HEALTHY HAIR + BODY

8 Gorgeous Loc Photos to Keep You Inspired

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 17:05:00 +0000

On February 2 2019, I made the decision to loc after 11 years as a loose natural. Since then, I've been drooling over tons of loc pics on Instagram. (If you would like to hear more about my new loc journey and/or why I decided to loc, please comment in the section below.)

Here are just a few of the hundreds of photos that I've pinned. Whether you just started your loc journey or are contemplating it, here is that extra motivation to keep you going or to take the plunge. Enjoy!

Patience Edet

IG: @missrii

IG: @blaquegreen

IG: @jomichelleartistry

IG: @kaliyaashley

IG: @maaryjeann

Brand + Giveaway | What Is Self Care Worth to You?

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 17:25:00 +0000

Get a selection of books, journals, loose leaf tea, and skin care products each month!

TEA PRAY LOVE is a new company that brings wellness to your doorstep. For a limited time, it is offering FREE shipping on all boxes. It also offers 6-Month and 12-Month subscriptions at discounted prices (8% and 12% off, respectively). Last, but not least, there is a special giveaway for HHB readers ... but first, here is more about what TEA PRAY LOVE provides:

"Your monthly self-care box is packaged with your preferences in mind. Just tell us what type of tea you desire and what type of skin you have. We will handle the rest!

We offer three types of boxes based on how much wellness you desire for the month:

THE PREMIER BOX: This package is ideal for those looking to maximize their monthly self care. It capitalizes on the LOVE component by offering you three full-size products for your skin. The TEA is then captured by two satiating loose leaf brands. The box is completed with two PRAY components: a newly released book/journal on mindfulness and an affirmation note.

THE DELUXE BOX: This package is curated at a step below the Premier Box in terms of quantity but not quality. The LOVE component is fulfilled with two full-size products for your skin. The TEA is then met by a satiating loose leaf brand while the PRAY component is a newly released book/journal on mindfulness.

THE PETITE BOX: This smaller box is aimed at those wanting just a taste of monthly wellness. It still encompasses all three components: TEA, PRAY, and LOVE. However, it does so in a "petite" dose."

So, what is self care worth to you? If you can spend money on clothes and/or makeup monthly, then you can certainly spend money on caring for your wellbeing. Check out www.teapraylove.com before the offers expire!

And now for the giveaway of one DELUXE BOX to a lucky winner!!

Here are the rules:

Follow @teapraylove on Instagram⁣.
Then tag a friend or two who is all about self care on the "THE WAIT IS OVER" post. (Multiple entries are encouraged. Every tag counts as another entry!)⁣
Follow teapraylovebox on Facebook for an additional entry⁣.⁣

The winner will be announced on March 29, 2019. Submissions close at 11:00pm EST on March 28, 2019.

MsCatrin's Mini Twist Growth Is Awe Inspiring!

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 18:00:00 +0000

If you have been following me for a while, then you know about my obsession with twists ... especially mini twists. They're versatile. They're beautiful. And they are protective!

It has been a LOOONG time since I've done mini twists, largely because of time. However, MsCatrin's mini twist growth collage has got me inspired to revisit the style. Check out her collage below. Aren't her twists gorgeous?

https://www.instagram.com/mscatrin/

If you are interested in knowing how she does her twists and maintains them for 4-6 weeks (yes, 4-6 weeks), then be sure to watch her videos below:

Healthy Hair Feature || Olivia

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 14:30:00 +0000

1. What made you go natural? How long have you been natural?

I went natural because my hair was breaking. I had been perming for around 2 years when my hair started breaking mainly in my crown area. I didn’t even notice, until my mum adamantly started pointing it out. So, at the time ‘going natural’ was a not really a conscious decision, it was more logical; ‘my hair is breaking… to stop it breaking I need to stop what is causing it to break’ was my thought process. But since that time I have never looked back and have been natural for around 4 years now.

2. Did you transition? If so, for how long?

I transitioned for around a year. During this time I went back to old habits, simply because I did not understand my hair in its natural state. I thought that the only way for me to handle my ‘thick’ (I’ve realised it wasn’t even that thick at that point) mane was to straighten it. However, I often took breaks from straightening fortnightly and opted for protective styling with braids.

3. What is your Healthy Hair routine?

I wouldn’t say I have a militant Healthy Hair routine, but I definitely have some ‘no compromise’ healthy hair principles by which I live by. At the top of the list is washing my hair on a weekly basis and deep conditioning for 10-15 minutes on washdays. I also try to keep manipulation of my hair to a minimum by limiting my use of combs. However I do comb my hair with my Denman brush when deep conditioning and occasionally use it during the week if my hair becomes particularly tangled.

