Crowning Glory: Celebrating Our Natural Black Hair Textures With Proper Hair Care
Black Women are leading the charge in a growing beauty supply industry, fostering community, and reclaiming ownership. We discuss it here!
By: Jayla Smith
For Black women, our hair is more than just strands; it’s a powerful expression of identity, culture, and resilience. In a world that often favors straight hair, it’s essential to celebrate and appreciate our natural textures. Understanding and caring for our hair can be a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Let’s explore how to love our hair, the best products for our textures, and why going back to basics is so important.
Celebrating Our Unique Textures
Every hair texture is beautiful, whether tightly coiled, wavy, or anything in between. Loving our natural hair is a vital act of self-acceptance. Our hair reflects our heritage and individuality, so take the time to appreciate your unique curls, coils, or waves. Recognizing the beauty in our textures is the first step toward self-love.
The Power of Quality Products
Finding the right products is essential for nurturing our natural hair. Brands like Aunt Jackie’s offer a range of affordable options designed specifically for our needs. Their Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner and Curl La La Defining Curl Custard are excellent for keeping curls hydrated and defined. These products celebrate our textures without harsh ingredients, making them ideal for everyday use.
Another fantastic option is Jamaican Black Castor Oil, a beloved staple for generations. Known for its nourishing properties, this oil can promote hair growth, moisturize the scalp, and strengthen hair strands. Incorporating it into your routine can enhance shine and improve overall hair health.
Going Back to Basics
Sometimes, the best solutions come from traditional practices. Going back to basics means embracing natural ingredients and time-tested methods. Consider using simple, DIY hair masks made from avocados, bananas, or honey to provide deep conditioning. These ingredients are rich in vitamins and moisture, perfect for revitalizing dry or damaged hair.
Understanding the importance of a proper hair care routine is essential. Regular cleansing, conditioning, and moisturizing can maintain healthy hair. For example, incorporating a co-wash can keep curls hydrated without stripping them of natural oils.
Connecting with others who share similar experiences is another key aspect of loving our natural hair. Join online communities or local groups focused on natural hair care. Sharing tips, product recommendations, and personal stories can empower and uplift each other. Representation matters, and seeing others embrace their textures can inspire you to do the same.
Celebrating Your Journey
Your hair journey is personal and unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to caring for natural hair, so take the time to experiment and find what works for you. Celebrate each step of your journey, whether it’s learning to love your curls, mastering new styling techniques, or discovering products that nourish your hair.
Prioritizing your natural hair is an essential part of self-care. When you take the time to nurture and celebrate your hair, you’re also affirming your worth and beauty.
By recognizing the power of our unique textures, utilizing quality products, going back to basics, and connecting with our community, we can truly celebrate the beauty of our hair. Remember, your hair is an integral part of who you are, wear it proudly, love it fiercely, and always remember that it is beautiful just as it is.
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Protective Styling: 3 Tips To Keeping Your Natural Hair Healthy And Thriving
Protective styling is a major key to for Black hair care! Here are 3 Tips to keeping your natural hair healthy and thriving!
By: Sydni Hatley
Natural hair and understanding its needs are a large part of promoting black hair care. Our hair is a lot more fragile and sensitive than most think, and therefore requires more attention. There are specific products and methods intended to promote the health and wellness of it, and if not followed it can be to our hair’s detriment.
Protective styling is just one aspect of a lot of actions that can be taken to promote the health of African American hair. Not only are we taking care of it, but we are also expressing ourselves in the process of nurturing our crowns.
Protective styling is useful all of the time, but it is especially useful in cold weather or the winter time. The dry air from cold, harsh weather easily dries out the hair shaft, depriving it of moisture. This inevitably makes the hair more susceptible to breakage. Some methods of protective styling include but are not limited to: Wigs, braids, twists, faux locs, buns, phony-pony tails, and more.
The main benefit of protective styling is that it keeps in the moisture you infuse before you put it up. The hair is wrapped around itself and insulated for the duration of your hairstyle, and therefore it is kept healthy!
With protective styling being as beneficial it is, the prep for it is just as important. Without good preparation, a protective style placed on improperly prepped hair will only be housing an unhealthy crown. With that said, this coupled with leaving it in such a state for weeks on end is simply a recipe for disaster. In light of these things. listed below are some key tips to keep your natural hair healthy and thriving under that wig, in those braids, or tucked in that bun!
