It’s practically impossible to have frizzy or uncontrollable hair with regular olive oil treatments.

Add volume and bounce and keep hair in control by taking the time to care for your hair. Enjoy hassle free manageable hair that feels great, looks wonderful and styles beautifully.  

Right Way to Give Yourself a Scalp Massage

Massages are a welcome practice at any time of day, but they are truly divine after a long day. Not only do massages relax the body and mind, but also rid you of unwanted tension and stress. Certain types of massages like a scalp massage, when done right, regulate better blood flow through your system and aid hair growth as well. 

Allow yourself the pleasure, and take out ten to fifteen minutes of the day to pamper your cells and revitalize yourself with a scalp massage. Incredibly easy and a delight to master, scalp massages go a long way in relieving stress and anxiety. Once you master the art, you can even practice it on your friends, who will love you more than ever for it. 

Scalp massage – Steps to follow

Here’s how to massage your scalp the right way. 

• Start by letting your hair loose. If you have your hair in braids or twists then that’s fine and doesn’t need to be undone. However, open ponytails and remove all headbands, hair-ties, bands, and pins. 
• Section your scalp into about four to eight major areas of focus, you could start making sections by parting your hair down the middle. If you have braids then keep these sections in mind. It is important to give your massage a flow of direction. Remember to work each section properly with equal attention and time. 
• Begin your scalp massage at the temples. With gentle pressure, work your fingertips in a circular motion and rotate around to relax and soothe your scalp. Regulate the pressure according to your preference, avoid pressing any area hard; remember it is all about soothing the body.
• Start to work back from forehead to the area behind the ears applying gentle pressure with your fingertips and moving in small to wider circular movements. 
• Try as much to keep your fingertips on the scalp to prevent them from getting entangled in long locks and thick curls. 
• Massage each section of the scalp in the same manner and cover all sides of the head. 
• Gently rub the back of the neck down to the shoulders using your fingers close together by applying sufficient pressure. 
• Relax and enjoy the effect of the scalp massage!

You can also dip your fingertips in warm natural oil; coconut, almond or olive oil are good choices for hair and scalp treatments. Plus, oil also works as a natural hair conditioner. 

Home Remedies for Split Ends in Afro Hair

Split ends can take away the beauty from your hair. No matter how great your hair style is, split ends affect the overall appearance and feel of hair. Everyday, your hair battles the most trying conditions by fighting exposure to dust, sun and pollution, which strip natural oils from your hair and make it unhealthy.

Split ends along with frizzy and dry hair are common complaints faced by women. They are caused by common practices like over washing, infrequent moisturizing and excessive use of heating tools.

Here are some quick and simple home remedies to treat split ends.

Egg mask - Three of a kind!

Perhaps one of the most nourishing items resting in your kitchen, eggs work wonders on hair, especially in preventing split ends.

• Mix well either just the egg white (albumin) or the entire egg with some olive or almond oil and honey. Apply the mixture to your hair strands and leave it for about 45 minutes. Rinse it off with cold water and a natural, mild shampoo.
• Beat an egg with some water in a bowl and use it as a conditioning shampoo to treat damaged ends. Rinse off with a gentle shampoo and feel the immediate difference in your hair.
• Blend an egg with a banana and a few drops of orange juice. Apply it to hair and leave it for about 30 minutes before rinsing it.

Remember to always wash off egg masks with cold water.

Papaya treatment

• Blend half a cup of yogurt with a diced ripe papaya to make a thick paste. Apply the mask onto your hair, leave for about 30 minutes and then wash off. It works as a natural hair conditioner.

Fresh cream

You may find it hard to believe, but fresh cream is a superb hair conditioner and a brilliant remedy for split ends.

• Whisk together half a cup of milk and a tablespoon thick cream. Leave the mixture on your hair for 15 minutes and wash off.

Avocado paste

• Mash the flesh of an avocado. You can also add a teaspoon of olive oil to it. Massage it into damp hair covering the split ends and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Rinse it with a mild shampoo.

Mayonnaise delight

Surprisingly mayo works wonders as a hair and scalp moisturizer. Simply treat your hair to a mayo mask (leave in for 30 minutes) twice every week. 

Things to Know Before Getting a Weave

Are you tired of the same hairdo and would like to transform your look with something more glamorous, full and luxurious? Then perhaps you should try adding a weave to up your style quotient. Weaves are excellent ways to rest and help grow your natural hair without having to go through any awkward and unseemly transitioning look.

While getting a weave is a welcome change of style and addition to volume and intensity of hair, it is not a procedure that should be tried with damaged hair. Make sure your hair is healthy and if not, get on a treatment regimen with natural deep conditioners before you attempt a weave. Here are a few helpful tips and facts you ought to know about weaves before you get one.

Types of weaves

A weave can either be synthetic or real (remy) strips of hair that are added to your natural hair via a number of varying methods. It is important you get your weave put in by a professional hairdresser for you to have a quality hairdo that looks good and natural.

Here are the many different types of terms to know when choosing and buying your hair additions.

Virgin hair weave is natural untreated hair that is cut along the cuticle which makes it effortless to handle and does not tangle easily. Found in natural straight, wavy and curly styles.

Remy hair is the same as virgin hair, the only difference being that it is chemically treated, for instance they are often colored, or permed.

Weft hair weaves are attached together either by machine or hand stitched threads. Machine wefts are cheaper and more readily found, while hand wefts enable a more natural and durable look.

Pre-bonded hair extensions are usually bonded with keratin and available in straight or I tipped end, or in-curled or U tipped ends.

Weave methods

There are several ways to get a weave, and its best to take breaks of about 3 months between weaves, to avoid causing permanent damage to your hair.

