I Love My Kinky Curly Natural Hair......."Moisturizing Oils/Butters and Benefits"

Moisturizing Oils/ Butters and Benefits
Using oils in your natural tresses can boost moisture, shine, growth and over all appearances. Here are some of the most important oils to use to attain your desired results. You can use these separately or you can combine your favorite ones and make your own oil solution. Please feel free to comment below any recipes or other benefits of these oils that you have found out personally.
*All oils are natural and do have a shelf life depending on the oils. Also some oils should be avoided if pregnant and if you have allergic reactions to nuts or other substances that the oil/butters comes from.

• Aloe Vera oil/ gel: Stimulates hair growth.
• Avocado oil: Avocado oil has a number of nutrients that can benefit the growth and the health of all kinds of hair, especially dry hair. It contains essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins A, D, E and B6, magnesium, copper, iron, amino acids and folic acid, all of which is extremely essential for hair growth and nourishment. It is also a rich source of Lecithin which gives it good penetrative qualities. It is also known to have natural sunscreen properties that can protect the hair and scalp from the damage caused by the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. It works better when blended with other oils like almond oil or olive oil which are also very good for hair care. The various benefits of avocado oil for hair care can be enjoyed in a number of ways.

• Castor Oil (Great for moisture and hair loss):Castor oil is the ultimate must-have for taming frizzy locks, removing split ends, and curing dandruff. Moreover, if too much stress, emotional tension, or simple old age causes your hair to break easily and fall out in alarming proportions, then it is time for you to try this natural, organic remedy to give your crowning glory that much needed rejuvenation.

• Cocoa Butter: Cocoa butter can add volume to fine hair and increase its resilience for styling.

• Coconut oil (Great for shine): The molecular structure of coconut oil makes it easier to penetrate through the hair shaft and works with the natural hair proteins. Coconut oil is also used to treat conditions like dry scalp or fungal conditions like seborrheic dermatitis that cause itchy flakes. Ordinary shampoo formulation results in protein loss during washing. Coconut oil can minimize protein loss, as it contains the medium-chain triglycerides that can pass through the cell membrane and waterproof the scalp and hair.

• Grapeseed Oil (Great for moisture): Grapeseed oil is rich with antioxidants and has many beneficial properties for the hair and scalp. It is easily absorbed into the body and is good for people with sensitive skin because of its non-allergenic properties.

• Jojoba oil(Great for moisture): Adding jojoba oil to your hair routine is a simple process that will provide numerous rewards. Just mix a few drops into your favorite conditioner and apply as usual. When you rinse it out the beneficial properties of the oil will be retained in the hair. You can also put a few drops on your palm and work it through the ends of your hair prior to blow drying for added conditioning. If you hair is looky frizzy or dull then the addition of a small amount of jojoba oil will smooth out the cuticle and make your hair shiny and healthy looking. It has also been said that by massaging some jojoba oil into the scalp that you will promote thick, lustrous hair.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil/EVOO (Great for moisture and thick hair): Olive Oil is nature’s moisturizer.   Extra Virgin Olive Oil, (EVOO), is a great way to add moisture as a pre-shampoo treatment for natural hair. It’s also a great way to add some moisture to the scalp during winter months. Last, it  fights dryness in natural hair. I’ve found that using EVOO 1-2 times per week really helps build back the moisture into my hair, which quickly dries out from perspiration during my workouts.  

• Mango Butter: Mango butter has emollient properties that moisturize the skin. When applied, it reduces degeneration of skin cells and restores flexibility.

• Safflower Oil (Great for Hair Growth): Safflower oil is highly rich in polyunsaturated fats, containing 77% linoleic acid (omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)), 10% saturated fats, and 13% oleic acid (omega-9s - monosaturates). It also comprises high levels of vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol and phytosterols, and so helps in preventing and treating EFA deficiencies in the body. Safflower oil for hair growth contains high amounts of oleic acid, which is light in texture and penetrates the skin easily. This protects, nourishes, hydrates and firms the hair. Being extremely rich in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, it is highly beneficial for dry, color treated or perm hair. When applied to the scalp, it acts as an vasolidator which can dilate the blood vessels, resulting in more nutrients supply to the hair follicles through blood circulation, and a healthy environment for hair regrowth.

• Sesame Oil:Sesame oil is highly nourishing, and excellent for dry scalp treatment. Massaging in the scalp will control dryness and flakiness, thus, helping in hairloss prevention. Sesame oil is known for its hair darkening qualities, hence very useful for those who suffer from pre-mature hair graying or who have plenty of gray hair.

• Shea Butter: Natural hair tends to become dry. Shea Butter is a super dense emollient. Apply shea butter to seal in water moisture. Spray your hair with water or a moisturizing product with a high water content. Put a small amount of shea butter into the palm of the hand and rub the hands together briskly to melt. Coat the moistened hair with the shea butter to seal in moisture.

• Sweet Almond Oil(Great for moisture & hair growth): Treating the scalp and hair to sweet almond oil, benefits follicles, prevents hair loss, provides shine and strengthens hair.

