Curly Nikki

Tell me about yourself!
My name is Shanee’ (Sha-nay) and I'm from Detroit, MI. I am recent graduate with a degree in Health Behavior and Health Education. I am also a very new hair blogger for Envieechic.com.

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I was neither. I have been natural all of my 23 years but faithfully pressed/flat ironed my hair. My hair would periodically fall out or thin due to stress or braids so after my last sew-in I decided to go heat free. I have been heat-free now for almost 6 months.

READ MORE>>

Had you always embraced your texture?
I honestly had no idea what my natural hair texture was until about 6 months ago. I always thought my hair would be “matted” if I let it air dry so I was pretty shocked when it didn’t. In the beginning I had a lot of heat damage so my hair did not curl very well. Now my hair has recovered quite a bit (thanks to much deep conditioning and protein treatments) and I love my multi-textured hair.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
Well most of my family thought it was a phase I was going through and wouldn’t last. Since I have a history of frequently changing my hairstyles. In the beginning my mom wasn’t very fond of the natural look, but after a while she got used to seeing me with shrunken curls.

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
I call my hair Diana, because she is the ultimate diva. My strands are very fine and fragile. I like to joke and say that if I sneeze my hair falls out! LOL. Any amount of tension, even very light tension, my edges thin. My hair has always been thin but gives the appearance of being thick when in its natural state. My hair is multi-textured partly due to being color treated. The top and front is more wavy resembling 3c hair. The back and sides are somewhere between 4a/4b. My hair is very, very soft and requires very little heat to straighten. With any amount of humidity, moisture or touching Diana frizzes like crazy.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
It isn’t very crazy but I’d say dying my hair blonde is probably the craziest. My hair has been an auburn color since I was a senior in high school, but for my 22nd birthday I decided I wanted a change. I decided that change would be to dye the top/front of my hair sand/caramel blonde. I say this is crazy because as I stated before my hair is very sensitive and fragile so I took a big risk going blonde. Thankfully my hair only suffered very minor damage.

What’s your biggest hair related regret?
I would say my biggest regret is not going heat-free sooner. Wearing my natural texture helped me a lot with my self confidence. I have always been shy and suffered with some self-esteem issues. Having a big, bushy, golden fro it becomes kind of hard to hide in the shadows lol. It was something about seeing myself in the most natural state allowed me to learn how to truly love who I am.

What's your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
I co-wash my hair every week. Depending on what my hair needs, I go between Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat conditioner and Mielle Organics dew berry co-wash conditioner. Most weeks I deep condition my hair as well with either Shea Moistures Jamaican Black Castor Oil Deep Conditioner or Mielle Organics Babassu Oil and Mint Deep Conditioning Protein/Moisture Replenisher. I only wash my hair with shampoo once a month with Creme of Nature Soothing shampoo. I sometimes will do more if I’ve used gel to style my hair that week. To moisturize my hair, I use the LOC method. Currently I use Shea Moisture JBCO leave in, Mielle Organics Mint Almond Oil and Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea curl Defining Creme. As you can see I am very fond of Mielle Organics and Shea Moisture.

What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
Right now my favorite base style is a braid out with a curl (perm rods on the ends). I use this style to do my frohawks and high puffs. I love this style because it gives me the illusion of volume and thickness. YouTuba and Instagram are my saving grace.

Who is your curl crush?
I have so many curl crushes but I would say Taren Guy, Froginny, Helgashappynappy, Rerefined, and Kai aka The Notorious Kia.

How do you maintain your hair at night?
I usually do the multiple mini pineapple method or I will to big flat twists/braids.

How do you maintain healthy length?
I maintain my length by being faithful to my regimen. I do not allow myself to slack off and skip a step. Also protective styling is a must for me since I am very prone to single strand knots.

What's the best thing about being natural?
The best thing about being natural is the versatility and individuality. I love that no two curlies are the same. We’re all so different that people can’t help but stare.

Where can folks find you on the web?
I can be found on IG @_FlawsomeFro and on my facebook group “Curls, Kinks, and Coils. Oh My!”

Cassandre Beccai writes:

"Losing your hair is no fun. Learn what you can do to save the hair you already have, regrow what you've lost and stop hair loss and thinning in its tracks."

Watch Now!>>>

How do you remedy hair loss and breakage?

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?
I transitioned in 2008. It was a little hard for me. There were not a lot of natural hair resources back in '08, but I transitioned with protective styles like sew-ins and braids. The summer of 2009 I chopped off the rest of my relaxed hair. In the beginning of my journey it was all about getting to know my hair. I had to go through a lot of products to understand what worked best with my hair.

READ MORE>>
Had you always embraced your texture?
I did not always embrace my texture. At first I compared my hair to other naturalistas. I think this is something us Naturals need to learn off hand not to do. Once you embrace what you have, you can love what you have and enjoy your journey.

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?
When my father first saw my afro he said "When are you going to do something with your hair?" I replied, "It’s done? Why can't I wear my hair like this?" That is when I knew I would have to face not only my friends but society that labels having an afro as having a bad hair day. That was about five years ago. Today we can rock an afro more freely and get so much love and attention!

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)
My hair is thick, very thick and I love it!

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?
My first attempt at making a hair smoothie treatment with bananas, eggs and avocado was a fail! I did not have a blender at the time so I tried to mash the bananas as best as I could. It was horrible! It took me two days to get all of the bits of the bananas out of my hair! The next time I did the treatment I used baby food bananas. I definitely learned my lesson.

What’s your biggest hair related regret?
I regret not going natural sooner. That is my only regret.

What's your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favorite products! Deets!
My current winter routine: Shampoo once a month – Condition every other week – Protein treatment and hot oil treatment every other week
My favorite products to use in the winter are : Shea butter and castor oil! They are thick but perfect to seal your ends with in the harsh winter weather.
My favorite conditioner is Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Condition. It leaves my hair feeling so silky and soft. I always use this product in the summer for my wash and go.
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treatment- a tongue twister! Lol is my all time favorite shampoo

What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?
I love twist outs, BUT I try my best not to do them so often anymore. I do not have a specific hairstyle because my style changes up so often! This year I’ve done faux locs, crochet braids and even hair shadowing! I love the versatility of natural hair.

Who is your curl crush?
Naptural85 I love her Youtube Channel!!

How do you maintain your hair at night?
I sleep with a silk scarf and bonnet. I also have a silk pillowcase that I use if I cant fit my hair into a bonnet.

How do you maintain healthy length?
I get my hair trimmed at a salon every four-five months. If my hair needs extra TLC then I may go earlier. Protein treatments and Hot oil treatments are heaven sent for my hair. I try to do them at least twice a month. I maintain a healthy length by simply loving it.

What's the best thing about being natural?
The best thing about being natural is being able to inspire others to embrace their natural hair and share my journey with the natural hair community.

Where can folks find you on the web?
I have a Youtube Channel: Dear Claire and I’m on Instagram : @itsdearclaire

source

by Sabrina Perkins

I cannot start my day off right without a hot cup of coffee. It wakes me up and gets me ready for the world. I am well aware that my morning ritual has everything to do with my addiction to caffeine than to the flavor and I am far from alone. I am one of the many millions who need it to wake up in the morning. Some may need that tea or even a soft drink, but they are all means for that crazy thing called caffeine. What is it anyway?

