Sunday, 30 March 2014

The Secret to Shiny Hair

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 The Secret to Shiny Hair


I had often wondered why after a salon visit some women had nice shiny bouncy hair.

I thought it had to do with the oils that were added to the strands during the styling process.

I also thought this natural shine was as a result of an apple cider rinse.

But recently I have come to learn that the true secret to shiny hair is rinsing the hair thoroughly for about 15 minutes non-stop under running water, after washing. 


This process causes each strand of  hair to reflect light perfectly thus giving that shiny look. 

So does your hair look dull after washing and drying? Next time rinse your hair thoroughly under running water and experience the difference.

Sunday, 23 March 2014

HOT NEW THING - CREME OF NATURE STRAIGHT FROM EDEN

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 HOT NEW THING - CREME OF NATURE STRAIGHT FROM EDEN 





 We must admit that there is a trend now that many relaxed ladies are saying goodbye to their relaxer and embracing their natural hair. 


Big chops are very common and with the advent companies investing alot into their natural haircare lines, there are many viable options when it comes to products to take care of natural hair. 

Key issues have been softening the hair and defining curls. These issues have been solved by many products on the market. 

However in spite of this new trend there are still women such as myself who although we do embrace our natural hair still take a shot at relaxing our hair and are proud relaxer ladies, at least for now.

As relaxed ladies there are a few things that we don't like about relaxing our hair and one of them is the possibility of getting chemical burns. 

This comes as a result of the harsh chemicals which are apart of the relaxer systems. No matter what other " good" ingredients are also apart of the relaxer it doesn't hide the harsh reality of its core. 

So I often wondered.. with all the thrust in technology is there no way to make a relaxer that is healthy all around. 

See we debate which is better lye or no -lye. Some say lye is gentle on the hair but harsh on the scalp while no-lye is gentle on the scalp but harsh on the hair. Some women don't know the difference.

But I often wondered why not make a relaxer which is gentle on the scalp and gentle on the hair but still straighens hair properly.

Creme of nature seems to have answered my hearts call with their new Straight from Eden Relaxer System. I have not tried it yet. 

I plan to do so for my next relaxer day scheduled for april. 

But for now I am researching on the product and reading and watching reviews. All reviews have been good so far. 

This new product caught my eyes not only because it is plant based but " is formulated without lye, mineral oil, petrolatum, propylene glycol, sulfates, parabens or formaldehyde." 

Can you imagine a relaxer without any of those harsh chemicals and other bad ingredients for your hair? I cant wait to try it, plus nothing relaxes me more on relaxer day than the thought of no checical burns!!!! I cant wait.

 Here is what creme of nature says





"nourish To maximize conditioning results, the system includes a nutrient packed plant-derived conditioning treatment and a plant-derived repairing oil. These conditioning treatments, strengthen, nourish and moisturize hair. Derived from coconut, avocado, and olive oils these treatments rejuvenate hair and naturally provide additional post-relaxer protection against damage and dehydration when relaxed hair needs it most. straightening creme plant-derived* 

First, we started with the straightening creme. Unlike traditional relaxers, the 100% plant-derived* straightening creme is created from all natural plant-derived coconut, avocado and olive oils. This relaxer system is powered by plant life, one of nature's most powerful healing and rejuvenating sources. 98% of these oilsx are "alive" at the point of activation, unlike traditional systems you find on the market today. This patent pending technology is formulated without lye, mineral oil, petrolatum, propylene glycol, sulfates, parabens or formaldehyde."

Thursday, 13 March 2014

Protective styling preferences: Braids or Weaves?


Protective styling preferences:

 Braids    OR    Weaves ?




Remy Hair
 Continuing on the issue of protective styling, many women are now choosing to wear weaves rather than braids. Weaves, if installed properly can have a very realistic look and provides more styling choices. Some will also argue that weaves have a more professional look and is more fitting for the workplace. This last statement is debatable and is perhaps more of an issue where cultural issues exist.
However my focus for this post is primarily on the issue of which styling choice is best as a protective style.
Braids are lovely especially within the first 2- 3 weeks after its instillation. But once the roots begin to grow out to the point where it becomes obvious, the style loses its appeal.  For this reason I think that weaves have more longevity. I also believe that weaves provides more styling choices if done properly. Because the weave is stitched to a base it is easier to conceal the growing roots. For this reason weaves can be kept in for longer periods of time.
As it relates to the care of the natural hair underneath the braid, it is easier to get to the roots of the hair when that hair is braided in order to apply oils to the scalp and so forth. This task tends to be harder with a weave that is stitched to the head. This can be achieved though, through with the use of spray bottles to apply concoctions to the hair while the weave is still attached.


My personal choice is weaves.


Remy Hair 

 I just love a good weave because I cannot go for a long period without combing hair.  Whether it’s my real hair or a weave I love to pass the comb through hair, the braids restrict me in this regard. I also love the weave because it allows me to take more risk with my hair styles that I wouldn't do with my natural hair such as the use of direct heat more often, using curling irons, crimping irons, blow dryers without the worry of not using a heat protectant. However, in spite of this I do not like the fact that I cannot give my scalp a good massage when I get my weave washed. I always think that my hair doesn't get a good clean whenever I wash it with the weave in.

Of course the quality of the hair used for your weave will determine whether or not you enjoy your weave. Some hair types matt so easily that it stresses the process more than is necessary. The best choice for me is Remy hair. It’s expensive but long lasting.

Remember that as good as the weave looks its purpose is defeated if your natural hair underneath is not being nourished and protected. The purpose of this style is to ensure that your natural hair is rested, free of manipulation and is given a chance to rest and grow and be healthy.