• Wheat Germ Oil: Wheat germ oil is an extremely rich, unrefined oil. It is packed with vitamins D, A and E, and is rich in protein. This unique oil is extracted from the wheat germ plant (Triticum vulgare). A few drops of wheat germ oil are typically massaged into the scalp, either all over, or in spots where signs of hair loss are most evident. The massage itself can be beneficial, as it draws blood to the scalp area, bringing with it extra nutrients that can promote hair growth and healthy hair follicles. Massage wheat germ oil into your scalp on a daily basis.

Compliments of I Love My Kinky Curly Natural Hair

My Favorite Natural Hair YouTube Channels and Videos

My Top 5:

KimmayTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/kimmaytube?blend=1&ob=5

Naptural85:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Naptural85?

MopTop Maven:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MopTopMaven

CoilsKinksCurls:
http://www.youtube.com/user/CoilsKinksCurls

SimplYounique:
http://www.youtube.com/user/SimplYounique

8 Fabulous Natural Oils For Natural Hair (+1 more bonus oil added by Abena Sereese)

8 Fabulous Natural Oils For Natural Hair
By Dr. Phoenyx Austin

Dr. Phoenyx (read as “The Brain”): Hola chicas- Phoenyx here!!

ILMKCNH readers (read as “Pinky”): And what are we going to talk about today doc?

Dr. Phoenyx: What we talk about everyday ladies—how to take over the CURL!

Good morning ladies! Do you tend to rely solely on big, brand named products for your hair care? Well you don’t always have to. Sometimes the best products are actually very simple- and even cheaper. What are these simple hair products? Well they’re natural oils. I’m a natural haired woman and know first-hand that natural oils are amazing for hair. They work wonders on my hair. And I’ve been using natural oils for years to make my hair softer, shinier, and even stronger. So if you haven’t already, why not check out a couple or all of these 8 fabulous natural oils for natural hair. And let me know how they work for you!

Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is particularly great for natural hair. It’s loaded with nutrients, amino acids, essential fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, B, D, and E.  And it’s excellent for moisturizing, deep conditioning, improving hair strength, strengthening hair, and boosting shine.
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Castor Oil
Castor oil thickens hair, promotes hair growth, prevents thinning, moisturizes, helps reduce split ends, helps to tame frizz, and prevents scalp infections.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is great for preventing dandruff, promoting hair growth, moisturizing, strengthening hair, thickening hair, and preventing damage.
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Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is great for skin and hair. It has a very similar chemical makeup to sebum- an oily/waxy matter that your skin naturally makes. Many like it because it’s non-greasy, odorless, and colorless. It also makes an ideal daily moisturizer and conditioner- especially for dry, damaged hair.
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Olive Oil (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
Olive oil, which is also referred to as the “godmother of hair oil,” is great for moisturizing, deep conditioning,  improving hair strength,  eliminating dandruff, and also has powerful antioxidants that can help fight hair loss.
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Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil is great for stimulating hair follicles for hair growth, preventing hair loss and greying, preventing dandruff, strengthening hair, and boosting shine.



Safflower Oil
Safflower oil protects hair, nourishes hair follicles, moisturizes, and stimulates blood circulation to promote hair growth and thickness. And it is extremely beneficial for natural as well as dry chemically treated hair.
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Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil works great as a “sealant.” This means that it “locks-in” moisture. Sweet almond oil also nourishes hair, smoothes hair cuticles to control shedding, promotes hair growth and thickness, prevents hair loss, and boosts shine.
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*Vegetable Glycerine (added by Abena Sereese)

Vegetable glycerine's moisturizing properties are beneficial for hair as well as skin. Dry, brittle hair will benefit from using hair care products made with it. Direct application of the oil can be extra powerful. If someone suffers from a dry, flaky scalp, rubbing vegetable glycerine into it can alleviate this irritation. This can be particularly beneficial for African-American women who tend to have these types of hair issues. In addition to its moisturizing properties, it also strengthens the hair and makes breakage and split ends less likely.

Compliments of Natural Beauties/ Abene Sereese

Natural Hair Terminology: List covers questions like...What is co-washing or what is TWA etc.

Natural Hair Terminology:

• 2nd Day Hair: Naturally curly hair that stays curly and looks good the next day and do not turn frizzy.
• 3a|3b|3c: Classification numbers for naturally loose curly hair. This hair system was created by Andre Walker.
• 4a|4b|4c: Classification numbers for naturally tight kinky curly hair. This hair system was created by Andre Walker.
• Accordion Technique: A method, from the book [Curly Girl] by Lorainne Massey, to help define curls by scrunching your hair in the formation of an accordion.
• ACV :| Apple Cider Vinegar. The acidity is close to that of natural hair, so it is used as a final rinse after shampooing and before conditioning, to promote healthy hair by tightening and sealing the cuticle.
• Afro: hairstyle that is rounded in shape and naturally curly coiled hair
• AO: Aubrey Organics..Hair care product line that contains natural and organic ingredients.
• APL: Arm Pit Length..A guide to the length of your hair growth in reference to when the hair reaches your arm pit.
• Argan Oil: Oil rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids produced from the kernels of the argan tree grown organically in Morocco. Can be used as a fast absorbing daily moisturizer or to heal and condition cuticles and split ends. Also known as Moroccan Oil.
• BAA : Big A** Afro..A really large Afro which is obtained with long naturally curly and or kinky hair.
• Baggy: A method to help reduce breakage, split ends, and dryness. After moisturizing your hair and sealing it at night, put a plastic cap or shower cap on overnight to help your hair retain the moisture it needs for maximum growth retention.
• Bantu Knot: Hairstyle created when the hair is sectioned off in diamond, triangle or square shapes and twisted into knots. Also known as Zulu knots.
• Bantu Knot Out: Hairstyle created by sectioning the hair into Bantu Knots on damp wet hair and then after it dries, the knots are taking out to achieve defined curly hair.
• BC: Big Chop..Cutting relaxed or chemically treated hair completely off to leave only natural textured hair.
• BKT:Brazilian Keratin Treatment..A temporary hair straighten treatment that does not use harsh chemicals, but has been known to be damaging to the hair
• BNC : Braid n Curl..Hairstyle achieved by plaiting or braiding damp or moist hair and curling the ends with rollers or flexi rods. Air dry overnight or use a hair dryer. Then take out the rods and braids to reveal deep wavy and curly hair.
• Bradelocz1: Also seen as Braidlocs or Braidlocks. A method of locking the hair with small braids and maintained by either latching or palm-rolling (twisting). This technique does not require a Big Chop (BC). The Bradelocz e-book was written by Cherie King.
• Braid Out: Hairstyle achieved by braiding damp or moist hair in cornrows or single braids and after it drys the hair is unraveled to reveal more defined curly hair.
• BSL: Bra Strap Length..A guide to the length of your hair growth in reference to when the hair reaches where your bra strap is positioned on your back.
• BSS :Beauty Supply Store
• Buds :(Budding) First stage of dreadlocks and locking your hair, when a knot is formed as the nucleus of each lock.
• CBL: Collar Bone Length..A guide to the length of your hair growth in reference to when the hair reaches your collar bone.
• CG: Curly Girl..A method, [Say no to shampoo, unplug the dryer, and find your inner curl!], designed to achieve your best natural curls based on the book [Curly Girl] written by Lorraine Massey.
• Co-wash: A method of washing your hair with conditioner only. This type of washing avoids harsh results from frequent washing with shampoos that contain detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, and helps to keep natural black hair soft and manageable.
• Comb coils: A hairstyle technique achieved by placing the tail of a rattail comb at the root of small sections of the hair and turning it clockwise to create a coil. A great style for shorter length hair.
• Cones (Silicones)..Ingredients in some hair care products that are and are not water soluble. The non water soluble silicones must  be washed out well using a stronger shampoo or a clarifying shampoo or natural clarifying cleansing method or it will cause a heavy build-up on your hair.
• Cornrow: Type of braiding style where the hair is braided very closely to the scalp in an underhand, upward motion to create a continuous, raised row. The styles are endless that can be achieved with cornrow designs.
• Creamy crack: A term created by women who found it hard to stop relaxing their hair while transitioning, used to describe permanent relaxers.
• Denman: A company that produces a curl defining brush that many natural haired women use.
• Detangler :Type of hair conditioner that smooths your hair by coating it, so that the hair tightens up and smooths the scales on the outer surface of the hair or cuticle to prevent tangles.
• Detangling: Process in which you use a Detangler to soften and smooth the hair for manageability.
• DIY: Do It Yourself
• DT:  Deep Treatment..Also known as DC (Deep Conditioning). A treatment to help add moisture back into the hair, by leaving a moisturizing conditioner with a penetrating heat source on your hair for an extended period of time.
• Dusting: Evenly trimming 1/4 in of hair or less in which the name derived from the little hairs that looks like dust on the floor.
• EO : Essential Oils..Natural oils (Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Peppermint, Lemon, Lavender, etc.) that promotes healthy hair.
• EVCO :Extra Virgin Coconut Oil..A natural conditioner that promotes hair growth, strong healthy hair, prevents dandruff, and makes the hair shiny and soft.
• EVOO: Extra Virgin Olive Oil..A natural sealant used to seal and lock in the moisture from your moisturizer, while smoothing the hair cuticle and adding shine. Some use this oil for a Pre-Shampoo Treatment (Pre-Poo).
• Flat Twist: A two strand twist braiding technique similar to cornrows, by twisting the hair flat to the head
• Fluff: Finger combing your hair to obtain maximum fullness and volume for your curly hair
• FSG: Flax Seed Gel..Homemade recipe for a styling gel made with flax seed that doesn’t weigh your hair down, dry it out, or create flakiness.
• Henna: A natural colorant or hair dye, and strengthener, considered Ayurvedic (use of all natural Indian herbs)