Sew in –Wefts of hair is finely braided or sewn in with natural hair.

Sew in (net) – This method has a net sewn over natural hair braids to relieve tension and keep hair from growing in volume after shampoos and washes.

Bonding (glue in) – Weave is glued to natural hair with a gun.

Fusion – Weave is attached to the scalp with wax and can last as long as six months and offers the most natural look. 

How Can Hair Extensions Damage Your Hair?

Get the look you always wanted and make it happen in just a few days with transformational hair extensions. An incredible way to create a ‘to die for’ look enjoy the freedom to choose style, color and length with the ever versatile hair extension or weave.

Add volume and color or bring in a completely different style, over all hair extensions also help protect your natural hair and let it grow out. Although weaves aren’t your natural hair, they do need care and have to be maintained and looked after to maintain wonderful style. Here are some easy tips to follow to avoid damaging and ensure healthy natural hair.

Go Pro

The best way to get a stellar look is to approach a professional hair stylist, who will not only set in your extensions beautifully, but also help you make educated choices in regard to most complementary hair type and color to use to suit your style and personality.

Care for your hair

Clean and wash your hair with gentle shampoo and natural conditioners before getting a weave. Treat your hair well with natural overnight oil treatments that will keep you natural hair healthy and your weave looking great for longer. Use coconut oil every night to condition and moisturize your hair, treat it with a mix of honey about 3 times a week for a deep and wholesome natural condition.

Keep it loose and easy

Make sure your weave isn’t too tightly done, as this can lead to natural hair breakage and hair loss if not maintained properly. Let your stylist know immediately after the first few braids or additions if the install is too tight or uncomfortable.

Treat your hair well

Give your head and scalp a nice protein treatment before you get your weave set in. This will increase strength of your natural hair, allowing it better withstand the pressures and pulls involved when adding extensions. It’s best to wait at least two weeks after any chemical treatment before you get a weave, allow your hair to get back to healthy state.

Get a trim

Prevent additional knots and tangles formed when attaching extensions by ridding your natural hair of dry and split ends with a trim. A couple of inches taken off at the bottom will help maintain your natural hair before a weave and proper treatment and care will have your hair grow back in no time. 

Massage and stimulate your scalp for hair growth

We resort to expensive hair-spa treatments that cost almost as much as one month’s rent, and use ridiculously-priced shampoos and conditioners to help stimulate and quicken hair growth. African American hair care can be particularly demanding. We gaze at Hollywood’s starlets’ luscious locks and wish we could have that kind of hair overnight.

Well, there are ways to get your dream locks without having to empty your pockets, although it may take some time. Sometimes, not much emphasis has been laid on the concept of massage and scalp stimulation to enhance hair growth. Just as combing, shampooing and conditioning are all an important part of your daily or weekly hair regimen, scalp massages should be incorporated too. Not only are they extremely relaxing and rejuvenating, but can do wonders to stimulate your skin cells and hair follicles to make your hair start growing out faster, thicker, longer and stronger.

Use essential oils to massage

If you don’t enjoy giving yourself a scalp massage, hit your nearest beauty salon or massage parlor and allow them to pamper you! They are completely affordable and don’t take up too much of time out of your busy schedule. Scalp massages work even better when accompanied with a little bit of heated coconut, olive or almond oil. The heated oil is a great stimulator to wake up sleeping hair follicles. The circulatory, and up and down movements of the massage will definitely help stimulate hair follicles and will allow them to grow out faster.

Scalp massages are not a recent development and go way back. Ayurveda recommends scalp massages for stimulation of hair growth. The technique has been used in Ayurveda for over 5000 years, and is being offered at the biggest, most modern and expensive beauty parlors today. An Ayurveda specialist would also recommend that you use natural hair care products.

Scalp massages make you happy

Scalp massages are also known to stimulate the release of serotonin and endorphin, also popularly known as the feel-good hormones. They help stimulate and increase blood flow in the scalp, directing the flow of blood to the hair follicles, which will in turn promote healthy hair growth.

As opposed to harmful, chemical-pumped shampoos and conditioners that make false promises, scalp massages are age-old, simple, affordable, relaxing and extremely effective. Oils like lavender add the benefits of aromatherapy to the scalp massage and help relieve you of life’s daily stress; considering it is a major contributor to hair loss and stunted hair growth.

So book an appointment for an indulgent scalp massage immediately to have your hair looking naturally beautiful! 

Eczema treatment for natural hair

Eczema or dermatitis is a skin condition that causes inflammation, itchiness, dryness and flaking of the skin. Eczema can affect the skin on the scalp as well, which could lead to hair loss. A dry, scaly and itchy scalp can be extremely irritable, not to mention an embarrassing condition.

How do you treat it?

Eczema can be treated temporarily with topical creams and shampoos, but it is important to treat eczema at its root cause. Treating the symptoms is easy, but getting rid of eczema completely is the difficult part. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of treatments available today and it is important to find the solution that works best for your scalp and hair type.

First it is always advisable to confirm whether it is in fact eczema and consult with your dermatologist, before starting any home treatments. A doctor can distinguish between eczema, and conditions similar to eczema. He/she could suggest certain prescription shampoos, topical creams and lotions, or oral medication to help treat the eczema. If you are using any deep conditioners, or leave-in conditioners, check with the doctor to make sure they aren't worsening your condition.