1. Deep Condition on the Day Before Styling
This will help reinforce the moisture and hydration necessary to keep the hair healthy, since it will be put away for an extended period of time.
2. Get Your Oils Right!
Not all natural hair is made equally, meaning that not all natural hair is the same. Some natural hair requires more moisture while others require less. Some may respond well to heavier oils, while others may react negatively. Learn what oils your hair likes and make sure to oil up before you put your style in.
3. Trim Those Ends: Let Go To Grow!
It doesn’t hurt to do a nice trim before putting your hair up for a month or two. Gage your hair’s health and see if your ends need assistance. Usually a quick trim will help bring it to life, and promote growth within the protective style.
These are only a few pieces of advice that will help keep your hair happy while it is put away. You’ll be astonished how much it grows when it is left alone and unexposed! Remember, having it put up is just as important as letting it breathe and having it out, so make sure to have a balance of both. There are other protective styles that don’t involve fake hair or excess manipulation, and that can still give your hair a break (i.e. flat twists, individual twists, natural braids). Remember if anything, that the biggest keys to healthy hair for any and all protective styles, however, is moisturizing, using proper products, and a good trim!
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Natural Hair Products: Meraki Organics, A Black Owned Natural Hair Care Brand
Meraki organics is a Black owned natural hair care brand that offers something for every hair type! Each product is infused with crystals like Amethyst and Rose quartz, known for their healing and spiritual aspect. Learn more here!
Amber Makupson, Owner of Meraki Organics
By: Emily-Ann
This year has been a roller coaster with mixed emotions and self evaluation on your life choices. Some took this opportunity to learn a new skill(s) while some did some tlc. Others have chosen to reconnect with personal goals and set themselves up for the coming year.
I did some digging and found a black-owned hair product company that is serving up some self-love, which she uses as the main catalyst to launch her successful brand. Amber Makupson, is the CEO and founder of Meraki Organics. Founded in 2018, this mom is featured in magazines publications like Oprah, Elle, and Sheenmagazine.
After suffering from an awful skin sensitivity while pregnant, she took her background in licensed ethical botanical treatment, and developed a vegan-friendly product line. The line is to address her hair and skin needs, she saw a wonderful opportunity to share her products with consumers. Many of us are now looking into what we put in and on our bodies as well as our mouths.
Natural Hair Products: Meraki Organics, A Black Owned Natural Hair Care Brand
Meraki organics is an impressive brand that offers something for every hair type. Each product is infused with crystals like Amethyst and Rose quartz, known for their healing and spiritual aspect. These crystals are well known to bring a new spin on self-care regimen. Who wouldn’t want to shower their hair and skin in crystals? I was initially attracted to this brand, because of the mention of Amethyst crystals. My birthstone! I also have rose quartz in my collection. What can I say, I was naturally drawn to this product line. Just in time for the holidays, it’s a great idea for a gift idea.
Her Instagram account is filled with product information and informative benefits of the healing properties regarding crystals. The benefits in your home can bring and restore balance in your body. If you would like to purchase her products or check her out, we have provided the links and Instagram account details at the end of this post.
Finding a happy balance in life makes getting through the difficult times little easier. I know with the pandemic it can be very difficult to be home, or be around family all day long. They sometimes can drive you crazy, but when you have a moment to step away, self-care can be put into practice. It’s like you are setting the recharge button. I know there are times when I need this reset button the most, especially now.
What better way to practice self-care than in the place where you wash away your worries for the day/year. Put on some meditation music and indulge in a relaxing state of mind. You do your best thinking when you are still and silent.
Share this post with family and friends and don’t forget to comment. Let us know what you are currently doing to show yourself some special attention.
Click here to view the website for purchase and information of Meraki Organics.
Her Instagram account here.
Happy holidays everyone!
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Natural Hair Journey: A Love And Hate Relationship
The natural hair journey is a journey which includes self growth and appreciation for your natural hair, but it also has its ups and downs! We discuss it here!
“There is a fine line between love and hate”
By: Emily-Ann
Speaking of relationships, I am referring to the personal relationship you have with your hair, not the romantic one you look for all your life, and stumble on in your 30’s just before giving up. Yes, the relationship you have with your hair, the one that made you look for the perfect bottle of shampoo and conditioner at the beauty supply store and the right combination of oils, moisturizers, and (DC) deep conditioners.