• HG: Holy Grail..A statement used for products that you have tried and works perfect for your hair.
• HHJ: Healthy Hair Journey..Expression used to describe the journey a woman takes to achieve healthy hair.
• HIH: Hand in Hair...Also seen as HIF: Hands in Fro. This a slight bad habit to have to manipulate or play in your hair.
• JBCO: Jamaican Black Castor Oil..Castor oil that has been manufactured in Jamaica used to strengthen, thicken, increase hair growth.
• KCCC: Kinky Curly Curling Custard..A styling agent made with natural ingredients used to elongate and define naturally curly hair.
• Latch Hooking: A method used to maintain dreadlocks by incorporating the new growth into the locks to keep them neat.
• MBL: Mid Back Length..A guide to the length of your hair growth in reference to when your hair reaches the middle of your back.
• Nappyversary: Also known as Nattyversary. This is the Anniversary date of when your hair became fully natural.
• Natty Butter: Short name for Natural Butter that uses 100% all natural ingredients to moisturize and seal moisture into the hair and skin. (www.livingthenattylifestyle.blogspot.com)
• No-poo: A hair regimen of which you do not use shampoos to cleanse your hair. Some use conditioners in place of the shampoo also known as Co-washing.
• Palm rolling: A method used to maintain dreadlocks by helping the knots in the locks tighten and compress. This is done by grabbing a single dreadlock between the base of your palms and rubbing it back and forth vigorously.
• Pineappleing: A way of preparing your hair and sleeping to preserve your curls to have 2nd Day Hair. This is achieved by placing your hair in a high loose ponytail on top of the head and sleeping on a satin pillowcase. In the morning the curls are intact just by letting the ponytail down and gently shaking the hair.
• Pixies: Also known as Pixie Braids. For naturals, these braids are small individual braids all over the head without weave. Pixie braids are also braids with hair extensions (weave) that are small box braids, cut in layers and sealed with heat. These braids are usually curled or bent at the ends slightly to give them a shape towards the face.
• PJ :Product Junky..This is an expression used for a person who buys any and all hair care products they can find to try the next best thing on the market.
• Plopping: A way of drying your hair quickly and help enhance your waves and curls by wrapping your hair in a t-shirt or cotton cloth material.
• Pre-Poo: Coating the hair, for about 30 minutes or more, with a mixture of natural oils or a deep conditioner before you shampoo.
• Poo Bars: Shampoo or Conditioner Bars that uses 100% all natural and many times Ayurvedic Ingredients that are cleanse or condition without stripping the hair of its natural moisture. They can, many times be used for overall body cleansing as well.
• Protective Style: A hairstyle that tucks the ends of your hair away from being exposed to damaging agents such as sun, heat, and constant manipulation. The purpose and benefits of this hairstyle is to grow healthier, longer hair and reduce split ends and damage. Some examples are Buns, Braids, Sew-in Weaves, Wigs, and Drawstring Ponytails.
• Regimen:Your day to day or weekly hair care and styling guide.
• S&Ds: Search and Destroy..Process in which you occasionally search your hair for any split ends, crooked ends, or single strand knots and snipping it with a sharp hair styling scissors.
• Sealing: (Seal the Ends) To apply product to the ends of the hair to keep them moisturized and limit breakage. The choice of method is to use a water-based moisturizer (conditioner or cream that has water as its first ingredient), and then seal with a butter or oil.
• Shingling: A styling method, created at Miss Jessie’s salon, used to manually define curls by applying a leave in conditioner or gel with a comb, spreading the product from roots to ends in a downward direction while smoothing and stretching hair. (originally designed to use with Miss Jessie’s CURLY PUDDING™ or Miss Jessie’s Curly Meringue™)
• SL: Sisterlocks..Tiny uniform Locks. These locks are created by a method of a specialized tool that places the hair into its locking formation and does not require waxes or gels. These locks are very versatile and has hairstyle options just like relaxed individuals. (Edited by Abena)
• Slip: Describes how slippery a product is and how effective it will coat the hair for detangling. Usually in reference to a conditioner or a detangler product.
• SLS: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate..A high volume synthetic chemical, that is drying to the hair, used in many shampoos.
• TNC: Twist n Curl...Hairstyle achieved by two strand twisting damp or moist hair and curling the ends with rollers or flexi rods. Air dry overnight or use a hair dryer. Then take out the rods and twist to reveal deep wavy and curly hair.
• Transitioning: Process in which you take steps to stop relaxing the hair to grow out your natural hair texture.
• TWA: Teeny Weeny Afro...A small Afro about 1/2 - 1 inch of hair in length, typically in reference to the first stage after the Big Chop (BC).  Can also be achieved from removing Locks (Edited by Abena) 
• Twist Out: A hairstyle achieved by two strand twisting the hair (usually while damp or wet then air drying or use a hair dryer) and then unraveling the twist to reveal a crinkly wavy hair texture.
• Two Strand Twist: Also known as double strand twists, twists, or twisties. This hairstyle technique can be performed on dry or wet hair. Take a section of hair and divide into two even pieces and twist each section of hair around the other. You continue until all of your hair is twisted like single braids.
• Virgin Hair: Hair that is natural from the roots and have not been chemically processed or altered.
• Wet and Go: A hairstyle technique similar to Wash and Go (WNG), but you do not wash your hair. You drench or spray the hair with a leave-in conditioner and water to define the curls and style as desired for a quick hairstyle.
• WNG: Wash and Go...Also abbreviated as WnG or W&G. Method of co-washing the hair, adding a styling gel or cream and then go start your day. The hair air drys or you can dry it with a diffuser.

