Thursday, February 27, 2014

Is Deep Conditioning the Answer to Your Hair Woes?

There are so many types of hair and correspondingly that many hair woes. But the only rule that applies to all kinds of hair and most hair problems is that of deep conditioning. The importance of moisturizing and conditioning your hair cannot be stressed enough, especially if you are looking to grow your tresses to be long and lustrous.

The importance of deep conditioning Afro-American hair

  • To replenish moisture to the hair and scalp after a shampooing that washes away natural oils along with grime and dust.
  • To make your hair soft and shiny by treating your hair cuticles and providing moisture to the hair strands.
  • To avoid frizzy hair that is difficult to manage.
  • To avoid breakage due to tangling of hair that is too dry.
  • For the effective use of natural hair styling products and other styling aids.
  • To nourish hair that has been chemically treated with relaxers and perms.
  • To fortify the hair with proteins that is essential for healthy hair.
  • To aid the proper growth of healthy hair. 
  • To maintain and sometimes restore the elasticity of hair. 

Some basic benefits of deep conditioning

  • Shiny and glossy appearance
  • Combing and brushing without hassle and with minimum breakage
  • Increased softness in the hair texture
  • Reduction in the porosity of the hair
  • More manageable hair

Things to remember about deep conditioning

The kind of conditioner that is most suitable for you depends on the nature and quality of your hair. While volume adding conditioners are used for limp and fly away hair, protein conditioners are required for damaged hair. One of the most important things to keep in mind when buying a good conditioner is to make sure that water is one of the key ingredients of the product. It is the best moisturizer for your hair and is one of the few agents that are easily absorbed by the hair strands. Other effective hydration agents include honey and aloe vera.

Deep conditioners should essentially be very creamy in texture. This adds to the softness of the hair and makes it more manageable. Deep conditioning with warm oils is also one of the most effective options to restore health to your hair. Oils like coconut oil, avocado oil and olive oil are easily absorbed by the hair follicles and promote hair health.

Deep conditioning should be an inseparable part of your hair care routine. Remember to condition your hair each time you wash it and try to include long deep conditioning sessions at least once a week if you are trying to grow your hair. 

Monday, February 24, 2014

5 Habits That Could be Causing Your Hair to Break

Wondering why there's more hair in your towel, on your pillow and on your dress than you'd like to see? Here are five reasons why -

  • Wrong hair-washing practices

Overusing the shampoo will rob your hair of essential oils and natural moisture, while taking a paltry amount will leave your scalp dirty and oily – both equally fatal for your hair. A good rule of thumb is to wash every three days or choose a milder shampoo if you have to  wash every other day and be gentle while you're at it! Massaging your scalp in light circular motions using fingertips will suffice.

What works well for your best friend or favorite model may not work the same for you. Choose a shampoo based on your hair type and always prefer a moisturizing conditioner.

Taking steamy showers is another, lesser-known way that is causing your hair to break. Not only does the hot water dehydrate your hair strands, it tenses up your pores since they need to work extra-hard to prevent the loss of protective oils and you end up with dry, brittle hair that sheds fast.

Finally, don't brush wet hair. Leave'em alone! Wet hair is extremely fragile as  water causes the cuticle to rise. Wait for it to  dry before you begin combing.

  • You experiment with your hair too much!

Yes, bleaching, perming, coloring and highlighting is cool, but you know what is not cool- taxing your hair with these habits. They not only cause your hair to look dull, thin out and  split at the ends,  they are also the reason your hair is breaking so much.

  • Pull your hair up too tightly

Tight ponytails and braids stress your follicles,  and may also damage them permanently. In worse cases, you end up with traction alopecia – permanent damage that renders follicles incapable of supporting hair growth.

  • You ignore split ends 

You can hide but you can't escape. Untrimmed split ends go on to damage your hair shaft and cause breakage. So instead of trying to ignore them or hide them, go and get your self a hair cut. Cutting off split ends once every six weeks is a good idea.

  • You ignore your hair's nutrition

Starving or crash dieting robs your body of the energy it needs to perform all its functions. The body begins expending all its energy on  working your heart and brain and puts off making hair. Further, lack of balanced diet (deficiency of protein) also causes your hair to break.