Read On!>>>
Caffeine in its purest form is a white crystalline powder that is extremely bitter and stimulates the central nervous system. How Stuff Works says caffeine is present in over 60 plants and it can be found in coffee beans, tea leaves, and kola nuts, and 90% of adults use caffeine in one form or another. According to News-Medical, the FDA classifies caffeine as both a drug and a food additive and you can find scores of information on just how bad it is. Despite all of the bad press caffeine gets, it has some amazing qualities too.

For one, Authority Nutrition says caffeine improves various aspects of brain function including memory, energy levels, and general cognitive functions. It also encourages hair growth. I can go on but I think we are ready to hear a tad more about that! The International Journal of Dermatology found that caffeine stimulates the hair shaft and helps the hair grow faster by blocking the effect of a chemical known to damage hair follicles called DHT. This study just reiterated a finding in 2007 that found that caffeine increased the length of hairs between 33% and 40%. Dr. Tobias Fischer, the leader of the study found that “'Hair follicles that were treated with caffeine showed a highly significant growth rate at 24 hours, and still showed further significant growth at eight days.” This is great news, as it signifies caffeine may help restore hair growth or at the very least prevent abnormal hair loss.
So, this makes you want to up your caffeine intake by just downing a few glasses of iced tea or a couple of cups of coffee, right? Unfortunately, to obtain an adequate dose for those types of results requires around 50 to 60 cups a day and that is not an option, but applying it topically through hair products is. There are two reasons topical applications may be the more beneficial route.
Topical application would allow you to obtain a higher dosage than waiting for it to enter your bloodstream through eating and drinking. Topical applications allow for the higher dosage without the side effects that can occur from high-dose caffeine ingestion. Here are three popular shampoos with caffeine because simply cleansing your hair with them is not enough. The shampoo must stay on your scalp for at least a couple of minutes because it takes a while for the caffeine to penetrate to the hair roots and produce an effect.

If this is not the route you choose to take then you can add some liquid caffeine to your own shampoo as an alternative. Caffeine Informer says another way to gain the benefits is very similar to what I do with my hair tea. Pour cold brewed coffee over your freshly washed hair and allow it to sit on hair for at least five minutes and then continue with your conditioning. When it comes to hair growth, it appears that the benefits of topical applications far any benefit from ingesting caffeine. Drink your morning cup and know it is helping you in other ways than hair growth, and if you want a more concentrated effect then the topical route is the one to take.

Do you use products with caffeine in them?

Tiffany Nichols writes:

The Holiday Season is here and many naturalistas are looking for a way to turn heads during their next function. Well here's my Fierce Holiday Curls Updo for a little inspiration!

Watch Now!>>>

Alesha is naturally glam!

by Sabrina Perkins

Clay, mud, and fine-grained earth are all words that describe our mineral-rich favorite detoxifying miracle for our bodies and hair. Whether you choose bentonite, rhassoul, or kaolin clay, they all offer benefits that to some far outweigh shampoos. If you want to ditch shampoos for their harsh sulfates and surfactants, but find co-washing inefficient, then a clay wash may be the perfect solution.

These clays are born of the earth, and as we love using what the earth has to offer, clays never disappoint. In recent years they are becoming popular but many cultures throughout our history have been using clays to heal and rid their bodies of toxins. According to Wellness Mama, there are animals that will even eat dirt and clay to remove poisons from their systems during illness and distress. They are natural, potent, and mineral-rich to clean, detoxify, and condition our hair and skin. If you are new to them do not worry, as I am about to share some of the plentiful benefits for your hair, body, and even wallet!

Read On!>>>
Affordable
Most clays are inexpensive and the pricey clays tend to be harder to access. Once such clay would be the Dead Sea clay aka black mud. Harvested from the banks of the Dead Sea, it is hard to find any that is 100% Dead Sea mud so you pay more in comparison to other clays. Clays like rhassoul and bentonite can run you around $6 to $15 for a 1lb jar. A little goes a long way, as it has great shelf life and is usually mixed with water and aloe vera juice for application.
Availability

Now, nearly all products are accessible because of the internet! You can find just about anything anywhere with a Google search. Amazon.com, Etsy, and sites are making even the most remote product available to every consumer, but if online shopping is not your preference, then just going to your local Whole Foods or Sprouts will garner a wealth of products formulated with clays.

Detoxifying
Clays rid the body of toxins. Bentonite clay has the ability to produce an electric charge when hydrated and that charge gives it the ability to absorb toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and even chemicals. Bentonite clay is amazing at pulling heavy metals and toxins from the body with the montmorillonite that come in two forms: sodium and calcium. Both use the negative charge in attract and attach to the toxins and heavy metals. This clay is almost like a magnet to toxins.

Natural
If you oppose to using non-natural cleaning methods, then clay or mud are an excellent way to steer clear of them. Wikipedia says that clays have been used for thousands of years and the first recorded use of a medicinal clay was in 200 B. C in Mesopotamia. They are from this earth, natural, potent, mineral-rich and made with ingredients most can pronounce.
Prevent hair loss

Dead Sea clay, among others can be extremely beneficial for preventing hair loss. Heredity, stress, and even scalp conditions can be attributed to hair loss by the blood vessels in the hair follicles that shrink and cut off food and oxygen. According to Livestrong, Dead Sea mud contains manganese, which is a mineral that increases blood flow, so merely massaging Dead Sea clay or mud into your scalp and let sit for ten minutes will improve the health of your scalp.

Most healing clays and mud have amazing benefits for your skin and hair. Clay washing is affordable, natural, and easily accessible. Whether you DIY or buy pre-made bars with clay in them you will walk away feeling like you stumbled across something great.

How do you incorporate clays in your hair care regimen?

Via Global Couture, LLC

My name is LeKyndra and I’m from Missouri. I am a recent college grad, Mass Communications major. I work in a studio at a TV Station and at a Radio Station.

How long have you been natural?
I’ve been natural since March 2013, I would get perms every month (once I think about it that was way too much) then I went to even 3, to every 4, to every 6 months.

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I dyed my hair and because I was a basketball player and in college, I really didn’t properly take care of my hair, so it broke off. My mom cut my hair and I never looked back. I had about a inch and a half of hair due to me only getting perms every 6 months.

Read On!>>>
How would you describe your hair?
I would describe my hair as “Thickolicious” she’s coarse, but her looks are deceiving, my hair is super thick! Goes no where when the wind blows, can’t push her back, a pony tail puff is too much to ask for, lol.

What do you love most about your hair?
I love that my hair lets me rock many different styles, and really captures my natural beauty! I had to embrace my beauty with short hair (which I have never had), and rock the short look and as it grows it gets better and better! You stand out with different styles, textured hair, and I LOVE being natural!

What has been the most memorable part of your journey?
When I first cut my hair, many people were shocked I did it, because I had long hair, but I just love how people saw how I embraced it, no weaves, no wigs, or nothing, been rocking my natural since I’ve cut it! Along the way I’ve inspired others to go natural and the guys love it when you rock your style in confidence!

