Tips and Tricks to moisturize Braids, Twists and other protective styles…

Tips and Tricks to moisturize Braids, Twists and other protective styles…

Happy Thursday Naturalistas!  I have had a few questions on how to properly moisturize your twists, braids (extensions or natural) and other protective styling.  I have researched endlessly to hopefully help you in your quest to obtain hydrated twists and braided styles.  In my natural hair journey, I've learned that TECHNIQUE can be just as important as products, so therefore I wanted to discuss what you should be doing before twist or braid your hair. 

I have posted some blog entries discussing the importance of SEALING your hair.  To backtrack, the most effective way to SEAL your hair is to apply water (I prefer distilled because I do not have a water filer; and I have hard water) to your hair followed up by your favorite oil.  However, let’s not get it twisted, WATER IS THE BEST HYDRATOR FOR YOUR HAIR…Many of my natural sistas state that their hair can be as oily as chicken grease, yet still be coarse and brittle.  My first question is always the same: Do you apply water to your hair before the oil? 

~~~~> Refer to this blog entry the discussing the importance of SEALING your hair and the reasons behind the science!
One thing I have learned about my hair is that I have HOLY SHRINKAGE! If I apply a product to it sopping wet hair and then follow up with twists they will reach the top of my brow line, if I twist on “damp” hair the twists will reach to my nose/upper lip.  

The best way I have found to have moisturized twists is to apply a bit of Shea moisture curling smoothie to my hair after it has been freshly washed (paying close attention to your ends being that this is the oldest part of your hair) and allow my hair to air dry a little.  Once it is almost dry I spritz a bit with my oil/distilled water combination, apply a bit of Shea Moisture curling souflee/smoothie and twist.  If I prefer a more tamed twisted look I will flat twist the first couple of inches to my head and do the rest of the twist loose. 

Another option is to do a DC (deep conditioner) the day before you twist.  If you can handle it, I advise to sleep with the “*baggie” method the night before so that you can start twists on super hydrated hair! 

****BAGGIE METHOD—for those of you that are unaware with this method, it is basically applying a deep conditioner or oil treatment to your hair before bed.  You can apply to either dry hair or slightly damp hair, your choice. Once the product is applied, place a plastic shower cap and wrap a scarf around it.  This method is awesome!  I personally can sleep with this comfortably!  ****

Depending on the time you keep your twists/braids (and hair health in general) in will determine how often you need to moisturize.  You DO NOT need to moisturize every day as this will cause frizz, fuzz and further shrinkage.  Personally, I try and keep my hair twisted for 5-6 days washing on Saturday.  Since I start with very well conditioned hair, I only need to moisturize maybe on my 2^nd and 4^th day into the style.  What I do is apply a bit of water/oil to my hands and smooth over my strands. I then may follow up with a “glaze” of either Shea Moisture curling souflee/smoothie or Eco-Styler Gel (greatly reduces frizz and fuzz). 

If you continue to experience dry, brittle hair consider taking down the twists and applying a Protein DC (Mayo, eggs, honey) and let that simmer.  If your hair takes FOREVER to get wet, then you may have a problem with your hair porosity or its PH balance. 

Diet and WATER intake are VERY important to having hydrated tresses.  Remember…what goes on inside your body is displayed outward…

Side Note::: One misconception I normally see is women applying the oil or moisturizer directly to their scalp.  Our scalp produces its own oil called sebum, which is a natural hair conditioner.  The “conditioner” is then distributed down the hair strand.  Now, when hair is straight it is distributed evenly because there is nothing hindering the distribution of the oil from the beginning to the end.  Now, this is a little different for kinky/curly hair because the twists and turns of the hair strand may get the oil to be stuck and not hydrate the whole strand.  WITH ALL OF THAT SAID LOL, apply the conditioner/oil starting at the ends and working your way up (your ends are the oldest part of your hair, therefore the most fragile!):::

Below are some links to sites that provide helpful information about hydrating protective styles!  I hope this information has helped!  Stay nappy ladies and have a great day J

http://www.naturalhaircommunity.com/protective-hair-styles-are-critical

http://curlynikki.forumotion.com/t9425-how-to-moisturize-while-in-a-transition-protective-style

http://naturalicioushair.com/2011/11/29/protective-styling-helps-your-natural-hair-reach-its-longest-length-plus-3-more-hair-growth-tips/

Tips and Tricks to Combat Winter Dryness

Hey fellow Naturalistas,

Being in Northern NY, it has definitely been a bit chilly!  As most of you know I BC’ED on 11/14/2011, so I do not have enough length to do the retro-funky protective hairstyles.  I am really not one to get braids or weaves because of past experiences (being bald headed once I took down the weaves/braids).  My go to style for the week normally consists of rocking a wash-n-go all week long.  No ladies, I do not wash my hair every day that would be asinine!  I wash my hair Sundays and simply spritz every morning for a refresher and I’m out the door!