Hair is primarily made of proteins. Give yourself around 46 grams protein a day for strong, healthy hair. 

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Transitioning to Natural Hair – Are You Ready to Make the Leap?

There is a perceptible change in the way Afro-American women see their hair these days. Although this does not include everyone, there are quite a few women who are giving up the use of relaxers and making a transition to their natural hair that has not been chemically treated.

Transitioning into your natural hair will take many months. The process is not without its difficulties but has very positive results by the end of it. Here are some of the reasons to go natural and ditch relaxers:

  • It is a liberating experience that sets you free from constant visits to hair salons and expensive relaxed hair care products.
  • It is an embracing of your true identity and the love for everything that you are including your curly gorgeous hair. 
  • Your hair away from chemicals actually becomes stronger and healthier. 
  • You are not letting anyone else dictate to you what ‘beautiful’ is. 

If you think that you are ready for the above-mentioned reasons, you are ready to make the big leap towards going natural, of course with a bit of hard work.

Tips for smoothly transitioning into natural black hair

  • The first and foremost tip for women who are going natural is to have patience. Going natural requires a long time, and it may take months before you achieve your desired length. Hair grows only half an inch every month calling for patience especially when transitioning. 
  • Be prepared to handle natural hair after years of treated hair. It will have a tendency to behave very differently and something that you may not be used to. The greatest challenge is to manage two different hair textures.
  • Invest time in learning transitioning hairstyles that take advantage of the different textures while protecting your hair at the same time.
  • Eliminate all relaxed hair products from your pad and invest in a good deep conditioner and other black hair products that should be used once there is an inch or two of natural hair. 
  • Avoid using heat based styling aids till your hair regains some of its natural strength to prevent breakage.
  • Be gentle on your hair and detangle only with your fingers or a wide toothed comb.
  • Wash your hair regularly to avoid grease and grime build up and give your hair a chance to grow.
  • Make sure that your hair is well moisturized through daily and weekly hair care regimes that pamper your hair. 

With the correct attitude and a proper hair care routine, going natural should not be as difficult as it is made out to be. There will soon come a time when you can flaunt your completely natural curls. 

Monday, February 17, 2014

Weekly Hair Regime for Long and Glossy Hair

If you are committed to going natural and growing your hair long and lustrous with a lot of gloss and bounce, the right place to start is to devise a proper weekly hair regime. Planning makes the execution easier, and you will be kept motivated with the results you will see in the first few weeks itself. Just like your body, even your hair needs time out to de-stress and rejuvenate After all it is an extension of your body!

A hair care regime in simple words is a hair care and nurturing system that helps you achieve the desired results with help from your daily diet and water intake. An established routine will make sure that you are on the right track towards long and glossy natural hair.

Here is a look at some weekly regimes that will help you in the process:

  • Clean your hair three times a week and never go without washing them for over a week. Do not shy away from water, contrary to what we have been led to believe, water is actually good for the hair and the preservation of the hair strand. 
  • Deeply condition your hair at least once a week by applying natural deep conditioners for natural hair or natural deep conditioners for black hair and apply moist heat with the help of a warm and wet towel or sitting under the dryer for the nutrients to get absorbed by the hair and scalp. 
  • Moisturize your hair everyday of the week, or at least four days in a week with a water-based moisturizer, preferably with aloe vera. Make sure that the second or third ingredient on the ingredients list is water. 
  • Try to take out some time to apply oils like coconut oil, almond oil or olive oil after heating them a little. Let the oil remain for at least 30 minutes or an hour and wash it off with your regular shampoo followed by the conditioner. If you do not have any outing planned, try and leave the oil overnight before washing. It does wonders for the hair and locks in the very essential moisture within the hair. 

It is also advisable to undergo protein treatments once a month if your hair has suffered a lot of damage. Hairs care regimes, though a little demanding are the best thing that you can do for your hair. Utilize weekends for pampering your hair and you will be rewarded with improved length and gloss in the long run. 

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Trendy Hairdos to Revamp Those Stubborn Curls

Afro-American hair has very distinctive looking curls. Though already thick, the curls make the hair look even more voluminous, making it a perfect hair type for different, funky hairdos. A lot of Afro-American women with curly hair long to have straight hair, without realizing that people with straight hair always want to have curls!