What are your favorite hairstyles?
You will always catch me rockin' my kinky fro, results from a twist out! I love the look it gives me. I wear protective styles as well.

Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Reactions from my family? They loved it, but where I am from, I don’t think people are used to seeing natural hair, so it’s “weird” and not “normal” to them. They don’t realize it’s in style, so at my job (I’m 1 of 4 black employees), I’m natural, and rock it very well, some aren’t used to it, but others love it!

What is your hair regimen (including favorite products)?
Favorite products: I mix Virgin Olive oil, water, and Cantu leave in conditioner in a bottle, spray it on my hair every day. I also use, Vatika Coconut Oil, Black Castor Oil, Black Castor Oil with Shea Butter, As I Am co-wash, and a variety of shampoos and conditioners. I also deep condition with each wash, and do protein washes with a egg mixed with conditioner and leave it in for 2-3 hours. I’ll also pour oil on my hair every night, and once a week sleep with a shower cap or plastice bag covering my hair (when it’s twisted) under my bonnet. I use a satin pillow case when the fro won’t fit under the bonnet.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s or blogs?
I youtube a lot of protective styles, but most of my hair advice I get is from Instagram my natural sistahs: @kinkykurlysistas @naturalhairdaily. I Love them!

Anything you want the readers to know?
Embrace your natural! Your natural won’t be the same as everyone else’s but that’s what makes it special! You can rock your natural short or long and the process is beautiful! You will find what works for your hair and what doesn’t, there’s nothing more sexy than a woman that can be confident in her natural state! (No weave) Your hair is beautiful as it is, and you stand out in your own way!! Love it, rock it and respect it!

Where can people find you for more information?
Contact me on IG @lovepeacenunity

Global Couture is trying to spread the word about embracing your natural hair. Love your HAIR, if it is wavy, curly, kinky or coily. Shop http://www.globalcouture.net/ and Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Are you naturally fierce? Email us to share your hair journey at blog@globalcouture.net

Hola Chicas!

For those of you that are new to CN, Fierce Friday is a way to celebrate our natural hair, displaying our dopest styles and best hair days... for inspiration and motivation. Wanna be featured? All you have to do is upload your favorite pics to Instagram with the tags #FierceFriday and #CurlyNikki. Be
sure to share a brief description of the style, where you were headed, why you felt amazing, etc.!

Top knot on natural hair -Joan

This wrap tutorial is LIVE on our Channel. Link in the bio ! #wrapyourcrown #wrapyourcrownwednesday #headwrap #turban #youtube #curlswithlove @curlswithlove

#hair2mesmerize #curlynikki #teamnatural_ #trailsntresses #myhaircrush #nhdaily @iamkayfitz

S/o to @created2worship_ She stays keeping my hair fly HIT HER UP!! @shehopesndreams

The color purple. #tagthesource #curlygirl #bighairdontcare #naturalistasinnap #indynaturals #curlbox #curlynikki @naturalistas_nap

#curlyhair #curls @curlgoddess

Mini twists in a frohawk and a red lip.Perfect for work. #protectivestyling #twists #Postbigchop #workhair #teamnatural #naturalhair #Naturallynigerian #CurlyNikki #FierceFriday #smileyoubeautiful @itenoria

A filter for freckles #naturalhair #healthyhair #transitionhair #transitioning #CurlyNikki #KinkyChicks #curlyhair @amyimogen_rinquest

Just me and my lopsided fro on a Tuesday #natural #naturalhair #naturalhairrocks #naturallyshesdope #teamnatural #bigchop @4eva_butterfly

Big Hair Don't Care Sunday Photo Shoot Selfie #backlikeineverleft #naturallook waiting to see what @divastatemind @mshairboss & @crystalrhone cooked up with these pics lol @vecoya

DiscoveringNaturalwrites:

I'm always looking for intriguing ways to stretch my natural hair. Airplaning is a method mostly used on relaxed hair, but why can't we try it on our natural hair and see if it works?! HERE GOES NOTHING, lol!

Watch Now!>>>

What's your favorite way to stretch your hair?

Have you ever done airplaning?

Maya is naturally glam!

by Janelle Sands

Is the notion that hair absorbs ingredients better when it is dry, true? This notion has puzzled us for so long. So, what do we do when we are not sure about something? We try it out to see if we feel a difference. Well, you know how this ends. We tried it, and if you are like me then you tried it once and ended up with no real tangible data to support a yes or a no? So, let’s take a look to see where the truth lies.

Read On!>>>

A Little Hair Science
Hair strands grow from the scalp’s hair follicles that are nourished by the body’s blood vessels and sebaceous glands. To grow strong hair requires a healthy diet and generally a healthy body. However, after the hair sprouts from the bulb of the follicle, it can only be topically nourished by the sebaceous oil producing glands and via topical products. Here is where deep conditioning comes into play. Deep conditioning is extra helpful because its softening, strengthening, and enriching benefits are longer lasting than the common rinse out conditioner formula.

Basics of Conditioning
Conditioners help your hair mostly through adsorbing into its outer cuticle. Adsorption refers to ingredients attaching to the surface of the hair. However some deep conditioners have ingredients with a low molecular weight and are designed to absorb beneath the cuticle layer also. To successfully adsorb the elements onto or within the hair requires the attraction of a positive and a negative charge. Conditioners contain cationic surfactants within them that carry this positive charge while the hair itself holds a negative charge. This attraction between the two allows for adsorption to occur.

Can hair be conditioned when dry?
The assumption behind conditioning on dry hair is that the hair shaft will better adsorb the ingredients without the water barrier. Technically this bears truth. If you apply a conditioner to the hair strands, the hair’s slightly negative charge will attract to the positively charged conditioner.

On the other hand, conditioning while dry might have the barrier of product buildup, sebum, or other debris on the hair shaft based on your lifestyle or styling methods.

Can hair be conditioned while wet?
The assumption behind conditioning on wet hair assumes the hair has been previously wet or previously shampooed prior to deep conditioning.

Water alone can raise the outer cuticle layer of the hair, which is beneficial to the conditioning process. Deep conditioning hair with on a raised cuticle can be helpful, especially on low porosity hair, which has /a difficult time receiving moisture.
Shampooing the hair with a negatively charge shampoo (containing anionic surfactants) will strengthen the negative charge of the hair and will raise the pH of the hair, which subsequently raises the cuticle layers of the hair shaft. Shampooing the hair also releases the existing dirt, debris, or buildup on the hair shaft that might inhibit your process.

So, which option is the best option for you? We consult the experts to help us discern. Susan Walker, founder and creative director of Earthtones Naturals, offers her analysis: " Deep conditioning can be extremely effective for natural hair that is dry, damaged, and breaking. Research shows that to get the most benefits out of the conditioner by way of it adsorbing onto the hair and then allowing specific ingredients to penetrate the hair, it should be done on freshly shampooed, wet hair. Applying the conditioner in this way can greatly increase softness, smoothing of the cuticle and improve moisture."

So how could this apply to you based on porosity and lifestyle?
Assess your hair on its level of product buildup and your need for a strong or moderate deep conditioning treatment. Weak, damaged hair (high porosity) tends to attract dirt and could use an adequate cleanse before conditioning. Coarse or low porosity hair needs some assistance with receiving moisture and can benefit from a cuticle-raising cleanse before deep conditioning for enhanced results.