This natural hair relationship can bring on some sleepless nights with you trying to figure out if the styling product or tool is right for you. The countless hours of watching Youtube tutorials and still finding it difficult to execute. The fights you have with your hair when cooperation is all you want. Instead, your hair feels like being stubborn and out of control and you are almost on the edge of calling it a quits. Then something good happens, a stranger or friend compliments you on your hair, and you realize things are not so bad after all.
I am indeed comparing our beautiful curly hair to something like a romantic relationship. I have lost count how many times I have had emotional distress because of it. I wanted to express that even veterans in the game still get annoyed, and it is normal. As much as I praise natural hair, it can be very challenging and difficult to handle. Now I am not saying this to turn you away from becoming natural or to discontinue on your natural journey, but to encourage you as this is something we all go through.
If things are not complicated enough you then have to navigate your way through our current society. Ducking curious hands and questions that want to touch. Looking at social media and seeing another form of culture apportion by other trend followers. Our ancestors endured many things during their captivity, life in the new world, and constantly searching for ways to adapt. We become a chameleon of sorts.
We face discrimination from family, strangers, and friends, like when someone says “I couldn’t go natural, I don’t know how you do it”. If shade isn’t being thrown your way, it's the ridiculous questions. Texture discrimination is real, workplace vulnerability, and wash day can take some time to get used to. All these things can make you question whether or not you are doing the right thing.
I’ll give you an example, I have a coworker who I adore. Her comments do get to me sometimes. Comments like, “I like your hair better when it is relaxed.” It’s her opinion but it’s comments like that I’ve had to deal with on a regular basis. This is an older, and mature woman of color saying this. I roll my eyes and change the subject.
I am here being transparent with you, because in a world with IG models, trend followers, and setters, I think this world needs a little more authenticity. We are constantly being shown unrealistic images on how we should look, act, and sound in the beauty world. It is okay to do your glow up at a different pace. Your hair is beautiful no matter what state it’s in or texture.
Being natural is just as hard if not more so without additional comments and stares. While others pay millions of dollars to look like us we are born this way. It’s time we start encouraging ourselves and others to embrace our unmatched beauty as a black culture. A healthy attitude towards social media is also key, as well all are aware of the dangers of low self-esteem and the beauty world.
Here's a question for you, did you think that being natural would be easier or less expensive? I sure did, not only was I shocked with the constant maintenance and how expensive it can be. Yes, I have second thoughts about being natural, it’s completely understandable. Now with the coronavirus pandemic keeping us indoors for now. You now have time to do little research or even make new changes to your hair care regimen. Now you have the time, the only setback is many of our beauty supply stores are close due to the COVID-19. Online stores will be your best friend right now. Take advantage of this time to educate yourself.
Leave your comments and let’s start a conversation. Don’t forget to follow us on all social media platforms and share our content!
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Grow it, Show it! 4 Tips For Growing Your Natural Hair
Natural hair is finally getting the respect it deserves! Here are 4 tips that will help your natural hair flourish!
By: Lauryn Bass
Natural hair is finally getting the respect it deserves, honey! The curls that crown the Queens and Kings of this earth are thriving and I am here-for-it. No matter what the shape or form, our hair needs lots of care and everyone has their own techniques for maintaining its health and growth, but sometimes the length just seems stunted. Aside from the shrinkage, the size of your afro just seems to be remaining the same, yeah? Here are 4 solutions to boost your puff to flourish.
1. Try Tea Tree Or Peppermint oil!
These oils have been said to remove dead skin cells from your scalp which allows for the hair follicles to spring back into life! It also helps all the love and nutrients that you’ve added to your hair gain unlimited access to do what you want it to do! Also, when you use it, it creates this breezy feeling in your scalp that is actually a rush of oxygen flowing which is also a good indicator of future growth!
2. Deep condition!
Deep conditioners are so great at penetrating the hair shaft and replacing dryness with lots of proteins that strengthen the hair. As your hair gets stronger, it reduces shedding and breakage. It provides moisture for hair that may not get all the care that it needs during your busy schedule. Make sure to research the different kinds and what benefits each ingredient provides for your specific hair type and texture.