Since my head is not covered (unless it is SUPER cold, I will rock a hat—with a satin bonnet underneath of course!) I have experienced some dryness lately.  I seal my hair daily with my water/oil spritz bottle every morning and evening.  I was finding that though sealing your hair daily is UBER important, it was not enough, I was still combating dryness. 

Naptural85 has a “baggie” method that has been a life saver for my dehydrated tresses.  All it involves is spritzing my hair with my water/oil, placing a little bit of smoothie behind that and cover my head with a shower cap. I then cover the shower cap with a scarf and go to sleep.  The shower cap provides enough moisture for my hair to stay hydrated, but it is NOT sopping wet.  I am able to sleep very comfortably and the results in the morning are great!  I simply take off the shower cap and scarf, shake my head and style, If needed I will also follow up with some Shea Moisture Curling Soufflé.  By the time I leave the house my hair is dry, hydrated; and soft!  You do not have to do this every night, I advise trying it for three days and see if you notice a difference!

Deep conditioning you hair is very important!  You can either pre-poo OR do a regular DC OR you can do both J.  Pre-pooing consists of applying a conditioner or oil mixture to dry hair BEFORE you wash it.  Personally, I have been pre-pooing with EVOO, Safflower Oil and Grapeseed oil (all found in my local supermarket; pics of the oils can be found under the tab product review) and some of my shea moisture DC, I cover my hair with a shower cap for about 2-3 hours.  I follow up with washing my hair with a sulfate free shampoo and apply my DC such as shea moisture mask to my hair and cover again.  I will then rinse my hair with cool water and style.  You can also choose to rinse with an ACV (apple cider vinegar) and H20 rinse. 

Use a nice, thick leave in conditioner.  By applying a leave in conditioner you will retain moisture.  I personally recommend Giovanni direct leave-in followed up by shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie.

Co-wash your hair instead of applying a sulfate free shampoo.  Co-washing will not strip your hair of moisture,  However, it may cause build-up.  If you are in the habit of washing your hair every day, try to set a schedule.  For example, co-wash every other day and wash with a sulfate free shampoo once per week. 

Air Dry or Limit the use of direct heat
Avoid using hair dryers during the winter months. Blow drying already brittle and dry hair will only make them worse. If you have to, use a cooler setting to dry your hair. It may take your hair longer to dry but the shine in your hair will be well worth it. There are some great videos on youtube that show how to blow dry hair on a cool setting. 

SEAL YOUR HAIR!-- Sealing your hair is SOOOO important!!! The best hydrator for your hair is water.  In order for the water to properly hydrate your hair, you must follow up the water application with applying an oil in your hair.  The reason the oil seals the water in your hair is because the oil molecule is bigger than the water molecule thus, trapping the water molecule to your hair keeping it hydrated. 

Stay Hydrated! It’s simple…DRINK MORE WATER!! Keep your body hydrated starting on the inside first.

Alright Naturalistas, there you have it. How do you ladies combat winter dryness?

What is natural?

Over the weekend I had an interesting conversation with my mother.  I was showing her my blog and she stated that she loved the pics of the naturals on each side of the blog.  She questioned my motive behind placing the pics there and I responded that they served as an inspiration for me to stay on the beaten path of maintaining my natural tresses.  She questioned why there were only women of color opposed to other races that are also natural.  There are plenty of other races that also are #natural and devout their hair care routine to maintain their hair naturally.  So, why when I think of being fiercely natural do I only think of women of color?