Trendy hairdos are a perfect way to celebrate the uniqueness of the Afro-American hair without compromising on the style or the hotness factor. There are just so many ways in which it can be achieved with a little help from the best styling products for curly hair.

Here is a look at a few hairdos that will make your curls look gorgeous:

  • If you have mid length or long curly hair, start with applying a little bit of curl-enhancer on damp hair and dry it with diffused heat. Once completely dry, make a center parting, smoothing the hair on the top of the head with your hands for a settled look. Let the gorgeous curls at the back and side remain and just pin them up on both sides at the back, just above your ears with the help of bobby pins. This hairdo will showcase your curls while keeping them off your face at the same time. 
  • If you have long and soft curls, this hairdo is just what you need for an evening of fun and uninhibited frolic. Spray a little bit of texturizing liquid on damp hair and blow-dry it while ruffling your hair till it’s completely dry. Use a curling iron at the ends of your hair, curling them outwards to add volume . Use your fingers to separate the curls and finish by applying a good anti-frizz spray. 
  • To draw attention to your curls if you have short and voluminous curly hair. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual and let it dry partially. Take some hair from the front and blow-dry this section vigorously to smooth out the curls and make the strands straight. Arrange the straightened part as you would wear your bangs and highlight the curly mass at the back while having a sleeker look at the front. 

There are a zillion more hairdos that will make your curls look like that of a diva. Remember that there is nothing more appealing and sexy than healthy and moisturized hair. Experiment only if you hair is not already damaged and keep styling to a minimum, doing up your hair only on special occasions. 

Monday, February 10, 2014

How Much Moisturization Does Your Hair Need?

Moisturization is arguably one of the most important aspects of hair care, and its importance cannot be undermined if you want to have healthy long tresses. The body has natural mechanisms to maintain moisture in the hair, but its degree varies with each hair type. Afro-American hair is naturally dry because of the genetically low water content in the fibers of the hair and a lower secretion of sebum that acts like a moisture locking agent. This is the reason for dry hair being one of the most common issues Afro-American women are faced with.

Dealing with dry hair

One of the most commonly asked questions is about the amount of moisturization the hair needs. This may be a very tricky question to answer since each individual has a different environment and circumstances and so the need for moisturization may vary. But as a general rule, Afro-American hair needs more moisturization and deep conditioning than any other hair type. One of the ways to figure out if your hair needs a moisture boost is to look for the following signs:


  • If your hair makes sound while you are brushing it or rubbing against each other. The drier the hair the more sound it makes.


  • The hair is rough on touch while your fingers cannot move smoothly over them.


  • It has an increased tendency to get tangled.


  • It does not bounce despite the volume of the hair.


  • Applying of sheen giving products make it look artificial.


  • The hair just does not feel right.


If you notice that your hair is suffering from the above symptoms, it is time for you to wake up and pamper it with moisture and care. It is important to remember the over application of moisturizing products does not help the hair, because it only has a certain absorptive capacities. Too much moisture in the hair can make it look limp and wet, without any life.

For optimum moisturization

Optimum moisturization is the key to good hair and encourages growth as well. Here are some tips that can be included in your hair care regime:


  • Wash your hair before applying a deep conditioner. The oil and grime of the hair shafts does not allow the product to get absorbed by the cuticles.


  • Regularly pamper your hair with oils like coconut oil that are easily absorbed by the hair and help keep the moisture intact. 


  • Use water based moisturization products. 


  • Try and moisturize your hair daily, increasing or reducing the frequency as required. Remember the rule of not too wet.


  • Always deep condition the hair after using the shampoo and follow it with moisturization and natural drying.


It is easier to inculcate good hair moisturizing habits from the start than taking care of hair that has already become dry. Let your hair be natural for as much as possible and keep artificial styling to a minimum.

Five Ways to Smooth out that Kinky Frizz

Kinky hair is one of those things that you associate with Afro-American hair, in essence it is the tendency of the hair strands to act like tiny springs in the shape of a helix. A lot of Afro-American girls develop this kind of hair suddenly during their puberty or pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the body. Though something that should ideally be celebrated, it can be one of the most significantly contributing factors to the dryness of the hair, besides having a great propensity to get a frizz.