On the other hand, natural gals that do not use a lot of product, no chemicals, and/or live a sedentary lifestyle without a lot of sweating may find that their hair does not require a heavy deep treatment. They therefore may decide to skip the wet condition and pre-shampoo session before applying their conditioner or they may choose to use a mild shampoo made of non-ionic surfactants or a shampoo with zwitterionic surfactants that hold a positive and negative charge.

The choice is yours. Add this additional information to your repertoire to make an informed decision on your deep conditioning methods based on your individual hair care needs.

Do you deep condition on wet or dry hair?

I'm about 99% sure that my girlfriend Tracee has an 'S' on her chest. She takes her mini-me to Disney like every year, they just did the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, they've already seen Frozen on Ice, they run marathons for charity, hit every kiddie concert, and I'm pretty sure last summer they swam with mermaids and rode atop unicorns. #MagicalMommy So needless to say, when she sends for you, you show up, ready to be great.

I got a text from her a few weeks ago letting me know she was coming to D.C. for the National Harbor ICE! exhibit and that Gia and I were coming too. The situation-

Join Frosty, everyone's favorite snowman, and his friends on their quest to the North Pole in a colorfully frozen retelling of this original Christmas classic! Favorite scenes come to life in more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including two-story tall ice slides.

Read On!>>>

I don't do ice, or cold, but I was game-- Christmas is my favorite time of year, and Frosty's my boo. Her next text, tho-- "'I know you. Don't dress cute... dress warm. I'm serious". So layers happened... and those hand warmer packets from CVS too. I was ready. So we get there and hand over the $65 dollars for the hour ($65 for 2 people... rude) and they hand us a mandatory parka situation to wear over our layers and coats. I should've known. We exit the lobby and walk down the hill to enter the majesticness. As we approached, I could see what looked like dry ice billowing out of the entrance. I also noticed the conspicuous absence of our people... again, I should've known!

We walked in and it was captivating... and then the chill in the air hit my regions. #Done

It was 9 damn degrees in that building, and when Tracee and Syd decided to hit the slide line for the 3rd time, my brain shut off, my body went into survival mode and the next thing I know, I was outside thawing. 50 degrees never felt so good! We did 7 of our allotted 60 minutes and I ain't shame. I got the gist. I text messaged Tracee when we got back to the deliciously warm lobby and spent the rest of the time watching Boog ride the train. It took 30 minutes for sensation to return to my feet and there's still something wrong with my camera.

she negotiated that slide so carefully... she inched down, scoot fashion, with her hands and her feet. #PoThang

Tracee was having more fun than the kids!

y'all should've seen me... I never stopped power walking... I was snapping and walking trying to get to the exit! I'm surprised all the pics aren't blurry!

'where are our friends, mama? We left them?' I kept telling her we'd find them soon, lol!

Gia, Syd, Tracee and LaToya!#Reunited

And since it was all about Gia on Saturday, we went to her bestie's house for dinner!

Later Gators!

Nik

What did you get into this weekend?

by Sabrina Perkins

Hemp seed oil is being touted as the newest healthy oil because its balanced concentrations of omega fatty acids make it nature’s perfect food. Natural News says this amazing oil is consumed worldwide because it was one of the first cultivated and consumed crops. Despite its perception by most, hemp does not contain THC or the principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant.

Read On!>>>
Hemp seed oil, which is pressed from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, contains 80% essential fatty acids, which is the highest in any plant on the planet. According to Natural News, this plant actually could provide all of our essential fatty acid necessities, which help to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, and more. Hemp oil has a plethora of medicinal, nutritional, and cosmetic uses turning this magic oil into a multipurpose ingredient. Mountain Rose Herbs says that besides being easy to digest in its raw state, it contains less than 10% saturated fats.

Hemp seed oil can do wonders for your hair, skin, and even nails since they are all formed from dermal cells and hemp oil is nearly identical to our own lipids. This allows it to penetrate our cells easily and effectively lubricate them. Hemp oil will nourish dry skin, blotches, and lesions as well as detoxify the skin and even out blotchy skin tone. No worries of clogging pores either. According to Natural News, new research is showing the benefits of this oil on eczema with a reduction in dryness, itching, and overall improvement in the symptoms of patents while using hemp seed oil.

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

Strengthen hair structure
It is no wonder that our hair needs to meet hemp oil. Hemp seed oil contains gamma-linoleic acid, which improves the condition of hair and contributes to keratin formation for stronger and healthier strands. Oilypedia says that the gamma-linoleic acid is a ceramide source, so it contributes to retaining protein and water in your hair structure.

Conditioning agent
Hemp seed oil will condition your hair and scalp with the high content of vitamin E. This oil is a natural moisturizer that boosts scalp health and prevents irritation and dryness. Great for winter usage, because it combats the cold, damaging outdoor air.

Improves elasticity and softens
The lipids present in the oil increase hair’s elasticity, volume, and shine while softening the strands from the vitamin E and fatty acids. Softer, hydrated hair is stronger than dry, brittle hair, and this oil is shoring up the intercellular matrix, which protects our tresses from moisture loss.

DIY Hemp Seed Oil Dry Hair Serum
by Kurlybella
1 oz coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 oz jojoba oil
1 1/2 oz organic hemp seed oil
1/4 tsp silk peptide powder (promotes suppleness, shine, and elasticity)
5-10 drops of essential oils (fragrance)

Mix oils in a 4 oz bottle. It is recommended that you store the oil in cool, dark place, as hemp seed oil can go rancid very quickly. You can use this mixture on your dry hair as a pre-poo, moisture sealer, and hair revitalizer. Hemp seed oil has a very nutty smell to it, so you can add a couple drops of essential oils to your mix to counter the nutty smell.

Do you use hemp seed oil?

by Bee of www.83toinfinity.com and

www.thebrownsugamama.com

So, I’ve been a proud, natural hair-wearing chick for the past 5 years or so. Just as I start to get comfortable in my regimen, comfortable with my look, and comfortable with what my hair choices mean to me, something always comes along to shake things up.

Here’s the scenario I’ve been facing lately:

Random person:“Wow – I love your hair!”

Me:“Thanks so much!”

Random person: “How long have you been natural?”

Me:“Oh, about 5 years.”

Random person looks at my hair again with slight disappointment.

Random person: “Oh.”

Read On!>>>
I often don’t have to guess at what that “Oh” means. Sometimes, they’ll come out and say with a tinge of pity, “Oh – your hair grows slowly, doesn’t it?” or “Did you recently chop it off?” or something to the effect that tells me that my hair length and length of time being natural don’t match up in their head. And there’s that word: length. These days I find myself thinking about fixations on hair length, and what it all means.

Now, to be honest – I did recently cut a lot of hair off. 2013 wasn’t a great year for hair health, and it really started to show. Stress levels, poor nutrition, and lack of proper time/effort all led to my hair being probably at its worst since I’ve gone natural. It got thin, stopped growing, broke a lot, and generally let me know how poor of a caregiver I was. And if that wasn’t enough, I decided to go all out and colour it for my 30th birthday – and then I continued to fail on the TLC tip. An appointment at Curl Bar a couple of months ago was all I needed to get back on track. I went back to black, cut off a lot of the damaged hair, and recommitted myself to letting my hair flourish in all the glory I know it possesses.