When I posed this question in my natural hair group on facebook the conversation some people said that a lot of the others nationalities who are “natural” dye their hair, thus ruining their natural state with the color.  Another response was that black women are the one race that have changed their very being just to be considered “norm” in society.  We change our hair color, length and even the texture just to fit in.  So why is reverting back to the natural hair state such a “movement” for African American women?  Why have the other nationalities that have never changed their hair texture being omitted from "our" movement”…..

I dedicate this post to ALL of the naturals out there…

Stay natural ladies...we are ALL beautiful, inside and out....

Love is LOVE

Peace <3



Hair Typing....Evil or Necessary???

So--After all of the hair typing charts I have come across I can def say that I LOVE this chart!!! Simplicity and all!  Based on THIS chart I would say that I am a 3B-3C. 

In my natural hair groups and even on youtube there are many many people who are against hair typing.  I personally don't see an issue with hair typing or just living your life without worrying about the "hair type" God gave you..... 

To hair type....

1.  Many products are made for specific hair types.  When you are researching your product it will normally tell you what type it works best on.  This tip can be useful.  There are many products that some RAVE about and just fall flat for me.  Reason being, the hair type that the hair was meant to glamorize is not mine lol. 

2. Provides newly or seasoned naturals a wealth of information very quickly.  With the above pictured chart, there really is no way to go wrong with hair typing.  Once you have your confirmed hair type, all you have to do is google "hair products for 3c hair" and you should be bombarded with PRODUCT OVERLOAD.  The easiest way to hair type is to pull either one strand loose and place it on a blank piece of white paper (so that there is a contrast), or look in mirror (without your hair being manipulated, no gel, no brush, nothing!) 

3.  When I hair typed for the first time I DID learn things about my hair...easily frizzed, easily broken...and even some hair care tips...

Not to hair type...

1.  You may not have one pattern in your hair.  Many women experience multiple patterns in their hair.

2. May have you become OBSESSED with hair typing and not focusing on other issues, such as hair porosity/density. 

3. SO MUCH information at once can be super confusing! 

4.  You may hair type to early!! My curl pattern became more noticeable as my hair grew out.  If you are a transitioner/recently BC'ed you should concentrate on moisture and how to seal your hair. 

Conclusion

I really don't have anything against hair typing.  I feel that hey, if the information is out there that is specific to one hair type....why not read it...If it sucks than you lost 10 minutes of your life that you can never get back.  But hey, you never know! 

*Below are some sites that also talk about hair typing*

http://nappturality.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54:hair-types&catid=34:careinfo&Itemid=30

http://www.naturallycurly.com/hair-types

http://www.alltressedup.net/component/content/article/397-hair-typing-the-curly-girl-way.html

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=5

Newly Added **PRODUCT REVIEW**

Happy Monday Naturalistas!!

Just wanted to drop a quick note and let you know that I have added a product review page.  There is not to much yet since I DO NOT use an OVERLOAD of EXPENSIVE Miss Jessies this and uncle funkys daughter that...lol, but what I HAVE tried I have reviewed.  If there is anything you may want me to try, please do not hesitate to ask!  If it is in my price range and I hear OK reviews on it, I just may splurge :) Have a great rest of your day everyone!!!!

**Don't forget to follow my blog and sign up for email reminders!!!!***

Newly Added Transitioning Series

Happy Friday Everyone!

I just wanted to drop a quick note and let everyone know that I decided to add a transitioning series for all of those transitioners out there! The link is at the top of page....simply click "transitioing series" and it will take you to the appropiate area....If anyone would like me to address anything specific please let me know!  Have a GREAT weekend everyone! 

Diet and your hair

Your diet and your hair…

There has been buzzing about diets and hair in a lot of my natural hair online communities.  This sparked my own curiosity since it is the New Year, and of course there is always a new recycled resolution.  Mine has been not to embark on the latest diet, but to experience an overall lifestyle change.  This encompasses all areas such as better budgeting, better eating, better job etc…

I started my lifestly change by vowing to pack my lunch instead of buy my lunch when I am at work.  I figured this will not only get me to start eating healthier (since there are really no CHEAP healthy options around me!) but will also save me money.  Since going natural I can definitely without a doubt confess that I am obsessed about everything hair.  Therefore, it was only natural to see what food I could pack in lunch bag that will not only makes my insides healthy, but make my outside shine! 