Brought to you by
http://allthingsonatural.blogspot.com/
Thanks Dominique!

Calling All Curls: 5 Quick Tips To Enhancing Your Natural Curl Pattern

[1] Use a microfiber towel or thick t-shirt to dry your hair. Remember to squeeze gently not rub in order to preserve your natural curl pattern and prevent frizz.

[2] Use COLD water when styling. Cold water seals the cuticles and makes for shiny, more manageable hair. If you need to rehydrate your hair while styling it into a wash and go set; drop a couple of ice cubes in a spray bottle filled with cold water and use it to spritz your hair.

Additionally, you may add a half-teaspoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to your ice water spritz. This is exceptionally useful for those with very thick, coarse highly textured hair as it makes the hair more manageable and helps coils "clump" together/

[3] Excessive manipulation while your hair is damp can disrupt the curl pattern causing frizz and curls that are nonuniform-ed. Instead, manipulate hair while soaking wet [using your ice-water spray mixture to rehydrate when necessary] to prevent excess frizz.

[4] Invest in a Denman brush! Something about this brush brings out the best in most curls, kinks and coils. Remember to thoroughly detangle hair prior to using your Denman to eliminate mechanical damage from brushing tangled hair while wet.

My new method goes something like this: spray wet hair with ice water + "smooth" a 2 inch section of hair by brushing it with a denman. Add gel or curling custard/pudding of choice. Then spritz again with cold water to encourage curls to "clump". This prevents stringy singular curls and enhances thicker more uniform curls.

[5] Use a shampoo specifically formulated for curly hair. This makes a big difference in the outcome of your wash and go. Especially if it takes a bit of work bringing out your curl pattern like me. I recommend Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Curl Perfecting Shampoo or Herbal Essence Totally Twisted Shampoo; as both are formulated with the needs of curly hair in mind.

Brought to you by http://www.moptopmaven.blogspot.com/

Complainments of Natrual Beauties/ Abene Sereese

5 BIG Tips for Shiny Hair NOW!

I receive a lot of comments about my hair regimen in relation to the sheen, so I thought I would touch on it in this post!  These are all methods that I implement regularly, and they all contribute to "the shine factor"

1. Shampoo Thoroughly - Don't underestimate the importance of thorough shampooing! Product residue is a hindrance to shine, and makes for dull, lackluster hair that may also lack body. I generally part my hair in four sections and thoroughly shampoo each section whilst in front of a mirror, vs standing over a sink
What To Do: 
Depending on how much product you use daily/weekly; it may be best to clarify the hair at least twice monthly, and then follow up with a moisturizing shampoo. Following up with a moisturizing shampoo deposits nutrients, and moisture into the hair shaft, and also restores the PH Balance of the hair; which prevents that stiff, dry, brittle feeling that may sometimes happen after clarifying.
Why Should I Clarify That Much?
If you use an excessive amount of product [and more importantly non-water soluble silicones], your regular shampoo may not be able to cleanse your strands of leftover creme's, butter's, oils, glycerin, etc. This results in product buildup on the scalp as well as the strands of your hair.

Natural Alternatives To Clarifying Shampoo's:

Bentonite Clay: 1/2 cup Bentonite clay + 1/2 cup water, mix well; then apply the mixture to hair with an applicator brush. Leave on for about 30 minutes, then rinse! 

Apple Cider Vinegar: [1/2 cup ACV + 1 cup water, spritz hair with mixture, then cover with plastic cap] for about 20 minutes prior to shampooing, as this will gently clarify the hair.

2. Rinse Cool -  When you rinse out your conditioner, rinse it old using COLD water; as this closes the cuticle. This is extremely important as a closed cuticle reflects light much better than an open cuticle. Closed Cuticle = Shine. Using warm/hot warm water to rinse out your conditioner should be a no-no as heat tends to OPEN the cuticle.
More Facts:                                                                                                                                                
If your cuticles are closed, your hair is less prone to frizz, tangles and matting
Styling your hair with raised cuticles can lead to breakage, and split ends

3. Always Use A Leave-In Conditioner + Seal In The Moisture - This helps keep the cuticle closed, and also makes for properly hydrated hair. It is also imperative that you use a water based solution as your leave-in of choice [water based molecules are smaller, therefore more permeable], and use an oil to seal in the moisture [the larger oil molecules acts as a barrier to help keep water molecules trapped inside of the hair-shaft].
My Leave-In Conditioner Recommendations:
Paul Mitchell The Conditioner [most professional beauty supply stores]
Oyin's Honey Hemp [online only]
Giovanni Direct Leave In [most health food stores, as well as ULTA and Rite Aid]
My Oil Recommendations:                                                                                                                       
Jojoba Oil - Perfect for those with fine hair [yet suitable for all hair types], this oil absorbs easily and doesn't leave a greasy residue 

Coconut Oil - One of my favorite oils for sealing in moisture. Be careful as a little does go a long way, too much can leave your hands, hair, face, and clothes greasy 

Olive Oil - Great for highly textured thick hair

4. Seek Ingredients That Enhance Shine - Skip the silicone's, and look for products that contain some of the following ingredients, as they are water-soluble [which means they don't "stick" to your hair like silicones], and lightweight [won't weight your hair down].