I moisturise my hair with leave-in conditioner every other day especially concentrating on my ends (as they’re the most brittle part of my hair). I am extra cautious of my hair since I dip dyed and therefore always give them a bit more attention. I usually spritz my hair with water before bed and pineapple my fro or retwist/ replait my hair at bedtime before tying a satin scarf around my hair. Most importantly I’ve left old habits behind and keep heat to a minimum. I usually straighten my hair once a year and do an occasional blowout.

4. Do you have a Healthy Body routine?

For my Healthy Body routine, I try to keep things simple. I’m a pescatarian who tries to keep processed meals to a minimum. I try to get 5 fruit/vegetables in on a daily basis. And I generally drink over 2 litres of water a day, as I know that real health begins on the inside and hydrotherapy makes a massive impact on skin health. I also workout approximately 4 times a week (when I’m focused)- which can also get blood flowing to the scalp, so is not just good for my body, but also on my hair health.

5. What advice/ tips do you have for naturals?

The best advise I can give to my natural sisters is don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Accept your hair for what it is! Don’t try to make it do things it cannot do; otherwise you’ll be constantly disappointed. Instead try to embrace its authenticity and work with it instead of fighting it.

Moreover, don’t get so caught up on you hair length that you forget to enjoy your hair journey! I had wanted to dye my hair around 2 years into my hair journey and didn’t do it just because I was afraid of the damage. Recently I had my hair dyed (by a professional) and I’m now more in love with my hair journey that ever. Life is too short, enjoy your hair journey and do not allow comparison to steal your joy.

6. Where can we find you?

You can find me on my blog and Instagram:

Blog: https://diaryofamaverick.com/

Instagram: olivia_aharvey

Healthy Hair Feature || Felicia

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 14:30:00 +0000

1. What made you go natural? How long have you been natural?

I unintentionally went natural. I started by wearing my hair in sew-in almost a year and then I finally took my sew-in out and saw that my hair had really grown. After seeing how much my hair had grown I decided to go natural. I wasn't really educated on the benefits of being natural, but I knew I wanted my hair to grow longer. I saw that sew-ins were contributing to my length retention so I saw no need to get a relaxer. I have been fully natural since 2013.

2. Did you transition? If so, for how long?

Yes, I did transition. I transitioned for two years by wearing my hair in sew-ins and cutting off the relaxer each time I got a trim.

3. What is your Healthy Hair routine?

Currently my Healthy Hair routine consists of wearing my hair in protective styles and keeping my hair moisturized. I wear my hair in braids or single strand twists for 2 to 3 months at a time. I wash my hair and and deep condition my hair in between changing my protective styling. I wet my hair every day in the shower without wearing a shower cap. I moisturize my hair with products every 3-5 days depending on how my hair feels and what it needs. I use lots of cream and spray in leave-in conditioners. When I am giving my hair a break from protective styles twists then I will wash my hair once to twice a month and deep condition with heat. I also give myself protein treatments before using heat on my hair.

I limit heat styling and wrap my hair with a silk scarf and bonnet at night or sleep on silk pillow cases without wrapping it.

4. Do you have a Healthy Body routine? If so, what is it?

My Healthy Body Routine begins with making sure my diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts. I also wash my face and body with black soap. I limit myself with soaps that have chemicals in them and moisturize my face and body with oils and natural moisturizers.

5. What advice/tips do you have for naturals?

My advice to naturals would be to identify and accept your hair type for what it is. Learn to love and embrace the hair you have on your head because it will be easier to find the regimen that works for you. Learn your hair type and protect it. Be gentle with your edges and try not to put constant tension on them. Try not to over manipulate your hair. Incorporate finger detangling in your hair routine and only use wide tooth combs when you find it necessary to comb your hair. Keep your hair moisturized at all times and limit heat styling. Make sure you sleep on silk pillow cases and wrap your head at night as much as you can. Add deep conditioning and protein treatments into your hair routine and your will see your hair flourish.

6. Where can we find you? (Include links/urls)

Youtube: youtube.com/c/FeliciaMesadieu

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feliciamesadieu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/feliciamesadieu/

6 Mini Twists on Natural Hair - Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Thu, 25 May 2017 19:51:00 +0000

Mini twists on natural hair! Lately, I've returned to mini twists and have fallen back in love. I've been reminded of how beautiful AND versatile they can be. If you need that extra motivation to take the plunge, here are a few photos to get you started. Enjoy!