Try good quality, anti-dandruff shampoos or any shampoo that treats seborrhoeic dermatitis. They go light and easy on your scalp and hair. Even shampoos containing 2% sacylic acid will help relieve the dryness, itching and irritation. Also consider using natural hair products, they are gentle and do not cause any side effects. However, you might want to avoid shampoos containing an ingredient called sodium laureth sulphate (SLS), as this is a very harsh chemical and can worsen the eczema by causing more irritation to the already affected scalp. It could even lead to excessive hair loss.

Precautions to be taken

Remember not to use medicated shampoos everyday or every time you wash your hair, as it could cause your hair to become dry, rough, or dull. Eczema is a condition of the scalp, not the hair, so remember to go gentle on your precious tresses. Alternate your medicated or chemical shampoos with natural or herbal shampoos. Use shampoos containing lavender for fragrance, and coconut or yukka to help work up a good lather.

Certain shampoos like Kerytol, require you to leave it on for at least two minutes before washing it off, so remember to follow each shampoos’ washing instructions carefully, if you want them to work effectively.

Other important factors are to always use lukewarm or cold water while washing your hair and scalp as much as possible, instead of hot water, because it can irritate the infected scalp and cause excessive hair dryness and hair loss. Combing out hair with a wide-toothed comb after shampooing, helps remove flakes. Try not to wash your hair too often as it will only worsen the condition. Fish oil tablets are high in omega-3 fatty acids that help relieve a dry scalp too.   

Homemade Pumpkin Conditioner and Why is it Good for Your Hair

Fall and autumn will soon replace the warmth of summer with an ever-increasing cold and dry weather.  Protect your hair and restore vitality to lackluster strands during this time with pumpkin - the vegetable of the season. 

Nutritive value

A rich source of essential nutrients and vitamins, pumpkin carries an abundance of alpha and beta carotene, Vitamin A, E, K and C. It also provides the body much needed minerals like potassium, magnesium and iron. These vital ingredients enhance hair follicles, add luster, strengthen roots and rejuvenate fraying cells while reducing hair fall. Potassium is an essential element that helps reduce hair fall and enhances re-growth, while Vitamin A works wonders on the scalp and ensures healthy hair growth. 

Natural humectant

Pumpkin is an effective moisturizer that seals and retains moisture that is easily lost from the scalp and hair strands. Afro-American hair is usually dry and frayed due to its thick and voluminous nature. Pumpkin is full of essential nutrients that safeguard the scalp and hair while providing much needed nourishment that revitalizes and rejuvenates dull and damaged hair. 

Conditioner extraordinaire

Natural elements found in pumpkin soak into the scalp and relive stressed and dry roots. An active sealant against dry climate, pumpkin is ideal to be used in winter. Pumpkin conditions and refreshes hair from root to tip. It is a natural ingredient that is readily found throughout the year. It  makes African American hair care easy and manageable. 

Pamper your hair with a holiday treat and bring about gorgeous locks with a natural, homemade pumpkin mask or conditioner. Here is a quick and effective pumpkin conditioner recipe

Pumpkin conditioner recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped and cooked pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon yogurt

Method: Blend and puree the pumpkin well to a smooth paste along with yogurt. Then add honey and coconut oil and blend well again. Make sure the mixture is even and smooth. Apply the natural conditioner to washed and shampooed damp hair. Cover with a plastic hair cap and let it rest for at least fifteen minutes, you can sit under a dryer while waiting for the conditioner to set in. Thoroughly rinse out the pack after use and style hair as usual. 

Next time you go shopping for groceries, don't miss out adding pumpkins on the list!

Benefits of Shea Butter for Natural Afro-American Hair

Shea butter holds numerous beneficial properties and is  used in several beauty products. It shows best results when used directly on the hair or skin, and works as an exceptional additive agent too. Well-known as Mother Nature’s conditioner, shea butter is extracted from the nut of the karite tree, native to regions in Eastern and Western Africa.

An exceptional moisturizer, shea butter has been locally used in Africa for its many therapeutics properties, apart from its use as an active agent in skin and hair care. It is used to aid in the healing of burns as well as wounds and is also used to eradicate dermatitis, stretch marks and topical scars.

Here are some of the many benefits and uses of shea butter.

Natural hair sealant

The texture of Afro-American hair causes many to suffer from dry and malnourished hair. Sebum, a natural conditioner and strengthener produced by the scalp is normally blocked from its course along the strand of hair up to the tip, because of the thick nature and tight curls as well as bends in Afro hair.

Shea butter, known for its remarkable moisturizing properties, locks in vital nutrients and moisture in the scalp, and leaves the hair soft as well as supple without making it greasy. It protects hair against harsh climate, builds strength and vitality of strands, and also reduces hair fall. For healthy hair, apply shea butter directly onto the scalp or add it to your shampoo, conditioner or hair cream.

Relieve scalp irritations

People in Africa use the cream to treat dry and itchy scalp, and to get rid of dandruff. It transforms brittle hair into voluminous locks with ample moisture and works incredibly well as a base ingredient in after-shower hair creams as well as leave-in conditioners for natural hair. Shea butter also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is readily absorbed into the scalp without clogging pores. It also revitalizes and nourishes hair that is colored, and chemically treated.

Hair shield

When applied, shea butter is immediately absorbed into the scalp and hair strand, leaving the hair feeling light and soft. It provides protection against elements of heat and excessive damage done while straightening or curling hair. In addition, shea butter contains sufficient amounts of SPF to protect hair and scalp from harmful and strong UV rays. Include this magical ingredient in your African American hair care routine to notice a stark difference in the quality of your locks.

Massage and Stimulate Your Scalp for Hair Growth

Massage is a lovely way to relax, unwind and treat muscles and nerves to an invigorating and stimulating time. An age old practice, scalp massage has been used in Ayurveda Medicine for centuries to help gain better focus and even prevent disease. 