However, the responses and discussions around my hair have been interesting of late. My hair doesn’t look like 5 years of growth, I guess. 5 years of growth should mean a humongous halo of hair, kinks and curls as far as the eye can see, and a massive, beautifully uncontrolled spillage of locks – right? In an ideal world, that’s what I’d have. But I don’t, and it’s OK.

Well, it’s OK most of the time. I’ll be honest – I’ve had my share of fixation on my hair’s length, width, and thickness, and have often looked at myself in the mirror with disappointment when I felt I haven’t hit my mark. In the natural hair community, we tend to focus so heavily on length, for a variety of reasons. One being the beauty ideal that states that femininity is related to long, healthy, gorgeous hair. Another being the fact that we’re so amped to prove those wrong who think natural Black hair can’t grow. Both of those points have mattered for me, and while it’s great to have ambitions towards beautiful, big hair – I have to remind myself that there’s more to it than that.

Before I can focus on length, I know I have to focus on health. I really and truly have to do a better job of taking care of my hair from now on, and I can’t allow myself to slide like I did this year. I also have to let my length goals be secondary, and not allow others’ judgements to get me down.

Being that I’m a blogger who is a strong advocate of natural hair, I remain conscious of the fact that my hair is almost a representation of my work. Have I felt in recent times like I’ve disappointed people who’ve met me in real life? Call me sensitive, but yes. However, I have also become more of a supporter of the variety of hair choices we have at our fingertips. Grow it, cut it, loc it, colour it – the most important aspect for me right now is to take care of it.

Are you fixated on length? Have you ever caught yourself judging someone else’s hair based on what you think it should look like?

Tell us about yourself and your hair journey.
My name is Stacie Wade and I live in Los Angeles. I started a natural hair blog called Tight Strands, which celebrates the beauty of natural hair.

How long have you been natural? Have you always embraced your curls?
I have been natural for about 15 years. This past summer involved me ditching my pressed pixie-cut, and opting for wash and go’s and roller sets. My first undocumented attempts of managing my natural hair were…ummm…WACK! I couldn't stand it. I used Kinky-Curly products and wasn't a fan of the results. My curls felt coarse and dry. My hair was thick, short and silent-It didn't do or say ANYTHING! I looked and felt like Arnold from the 1980’s hit TV show ‘Different Strokes.’ I began to seriously question my decision of wearing wash and go’s!

READ MORE>>

What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper & why?
I didn't have a heartfelt reason changing my look. I just felt like rocking a fro!
I took the long route to transition out of my perm, and primarily wore wigs and weaves. I was much younger when I transitioned and didn’t have the confidence to chop it off! However, my hair would have been much healthier had I big chopped. My prolonged wear of wigs and weaves made my hair drier and more difficult to manage during style changes.

How would you describe your hair?
I’m a type 4, kinky-coily girl. The crown of my head is probably in the 4B range. The sides and the back are a texture that hasn't been invented yet.

What do you love most about your hair?
I am in love with the health, texture and shape/cut of my natural hair. My hair is healthier now than it was when I wore a press n’ curl. It fits my personality and lifestyle of creative expression.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy or difficult or both?!
I remember when this guy told me that he couldn't “figure me out.” My style was “intriguing,” and “different.” For the record, he was Black! It’s like really…me being natural is something to “figure out?” On the other hand, I love when women approach me to ask about products, regimens, etc. They get excited about starting their own natural hair journey. It’s unfortunate that many of us have to be coached on how to be ourselves and wear natural hair. The hardest part of my journey was figuring out which products work best for me!

What are some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?
Wash and go’s!

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural’? Any memorable reactions from family or others?
Ha! My family looks at me like I’m crazy. I remember when my uncle Charles (lol) asked, “What are you finna do to your hair?” I said “This is how I wear it uncle.” His response: “Oh.” That’s the gist of my family’s reaction!

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
I ALWAYS pre-poo with castor oil, rosemary and/or coconut oil before cleansing.
I love SheaMoisture, Soul Ingredient’s Heavenly Hair products and LRC’s Shake & Go leave in conditioner.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites, YouTuber’s, or blogs?
As for YouTube, I enjoy watching KashTV, Shameless Maya, and Mo Knows Hair. I love reading CurlyNikki and my natural hair blog, Tight Strands.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
Here’s my advice if you’re in the valley with trying to keep a positive self-image, maintain your natural hair and develop a personal style:
-DO NOT compare yourself to other naturals. I remember finding a picture, getting my products, trying the style and WHOMP, WHOMP, WHOMP…epic fail! I expected my coil-out, twist-out, and all the other outs to look like the photo, given the similarities in hair type. That approach doesn’t work since our tresses are usually made up of several different textures.
-DO NOT feel like you have to GO BIG with accessories. After my fro was cut my mother asked, “Baby, do you need me to buy you some bigger earrings?” But I wanted to get comfortable with my look and branch out slowly. Overcompensating with a lot of “stuff” is not good in any area of life! I switch up between all sizes and types of accessories. Sometimes I wear none at all.
Whether you wear a tapered fro, or bald head, just do you! Nothing beats the best accessory of all... self-confidence.

Where can people find you for more information?
Please visit http://www.tightstrands.com
Instagram: @tightstrands
FB and Twitter: tightstrands

by Christina Patrice

The new year is rapidly approaching, so you know what that means--gym membership spikes, more crowded lots at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, and an onslaught of resolutions to to live a healthier, more positive life.

I'm rooting for ya, I am!

Getting healthy and focusing on a balanced lifestyle will most certainly bring about numerous benefits, especially for your hair. If you've been struggling with dryness, breakage, excessive shedding, or just lackluster tresses in general, it may be time to put the deep conditioner down and take a hard look at what you've been doing (or not doing) to your body, and how it impacts your hair.

So when you're making your new year's resolutions, keep these 5 lifestyle changes in mind, because they'll most certainly put you on the path to a healthy body and healthy hair!

1. Get Active
If you ever needed some extra gym motivation, here it is: regular exercise promotes healthy hair and growth. Between overbearing employers, holiday traffic (well in LA, everyday traffic), deadlines, moving and shaking, stress can be at an all-time this time of the year. Amongst other ailments, stress can cause breakage and hair fall -- with the body's natural release of the hormone cortisol. Increased stress and therefore increased cortisol levels contribute to hair loss. One sure-fire way to eliminate stress and regulate/decrease cortisol levels is through cardiovascular exercise 3 or 4 times a week. Exercise also increases serotonin levels in the brain -- making you more apt to feel upbeat and happy-go-lucky -- and therefore decreasing the release of stress-related hormones that can trigger hair loss. Lastly, exercise improves blood circulation. Good blood circulation is key in transporting vital nutrients that stimulate hair follicles for growth. So while you're getting your body right for Summer, your hair is getting right too!