IG: @toya1825

IG: @mscatrin

IG: @parish85

IG: @keetaray

IG: @naturallymichy

IG: @4adaniels

3 Alternatives to Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Thu, 25 May 2017 19:50:00 +0000

While extra virgin coconut oil is a favorite of many naturals, it is not quite liked by others. After all, no two heads of hair are exactly the same. That being said, what is a woman to do when she wants some of the benefits of extra virgin coconut oil but without the oil? Well, here are three alternatives that might be worth trying:

1. Vatika enriched coconut oil

Dabur Vatika enriched coconut oil is a blend of pure coconut oil, amla, henna, lemon, neem, and other natural ingredients. For those whose strands dislike coconut oil alone, you may be surprised to find that your hair loves Vatika oil. (It is somewhat analogous to how shea butter alone is disliked by some naturals but when mixed with other substances is an instant favorite.) Some ladies use Vatika oil for sealing as well as overnight pre-poos and receive the benefit of softer, more moisturized hair.

2. Babassu oil

Like coconut oil, babassu oil is extracted from a kernel of the palm tree family – the babassu tree, to be exact. More importantly, it has similar proportions and composition of fatty acids as coconut oil. (The fatty acids include lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic.) Some women love using babassu oil in place of coconut oil because it is less comedogenic (i.e., it does not clog the pores as much) and lacks a greasy feel after application. Some naturals also feel that babassu oil is more penetrating.

3. Quality refined coconut oil

Maybe you love everything about extra virgin coconut oil except the smell. Then you might want to try refined coconut oil, which is generally odorless. Beware, however, that not all refined coconut oils are of good quality. Look for those that have not undergone a chemical-based cleaning process and hydrogenation.

Originally written for BGLH. Revised.

Protective Style Lookbook | | 4C Roll, Tuck, and Pin Natural Updo

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 13 May 2017 02:22:00 +0000

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles. Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: LuvMika
Difficulty level: 3/5

Description: Hair is rolled, tucked, and pinned into this gorgeous updo.

Study || Flaxseed Oil + Hair Thickening

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 13 May 2017 01:57:00 +0000

Can flaxseeds help increase the thickness of your hair strands? Can the oil form -- flaxseed oil -- transform thin strands?

In a 2013 study from the International Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, flax was shown to have a significant positive impact on hair thickness. This was the case whether the seed (flaxseed) was ingested or the oil (flaxseed oil, or linseed oil) was applied topically.

The study was performed on rabbits in two separate trials -- oil application vs seed intake. Hair width increase via the application of flaxseed oil to the scalp was detected after four weeks while that of flaxseed ingestion was observed in the twelfth week. Hence, flaxseed oil demonstrated faster results. (It also had more of an impact.)

Further research is necessary to determine the mechanism by which this hair thickening occurs.

So what is the verdict? Try it out and see how it works for you! Do your own little experiment.

SOURCE:
Beroual, K.; Maameri, Z.; Halmi, S.; et al. "Effects of Linum usitatissimum L. ingestion and oil topical application on hair growth in rabbit." International Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Vol. 3. Iss. 4. pp. 459-463, 2013.

7 Natural Hair Styles that are Protective or Semi-Protective

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sun, 16 Apr 2017 22:16:00 +0000

Do you need some updo inspiration for the spring and summer? Do you want a natural hair style that is at least semi protective? Then check out these ladies!

4 Oils for Skin Care + The Studies to Support Them

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 15:35:00 +0000

1. Olive oil - reduce UVB-induced skin tumors

A 2000 study suggests that topical application of virgin olive oil after UVB exposure can reduce UVB-related skin tumors. The thought is that the antioxidant power of the oil is responsible for this benefit. (Extra virgin olive oil is said to have a "potent antioxidant effect".)

SOURCES:
PREVENTATIVE EFFECT OF OLIVE OIL AGAINST UV-INDUCED SKIN CANCER (2000)
PREVENTATIVE EFFECT OF OLIVE OIL AGAINST PHOTOCARCINOGENESIS (2000)
VIRGIN OLIVE OIL AS A SKIN PROTECTOR (2009)

2. Argan oil - combat hyperpigmentation

According to a 2013 study, argan oil may be effective against hyperpigmentation disorders (e.g., acne scarring, chicken pox scarring).