Why massage?

Ayurveda is an ancient natural medical practice in India, which uses herbal remedies, meditation, yoga, and massage to treat and care for the body. A holistic means to health improvement, Ayurveda practices centers the spirit within and brings about overall balance. 

Massage involves using finger tips to apply pressure on to skin, to rub and knead tissue and muscle. A simple and efficient way to relieve the mind and body of the stresses of the day, a regular scalp massage has much more than just the calming factor that makes it a beneficial practice. 

Advantages of scalp massage

The effects of regular scalp massages are manifold and enhance several other physical factors too. Here are a few benefits routine scalp massages deliver. 

• As easy as taking a few minutes out of your day to treat yourself to some pamper time, scalp massage is perhaps one of the best ways to boost circulation and increase blood flow in the body. 
• Scalp stimulation through massage actively releases serotonin and endorphins in the body which brings a positive change in mind and body. 
• Feel happier, more focused and clam after a scalp massage, you can increase beneficial effects by massaging a bit of warm oil into your scalp frequently as well. 
• Notice immediate effects like reduced hair loss, and healthier, shiner and thicker growth with frequent scalp oil massages. Use oils like coconut, olive, almond, sesame, and lavender to better nourish and rejuvenate hair follicles. 

How to massage

Use the tips of your fingers and work them in a circular motion is the best way to rid of strain and boost blood flow. 

If using warm hair massage oils then dip the tip of your fingers in the oil and gently press down on your scalp and work your fingers in a circular motion over the head with both hands. Regulate pressure to suit your tastes and also widen the circular motions made with fingers from time to time. 

Remember to massage your lower neck, temples and shoulders; it’s where we carry tension in the body. 

A gentle scalp massage, sometimes with soothing natural products, is the best way to stimulate both mind and body.

Eczema Treatment for Natural Hair

Skin infections are hardly ever welcome, never pleasant, and are often the cause of restless nights and an irritable disposition. Dermatitis, the scientific term for skin irritations, is an umbrella term that encompasses several kinds of skin conditions. Eczema is a common form of dermatitis related to allergic reactions to the environment around, topical cosmetic products used, or even due to dietary irregularities. 

Untreated, eczema tends to set in as a chronic ailment, which prolongs heal time and increases efforts to rid of the skin affliction. Here are a few useful tips to curb the itch, especially in the scalp. 

Identify the source

Trace the cause of your skin rash by means of elimination. As stated earlier, eczema is the gross manifestation of an allergic reaction. This could be due to a certain ingredient in your cosmetics, detergent, soap, or brought on by exposure to pet dander, or dust and mites. Lack of certain bodily fats or subtle allergies to gluten or dairy can bring on conditions of eczema as well. 

Make necessary changes

• Replace your commercial shampoo or soap with an organic or more natural option.
• Choose natural handmade soaps or shampoos that include revitalizing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or neem. 
• Move to hypoallergenic products that are milder and more suited to sensitive skin types, if you’re not too keen on organic materials. 
• Clean your home thoroughly, make sure you vacuum carefully, especially areas like the couch, or spaces used to lounge in. 
• Wash all your linen and clothes with a detergent that cares for sensitive skin. 
• Add foods rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to your diet, you can even take natural dietary supplements like Cod Liver Oil, to improve your intestinal system. 
• Introduce foods rich in Vitamin A, E, D and K to your diet. Eat fresh salads with carrot and leafy greens, or probiotics found in fermented foods. Eliminate processed foods as far as possible; also avoid dairy and dairy products. 

Topical treatment

There are several ways to treat eczema using natural products. Applications of blended oils like jojoba, chamomile and lavender will help soothe itchiness and alleviate irritation in the scalp. Aloe Vera is another fresh and natural element that works wonders on eczema. Blend the fresh pulp of the aloe plant to a smooth paste and apply frequently after a bath or with your deep natural conditioner. Neem application before or during bath is incredibly beneficial as well. 

Want to Try No-Poo? The Curly Girl Method is the Way to Go

The no-poo hair routine has become quite popular in the Afro-American community. First described in Curly Girl: The Handbook, this method is specifically designed to nourish dry hair and for better curl definition. For girls and women who want to adopt it into their hair care routines, this is how you should go about it.

Why should you opt for the no shampoo routine?

Afro-American hair is curly and is porous in nature than most other hair types. This makes it very difficult for the shampoo to get washed off the hair leading to frizz and other manageability issues. The no-poo method requires you to eliminate the use of silicone based hair products, because it is this component that is most difficult to get rid of without the use of shampoo. Using only conditioners for washing your hair while continuing to use silicone products will only make matters worse and your hair looking dull and lifeless.

What kind of a conditioner should you use for the no-poo wash method?

It is of critical importance to choose the right kind of conditioner for to be able to successfully go without shampoo. The conditioner should have emollients, proteins and humectants that provide moisture and nutrition to your hair. The greater the ratio of natural ingredients the better the conditioner will be for your hair.

How to no-poo?

No-poo is also known as co-washing or conditioner washing. Follow the following steps to make it work for you.

• Wet your hair properly and apply a small amount of conditioner on your scalp. Use your fingertips to work it through all the segments of the scalp and massage well.

• Repeat the step if required, until your scalp is properly, but gently scrubbed.

• Rinse off the conditioner with warm water, continue to massage and provide a little bit of friction for the residue to dissolve.

• Then take some more conditioner and apply it on your hair strands just like before.

• Detangle your curls with fingers or a wide toothed comb.

• Gather up your hair and clip it over your head. Finish taking your shower and in the end wash off your hair with cool water.