Look For These Ingredients:     
                                                                                                               
Silk Amino Acids - This is a water soluble protein that binds to the keratin in the hair which protects the shaft and also helps seal in moisture. Products containing Silk Amino Acids imparts shine to the hair, and also increases manageability. >>Transitioners should seek out conditioners and styling products with Silk Amino Acids as it is also beneficial in strengthening chemically processed hair.
Lecithin - This multi-purpose ingredient imparts shine, strengthens hair, maximizes hair growth, and restores hair texture.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: This is another natural product that helps close the cuticle, and restores the PH balance of the hair. This is also a good rinse to implement if you have hard water, as this gently removes mineral deposits left behind from tap water.

How to Use It:                                                                                                                                          
After rinsing out your condish, do a final rinse with TWO TABLESPOONS of Apple Cider Vinegar per THREE CUPS of bottled spring water [Start off with this formula, then up the ante with the ACV as needed]. Simply pour this mixture throughout your hair [be cautious of your eyes, this stuff burns], and voila.
There is no need to rinse out the ACV.  You will notice a distinct smell, however as your hair dries the smell dissipates.

For an added treat, add 1 teaspoon of honey to your ACV rinse for additional shine and moisture

Brought to you by http://www.moptopmaven.blogspot.com/

Written by Natrual Beauties/ Abene Sereese

Quicktip: 6 Small Tips That Can Make A BIG Difference In Your Twist Out!!

Braid outs and twist outs were not sooo not my forte early on in my hair journey. My hair always came out stiff, dry and had this weird crunch to it that for the life of me I couldn't understand [all pics have since been destroyed]. I was about two seconds from giving up on this "natural thing" [that's how I referred to it every time I got frustrated], and something told me to give it a bit more time for trial and error. Here's what I have learned:

1. Depending on your hair type, products that contain polymers [we discussed that here] or any other ingredient geared towards hold works best for hair that doesn't have a defined curl type. The polymers found in most of the curl creams and puddings on the market today create a light film over the hair that keeps the curls in place. What this means for you is; less frizz, more of a defined curl pattern, longer lasting style. Here are my product recommendations that meet the aforementioned criteria [These three products have consistently given me great definition and with a light hold]:

• Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Pudding
• Komaza Coconut Curl Pudding
• Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding 

2. Only take down your hair when it is completely dry. This is a big one! Taking down your hair before it has a chance to thoroughly dry may cause excessive frizz and major lack of definition. This may not be so for those that have more of a defined curl pattern, but for curlies like myself; we need that extra time for the style to set.

3. "Smooth" your hair with a Denman brush before twisting.- This makes all the difference in the final texture of my hair! My hair has more body and has a silkier appearance versus the times I skipped that step. To "smooth" your hair, simply detangle well and brush each section several times with your Denman before applying your styling cream.

4. A little bit of product goes a long way! I know I have mentioned the dime-size rule at least 500k times this year, but this is only because I find it so important to the final outcome of your style. When you are using products that contain Polymers and other film-formers, overdosing on these products could cause dull, dry, lifeless locks. Try using a dime size of curl cream per section of hair you twist!

5. Want to up the ante on the curls? Sit under a hard bonnet dryer for about 20-30 minutes prior to removing your twists. You should notice silky, springier coils that lasts a lot longer than your a normal twist out.

6. To create tons of volume, separate each twist as you take them down. The more you separate, the more volume you will have. Use a light oil to aid in keeping the hair neat, as well as preserving the curl pattern and preventing frizz. My oil of choice is Monoi De Tahiti Oil [found at Trader Joe's or online here]. For even more volume, lightly blow-dry the roots of your hair using the concentrator attachment.

To add volume using a hair dryer, gently grab the hair 2 inches away from the roots, and pull hair in a light stretching motion while focusing the concentrator attachment near the roots of your hair.

What are your tips for perfecting your twist out? Any products you can't live without?

Brought to you by http://www.moptopmaven.blogspot.com/

Written by Natural Beauties/ Abene Sereese

TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) Hair Regimen

PRE-POO

1. Coconut Oil  (My hair LOVES IT- makes it soft and moist)
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
3. EVOO
4. Vegetable Glycerine
5. Jojoba Oil
6. Vitamin E Oil

Scalp Treatment

1. Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil
2. Vegetable Glycerine
3. Jojoba Oil
4. Vitamin E Oil

Cleanse

1. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
2. Giovanni Deep Moisture Smooth as Silk Shampoo

Co-Wash

1. Herbal Essences Hello Hydration 
2. Alberto VO5 Moisture Milks w/ Soy Moisturizing Conditioner
3. Trader Joe's Nourish Spa
4. Want to try: SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioning Milk