SOURCES:
ARGAN OIL AGAINST HYPERPIGMENTATION (2013)

3. Avocado oil - increase collagen and heal wounds

A few studies have demonstrated that this oil can increase soluble collagen (when consumed) AND help to heal wounds better than petroleum jelly (when applied topically).

SOURCES:
AVOCADO OIL ON SKIN COLLAGEN METABOLISM (1991)
EFFECT OF AVOCADO OIL ON WOUND HEALING (2013)

4. Grapeseed oil - reduce blackheads, whiteheads, and UV-induced hyperpigmentation

A 1998 study demonstrated lightening effects on UV-induced hyperpigmentation (i.e., a tan) after topical application of linoleic acid. Additionally this fatty acid has demonstrated a potential to effectively reduce the size of blackheads and whiteheads.

Since grapeseed oil contains a large amount of linoleic acid, it makes you wonder if it would have all of these effects. Maybe you can do your own personal experiment.

SOURCE:
ABSTRACT ON LINOLEIC ACID LIGHTENS UV-INDUCE HYPERPIGMENTATION (1998)
LINOLEIC ACID STUDY - COMBAT ACNE (1998)

You can find many of these oils at From Nature with Love.

Straight Natural Hair for 5 Weeks - How Naturally Michy Did It!

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 23:16:00 +0000

Did you recently get your natural hair straightened? Do you want to maintain it for more than a day? More than a week? Or longer? Well, one of my favorite Youtube naturals, Naturally Michy, demonstrates how she maintained her straight natural hair for five weeks. The video is worth a watch, so get a paper and pen/pencil ready.

Day 36. Wash day. https://www.instagram.com/naturallymichy/

Her routine, in a nutshell:

NIGHT:
1. Use Raw Shea Butter Shea Moisture Reconstructive Finishing Elixir - every other day or two days
2. Wrap hair

MORNING:
1. Unwrap hair
2. Comb with a wide-tooth comb
3. No products during the day time

SPARINGLY:
1. Coconut Oil - used only twice during the 5 weeks
2. Glover's Medicated Ointment for Dandruff - used weekly for the first two weeks

AVOIDING HUMIDITY AND FRIZZ:
1. Hair wrapped underneath a scarf during humid days before and after events

DURING WORKOUTS:
1. Ponytails and cloth headband to catch sweat
2. Progressed from no workouts to light workouts to regular workouts in the 5 weeks

Day 21. https://www.instagram.com/naturallymichy/

11 Ways to Use Avocado Oil on Natural Hair (or Relaxed Hair)

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 18:16:00 +0000

Avocado oil is one of the better oils to use on our natural hair since it contains a high amount (approximately 72%) of monounsaturated fatty acids – which is higher than most other oils, including coconut and grapeseed. Want to know how to use it? Here are 12 ways:

1. To enhance a moisturizer. Monounsaturated oils may readily penetrate into the hair strand [1]. Additionally, oils with a slight polarity tend to have an affinity for the cortex [2]. Because avocado oil has these two characteristics, it may easily penetrate into the cortex of the hair strand, which few oils can do. Thus, it has the potential to enhance your current moisturizer. Try mixing the oil with your store-bought product or into your homemade whipped butter.

2. As a carrier oil. Avocado oil penetrates the skin fairly easily when compared to some oils, such as olive or almond [3]. It is also moderately low on the comedogenic scale (i.e., not as clogging as some other oils such as coconut). Because of these qualities, it can make a great carrier oil for your essential oils.

3. To massage your edges. For those who are in need of a good massage oil for your edges, I would highly recommend avocado. (Jojoba oil is ideal but it is relatively expensive. Avocado oil is a great substitute.) It penetrates the skin without leaving a greasy film and is not as comedogenic (or clogging) as coconut oil, for example. That could mean less forehead acne!

4. To add slip to a deep conditioner. Not all deep conditioners have a natural slip and this can be annoying for some naturals. Try adding avocado oil, which has just the right consistency to create the lubrication you need. Additionally, since avocado oil might readily penetrate into the hair shaft, you may have an added bonus of increased elasticity!

5. For an enhanced pre-poo treatment. For the same reasons as stated in #1 and #4, you may want to try incorporating avocado oil into your pre-poo treatment. Mix it with your favorite conditioner or with other oils, like coconut, which has been shown to protect the hair from damage due to swelling and de-swelling during the washing process [1].