• Do not rub off the moisture but instead squeeze off the extra moisture from your hair. You want to minimize friction and prevent frizz.

For more details on how to define curls and use hair products with this particular method go through the entire book. It is a very helpful method of keeping your hair clean especially if they have been damaged due to chemical and heat use. 

How to Clarify your Natural Hair? Is it Helpful?

Every hair care routine involves to a certain extent the use of shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers, deep conditioners, styling products, gels and a host of other products. Clarifying your hair is simply stripping your hair of all the product build up to renew it and make it squeaky clean. Although shampoos are effective in cleaning the scalp, deep cleansing is possible only when you clarify.

When to clarify?

The best answer to this question is provided by your hair itself. Hair behaves differently for different people and it is when you start listening to your hair that you know what it needs. Your hair is looking lifeless even after applying conditioners, pre-poos and moisturizers? Have your curls stopped to pop out and be bouncy like before? Clarifying may just be the answer to your problems.

How to clarify naturally?

Although there are clarifying shampoos available in the market, it is best to use natural ingredients that are free from sulfates. Apple cider vinegar diluted with water is a fantastic clarifying agent that takes away all the oil and product build up from your hair, making it very clean.

Remember that it is natural for the hair to tangle while clarifying because with everything else you are stripping it of natural oils as well. Do not attempt to detangle without applying a good conditioner after getting done with the clarifying process. Always clarify in segments instead of tackling the whole of your hair at once. It is wise to keep it manageable from the very beginning.

Benefits of clarifying

• It removes all the stale build up from your hair and scalp including chemicals from products, pollution and even the natural oils.

• It renews the hair and scalp, making it more absorbent of the nutritional and moisturizing treatments that you pamper it with afterwards. This eliminates the need to keep changing hair products that is otherwise required to make a difference to your hair.

• It is a great hair care routine for people who are exposed to a lot of environmental pollution. It helps to keep the scalp pores clog free and hence receptive to the goodness .

• It is an ideal solution for women who have excessively oily scalps that can lead to hair fall and breakage.

Clarifying your hair once every month is a good way to start. After that just follow your hair and it will tell you what it requires.

3 Requirements For Damaged Hair

Well planned and tested damage control strategies are a must for hair that has been affected due to excessive heat styling, chemical use, and sun exposure. Although hair damage is more or less irreversible (making prevention that much more important), it is possible to mitigate further damage if you follow a proper African American hair care routine. 

Damaged hair calls for three tremendously important steps that you should stick to if you want to keep it looking healthy and soft.

The three requirements rule book 

Eliminate – This is the most obvious thing to be done while dealing with damaged hair. Eliminate from your hair care or hair management routine practices that are leading to damage in the first place. For example, stop weaving your hair tightly or getting extensions done if you notice a receding hairline. Look in your kitchen for effective natural cleansing agents if sulfate-ridden shampoos are making your hair dehydrated and extremely dry. When unsure about the cause of damage, seek professional guidance. 

Mend – Conditioning your hair is the most fundamental and consistent mending that damaged hair requires, sometimes on a daily basis. Deep conditioners, by moisturizing your hair, make it appear healthier while slowing working their magic on your mane in the long run. Make deep conditioners your best friend when dealing with brittle, heat damaged, or dry hair. Choose products that are rich in proteins and other nutrients that improve the strength and elasticity of your hair. Hot oil treatments, especially with coconut oil, are a must at least once a week along with a pre-shampoo routine. Meanwhile, stay away from direct heat and resist the temptation of applying chemicals on your hair. 

Restore – The most vital element that needs to be restored to your tresses is water. This is where moisturizers, different from conditioners, come into play. Moisturizers hydrate the hair from within and have reconstructive properties. Restoring water or moisture to the hair is critical in preventing it from getting damaged more than it already is. You must remember that dry and brittle hair will have the tendency to break and fall off. In addition to using good quality moisturizers with minimal or no chemicals at all, choose other hair care products like shampoos and conditioners that have a high water content. Do not ever forget to read the ingredients at the back of the bottle. It can tell you a lot about what the product can do for your hair without you having to try and test it. 

If your hair continues to get damaged or shows no improvement, it is best to seek professional advice and treatment.

What is The Max Hydration Method For Curl Definition?

The Maximum Hydration Method is the new technique on the block that promises to give defined curls to hair that has low porosity as well as no definite texture. Designed by Pinke Cube from Black Hair Media, there is a lot of buzz about this latest hair moisturization method. Read on to know what it's all about! 

What does the method entail?

The Max Hydration Method requires conditioning and clarifying of hair continuously for seven days without a break in between. This technique calls for a complete avoidance of hair care and styling products that have elements like silicones, sulfates, grease, petroleum, and alcohols, in addition to glycerin, aloe vera and its derivatives, and emulsified oils as well. 

How do you go about it?

• Clarify your low and high porosity hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar respectively, followed by a deep conditioning treatment in the night. Put on a shower cap before you hit the sack. 

• Wash off the conditioner with water in the morning and treat your tresses to a rhassoul or bentonite clay treatment. Let it sit for approximately 15 minutes before rinsing with water again. Apply a leave-in deep hair conditioner followed by a gel as a sealant. 

• Detangle before and after each treatment. 

• Follow the routine for 7 whole days.

Advantages of the method

• You can care for your hair with products free from toxic chemicals.

• Hair is constantly supplied with moisture, leading to good strength.

• Daily detangling makes your tresses more manageable.

Disadvantages of the method

• Constant touching and managing of the hair can sometimes increase hair fall and breakage.

• It may cause over-hydration.

• It's time consuming and not always possible for busy women.

• The method calls for the use of expensive products.

