Sulfates

   A surfactant—sometimes referred to as a detergent—is a substance that, when dissolved in water, gives a product the ability to remove dirt from surfaces such as the human skin, textiles, and other solids. There are several different types of surfactants, ranging from harsh to mild, with sulfates belonging to the class that is the most harsh.

When using a product with sulfates it clarifies the hair, meaning it strips the hair of everything.. Gunk, dirt, buildup, even the natural oils that we need. That's why afterwards some people have this dried, hard hay feeling left over to their hair. In order to get rid of that you have to do a dc to put all of the goodness back in..

     Common sulfates as found on hair product ingredient bottles include:

• Alkylbenzene Sulfonate
• Ammonium Laureth or Lauryl Sulfate
• Ammonium or Sodium Xylenesulfonate
• Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
• Ethyl PEG-15 Cocamine Sulfate
• Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
• Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
• Sodium Laureth, Myreth, or Lauryl Sulfate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
• TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate

Some milder surfactants—less drying and recommended in lieu of sulfates—include:

• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Coco Betaine
• Cocoamphoacetate
• Cocoamphodipropionate
• Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate or Cocoamphodipropionate
• Lauroamphoacetate
• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
  
  

  Until next time!!!!!

What you may or may not know about Silicones...

What you may or may not know about Silicones...

Within the Natural hair community there is a saying "Watch out for Cones". "You don't want to get products with Cones in them". Well heres why.... 

Silicone does make your hair look smooth and frizz free.. But is less frizz really worth it in the end. Silicone actually smothers the hair. It seals off the hair and coats it so nothing gets in. Meaning none of the products you use will actually penetrate the hair.

I know now your asking well how do I get this mess out of my hair.. Well you would have to use a clarifying agent to cleanse your hair to get it out.. Like a sulfate Shampoo, baking soda mixed with water or even the ever trusting  Apple Cider Vinegar.. 

If you are a natural curly girl products containing Silicones are not for you or your hair.  Unlike straight hair, our hair cannot handle silicone at all. It'll look good the first two days, maybe, if you're lucky. By the fourth or fifth day though, it'll be flat and dull and weighed down and frizzy. Silicone weighs down hair and the effect is a lot more noticeable on curly hair.

How can you tell if the product has Silicones or not.. Just look at the ingredients sometimes it is spelled out for you and other times it is hidden.. Any ingredient that ends in CONE, CONOL, COL, XANE is Silicone. 

Types of Silicones:

Silicones that are not soluble in water, will consistently build up on the hair and will require a surfactant-based shampoo or a clarifying agent to remove include:

• Cetearyl Methicone
• Cetyl Dimethicone
• Dimethicone
• Dimethiconol
• Stearyl Dimethicone

 Silicones that are not soluble in water, but whose chemical properties allow it to repel further deposit, helping to prevent buildup (although they will still lock moisture out of the hair and require a surfactant to remove):

• Amodimethicone
• Cyclomethicone/Cyclopentasiloxane
• Trimethylsilylamodimethicone

 Silicones that are slightly soluble in water, but can possibly build up on some types of curly hair over time, include:

• Behenoxy Dimethicone
• Stearoxy Dimethicone

 Silicones that are soluble in water and can generally be considered safe to use (in addition to those listed with "PEG"  or "PPG" in front of them) include:

• Dimethicone Copolyol
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane
• Lauryl Methicone Copolyol

  

UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!!

Essential Oils that are safe for Pregnancy

I started this research when my sister and cousins were pregnant and I was talking about different essential oils they could use for their hair.. But then I came across essentials that weren't safe for pregnant women and could cause complications. They may be beneficial to you but they aren't safe for you if you are pregnant or could possibly be. 


In some circumstances, it's best to steer clear of essential oils altogether. Don't use any oils if: 

• you have a history of miscarriage

• you have had any vaginal bleeding in this pregnancy

• you have epilepsy

• you have heart problems

• you have diabetes, blood clotting problems, or have thyroid, liver or kidney disease

These are safe if your pregnancy is going well.. 

• citrus oils, such as tangerine and neroli

• German chamomile

• common lavender

• frankincense

• black pepper

• peppermint

• ylang ylang

• eucalyptus

• bergamot

• cypress

• rose

• tea tree oil (not in labour)

And these are not safe to use:
 Don't use the following essential oils while you are pregnant: 

• nutmeg, which may have hallucinogenic effects and react with pain-relieving drugs in labour

• rosemary, which is thought to increase blood pressure, and may cause contractions

• basil, which is thought to contribute to abnormal cell development

• jasmine and clary sage, which may trigger contractions

• sage, which may cause bleeding in your uterus (womb)

• juniper berry, which may affect your kidneys

Until next time.. 

Herbs that are great for hair..

Herbs that is great for hair that you may not have known about.... 