How does your DIET affect your Hair?

There is more to healthy hair than loading products on—you have to watch what you put in your mouth as well.  Whatever you put into your body is displayed outward—Our skin and hair is the tattletale sign for when we have been neglecting our diet.  It is important to maintain a nutritious diet so that your body can develop healthy cells and tissues—exactly what hair is made out of!

Diet plays such a crucial role in your hair because your body requires the right amount of vitamins and minerals to create strong cells.  Remember, your hair is an extension of your inner workings. If you deprave your body or do not make smart healthy choices, your hair will suffer.  People who go on crash diets cutting out the very vitamins their body require, often report hair loss or brittle and broken hair.   

                                                     What should your diet contain?

First of all, every diet needs to have the right amount of proteins.  Proteins build cells and contain amino acids that are crucial to hair growth! These amino acids can be found in meats, fish, poultry, dairy; and eggs.  Vegetarians can utilize soy, nuts, grains and seeds.  Dieticians believe that at least 15% of your calories must come from food that is rich in protein.

Many of today’s low carb diets may lead you to reach your weight loss goal, but at what cost?  Who wants to be bald headed (said with much love) and skinny? Carbs are beneficial to the growth of body tissue and also provide the body with B vitamins (all B vitamin complexes aid hair growth).  Instead of cutting carbs completely out of your diet, opt for smart carbs.  Smart carbs could be using brown rice or couscous instead of the starchy white rice. 

Too much sugar can rob your hair of vitamin B as can refined carbs (examples of refined carbs:::sweeteners such as syrup and sugar, beverages such as beer, wine, soft drinks and non-organic100% natural juices; and canned veggies and fruits).  This also refers to sugar filled granola bars and other snacks. 

Opt for a Healthier Lunch…

The above picture is the simplest visual explanation of what your plate should be looking like.  The biggest portion should be fruits and veggies.  I suggest to start packing your lunch with this food item first, then your meat; and lastly your starches.  If you did not cook fresh veggies you can always substitute this with canned veggies.  I can easily eat an entire can of French style green beans with a serving of baked chicken (don't forget about Tuna as an option!)

My MONDAY-FRIDAY Menu

Breakfast- If you do not eat with in the first hour of waking up you will be on the cycle to gain weight.  I personally wake up STARVING.  I normally wakeup about 40 minutes earlier than I have to, turn on the news and prepare something in my juicer (normally a fruit blend), followed by a glass of water.  When I reach work I will normally have some oatmeal, farina, egg whites/toast (just one lol) and a side of fruit (banana, orange, apple).  This will normally hold me over until 12pm.  If I think I am hungry I normally will drink a glass of water first.  More than half the time you think you are hungry, you are really thirsty. 

Lunch- Whatever I had for dinner.  This normally includes a protein (baked pork chops, baked chicken) that is well seasoned (my island vibes lol) and a veggie.  If it includes a starch it will be healthy (couscous or whipped sweet potatoes as an example)

Snack- I LOVE to snack which makes the after lunch hours pretty difficult.  I always bring nuts or a side salad to work.  You can also have some low fat string cheese, yogurt, wheat thins, cheese crackers or other healthy options. 

Dinner- Looks prettymuch like lunch.  If I do not want to cook I would whip up some tuna or chicken salad.

***Be careful with the amount of salt that you put in your food--salt makes you bloat becuase it makes you retain water***

!!!!!::::WATER:::!!!!!!

                                                         YOU CAN DO IT!

I CAN NOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT WATER IS!!! I have written a separate post on the importance of water (http://curlykinkyqt.blogspot.com/2011/12/hi-naturalistas-as-human-beings-we-are.html)

It is important that you drink at least 2 liters of water daily to keep your body hydrated.  During my online searches I can across an interesting tidbit.  You are supposed to drink half your body weight in ounces daily!  Therefore, if you weigh 200 pounds, you should be drinking a minimum of 100 ounces of water daily.  I have personally done this and Let me TELL YOU!!! My hair and skin have NEVER looked better! Once you cut those sodas and fatty, sugar filled juices out of your diet you will see such a difference!!

Make yourself a personal pledge (or with a buddy or online community) to eat and drink your way to longer, healthier hair!!