Does it work?

The Max Hydration Method can really work wonders on Afro-American natural hair that is always in need of some extra moisture. Your tangle free hair automatically takes on a bouncy and feminine curl pattern. The texture and the feel of the hair definitely improves with the combination of using the right products that maintain the pH balance of the hair and scalp, and the moisture that your hair is persuaded to absorb. 

All moisturizing and curl definition methods have their own set of pros and cons. The Max Hydration Method for curl definition is definitely worth a shot if your hair simply refuses to stay moisturized.

Keeping Combs and Hair Brushes Clean

Combs and hair brushes are important hair care aids that keep your hair tangle free, well styled, and well under control. It is very easy for them to accumulate dust, dead skin from the scalp and hair strands, and even stale natural oils by coming in contact with your scalp on a regular basis.

Here is a look at some simple ways by which you can keep combs and hair brushes squeaky clean and ready to use for your African American hair care routine.

The brush and comb together

Washing the brush and the comb together can actually work out beautifully,with the brush cleaning the comb and vice-versa. Follow the following steps and see the results for yourself.

• The first thing to do is to manually remove all the excessive hair strands and fur from between the brush bristles, while it is still dry. Remove as much as you can taking help from pins and toothpicks, and really get to the strands that have gotten stuck between the brush bristles.

• Place the brush and comb under flowing warm water. Water helps in softening the residual hair strands and locks.

• Apply a small amount of shampoo over the brush and lather it gently with the help of the comb. Shampoo helps in removing the grease and grime stuck between the bristles and the teeth of the comb. Remember to use the comb over the brush bristles in one direction only, so as to not cause damage while removing the residual hair locks from the brush.

• Repeat the process by re-applying shampoo if all the hair has not been eliminated from the hair brush. For best results, keep the hair care tools under running water intermittently. The flow of the water also helps in dislodging stubborn hair and grease.
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Warm water and toothbrush method

• Soak the comb and the hair brush in some warm water, and add a little bit of shampoo and vinegar to make a cleansing liquid. The active agents in both the ingredients along with warm water will loosen up the deposits on the tools, which can then be easily removed with the help of an old or discarded toothbrush. You may have to apply some more shampoo or soap to make your combs and hair brushes squeaky clean.

Dirty combs and hair brushes can defeat the entire purpose of hair wash day. It will deposit on your scalp and hair all the dirt that you want to get rid of in the first place. 

How To Have a Tangle Free Wash and Go?

Although wash and go sounds easy enough, for Afro-American women, it is a different ball game altogether. This is because as the hair dries naturally, it tends to shrink and get caught up in tangles, intertwining with the rest of the hair. This causes it to stand out in different directions, making it look un-groomed and unprofessional. It is for this reason that a lot of women fall back on heat styling their hair, even though it can be damaging, when done frequently.

There is a way to have a tangle-free wash and go if you start directing your hair while washing it.

Steps to get tangle free natural hair

• Section off your hair while washing – It is better to divide your hair in sections with the help of plastic clips while washing and conditioning your hair. It prevents all the hair from getting jumbled together, reducing the occurrence of tangles from the word go. Usually four to five sections are enough for most Afro-American hair types.

• Finger detangling – It is best to detangle your hair gently with your fingers both before and after using washing and conditioning products in your hair. If you do not have a hair fall and breakage problem, a complete detangle works best to keep your curls free and bouncy.

• Product application in sections – Whatever product you wish to treat your hair with, be it natural hair styling products or African American hair care shampoos, make sure that you continue to follow the sectioning rule. This not only makes sure that the nutrition and moisture reaches even the tiniest parts of the hair, but also prevents the bunching up of hair that results in more shrinkage and tangles.

• Focus on the roots – Applying a good moisturizer automatically helps prevent tangles to a large extent, but it is usually the roots where the confusion occurs. Do not ignore the roots while applying product of a painless comb and finger detangling on wet as well as dry hair.

• Satiny bliss – Make it a point to sleep on satin pillow cases or with a satin hair scarf. This reduces friction and hence, reduces the occurrence of tangles. Cotton is a strict no. It irritates the hair strands and absorbs all the moisture from it, leading to frizz.

There are many other ways by which you can achieve a tangle free wash and go, but following the above tips are easy, and do not require the use of too much styling products.

What Exactly is Alopecia Areata?

There are few things that are more readily disheartening than hair fall. Finding a hair in your shower drain and your brush is not welcome for any woman or man. Imagine finding clumps of hair  dropping off your body from various places. This may not be a problem till it reaches the head. Alopecia Areata is a condition that makes hair fall off, in patches, leaving smooth bald patches on the scalp or  in the body. The hair loss is usually permanent and these patches may spread or get bigger. It can be a nightmarish in the sense that it can appear out of nowhere and start dropping . 

Alopecia Areata

This has been described as an auto- immune disease, they are those that attack healthy living cells in the body thinking that they are a threat, it can be compared to a programing error in the system. This particular kind of disease attacks only hair bearing cells and makes them weak. It does not scar the skin in any way, but leaves a smooth hairless surface where the hair once was. While not strictly hereditary, Alopecia Areata, can affect members of the same family. It is also not contagious in any way. 

Patterns

There are several patterns that this disease follows. You will usually find spots of baldness on the scalp. This is the most common form. There is also a slightly more severe form of the condition known as diffused Alopecia Areata, in this case the hair loss is more spread out and larger portions of the scalp are affected. Rare cases of total hair loss in the body is called Alopecia Areata totalis. 