Cinnamon - prevent hair breakage and reduce the amount of hair that falls out
Neem - Is an antibacterial powerhouse, it helps correct scalp issues, as well as promote healthy hair growth

Brahmi - Strengthens hair at the roots, helps relieve dandruff, also purported to thicken hair

Shikakai - Acts as a natural cleanser, and mild conditioner, whilst promoting hair growth

Aritha/Reetha - Natural cleansing agent

Methi/Fenugreek - Prevents hair loss, promotes hair growth, helps strengthen hair shaft, light protein

Hibiscus - Conditions hair, promotes healthy hair growth, prevents hair loss, thickens hair

Orange Peel - Imparts incredible shine, light conditioning properties 

Aloe - stimulates new hair growth, works against frizz, works as a natural conditioner

Amla - Stimulates hair growth, has wonderful conditioning properties, strengthens hair at the roots

Birch - works against a dry scalp

Burdock - promotes hair growth, increased shine and healthy body, combats hair loss, dandruff and itching. 

Chamomile - Works great as a natural conditioner and for cosmetic purposes, it will lighten blond hair over time.

Licorice - Largely associated with preventing hair loss

Marigold - Acts as moisturizer and can help you lighten your color to increase the shine

Bhringraj - Treats hair loss, premature graying, and also acts as a conditioner
Mulberries - Helps treat premature gray hair

Parsley - Its doses or Iron and Vitamin C help keep hair healthy and strong

Sage - Works well a natural coloring agent and also fights grays.
Horsetail - Strengthens hair and restores shine. 
Stinging Nettle - Nourishes hair and scalp, imparts shine, light conditioning properties
Rosemary - Will help stimulate hair growth, fight dandruff and restore luster to your hair
Arnica – Promotes hair growth and provides nutrition to the hair shafts. Treats dandruff and aids in preventing further scalp problems.
Catmint – Provides moisture to dry scalp
Witch Hazel – Improves blood circulation to your scalp and will stimulate natural hair growth. Also is a deep cleanser for the scalp
Hops – A natural conditioner and makes hair softer. Provides strength and resilience.
Marshmallow Root - A natural Moisturizer 

Until next time...  

Some Recipes for Deep Conditioners

Here are some recipes for some deep conditioners... If you know of some feel free to let us know.. Remember you can add your own Essential oils to the mix as well.. Make it your own and have fun while your doing it.

1 avocado

3 heaping tbsp Mayo, olive oil
, and honey


Mix well!! If not, you will be picking avocado out of your hair. This recipe makes hair extremely soft and adds moisture. Feel free to add your own oil choices.

1/2 cup of Honey
1/3 cup of Conditioner
1/4 cup of EVOO or whatever oil you would like to use
Mix well!!!! Saturate you head with the mixture and cover your hair for 30 mins to an hr. 

1 cup of greek yogurt
1/2 cup of honey
1/4 cup of Evoo
Mix well...
1x egg
2 tablespoons of oil – castor oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, vatika oil, coconut oil or any vegetable oil
1 tablespoon honey
Mix well with a fork.
Whenever you use rinsing out deep conditioners that contain raw eggs, do use a cool to lukewarm setting on the water.  You do not want to end up wth scrambled eggs in your hair!

1 tablespoon unrefined pure shea butter
1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
1 tablespoon castor oil
Warm up the shea butter in pan till melted.  Add the wheatgerm oil & castor oil.
After the treatment, rinse out with warm water.

1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses
2 tablespoons of natural yoghurt or Greek natural yoghurt
3 tablespoons of coconut milk
2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of honey
3 tablespoon of castor oil
If you find the mixture too runny, simply add about 1-2 teaspoons of arrow root to thicken up the mix.

You can also add half a banana (overripe and pureed/blended) and 2 tablespoon of olive oil.  This is for added moisture, but is optional.

raw honey Evoo, evco, Jojoba, grapeseed and other oils    
Mix well and remember to rinse out completely.. This is more of a pre poo.. DC


1/2 cup of plain yogurt
1/4 cup of molasses
1/3 cup of acv
1/3 cup of evoo
3 jar of banana(baby food)

 or 2 bananas Blended well (dont want to be blamed for Naner chunks in your hair.. Mix very well, this makes my hair soft, super clean and soft.

2 tablespoons of Shea butter 

2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil 

1/4 cup of honey 

1/2 cup of Cheap silicone free conditioner.. 

Mix well 

1/3 cup EVOO, 

1/4 cup honey 

1 avocado 

Mix well and either put on a heated cap for 1 hr or just put on a plastic cap and let your body heat work its magic... It leave my hair very soft and shiny. 

1/3 cup EVOO, 

1/4 cup honey 

1 Banana  

Mix well and either put on a heated cap for 1 hr or just put on a plastic cap and let your body heat work its magic... It leave my hair very soft and shiny. 