Read On!>>>

2. Eat Better
Eat a healthy meal, and you feel like you can conquer the world (or at least run a few laps). Pay a visit to __ [insert your favorite restaurant here], and you probably walk away from the table and right into a food coma. What's good for the body, is good for the hair. Eating healthy provides your hair with the nutrients and building blocks necessary to crank out the healthiest hair possible. While Roscoe's may not make the list, here are some foods that are known to give your hair a fighting chance:

Salmon: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B-12 and iron, salmon supports scalp health. Healthy scalp = healthy hair.
Dark Greens: Spinach, broccoli, greens, and others contain vitamins A and C, which are critical for sebum production in your hair follicle. Sebum is an oily substance secreted by the follicles and is regarded as your hair's very own conditioner.
Beans: Legumes prove themselves to be an awesome source of protein, zinc, biotin and iron, which are all key elements in hair growth.
Nuts: Walnuts, cashews, pecans, and almonds contain zinc, which is key in preventing hair loss.
Eggs & Poultry: Protein, protein, protein. Protein is an essential building block for hair.
Whole Grain: Great sources of zinc, iron, and B vitamins for hair growth.\
Dairy (low-fat): Calcium isn't just for your bones; it's important for your hair growth too.

3. Stress Less
We briefly touched on the stress-cortisol-hair loss connection a little earlier. Now let's go a bit deeper. Stress can make you quite literally yank the hairs off your head, but there is also an emotional and physiological component to stress and hair health.

Stress or being overwhelmed for one day isn't going to cause all of your hair to fall out. What can, however, is long-term behaviors that impact the body's internal balancing mechanisms. For example, if you are weathering through the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or a bad breakup, you are more likely to engage in behaviors such as not eating well (or at all), or losing sleep.

Your emotional response triggers a physiological imbalance, which manifests itself in hair loss. No, hating your ex won't make your hair fall out. But staying up all night lurking on his Instagram feed, seeing who's pictures he's commenting on, and hovering over the "send" button on iMessage most certainly can, over the long-term.

Other culprits of increased stress that aren't emotional but cause physiological imbalance and hair loss include: severe illness or infection, low estrogen levels after child birth, major surgery, strict low-calorie diets, and switching on and off oral contraceptives.

4. Sleep Tight
You know that "conquer the world" feeling you get after a great workout? Combine that with a great night of sleep and you're unstoppable. Why? Sleep is a restorative, repairative, and rejuvenating process for our bodies. While we're snoring (or is that just me? #TMI), our bodies are in recovery mode -- repairing muscles, tissues, and sending growth hormones (HGH) throughout our system.

The same growth hormones that are responsible for repairing our muscles and tissues are responsible for stimulating our hair growth. Although growth hormones are released in small doses throughout the day, higher concentrations are released at night.

If you are losing sleep (or your sleep pattern is erratic/disrupted by apnea or other causes), you're hurting your hair's chances to be stimulated to growth internally. In fact, if you aren't getting proper rest, you may notice that your hair is drier, more brittle, and breakage-prone than normal. So before you switch your sealing products, check your sleeping patterns.

5. Drink Water
One of the keys to shiny, healthy, and strong hair is drinking water. If your hair is dull, brittle, and prone to breakage, think about this -- how much water do you consume daily? Chances are, with the barrage of beverage options out there, you're not getting enough. Your hair shafts are comprised of about 25% water. Let's do some quick math here... If you're dehydrated (not drinking enough water), you increase your chances of hair breakage by oh... 25%?

I don't know about you, but I can't take those chances. So drink up. Some sources say drink 64 ounces a day (approximately 4 "regular" sized bottles), while others say drink half, or double your body weight.

My advice? Whatever you currently drink, double it every week or so until you reach an amount that is comfortable for you. Your hair, skin, and insides will thank you.

What lifestyle changes will you be making as we head into 2015? Share below!

Follow @ManeObjective on Instagram.

Via Global Couture, LLC

Tell me a little about yourself and your hair journey.
Hello! My name is Reneè Dumas, also known as Shanna Reneè. I am 24 years old. I currently live in Edgard, Louisiana. I attended West St. John High School and am an alumnus of the Class of 2007. I also attended Southeastern University in Hammond, Louisiana to major in Mass Communication. I graduated from River Parishes Community College (in Sorrento, La.) in 2011 with a degree in Liberal Arts. I am also a freelance makeup artist, an aspiring natural hair model, and a very popular naturalista.

How long have you been natural?
I’ll be 4 years natural in May.

Read On!>>>
What motivated you to transition? Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? Why?
My journey to natural hair actually came about without me even realizing it. My hair was going through the “growing out stage” because I had been rocking a Mohawk (I actually shaved both sides of my head, lol). I was at the point in my life where I just wanted a quick fix for my hair, so I wore quick weaves and sew-ins. I would not get perms; it didn’t make sense, because as soon as I took the tracks out, fresh tracks went back in. My cousin was natural, so she strongly suggested that I make the decision. One day I got annoyed with detangling the two textures so I grabbed a pair of scissors and that was all she wrote! I haven’t looked back since.

How would you describe your hair?
My hair is really curly-kinky. I have many different textures in it, which range from tightly curled to loose. It’s very easy to manage when freshly done. Now as it gets old, that’s a different story lol.

What do you love most about your hair?
I love that I can have options with my hair. I can create simple, but fierce styles and I don’t have to pull out a curling iron or anything that requires heat to be used.

What has been the most memorable part of your journey? Has it been easy, difficult, or both?!
The most memorable part of my natural hair journey would have to be when I cut my permed ends. I was so shocked at myself for doing such a thing, but I definitely don’t regret it. I saw myself as the naturally beautiful person that I am, without the permed, long hair. My journey with natural hair has been both easy and difficult. The easy part was that I accepted my hair for what it was and embraced it. The hard part was learning what products worked best for me, what styles I could achieve with my length, and not expecting the exact same results that I saw from other naturalistas on YouTube. It’s all about getting to know your hair and working with what you have.

What are (or were) some of your favorite transitioning hairstyles or current dos’?

I used quick weaves and sew-ins as my transitioning hairstyles. They were both very helpful and less stressful to help me maintain my hair. My favorite hairstyles are a high bun, high puff, and my Janelle Monae/Johnny Bravo inspired up-do.

What have your experiences been as a ‘natural’? Any memorable reactions from family or others?
I think a lot of people were shocked that I’d cut my hair because I’ve always had a nice, soft, texture of hair. They were like, “Why did you do that?” The reaction I got from my family. All I can say is thank God I didn’t care about anyone’s opinion about my hair. My parents were not a fan of my hair at all. I think they would have much preferred if I had wore tracks until my hair grew out, then permed it. My boyfriend at the time hated it as well. He didn’t have anything good to say about it. On the bright side, my best friends loved it! They supported me and encouraged me to continue on this journey. Nowadays it’s a totally different story. My family loves it. The compliments and support that I receive about my hair is amazing! Everyone loves my hair, both men and women. It’s great to see that people are more open-minded and love the “natural look.”