6. For finger detangling. Many oils generally make great natural detanglers. Avocado oil in particular, can lubricate and create slip without a super greasy feel. This not only means less damage while detangling but also less of a greasy mess! Use it alone or mix it with other oils, if you like.

7. As the ‘O’ component of your L.O.C. method. The ‘O’ (or oil) component of the L.O.C. method consists of using an oil that will later be sealed by a cream (the ‘C’ component). It is ideal to use an oil that can penetrate into the cortex rather than just sit on the cuticle layer. Avocado oil may be what you need!

8. Or as the first ‘O’ component of your L.O.C.O. method. The first ‘O’ (or oil) component of the L.O.C.O. method is a penetrating, or moisturizing, oil. Again, avocado oil may be what you need here. (This is to be distinguished from the last ‘O’ component in the L.O.C.O. method, which stands for a heavier “sealing oil” that provides a barrier against moisture loss. An example is castor oil.)

9. On your ends before undo-ing twists or braids. Prior to undo-ing your twists or braids, it helps to apply an oil to the ends of your hair in order to ease the process and minimize breakage. Avocado oil is great because it is non-greasy and has a faint (rather than strong) scent. It provides the lubrication you need without impacting your hairstyle.

10. To enhance a “cheapy” conditioner. Do you have a cheap conditioner that could use a little more slip and moisture? Avocado oil may be the answer.

11. To refresh a style. There are two great benefits to using avocado oil for refreshing a style: 1) it will not harden the style (like coconut oil can do on a cold day for some naturals) and 2) it can provide a bit of shine without weighing down the hair (like castor oil does for some naturals). A little oil also goes a long way.

SOURCES:

[1] Ruetsch, S. B., Kamath, Y. K., Rele, A., Mohile, R. B. (2011), Secondary Ion mass spectrometric investigation of penetration of coconut and mineral oil into human hair: Relevance to hair damage. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 52: 169-184.

[2] Hornby, S. B., Appa, Y., Ruetsch, S. and Kamath, Y. (2005), Mapping penetration of cosmetic compounds into hair fibers using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 27: 299.

[3] Valette, G., Francois, M. T., Sobrin, E. (1963), Absorption percutanee de diverses huiles animals ou vegetales. (English trans.: Percutaneous absorption of various animal or plant oils.) Pharmaceutica Acta Helvetiae, 38:710-6.

Originally written by me for BGLH!

Protective Style Lookbook | | Two Twisted Buns in 15 Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 18:00:00 +0000

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles. Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: Brittany Kyss

Difficulty level: 2/5

Description: Hair is stretched and loosely twisted into these styles.

4 Alternatives to Shea Butter

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 01:29:00 +0000

Are you interested in whipping your own moisturizer but you’re allergic to shea butter? Or do you like the benefits of shea butter but dislike the nutty scent? Or maybe you want to use a butter but just not shea? Below are four alternatives to that are worth trying:

Mango Butter
This option is a great substitute for those who are allergic to shea butter due to its natural latex content. Like shea, mango butter has emollient properties, thus helping to soften the hair and seal in moisture. If you find the nutty scent of shea butter to be unpleasant, then mango butter is also a great alternative because of its milder, sweet scent.

Shea Oil
Shea oil is less odoriferous making it a great alternative for those who dislike the scent of shea butter. The oil can be used alone as a sealant or whipped with a butter like mango. It still contains the emollient properties of shea butter but without the nutty smell.

Avocado Butter
This butter is another nice alternative for those who dislike or cannot use shea butter. It has little to no smell, which is ideal for those who are sensitive to scents. It is also softer (almost creamy), thus making it easier to utilize. Like shea butter, it makes for a great sealant.

Cupuacu Butter
This butter is a little more expensive, but it may well be worth it for those who desire a more moisturizing butter. Naturals who use this alternative tend to fall in love with it and use it in many mixtures (e.g., whipped butter, conditioner additive, styling agent). Cupuacu butter not only acts as a sealant but also has the ability to absorb water, thus restoring moisture to dry hair.

4 Myths About Length Retention - A Must Read

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 18:01:00 +0000

Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/itstimiduhh/

It is time for a myth-busting session. Today, we will tackle four length retention myths:

1. Protective styling will guarantee you length retention.

Protective styling done the right way will help with length retention. Otherwise, there is such a scenario as protective styling that hurts length retention. For instance, if braid extensions (or, even, sew-ins) are worn for too long or buns are worn too tightly, you can suffer breakage and even hair loss. Keep in mind the tension applied to your scalp (including your edges) while protective styling. Also, keep in mind how quickly your hair tends to loc or mesh. So long as you know the limits your hair can take, then protective styling can work well for you.