I always use hair that matches closely to my natural hair color type and texture that way it suits my face and complexion. That’s my view. What’s yours?


Until next time, happy hair growing!!

Sunday, 9 March 2014

Braiding as a protective style: Twists, Plaits or Corn -Rows?

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     Braiding as a protective style: 

                 Which to choose?
Single plaits, Single Twists or Corn-Rows

One way of stretching or relaxer or just giving our hair a “break” is by using braids. These braids are usually made of synthetic fiber.  But are all braids created equal?

I have done all three types of braids over the years and I will rank these techniques in my order of preference.

Third: Single Twists/ Rope Twists.



Wow these look so beautiful when finished. When this style just came in I just really wanted to have it in my hair. It had this unique non-traditional flair to it and it looked far more elegant than the traditional plaits.  But when I got them installed and realized how damaging it is to my hair I was shocked. The constant twisting in opposite directions and very tightly at the roots was not my idea of a healthy hair style. Unless your hair is strong from roots to ends I do not recommend this style as a means of giving your hair a well needed rest.  Also if this style is washed while installed and has to be rocked back and forth on the pivots of the hair roots, the hair just plucks out of the root one by one. Ever noticed those white bulbs at the root of your braids? Well while some may be as a result of natural shedding the majority is as a result of tight braiding, and the fact that too much braid is being anchored on just a few strands of your natural hair.

Second: Single plaits.



While these braids may not be as attractive as the twists they can be gentler on the hair at instillation provided that it is not installed too tightly at the roots. The same issue of washing and day to day styling also causes strands to pull out from the root. But I prefer this method because it is gentler on the hair at instillation.

NUMBER 1!!!!


Without a doubt my favorite protective braiding style is corm rows. This style is both gentle on the hair as well as does not usually have that pivoting movement at the roots when styling because it is laid flat on the scalp. Also braiding is usually set in one style that can be kept in place with very little manipulation. Thus it truly allows your hair to be tucked away undisturbed for a period of time thus really giving your natural hair a rest.

Caution: As with any braided style consider the braid as a parasite which sucks your natural strands of its moisture and oils. When your hair is stripped of these essential components it will break. And this defeats the purpose of the process. Hence whenever you wear braids always spray with a leave in, so as to keep your hair underneath moisturised and nurtured during the process. Also, braids when installed too tight can cause breakage at the hair lines and this causes the hair line to recede. So do not choose this style styles too often. Nurture your edges with castor oil constantly to keep them thick and nice.

Until next time, happy hair growing.





Wednesday, 5 March 2014

Purpose of Deep Conditioning

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DEEP CONDITIONING





Our hair needs constant nurturing and one way in which we are able to nurture every strand of our hair is to deep condition it.

Many of us may refer to this process as steaming our hair. Deep conditioning is the process whereby we apply nourishing products to the hair cover with a plastic cap or deep conditioning cap and apply heat.

Heat can be applied with the use of a standing dryer to speed up the process. But I prefer to allow my natural body heat to do the trick.  The heat which is generated naturally from my scalp is trapped by the plastic cap and thus performs the same function as would the hair dryer.

What does deep conditioning do for the hair?




When the hair is damp the heat causes the surface of the hair shaft to lift thus opening the 
hair cuticles. This allows the conditioning product to enter the hair shaft and this fortifies each strand with the nutrients within the product. This in return strengthens each strand of the hair and reduces the likelihood of hair breakage.

Deep conditioning can be done with either a protein conditioner or a moisturising conditioner. If your hair is too soft and breaks easily when wet deep condition with a protein conditioner. If your hair is brittle too sturdy and breaks easily when dry then deep condition with a moisturising conditioner to improve elasticity and this reduces breakage.

For persons of African decent hair breakage is a common barrier to achieving long hair. This is one sure way to keep your hair healthy and keep breakage at bay.




Sunday, 2 March 2014

How to Achieve Gorgeous Looking Hair

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How to Achieve 
Gorgeous Looking Hair 




With Healthy Eating Women are well aware of the fact that their hair is an excellent way of looking fabulous, especially if our hair is long, shiny, heavy and attractive. However, many a time, women spend plenty of money on hair beauty products and on hair dresser’s just because they are not pleased with the way their hair feels and looks, and do not know what else to try on. Although beauty products can be great for your hair, there is nothing like nourishing and feeding it properly. 

Follow these steps to achieve gorgeous hair! 

 Get your whole body ready for the change. As your hair is part of your organism, we are convinced that by giving your body a replenishing and detoxifying treatment, your hair will be detoxified and eager to receive nourishing nutrients. Many times, toxins and other harmful substances build up in our organism and as a result our body feels heavy and bloated. By cleansing your organism you detoxify it and prepare it to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. This is why it is important to eat whole grain and cereals that are rich in fiber and that therefore help you cleanse your colon.


 Hydrate yourself. Drink plenty of water. This will help you keep your body well hydrated, which is essential for your body. Hydrated hair looks and feels smooth to the touch, it is easier to comb and your hair looks better and your style lasts longer. 

Chew nuts and almonds. Nuts and almonds in general are very rich in vitamin E, which is great for your skin and hair, and they are also packed with healthy fatty oils that are very important for your hair. Eat nuts and almonds regularly and you will soon see that your hair looks healthy and shiny again. 


 Say hello to eggs! Eggs are rich in protein and protein is what your hair is made of. Therefore, by eating eggs once a week and the whites of the egg up to three times a week you are feeding your hair so that it looks stronger, thicker, and healthier. 

 contributed article