1 bottle of beer

1/2 cup of honey 

Mix well and cover your head with a plastic cap.. Leave on for 30mins-1 hr. 

1 1/2 tspn of powdered fenugreek

1 tspn of jojoba oil

2 drops of lavender oil

2 drops of atlas cedar

2 drops of rosemary

1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut milk 

Mix ingredients, double if you have longer thick hair. 



Until next time... 

Honey, EVOO, and conditioner Deep Conditioner with link to Video

If you look below I will tell you what each does for your hair.. 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7iVKXMc55y8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Honey

Honey is one of nature’s best overall ingredients as it is extremely versatile and can be used to improve the condition of the hair and the skin.

Honey is abundant in many valuable things that make it a worthwhile choice. These include water, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and carbohydrates. All of these items taken together can hydrate the hair and skin and make it healthier instantly.

Honey is sticky, as you very well know so the thought of applying it to your skin or hair may not seem very appealing but once you get the hang of using it you will be so glad that you did! You are probably better off buying a squeeze bottle of honey for the purposes of using it as a beauty product. Rest assured that honey rinses off the skin and out of the hair with ease.

Honey works well when used as a facemask as it purifies the skin. It is also excellent for dry skin because it is a natural emollient as it helps to keep moisture in the skin where you want it. Nature’s antibacterial agent is potassium and honey is abundant in this mineral. Honey kills bacteria in the skin and it gets rid of impurities that are hiding in the pores.

Honey can benefit your hair tremendously as well. It helps to bring life back into hair that is damaged, dull looking or has been colored or over processed.

Apply honey to your hair, starting at the roots. Do not touch your hair right away but allow the honey to work its way into the hair shaft. Leave the honey on for approximately 20 minutes and then rinse it off before you shampoo.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Only olive oil that is labelled “extra virgin” guarantees that the oil has been cold pressed from freshly harvested olives and does not contain chemicals. Extra virgin olive oil that is green in color is of higher quality than golden-yellow oil. Olive oil helps in preventing as well as curing hair loss as  it prevents the production of the hormone DTH which causes the hair follicle shaft to decrease. Regular application of olive oil to hair prevents the production of DTH hormones on the scalp, thus getting rid of the problem of hair loss. For relaxed/permed hair ladies excessive chemical use can cause hair damage, olive oil contains antioxidants that promotes a healthy hair  and scalp. Olive oil strengthens and smooths hair cuticles.

Rosemary

What are the Plant Properties? antitumoral, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, liver protecting, cardiotonic, digestive, detoxicant.

What are the Documented Uses for Rosemary? Hair loss, alopecia areta, infectious disease, impaired memory, Alzheimers, gout, skin conditions, throat and lung infections, liver conditions, hepatitis, muscle soreness, kidney (cleansing).

What is the Aromatic Affect on the Mind? Keeps the mind alert and focused. Strong aromatic scent of herbs and wood.

My Response to "The biggest haters of the natural hair movement".

This blog is in response to a blog post I have read on FaceBook titled "The biggest haters of the natural hair movement".

I have been natural now for 7 months and when I first decided to post my pictures on FaceBook of my head.. (very little hair on top) I received a lot of the "why you do thats" from friends, family members, and people I haven't seen in years. I also received love and admiration from friends and family members after the shock has worn off. You see I was the first one between my mother and I to get a relaxer because I wanted the ease of doing my own hair. Also on picture day when my hair was cute going into school it was puffy by the time it was picture time. And shortly after I got a relaxer my mother followed suit. My mother went back to being natural a year before I did. Her last relaxer was in June 2010 and she transitioned for a year. Then decided to cut her relaxed ends right before my wedding. I was happy. I followed suit shortly after. When my aunt showed my grandmother pictures of me after I went completely chemical free to my grandmother she was in shock as well.  My grandmother said why did I cut all my hair off that was my crown and glory... But she has rocked a jeri curl yes you read that right ever since they were the new thing.. And take into effect my grandmother is close to 100.. (I get her age wrong daily).. But I can see why she said that cause growing up she love me hair in braids and beads or whatever style my mom put it in.. She is ok with it now.. She love watching the growth from the pictures I post on FaceBook. But it wasn't a relaxed vs natural thing, it was a long hair vs short hair.. She doesn't care if it is long and straight, loc'd, curly, or fro'd, as long as it doesn't look dry or a mess. LOL. I have never come across older women who has had an issue with my hair it was more of a shade being thrown from younger ladies who doesnt have the confidence to go back to being natural or they are saying to themselves I want to do that but I just cant that has the funky stares or the whispers so loud that you can hear them.. I have had few encounters with ignorance in my life, I can deal with it. But then you get the ladies who want to know how you do a certain style or what is your regimen, or my best one yet can you do my hair like that. So me myself I love all the attention I get, but the main person who has to walk around and be ok with my hair is me.

Until next time...