2. The women in your family have shoulder length hair. You can only reach shoulder length.

Yes, genetics is an indication of how long our hair will grow, but our ability to retain that length impacts how much of that growth we will see. If my hair grows six inches in one year, but I only retain two of those inches, then I only have those two inches of growth to show. The reality is that breakage (from chemicals, over-manipulation, etc.) can keep a woman at shoulder length when she might have the potential to reach mid-back or waist length. This very woman may be your mother, sister, aunt, and/or grandmother, but it does not have to be you. If you master length retention, you can reach your length potential.

3. Trimming will prevent length retention.

This is not always true. In most cases, severely damaged, thinning ends must be cut in order to allow for visible length retention of the healthy segment of your strands. Holding onto such ends, which may eventually break off, will just make your hair appear as though it is not growing. Additionally, severely split or thin ends can sometimes lead to damage further up the strand or pose a threat to healthier strands (e.g., by increasing tangling). The only point at which trimming can prevent length retention is when you are cutting off fairly healthy ends.

4. It is very easy to retain length in Type 3 hair.

While it is true that those of us with Type 4 hair (i.e., super coily to extra kinky) may face challenges due the nature of our pattern, or lack thereof, length retention is not necessarily “a walk in the park” for those with Type 3 hair. Texture (fine versus medium versus coarse), moisture maintenance, how you detangle, how much you manipulate your hair, the current state of your hair (healthy or damaged), and other factors also play important roles in the “ease” of length retention.

Originally written by me for BGLH!

Mixology || DIY Avocado Banana Conditioner

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 17:27:00 +0000

Are you looking for a moisturizing, deep homemade conditioner? Are you a fan of bananas and avocado for the hair? Then check out BeautifulBrwnBabyDol's DIY deep conditioner recipe. The ingredients are listed below while her instructions are in the video.

Ingredients:
1 whole banana
1 whole ripe avocado
¼ cup coconut milk
2 table spoons of coconut oil
2 table spoons of honey
1/4 cup of mayo
2 table spoons of essential oils (e.g., tea tree, rosemary)

Protective Style Lookbook | Freestyle Twisted Updo

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 15:15:00 +0000

By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles. Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)

Model: TJluvsbeingnatural

Difficulty level: 2/5

Description: Hair is stretched and loosely twisted into this style.

Honey Shampoo - My Experience Using Honey to Cleanse My Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 15:14:00 +0000

The use of honey in hair care is not new at all. Many naturals are already familiar with the humectant, mixing it into homemade conditioners and hair care products. But honey as a sort of shampoo!?! Now this use is not discussed as much.

I first learned of honey as a cleanser, a couple years ago, when I read this article on ConfessionsofaBlogVixen detailing the facial routine of model Dominique Stroman (pictured below). What she uses to cleanse her face are honey and brown sugar mixed together as a scrub followed by lemon juice as a toner. Her skin is gorgeous, so what can I say? Apparently honey is working for her (and it has also worked for women ages before our time). If honey can do no wrong as a gentle facial cleanser, perhaps it could do no wrong as a gentle hair cleanser?

Dominique Stroman

My “honey shampoo” experience: The cleansing

After reading a few recipes for a honey “shampoo”, I mixed up my own to try for myself. I poured approximately 1 part organic honey and 2-3 parts water into an applicator bottle and shook the mixture vigorously. Then I used it (on wet hair) as I would my regular diluted shampoo mix.


[LEFT] The homemade cleanser. [RIGHT] Product gunk – conditioner, dirt – after washing with the cleanser.

What was my first impression? Well, there was no lather (lather makes me feel like my hair is actually getting clean), but there was some level of cleansing happening. As I rinsed the solution from my hair and scalp, I saw the oh so recognizable “product gunk” running off my hair into the tub. (This was one week’s worth of gunk.) Now, granted this was less gunk than I’m used to seeing with my regular shampoo, but it was still gunk nonetheless. I was actually quite impressed.

The experience continued: Soft hair, too!

After rinsing and blotting with a towel, my hair was incredibly soft, which was an unintended byproduct of the cleansing. It was easy to separate and detangle as well as very hydrated and smooth to the touch. I was doubly impressed!

In summary: Does it really work?