Deep Condition

1. Nexxus Humectress
2. Trader Joe's Nourish Spa
3. Herbal Essence Hello Hydration
4. Albert VO5 Moisture Milks w/Soy Moisturizing Conditioner
5. Want to try: SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioning Milk

Leave-in

1. Giovanni Direct Leave-in Conditioner
2. Kinky Curly Knot Today

Sealant

1. Coconut Oil
2. Jamaican Black Castor Oil
3. Jojoba Oil
4. EVOO
5. Vegetable Glycerine
6. Vitamin E Oil

Detangle

              1. Kinky Curly Knot Today
              2. Wide Tooth Comb

Styling

1. Aloe Vera Gel (Trader Joe's brand)
2. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Hold Smoothie
3. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioning Milk
4. Bee Mine Bee Hold Curling Butter
5.  Want to try: Kinky Curly Curling Custard once my hair is longer

Refreshing spritz

1. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist

Style preservation

1. Silk scarf

Special Treatments

1. 100% Raw African Shea Butter
2. SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
3. ACV Rinse (Apple Cider Vinegar)
4. Vitamins I take to promote Healthy hair, body, skin, and nails (Prenatal Multivitamin, Fish Oil, Super B-Complex, Calcium with Vitamin D, and Potassium).

* Compliments of Natural Beauties, page Originator & Facilitator Abena Sereese

How To Create A Healthy Hair Regimen

For those new to the natural scene as well as old time curlies who just haven’t gotten the hang of it, there’s nothing more overwhelming (and time consuming) than figuring out a healthy hair regimen! Returning or transitioning to natural hair is usually a time of education and experimentation. To avoid wasting products, money and energy, here is a starting point for creating and maintaining a healthy hair regimen.
The object of a hair regimen (in our case) is to maintain healthy, curly hair. The regimen will change depending on the qualities of your own hair (thick/thin, fine/course, curly/kinky, long/short just to name a few!) but we all need to achieve certain things with hair maintenance and hygiene.
Now, based on the qualities of your hair, the products you use for each category will accomplish these steps in different ways.

1. Cleanse
Shampoo is meant to lift the hair cuticle, break up oil and dirt, and suspend it so it can be rinsed away. The goal is to remove environmental debris, product buildup, and production of sebum—the oil our skin naturally secretes. Our straight-haired counterparts probably can’t go one day without cleansing the hair because it is very easy for oil to travel down a straight strand. But in our case, oil has a harder time traveling down a loose wave, a tight curl, or a fro that sticks up & out! This is why the more textured your hair is, the dryer it feels. Our scalps are creating oil normally—it just cannot reach our hair!
So when we use shampoo, the focus should be on our scalps, since that’s where the dirt’s at. Apply the product to your roots and scalp, scrub with the fingertips, and the lather will make its way down your hair. Don’t toussle or scrunch the hair when shampooing. That could result in tangles! When you slather shampoo all over your HAIR instead of the scalp, you can expect a rough, “squeaky clean” feeling. Use shampoos that don’t contain sodium laurel (or laureth) sulfate. These ingredients are much too harsh for hair that isn’t that dirty, and have been known to cause irritation.

2. Condition/Detangle
Conditioning and detangling are an essential part of a healthy hair regimen since one task helps the other out. Conditioning the hair closes the cuticle, making it smooth, slippery and easier to comb through. Conditioner is supposed to coat the hair.
Remember: conditioner can also be used to gently cleanse the hair! Often times, conditioners have enough cleaning agents to remove dirt, especially if there’s little build up in the hair. If you exercise every day, for example, use a conditioner to wash your hair. Note that if you use conditioners containing silicones, eventually you will have to use a clarifying shampoo to remove the buildup from your hair. If you don’t, the hair will be dull and lose body.

3. Moisturize
As described in the first step, naturally curly hair has a tendency to be dry. Fitting a moisturizer into your healthy hair regimen is as simple as a morning spritz or mid-day pick me up! First and foremost, nothing will replace water. Not all curlies have to completely soak their hair every morning—thick curls or a ‘fro will take forever to air dry! You can simply put the water in a spray bottle and dampen the hair. When searching for a moisturizing product, water must be pretty high up in the ingredients list. Many moisturizers also contain vitamins and oils that can be soaked into the hair and scalp.

4. Seal
Sealing ensures that the moisture you put into your hair stays there. Moisture is lost when the cuticle is raised and water leaves the hair. By laying a sealant on top of the hair, moisture is locked in, keeping your hair soft and shiny all day! There are a variety of oils to choose from. Many popular ingredients in natural hair products are great for adding moisture to your hair. You can even add your favorite oil to the spray bottle of water and knock out steps 3 and 4 at the same time!

5. Deep Treat/Repair
Nobody’s hair is perfect! We all get breakage, lack moisture, and need help! Treat your hair to something nice! Whether it’s henna to strengthen, or avocado to moisturize, curly hair will benefit from extended exposure to certain ingredients. Natural hair that has not been processed (color, relaxer, etc) usually doesn’t lack protein, but the curlier the hair, the more moisture it needs. So to start off, try one of these tasty deep conditioning treatments. This step of your healthy regimen should always be done to clean hair, so all the nutrients and benefits of the treatment are received.