What is your hair regimen (including fav products)?
My hair routine is simple. I use all my favorite products that I know for a fact will give me the best results. Before I can wash it’s a MUST that I detangle with some type of conditioner, hair oil, and water, all mixed in a spray bottle. I then wash with Aussie’s Moist Shampoo, Pantene’s Truly Natural Clarifying Shampoo, or Shea Moisture’s Organic Yucca & Baobab Thickening Shampoo. I condition my hair with Pantene’s Truly Natural Deep Conditioner or Aussie’s Moist Conditioner. If I want to deep condition, I use Softn’Free GroHealthy Milk Protein and Olive Oil Really Deep Conditioning Treatment. My hair loves this stuff! Once my hair is clean and conditioned, I then apply Giovanni’s Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner with either my Motions Naturally You! Hydrate my Curls Pudding or Pantene’s Truly Natural Defining Curls Styling Custard. Then I two-strand twist my hair into 7 twists. I pull the twists to the opposite side of my head and secure the twists with hair pins. I let my hair air dry over night and I wear a wig to work the next day because the really thick parts of my hair are usually still a little damp. The day after, I style to my liking.

What are some of your favorite natural hair websites,YouTuber’s, or blogs?
Some of my favorite natural hair blogs areCurlyNikki.com,Blackgirllonghair.com,BlackNaps.org,Naturalisdope.com, andGlobalCoutureBlog.net (of course lol). My favorite YouTubers are Taren Guy, Nikkimmae2003,Colored Beautiful, African Export, My Natural Sistas, and CurlybyNature21.

Do you believe that your natural hair is sexy/exudes confidence?Most definitely, both sex appeal and confidence came from my hair! Honestly, I was never this confident about myself before. I feel like with every inch that my hair grew, grew some confidence along with it. It’s a great feeling because not only do I see the positive change in myself, the people that I’m close with do as well.

Anything you want the readers to know? Inspirational words?
I want the readers to know that we are all beautiful! Being a natural is much bigger than hair. It’s about being the person that God created us to be and loving yourself, despite the adversities/stereotypes that we are faced with. Natural hair is sexy, professional, and beautiful!

Where can people find you for more information?
You can find me on Facebook at Shanna Renee’ and on Instagram @Naturally_Beauteeful

by Michelle of Radiant-Brown-Beauty.com

Today I was thinking about co-washing and how it might be causing excessive shedding. That is, depending on how you co-wash, of course.

You see, lots of ladies co-wash their natural hair with a conditioner. Hence, the term “co” aka "conditioner" wash. Today, there are lots of products on the market meant specifically for co-washing. Yet, it’s still very popular to wash the hair with a regular rinse out conditioner.

Well, I got to thinking about the purpose of a conditioner…

Read On!>>>
A CNN article quote by celebrity hairstylist Juan Carlos Maciques of the Rita Hazan Salon in New York City:

“The truth is, “all conditioners smooth the cuticle, soften hair, add shine, and restore moisture”

All other information aside, I was paying particular attention to the “soften hair” part. If one purpose of the conditioner is to soften hair (which is evidenced by the common practice of applying conditioner after shampooing and hair strengthening treatments like protein) then it would stand to reason that applying the conditioner to the scalp would soften it as well, right? Okay, stay with me.

If you apply a conditioner to your scalp on a regular basis vs. just applying it to your hair, could it be that the hair follicles are softening and releasing the hairs prematurely? (the operative word being “regular”)

It’s been decided amongst hair enthusiasts and gurus alike that you should apply shampoo to the scalp and conditioner to the hair. But what if you don’t shampoo? If you co-wash only and use a regular rinse out conditioner vs. a co-wash product, should it also be applied to the hair only and not the scalp? Could it be due to the softening effects of the conditioner? If so, then is it possible that extreme softening meant for the hair can lead to the scalp shedding the hair prematurely from the scalp?

Here’s a pic of the instructional/benefits on a couple bottles of store bought conditioner.

It seems that the main purpose of rinse out conditioner is to soften the hair. Maybe, not so much for use on the scalp then. Again, this isn’t based on peer reviewed studies or lab tests, it's just an observation that can make you go, hmmm.

Do you co-wash with contact to your scalp regularly?

If so, do you ever notice an increase in shedding?

*********************

CN Says:

Very astute observation! I noticed more intense shedding when I was doing the curly girl method and I remember entertaining the idea that it was the co-washing. Makes sense to me. Although I still co-wash (using Aussie Moist) from time to time, I shampoo more often than I used to.

Also, while we're on the topic of shedding, remember the caffeine article? I've been meaning to share that I always thought it was the henna itself that kept my hair from shedding when I was using it bi-weekly, but looking back, it was probably the green tea!!!! Duh. Even though I don't always do full henna masks any more (with tea and honey), I'm going to find ways to incorporate tea into my routine. It really does stop excessive shedding in its tracks!

Were you a transitioner or a Big Chopper? What was your journey like?

I was a transitioner. I wasn't brave enough to rock a short cut. Now looking back at it, I wish I did so that I could have enjoyed my hair at that length.

Had you always embraced your texture?

When I was younger my hair was gorgeous; my mom didn't put any chemicals in it. Just a wash and go. As I got toward middle school, I went to a predominately white school and wished my hair was naturally straight like theirs, so I convinced my mom to give me a perm.

READ MORE>>

How did family and friends react to your decision to go natural? What was your response to them?

Family and friends were definitely supportive. Especially my husband. I actually did a video with him and how he felt about me going natural on my YouTube. We do a bunch of natural hair parodies on there.

Describe your hair (fine or coarse, thin or thick, highly porous, low, etc.)

My hair is thick and highly porous

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to your hair?

Craziest thing I have ever done to my hair was take craft scissors to it and cut it all off. I was so tired of the transition and I was ready to do it. Let's back up a little. My best friend who is a hair stylist was at my house and I told her I was ready to cut my permed ends off. She told me she didn't have her stylist scissors on her and I had to wait until next time I saw her for her to cut it. Well that didn't work for me. Against her advice I took full craft scissors to my hair and chopped it off leaving me with nothing but split ends!

What’s your biggest hair related regret?

Getting a perm. If I had just followed my mom's advice, I would have embraced it a long time ago!

What's your current hair routine? How often do you wash, condition, and style? Favoriteproducts! Deets!

My two favorite products are Moroccan oil and Elasta QP's olive oil and mango butter leave in conditioner. Not only do they both smell amazing but they leave my hair feeling nourished.

What’s your favorite hairstyle? Where do you get hairstyle inspiration?

My hair has a mind of its own so whether I had inspiration or not doesn't matter because it does what it wants! Overall my favorite hairstyle is a huge picked out fro it makes me feel super confident.

Who is your curl crush?

My curl crush is Rock Yo Rizos her hair is so healthy looking and beautiful.

How do you maintain healthy length?

I try to keep my hair always moisturized, because my hair is dyed it has a tendency to dry out faster.

What's the best thing about being natural?

Not being afraid of the rain!

Where can folks find you on the web?

Vlog:www.youtube.com/beautifullymarked

Make-up portfolio:www.ModelMayhem.com/BeautifullyMarked

Music:www.YouTube.com/Autie5cp

Modeling Portfolio:www.ModelMayhem.com/Autie5cp

Instagram:@I_am_that_limited_edition

Ever wondered how you can achieve super defined curls on blown out or stretched natural hair? Well, MyMoneeTV's got you! Watch and learn!

Watch Now!>>>

curlfriend, Zhara!

Hola Chicas!