Getting rid of the frizz

But there is no need to endlessly worry. Let us take a look at five ways in which that kinky frizz can be managed without damaging your hair:

1. Since kinky hair already on the dryer side, it is always better not to shampoo too much. What shampooing does is wash away the essential oils from the hair roots and shafts along with the grime buildup, making them even more parched and dry, invariably adding to the buildup of frizz. Using a shampoo once in a week works the best for most people, while you can continue to use deep hair conditioners and moisturizers throughout the week.

2. Frizz can also develop due to the excessive disturbing of the hair, especially when it is wet. Brushing and combing excessively or when the hair is air drying, disturbs the hair shafts making them rough, leading to a frizz. If required use a comb in the shower itself after conditioning when the hair is very wet and let the air do its work without any interference.

3. Hair ends for kinky hair types are usually dryer due to the inability of the natural oils to travel all the way to the ends because of the kinks. This, many a times, leads to the development of split ends that have to be regularly removed through trimming to prevent its spread. It is one of the most effective frizz control methods.

4. The use of coconut oils is particularly helpful for Afro-American kinky hair. It is highly absorptive and provides nourishment and moisture to the hair. It can be used for deep conditioning treatments once a week or be used everyday in moderation for smoothening out the frizz.

5. Damaged cuticles and hair shafts due to excessive styling with irons, blowdrys, tongs and heating using styling aids can also lead to a constant frizz. Try and let your hair dry naturally for as much as possible.

There are quite a few great frizz control hair products especially for kinky hair and their application can help you tame your fine curls on a daily basis without damaging your hair. Make sure you use natural hair products for dry hair that have as little chemical ingredients as possible. 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

The Truth About Good Nutrition and Glossy Hair

Hair does not exist in isolation and is as much a part of the body as the vital organs are. So, just as good food and balanced nutrition is vital for the health of the body, it is also critical for the health and gloss of your hair. Though there are many factors that contribute to the health of the hair, food remains the single most important factor that does wonders to improve its condition, be it the growth or the gloss and shine that is so coveted.

Good quality natural hair care products for African American hair can offer short term solutions for hair problems but it is what you eat that defines your hair. African-American hair has its own qualities, but tends to be on the drier side. This is makes the eating the right kinds of food even more important. In addition to a healthy diet, you can also try natural hair products for dry hair.

Here is a look at some of the most essential nutrients that help make hair glossy and bounce with good health:

Vitamins – This nutrient makes it into all the lists of healthy food habits and not without reason. Vitamins are the nutrients that can be obtained from foods like green leafy vegetables, raw fruits, beans, seaweed, and a host of other items. Vitamins encourage the secretion of sebum, enhance nutrient absorption, function as cleansing agents and provide a boost to immunity among other things. Foods rich in this nutrient are a sure shot good news for hair.

ETA or Essential Fatty Acids – This is something that is not naturally produced in the body and needs to be sourced from food items. They are responsible for the proper functioning of the cells in the body besides maintaining the health of joints, blood circulation, skin and hair. ETA comprises of omega-3 and omega-6 and can be found in foods like oily fish, nuts and seeds of various kinds.

Silica – It is maybe one of the most undervalued nutrient, the sources of which are whole wheat, oats, barley and millet. This nutrient is essential for the absorption of vital minerals in the body and encourages the health of bones, teeth, skin and hair.

Protein – Hair is primarily made up of proteins fibers and is very important nutrient for hair growth and health. It is also what collagen is made of and is responsible for youthful skin and hair. Rich sources of protein include dairy products, white meats, eggs, pulses, seafood, soy and beans.

Glossy hair belongs as much in the kitchen as it does in the parlors and in front of the mirrors, actually more so. Eating right and getting good nutrition is the only way that the gloss can be a permanent part of your hair’s personality. 

Seven Tips to Make Your Hair Grow Faster

Half an inch each month is the average hair growth for African-American hair, and it cannot get much better than that. Though it may sound very little, cumulatively, the length is almost six inches in the entire year. This much is enough for a different look and keeps you motivated.