How Often Should You Do Your Healthy Hair Regimen?
Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Only you know your hair and habits best. The weather, your exercise routine, your styling options, will all effect how frequently you do a certain step in your regimen. If you go to the gym every day, steps 2, 3, & 4 will happen daily. If you live in a cold environment, step 4 is vital to keeping moisture in your hair during the cold, dry months. What you need to achieve in your regimen will probably change depending on the season. Give yourself at least one month to test it out. Stick with the same products to see true results!
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Good luck on your naturally curly hair journey! We’re here to help every step of the way. What’s YOUR healthy hair regimen? Let us know with a comment!
Brought to you by http://www.naturallycurly.com/

Natural Beauties with a TWA: Do not let your heart be troubled........Be Encouraged!

1. Be patient.
2. Remember that during your natural hair journey every stage will have it's challenges and benefits.
3. Think outside the box and try different styles, products, and hair accessories.
4. Remember that for some natural's it takes time for your curl pattern to be revealed so don't get frustrated when curl defining products do not work on your hair, it may take a little longer.  In my research I polled some other Natural Beauties who told me that it took up to 6 months in some cases for their curls to come alive.
5. Find the products that work for you.
6. Do not get hair envy :)  God blessed you with natural tresses that are beautiful and JUST FOR YOU!

Stay Encouraged!
Sincerely, Abena Sereese, Natural Beauties page, Originator and Facilitator

Written by Natural Beauties/ Abena Sereese.

Deep Down With In {Deep Conditioning}

A deep conditioning regimen should be a part of any naturals hair care routine.  To deep condition means to get moisture deep within the hair shaft giving it much needed extra moisture.  To get the most out of your routine here a few tips that may be helpful to use.

1.If you have used a lot of product before hand, use of a clarifying shampoo is warranted.  This allows the deep conditioner to perform at its best

2. Use of saran wrap or a plastic cap is highly recommended.  The plastic traps moisture as well as body heat, opening up your cuticles for deep penetration,

3.  If you have one, use a hood dryer.  The hood dryer provides extra heat, further opening up your cuticles

4.  You may invest any cheap co wash conditioner that you want, but you should spend more time and invest in a really good deep conditioner specific to your hair needs.

5.  Remove any excess water from your shampoo or co wash before applying your deep conditioning.  The excess will only dilute out your conditioner.

6.  Allow your conditioner to sit on your hair for at least 20 to 30 minutes.  The longer the better for your hair.

7.  Make sure you distribute the conditioner evenly thru your hair, focusing on your tips.  Be generous

8.  If you plan on de tangling your hair, the time to do it is AFTER you allow the conditioner to sit on your hair for a specified amount of time.  The conditioner should help the strands glide over one another,

9.  Deep condition on a regular schedule, the drier  or more damaged your hair the more often you should do it.

These are just some quick and easy rules of thumb that should make your deep conditioning process more rewarding.

Compliments of I Love My Kinky Curly Natural Hair

Written by Natural Beauties/ Abene Sereese

First Natural Hair Meetup: Mississippi

Saturday, September 3rd was Jackson, MS first natural hair meetup. It was sponsor by Tangles & Beyond, Shea Moisture, Huetiful hair Steamer, & Curls. It was a nice little meetup. I was so excited about the event. I had my little girl in her little green and yellow dress with her bows on pigtalls. I worn a orange dress shirt and black pants. I must say we looked cute. I invited my mother and she talked about how nice I look.

She always gets on me about my appears, how I look and dress and hair, oh everything. I must say going natural has made me put more effort into myself. I really didnt care how I look (That is another story).

Okay, back to the meetup. I learn about drying my hair with a t-shirt or a mircofiber towel. Which cutdown on our hair becoming frizzy. Something I already know but I just need some confirmation.

1.) When you shampoo your hair with a sulfur free shampoo, always deep condition hair.

2.) Most naturals deep condition there hair once a week.

3.) Then after the deep conditioner, there is a leave in conditioner.

4.) Always used some type of sealer (moisture) such as an oil or shea butter (unrefined).

Things kind be confusing which I am new to been natural so we will do a step by step. I love those myself.

1.) Wash natural hair with sulfure free shampoo (I used Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo)

2.) Deep condition hair ( I used mayo, honey, and 2 eggs), then I used a plastic hair bag, I put a   towel around the bag. It is messy and will drip everywhere. I sit with it on my hair for about 35-45 minutes. Then, wash it out.

3.) AVC: Apple cider vinger mixture with water (naptural85 recipe). You can find her on Youtube

4.) Rinse out

5.) I used my homemade mixture of shea butter. I put this all over my hair. Rub in good like a massage to your hair.

6.) Leave in Conditioner (Shea Moisture Organic Curl & Style Hair Milk)

7.) Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Hold Smoothie ($9.99 at Walgreens).

8.) Style and go or tie your hair up with satin band and go to sleep.

Well, I hope this helps. I am still on my journey to healthy, happy hair. Always an struggle with natural hair. Be strong, be kind, be true to you.

Peace,

Gurl