I've received a bunch of emails and follow-up questions from you dolls about the Nettle Tea postand thought I'd combine three old posts (from 2009!) to give you a more comprehensive look at the power of tea for hair growth and thickening. Below, you'll find a list of common hair issues and the herbs and oils to treat them, Zhara's Hair Growth Tea recipe and Final Rinse instructions . Enjoy!

Hair loss/Growth Stimulating:
Oils: seabuckthorn
Herbs: basil, burdock, nettle, parsley, rosemary, sage, yarrow, kelp (strengthens roots), horsetail, hibiscus, fenugreek, coconut milk, lavender, birch, watercress (encourages thick growth), yucca, thyme, and coltsfoot.
EO’s: basil, cajute, carrot seed, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, orange, peppermint, rosemary, clary sage, thyme, ylang ylang, lemon, yarrow, lemon balm, parsley.

Read On!>>>
Dry Hair:
Herbs: parsley, red clover, rosemary, sage, burdock, calendula, chamomile, comfrey leaf and root, elder flowers, horsetail, kelp, bladderwrack, irish moss, lavender, marshmallow, nettle, coltsfoot, white pine, green tea, ginsing, coconut milk ,cocoa powder, chlorella, annatto, rose, and orange powder.
EO’s: carrot seed, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, geranium, frankincense, jasmine, juniper, lavender, lemon, myrrh, palmarosa, peppermint, rose, rosemary, rosewood, clary sage, sandalwood, thyme,

Damaged Hair:
Herbs: basil, burdock, chamomile, calendula, elder flower, geranium, lavender, mullein, nettle, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood, watercress, st johns wort, rosehips (strengthens hair shaft), hops, horsetail, ginko/fumitory (absorb nutrients), fenugreek, comfrey, cocoa powder, beer, alphalfa.
EO’s: basil, roman chamomile, lavender, geranium, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood, st john’s wort, hops, parsley.

Dull Hair:
Herbs: basil, burdock, calendula, chamomile, fennel, horsetail, linden, marshmallow, mullein, nettle, parsley, rosemary, sage, watercress, kelp, fenugreek, cocoa powder, beer, alfalfa, hops.
EO’s: basil, roman chamomile, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, rosemary, parsley, clary sage.

Irritated Scalp:
Herbs: calendula, catnip, chamomile, comfrey, yucca, watercress, oregano, marshmallow, hops, hyssop, ginko, fenugreek, elder, cocoa powder, alfalfa .
EO’s: roman chamomile, blue chamomile, oregano, hops, hyssop, fennel, catnip, hyssop,

Sensitive Scalp:
Herbs: burdock, calendula, chamomile, horsetail, marshmallow, nettle, oregano, yucca, milk thistle, hyssop, fennel, elder, lavender .
EO’s: chamomile, cedarwood, clary sage, ylang ylang, hyssop, lavender, oregano.

Dandruff:
Oils: Neem
Herbs: burdock, horsetail, lavender, nettle, peppermint, rosemary, sage, thyme, willowbark, yucca, parsley, green tea, fenugreek, coltsfoot.
EO’s: bay, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, lemon, myrrh, patchouli, peppermint, pine, rosemary, tea tree, ylang ylang.
*From LongHairCommunity

*Remember, just because something is 'natural' doesn't mean it's good for you. Talk to your doctor before starting any herbal treatment. If you are pregnant or lactating be aware that there are many herbs you must steer clear of. Do your research, chicas!

I noticed that many of the herbs and essential oils listed above can actually resolve several hair issues all at once. For those of you that don't find much joy in whipping up your concoctions, a product that used to be a staple of mine, Oyin's Frank Juice, contains many of the above. Here's the ingredient list- Purified water infused with horsetail, lavender, nettle, roses, and chamomile; organic flaxseeds; aloe vera juice; vegetable glycerine; essences of lavender, sweet orange, ylang ylang, and rosemary; grapefruit seed extract; citric acid; and love

**************************************

Zhara's Hairsational Organic Herbal Hairgrowth Tea

Healthy nutrition and exercise are definitely the most important part of your natural hair care regime in my opinion.

What goes in the body is a good reflection of what comes out; physically, mentally and Vanity! Homemade, organic herbal tea is like drinking a liquid vitamin in its most purest form beacuse it absorbs directly into the bloodstream.

This organic tea contains many special vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients to enhance healthy skin, hair and nails!

It has excellent Health & Beauty benefits like purifying the blood, boosting circulation, promoting healthy hair growth, glowing skin, strong lustrous nails and the list goes on! Some of the herbs are detoxifying, so it’s also a great way to gently cleanse the body on a regular basis!

Drink this fresh homemade Organic Wellness Tea as part of your daily health and hair care regimen... Cheers!

Recipe

2tbs lemon balm ( melissa )

1tbs lavendar flowers

1tbs peppermint leaves

1tbs chamomile flower

1tbs rose petal

1tbs nettle

1tbs horsetail

1tbs coltsfoot

1tbs burdock root

1tbs oatstraw

1tbs alphalpha

1tbs rose hip

2tbs dandelion leaves

2tbs rasberry leaves

1/2 tsp ginger root

**For more information on the health properties and nutritional benefits of each individual herb click on this link to my favourite herbal chart online!**

You can use a reusable silk or linen tea pouch, a stainless steel tea infuser or get some of the disposable unbleached tea bags at your local grocer!

Steep the tea leaves for a least 10 mins and enjoy by itself or with a tiny bit of any natural/organic sweetner like Agave, brown rice syrup, raw honey, maple syrup, stevia ect.

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Final Rinse

After receiving Zhara's Hair Growth Tea recipe, I thought it'd be cool to compile a list of herbs for the purposes of your final rinse on wash day (prior to styling).

Catnip: Promotes healthy hair growth--many women on longhaircommunity swear by this stuff for long, strong hair.

Chamomile: Softens hair, soothes the scalp, lighten and conditions (people use it with honey to bring out natural highlights). Chamomile is also known to stimulate growth.

Horsetail: Helps brittle hair due to its high silica content.

Lavender: Stimulates hair growth

Nettle: conditions, improves texture, helps with dandruff, irritated scalp, and dry scalp

Parsley: enriches hair color and gives a nice luster

Plantain: great for dry, irritated scalp, dandruff, and seborrhea

Peppermint: stimulates the scalp

Rosemary: Acts as a tonic and conditioner, one of the best herbs to use, gives luster and body, stimulates growth, helps with dandruff, and brings out dark highlights in the hair.

Sage: Very effective in restoring color to graying hair, excellent for weak brittle hair

Saw Palmetto: good for thinning hair and hair loss

Thyme: good for oily hair and dandruff

Witch Hazel: cleanses hair

After you've decided which herb(s) will get the job done, follow the steps below:

Place the herb(s) in a pitcher (glass is ideal).
Pour boiling water over the herb(s), cover, and steep for 10-20 minutes.
Strain the mixture and allow the liquid to cool.
Pour over your head after your regular shampoo, condition, and detangling session. Do not rinse.

Buy your herbs in bulk from one of the following:

Bulk Herb Store

Mountain Rose Herbs

Herbco.com

Add these herbs to your next wash day or to your next batch of henna!

Do you use herbs in your hair regimen?

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