Here is a look at seven top tips that can help you stay close to the average and achieve thick glossy long tresses.
  1. Have a healthy lifestyle since it is the foundation of strong, long and healthy hair. Include a lot of fruits and raw vegetables in your diet along with drinking lots of water and supply your hair with the requisite vitamins and minerals for proper growth. Make it a point to exercise and release all the pent up toxins. 
  2. Moisturize and condition your hair with natural hair conditioners and leave in conditioners besides using shampoos that are meant for dry hair. This is because often Afro-American hair has the tendency to be dry.
  3. Trim the bad ends of the hair regularly till you have eliminated all the split and dry ends. After that the trims can come in every six weeks or so. Trims do not have to be more than half an inch each time. Make sure you find a stylist who adheres to the length you want cut. 
  4. Do not use chemical based products excessively including dyers, relaxers, colors, gels, mousses. Chemicals can seriously damage the hair and lead to a decline in the hair quality. It also inhibits hair growth. Choose products with natural substances over the ones with chemical substances. 
  5. Avoid applying heat to your hair. This includes curtailing the use of blow dryers, flat irons, curling tongs. Use styling aids like rollers instead to protect the hair from damage caused by excessive heat. 
  6. Indulge in regular protein treatment. Hair is essentially made up of proteins and special treatments provide strength to the hair and help it recover from damage. Protein treatments can be beneficial for hair growth, but should not be indulged in more than once a week. 
  7. Go natural with your hair and consider stopping the use of relaxers and other chemical processes altogether. It is the best thing for the health of the hair and it may just surprise you with its beauty. It takes a very long time to get rid of the chemicals that have been used for styling of the hair. Natural hair grows faster than chemically treated hair.
The belief that African-American hair does not grow fast enough is just a myth. Following the above mentioned simple tips and routines can be beneficial for the hair and help it grow at a steady rate. Remember to never compare your progress with that of the others since each individual hair type and growth is different.

Combating Dry Hair with Natural Masks

Dry hair is a malady that affects thousands of women and causes stress and worry. Sometimes the cure lies right inside our kitchens, while we go crazy looking for that perfect product in the market.

Reasons for dry hair
Hair can become dry for a variety of reasons including the African American genetics that does not let the scalp produce enough natural oils for the moisturization of the hair and the follicles. Another reason could be the tight curls that are not conducive for the secreted oils to spread throughout the hair. Besides these, dryness can be the result of changes in the weather and most commonly the excessive use of hair styling equipment that uses heat.

Simple natural hair masks
There are a few natural hair care products for African American hair; apart from these you could also use several home remedies to improve the quality of your hair. Here is a look at some very simple-to-concoct, natural and homemade masks using everyday ingredients that will give the required moisture boost to your hair, turning them into shiny, glossy and soft cascades of black silk. 
  • Banana and lemon – mix together ingredients like banana, lemon juice, honey and olive oil to make a smooth hair mask. Apply this concoction on wet hair and let it sit for a little more than half an hour. Rinse gently with luke warm water. It is one of the best remedies to prevent split ends and enhance the elasticity of the hair.
  • Natural oils – sometimes we greatly undervalue age old wisdom, one of them being the use of natural oils for the health of the hair. Choose a few natural oils that you like or just stick to one, warm it and apply on damp hair while gently massaging the scalp. Wrap your hair in a warm towel for easy absorption by the scalp. Let it sit for half and hour to 40 minutes and gently rinse with warm water. It is one of the best methods to deep condition your hair and improve the quality of hair. 
  • Eggs and castor oil – take one or two eggs depending on the length of the hair and make sure that you retain the yellow bit. Blend it gently and add some castor oil to make a smooth paste. Apply on damp or wet hair and let it sit for approximately 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water. It is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your hair and add shine and bounce to your tresses.
All these natural masks can be applied twice a week along with the use of a moisturizing conditioner for moisture lock in. These simple masks require no effort at all and moisturize your hair without the side effects caused by chemicals in store-bought products. Besides this, it is advisable that you avoid blow drying and styling your hair using irons and tongs till the quality of the hair improves.