Treatment 

Alopecia Areata, like most other auto- immune diseases is hard to both diagnose and come up with a definitive prognosis. It can appear once and go into complete remission or may keep on attacking the body. There is also no way to know when the body will be attacked nor is there any known treatment for this condition. The effects are also only centered around hair fall. There is no other marked effect of this condition apart from the severe emotional distress that it causes. The hair that is lost as a result of  Alopecia Areata may not always be permanent. If the condition goes into remission, the hair will grow back, but the color and texture of the hair may be different.

Get Gorgeous Bouncy Curls Without Heat

Curls always look good on any kind of hair or any kind of hair type, but it requires a hot curling iron to nearly singe the straightness out of your hair right? Not necessarily, as there are ways to curl hair without using curling irons and damaging the hair for a curly bounce that does not even last that long. Here is one way to do it. 

• Firstly, you need to wash and condition your hair as you normally would. 

• Your hair has to be damp and not entirely dry. Don't blow dry your hair, for you may not get that even dampness all round, you do not want wet, damp and dry spots all over your head. Towel it or tie up your hair  and remove all the wetness. You will need a 60 to 70 percent dampness still remaining. 

• Remove all knots and tangles in your hair. Use a wide toothed comb or better still, your fingers and gently disentangle your hair. You need a nice smooth base to work with. Tangled hair is very difficult to work with.

• Wear an elastic head band over your head and behind your ears. It has to be firm and not too tight. Also make sure that there is no hair sitting over the band, all the hair has got to be tucked underneath the band. 

• Take a small bunch of hair about an inch wide, form a curl and tuck it under the band. Make it look like a twisted loop. The strand should have gone under and around the band from front to back. You need to keep on repeating this till you have a roll of hair strand around the band. 

• Work from front to back and do it over and over again till all of your hair has been wrapped around the hair band. 

• Work all of the hair eventually covering even the hair at the base of your head. All the hair has to be looped. This is crucial. 

• Sleep on the roll, the next morning, slowly unfurl the band and you've got yourself some lovely curls!

This is not the  best way to go about curls and certainly not the only way. There are a lot of other methods that can be used to curl your hair. This is a way that can be done safely on hair types. 

Does Shine Mean Healthy Hair

Shiny hair is something that most women universally want to posses. Although some of this desire is a result of aggressive advertising of hair products, there are certain things that you need to know about hair shine before you can jump to a conclusion about the state of your hair. 

The types of hair shine

Two of the main factors that determine whether your hair is shiny or not are curl pattern and hair density. The first type of shine is basically the ability of the hair to reflect light, something that is more noticeable in hair that is straighter or has a fine structure and texture. The second type of shine is the one that is induced with the help of hair products like gels and serums that reflect light and make the hair appear shiny. 

Although a lot of women choose to add shine to their hair in the second manner, the truth is these products do not do anything for your hair at an intrinsic level. It is important to remember that shine is not always an indicator of healthy hair. Hair that is shiny may be artificially achieved, while hair that does not shine can be healthy. Curly hair can often times be healthy, but not as shiny. 

Shine not necessary

Many times, hair appears shiny due to the presence of a layer of natural oils on the hair strands. This is a healthy sign since it indicates that the hair does not lack  nourishment. This health indicator however, may not be so apparent in hair that has dense or coil-like curls. It does not mean that your hair is not healthy. It is important to notice real hair indicators including hair breakage, hair fall, split ends, dull and dry appearance and extreme frizz among others, to determine whether your hair is healthy or not. 

Natural products that can add shine to your hair

Although not a real indicator of health, there are a lot of women who might want to up the game from time to time, especially on special occasions. Instead of going for the nearest silicone based hair serum, try using natural ingredients like olive oil or jojoba oil. These agents are easily absorbed by the hair and nourish the hair strands from within while reflecting light in the desired manner. 

Always remember that there is never a standard appearance of healthy hair. Just each individual has unique hair, its look can also be different. Just keep listening to the needs of your hair and keep nourishing it. 

A Low Down on Type 4 Hair: What to Expect

Type 4 or kinky curls are back in fashion, and going natural is the best thing that you can do for your hair. Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair can be challenging, but one way to prepare is to know what to expect from your natural hair.

Here is a low down on what you can expect while transitioning or growing long your type 4 hair.

Common type 4 hair issues and resolution tips

• Individual strand knots – Curly hair, especially the gorgeous type 4 curly hair has the tendency to curl around itself, resulting in individual strand knots. The curls also have a tendency to increase in number as your hair grows longer. You can try stretching your hair from preventing these knots, but if you have many, it is best to eliminate them. A few of them are not going to get in the way of your hair growth and are a completely natural phenomenon. 

• Trimming – The ends of your hair are the oldest and the most fragile part of your hair. It is for this reason that they are more prone to breakage and damage. Try to keep the ends protected with protective hairstyles and make sure to go for trims as soon as you start noticing the development of split ends.

• More time and more products – You will need to start investing more time on washdays as your type 4 hair grows longer. Sometimes women can take up to an entire day to get around their hair. Most natural hair experts can manage their wash routines in a couple of hours. As far as the use of hair products goes, it is not necessary to burn a hole in your pocket to take good care of your type 4 hair. There are many natural ingredients that are not very expensive and last longer, and function effectively as hair stretchers, curl conditioners as well as definers, and more.  

• A bond – The more you accept your type 4 hair, the more it is going to reward you. Love and acceptance can alter your attitude towards your hair, making you more conscious about what is good for your hair. You will automatically start giving up on habits that may have a negative impact on your hair. 

Your kinky type 4 hair is a part of who you are, and kudos to all of you who are transitioning into this glorious as well as beautiful new world of natural hair. 