While I found no concrete research on honey as an effective cleanser, there are studies that support its antibacterial and healing properties[1, 2, 3], especially with regard to manuka honey and medical-grade honey on wound care. Additionally, a review of honey in skin/hair care shares that adding this substance to a shampoo “has been reported to confer abundance to hairs (i.e., the hairs are less likely to hang together), lubricate, and make combing easier[3]”. It is also apparent that the use of honey in dermatology is “undergoing considerable expansion[3].”

Given my cleansing trial, I’d say that using honey as a “shampoo” is very similar to using a cleansing conditioner. There is a gentle level of cleansing that is ideal for times when you don’t want to strip your hair of all its oils. It also leaves the hair feeling soft and hydrated (which are properties of humectants) making the hair more pliable for subsequent sealing and styling. However, when you do have major product buildup that you want to eliminate, then I’d recommend using an actual shampoo, instead.

References:
[1]Carnwath R, Graham EM, Reynolds K, Pollock PJ. “The antimicrobial activity of honey against common equine wound bacterial isolates.” Vet J. 2014 Jan;199(1):110-4.
[2] Al-Waili N, Salom K, Al-Ghamdi AA. “Honey for wound healing, ulcers, and burns; data supporting its use in clinical practice.” Scientific World Journal. 2011 Apr 5;11:766-87.
[3]Burlando B, Cornara L. “Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review.” J Cosmet Dermatol. 2013 Dec;12(4):306-13.)

Originally posted on BGLH!

Healthy Natural Hair on IG || Kamisha aka @Dr_Kami

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 15:42:00 +0000

I've been following Kamisha on Instagram for a while, so I can tell you that her hair growth and retention is not from sheer laziness. She puts in dedication!

Dr_Kami. Source: https://www.instagram.com/dr_kami/

So how did she achieve such gorgeous, healthy natural hair? Kamisha (known on Instagram as Dr_Kami) lives mostly in twists and twist outs, which I'm sure is a key ingredient in her hair care recipe. If you peruse her page, you will see an array of styles incorporating both:

Dr_Kami's "Go-to Bun". Source: https://www.instagram.com/dr_kami/

Here are the details on how she wears her "go-to bun," which she leaves in for a week:

Gather hair into a high ponytail
Section the hair into four parts – (there’s a bit of science to this since the front most part is the longest when in a high ponytail. I like to keep the short and long halves separate. This helps to, 1) keep my twists full to the ends and 2) let me know where my ends are when refreshing and adding moisture)
Apply the @themanechoice Biotin Infused Gel and Avocado Oil to each section, smooth with fingers or styling tool, and two-strand twist
Wrap, shape and pin twists
Wear for a week 😉 And I know what you're thinking, the answer is no - I do not take my bun down nightly...and yes, it's styled loosely. I simply wrap with a scarf.

If you want to follow Dr_Kami, check her out at: https://www.instagram.com/dr_kami/

She will also start loading videos to YouTube in the near future. Here is her channel: Simply Kamisha

Dr_Kami. https://www.instagram.com/dr_kami/

My Hair Story Continued || The Difficult Balance Between Enjoying My Hair And Growing It Out (2013-2016)

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 15:36:00 +0000

In case you missed Part I: How I Went from a TWA to Waistlength (2008-2013).

So after reaching a length that I never dreamt I would, I decided to have more fun with my hair. My initial plan was to maintain the length while experimenting with styles and such. If my hair grew longer, then great. But it would at least stay waist length .. or close to it, right? WRONG. Just because I had been natural for five years (at the time) did not mean my hair was invincible to certain carefree practices.

Flat Iron Fanatic

(LEFT) Back to layered MBL after cutting thin ends (mid 2013). (RIGHT) Down to layered BSB after cutting more thin ends (mid 2014).

From early 2013 through 2014, I used the flat iron on high heat (350+ degrees F) almost monthly. I wanted to show my length. I wanted to wear styles without the limitation of shrinkage. I wanted to explore the versatility of my hair. However, the frequent heat usage resulted in thinning ends and necessary cuts almost instantly.

Color Craze

Obsessed with color

From 2013 to 2014, I also experimented with highlights, bleach, and color. First, I highlighted my ends to get an ombre effect. Of course, that was a bad idea which resulted in a couple of inches being cut. Then I selected strands of my hair (in the front) in an effort to leave the rest of my hair (and length alone). So the front went from brown to copper to purple to copper again to pink (yes, pink) to copper again. You would think that I was just ASKING for chemical damage.

Axing Protective Styling

Staple style of braid outs on super stretched (sometimes flat ironed) hair.