The Immense Benefits of Aloe Vera for Afro-American Hair

Summer, more than any other part of the year, wreaks havoc on your hair. Drying out and making the hair frizzly, this can leave you with a tumbleweed clump of hair that you will surely not like. African American hair is naturally dry, that's just how it grows out of the head. A good reason for this is because unlike straight hair, natural oils take a long time to navigate through the curls and hardly get to the tips if the hair is even moderately long. Moisturizing hair is imperative to not only looking good but also staying healthy. Moisturizing has to be incorporated into your weekly, sometimes daily if you live in an arid place.

Aloe Vera gel

Among the best natural deep conditioners and moisturizers out there is Aloe Vera. It has been used for thousands of years as not only medicine, but also as a beauty product. Queen Cleopatra used Aloe Vera all over her body as part of her beauty regimen, thousands of years back. It has innumerable applications and one of them is moisturizing. Its natural make up and gel like consistency makes it perfect for use in hair.

Benefits of Aloe Vera

Listed below are a few ways in which you can incorporate Aloe Vera into your hair care program. This list is not conclusive and you can add your own ways and methods to use the 'plant bringing immortality'

Pre-wash

Rub Aloe Vera gel to the scalp before shampooing to get rid of dandruff scales and to restrict growth. Aloe Vera has the capacity to get rid of dead cells and bring back the pH balance to the head.

During Wash

The gel can be mixed with shampoo and used during the wash so that the drying out and resulting stiffness that is common after a shampoo wash can be avoided.

Post wash

Aloe Vera is a perfect post wash natural conditioner as well. It is rich in Amino acids, the building blocks of proteins and keeps the hair looking fresh and healthy.

Although Aloe Vera has its long list of useful applications, there are a small number of people who can be allergic to it. This affects a very small percentage of the population and you being allergic is highly unlikely. If you do have an allergy or suspect an allergic reaction, speak to your doctor before continuing to use it.

How to Maximize Length Retention this Summer

Hair growing out longer and longer is a natural process and retention is something that should ideally happen on its own. The truth is that it does not work this way for a lot of people. This can be blamed on the amount of stress hair goes through in the daily grind. Styling, using chemicals to color, bleach and add effects to hair, harsh shampooing, hot or cold weather, pollution from daily commutes all play a role in damaging hair. While it is not entirely possible to completely avoid any form of damage to the hair, it is possible to repair and protect the hair.

Growing hair out to length and keeping it that way can be tough and in some cases, special care has to be taken to retain the length of hair. Here are some tips to hair length retention that can be of help.

Avoid harsh combing and detangling: be gentle

This is obvious but many seem to ignore the snapping of hair while combing. Even if it is done with a wide toothed comb, hair can break at the point of entanglement and even if only a few strands break, you will be damaging and weakening the surrounding hair as well. What you can do is use your fingers to disentangle hair. You will know where the knots are and can be gentle with it.

Moisturize

This is also very important. Natural scalp oils may not flow all the way down to the tips if you have really curly hair, so moisturize. There are water based, oil based, natural, leave on and numerous other deep conditioning and moisturizing products. Find one that works for you and work it into your hair care program.

Protect

Healthy hair does not only mean clean hair; healthy hair means there is life, with a bounce and a shine, so never hurt it, intentionally or otherwise. Protective hair styles are very important and apart from that, do not tie your hair too tightly or use sharp tight clips. A good rule of thumb would be that if your head head hurts after a new hair-do, it is a hair-don't.

Strengthen

Long or not, weak hair is highly undesirable. It is advisable to use a protein packed moisturizer every two weeks or so to maintain hair health. Protein helps in restoring and building broken and damaged cuticles in the hair. This can be highly beneficial in the long run, keeping hair healthy and lengthy.

So remember to be gentle with your hair at all times. Moisturize, protect and strengthen your hair  regularly with natural deep conditioning products.  

Receding Hairline? Reasons for your Edges Breaking

Breaking edges is something a lot of Afro-American women have to deal with. Contrary to the popular belief, it is not always the result of chemical treatments. There are naturals who have the same problem, the common denominator being that everyone wants to know why.

Hair breakage can worry a lot of us, but hair breaking at the edges can make a lot of us conscious and put us in a vicious cycle of covering it up that leads to further damage. Let us take a look at some of the most overlooked reasons for breaking edges.

Reasons for hair breakage at the edges

• Tight hairstyles – This is one of the major and common reasons for breaking edges. Prolonged use of hairstyles that put pressure and cause tension on your edges can result in an irreversible damage. Braid extensions and micro braids are some of the worst things that you can do to your hair. Hair at the edges is soft, shorter and a lot more fragile than hair on the other parts of the scalp. You need to treat them gently and keep them free.

• Chemical treatments – Chemical treatments are a complete no no . But then there are some women who do color their hair to hide gray. Although not encouraged, if you have to, make sure you read the instructions on the package carefully and do not let the product sit on your hair for long. Chemicals alter the structure of your hair and rob it of moisture, hence making it weak and vulnerable, especially at the edges.

• Lace fronts – Lace fronts are wigs with a natural looking hairline, that has to be glued onto your real hairline. Not only do they cause stress on your edges, but the glue used can also lead to reactions, rashes and allergies. We have all heard about women who had breaking edges due to lace front wigs. Do we really want to pay this price for vanity?

• Bonnets – Wearing bonnets while sleeping protects your style and helps your hair retain moisture. But this happens, only in case of satin bonnets or head covers. Cotton head covers can cause friction on your edges leading to hair breakage along the hairline.

Afro-American hair needs a tender and loving approach to thrive. Special attention has to be paid to the edges of the hair. They are naturally the most vulnerable part of the hair and can easily get damaged.