When I was actively growing my hair pre 2013, I was a hardcore protective styler ... but those days were long gone from 2013 to mid 2015. Sure, I wore twists once in a while. However, majority of the time, my hair was out and free ... usually in a braid out. I thought I had found a way to protective style less while still maintaining some length! Nope.

The Result

Mid 2015. Dyed hair back to black, trimmed again, and now scraping layered APL.

By the beginning of 2015, it finally hit me how much length I had lost via heat, color, and not protective styling combined. Waistlength (WSL) was far away at this point. After a fresh cut to get rid of damaged ends, I was barely scraping armpit length (APL). I almost wanted to cry but couldn't because I did this to my hair. I also knew that my hair had grown past APL in the past so I decided to return to some of my tried and true hair care techniques from that moment forward.

Stay tuned for the final chapter - Growing it All Back (2016 onwards) ...

10 Photos That Show Why Teyonah Parris is The Number One Natural Celeb in the Game

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 22:06:00 +0000

Originally written for BGLH!

Our favorite celebrity natural, Teyonah Parris, continued to stun us with her hairstyles this 2016! Throughout the year, she gave us more of her signature, elegant updos and fed us some new looks, including braids and twists. Check out these ten times that Teyonah did it yet again in 2016! And this was just the early half of the year.

Coiled top knot:

Feb. 4, 2016 – Source: Zimbio.com, Photographer: Alberto E. Rodriguez

https://www.instagram.com/teyonahparris/

Wavy chignon:

https://www.instagram.com/teyonahparris/

Twists with cornrows:

https://www.instagram.com/teyonahparris/

Goddess braid:

JANUARY 26: Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage, Source: GettyImages

https://www.instagram.com/teyonahparris/

Criss cross updo:

April 2016: https://www.instagram.com/teyonahparris/

Nubian twists:

April 2016: https://www.instagram.com/teyonahparris/

April 20, 2016 – Source: Zimbio.com, Photographer: D Dipasupil

Double-knotted bun:

https://www.instagram.com/teyonahparris/

Old Hollywood glam:

Feb. 9, 2016 – Source: Zimbio.com, Photographer: Imeh Akpanudosen

https://www.instagram.com/teyonahparris/

Curly set:

https://www.instagram.com/teyonahparris/

Classic puff:

https://www.instagram.com/teyonahparris/

May 15, 2016 – Source: Larry Busacca

Hair Diary || Pregnancy is Giving Me Dandruff!

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 17:16:00 +0000

Surprise!! I'm pregnant! (A little over 5 months now.) A LOT has changed since early 2016, including my body which is now growing a baby. 😀

Pregnancy comes with many symptoms about which I had no idea -- including seborrheic dermatitis. Being that I've never really had scalp issues prior to this, my skin has done a complete 180. Serious dandruff. Severely itchy scalp. However, it is all well worth it to produce my angel.

So, what have I been doing about my seborrheic dermatitis? My dermatologist friend suggested that I try Aveeno Active Naturals Nourish+Moisture Shampoo. After checking out the reviews, I noticed that a lot of users love it for its ability to tame the scalp while leaving the hair shiny and moisturized.

Unfortunately, the grocery store did not have it so I went for the next best thing - a shampoo with zinc, also recommended by my dermatologist friend. So, I purchased a bottle of Head & Shoulders. Thus far, it's been taming my itches (and flakes) and allowing me to extend wash days from every 4 days to every 2 weeks.

So, if you're pregnant and get dandruff, do not be surprised. Those pregnancy hormones can yield some odd symptoms.

How To || Grow Hair Long, Thick, and Healthy Fast!

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Sat, 07 Jan 2017 16:33:00 +0000

Happy New Year, everyone! It has been a WHILE since I've posted but I will get back to regular articles this 2017.

What to expect? More tips for healthy, growing hair. More "hair diary" posts on my hair. More healthy skin and body-related information.

In the meantime, let me introduce you to the best (yes, BEST) video summary I've seen on how to grow black hair long, thick, and healthy fast. I've been subscribed to this lady for a while now and can cosign that her hair has totally grown leaps and bounds in such a short amount of time. Check out the video below:

5 Gorgeous Pictorials for Natural Hairstyles

noreply@blogger.com (Loo) — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 15:53:00 +0000

Do you need some hairstyle ideas? Well, check these out:

https://www.instagram.com/brosiaaa

https://www.instagram.com/heycurlie

https://www.instagram.com/nae2curly