3. Lessen Manipulation!
As protective styling is known for helping hair growth, it can also stun the progress of growth. When you are constantly combing, brushing, pulling, and tying up your hair into the various hairstyles we love and adore, this maneuvering can cause breakage. When styling, be cognizant of how much stress you are putting on your strands and try to limit how many styles you are whipping together back-to-back. Be sure to give your hair a break and let it be.
4. Cut It Off!
Honey, trims are your friend! I know it may sound counterproductive, but you have to lose some to win some. Literally, getting routine trims are so healthy for your hair and helps it to grow. Split ends get more and more worse as time goes by, traveling up the shaft. They also weigh your hair down and drain the nutrients from the healthy part of your hair. If that isn’t enough, when you’re wearing your fro, they don’t look good!
As you try out new ways to promote your hair growth, remember to do things with care. Your hair is a statement, a representation of who you are. When it is thriving, it boosts confidence and adds a positive note to your day. Keep your crown shining bright!
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5 Tips For Taking Care Of Your Natural Hair During Pregnancy
You may be a first-time mother or you’ve had multiple children. Your fears and concerns are all the same. What do I do with my hair, and when am I going to find the time to do it? Here are some tips for taking care of your natural hair during pregnancy!
By: Emily-Ann
Winter usually means staying inside all cuddled up with your boo thing! Whether it was planned or a welcomed surprise. You have now entered the next phase of your life, welcome to motherhood!
You may be a first-time mother or you’ve had multiple children. Your fears and concerns are all the same. What do I do with my hair, and when am I going to find the time to do it?
Time management, talk to your partner or family member so that you can get away to do your hair.
Try to stay clear from adding new products. May lead to skin/hair sensitivity due to the increased hormone production flowing in your body
Washing your hair in the sink will be safer and you can have your partner help you with the hard reach places. I imagine being out of breath as you get bigger which will have an impact on how long you stand in the shower. Anything to make your journey to motherhood much easier is a plus for any mother.
Look for low manipulation styles that won’t cause much tension. Let’s face it a newborn will want all your attention.
Keep it simple with your wash day. Pre-pooh to help with detangling and cut time spent in half. A good cleansing shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, and leave-in style as desired and moisturize as normally. Well, moisturized hair will thrive and grow, it just needs the right environment.
Not only will this affect the way you plan your day to day life but also the way you do your hair. Now, I know the first thing is to grab a wig or put it in a protective style.
You have to make time to do self-care as well. The protective style will be your best friend for the first few months after the baby is born. Given the late-night feedings and hectic lifestyle change. It may be weeks or months before you get your little one on a regular schedule. Your life will be all about making adjustments and your hair routine is no exception.
I am all about simplicity, life already has its challenges. Let’s not add more stress to what is supposed to be a happy milestone in your life. As a reminder listen to your hair and go with your instincts. If you want to head over to a stylist, just until you can get back to normal and have a little more time it is perfectly alright.
Let us know what other tips you have for your fellow pregnant naturals! What are you guys using as tools or hacks to get through your pregnancy journey? To all the mummies to be congratulations and all the best on delivery day for a happy healthy baby(s).
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Natural Hair Tips: 5 Steps You Need to Know for Detangling Your Natural Hair
With summer around the corner, it’s time to let your hair down! Here are some helpful tips for detangling your natural hair and flaunting your curls!
By: Emily-Ann
Welcome back to another post about your natural hair. I know it’s been a minute, so without further a due let’s get right into it. I know with summer on your mind, many of us are taking out those braids and maybe looking to do wash day. Wash days can be time-consuming and especially for those of us wearing protective styling. I know this process can be annoying, but I have finally got it down packed when it comes to detangling.
In preparation for wash day, my hair tends to have a lot of product build up. Needless to say, my hair is really good at letting me know when its time for a wash. I have listed the steps I used that have been the most successful for me lately.
Step1. Part your hair in four easy sections; this will help you with the detangling your hair faster. If you have medium-long length, then you will need to do a little bit more sectioning. Try parting your four sections and then again into two more sections and proceed from there.
>> RELATED: Natural Hair Care Products For Black Hair: What’s in Your Spray Bottle?
Step 2. Taking a section of your hair, spray water or have on hand your spray bottle mixture ready for application. Lightly spray the hair to prevent unwanted snagging and tugging of the hair. You never want to do this on really dry hair as it will only cause more damage than good.
Step 3. Take the ends of your hair and finger detangle the ends and remove any (single strain knots) ssk(s) or shedding hair. It may take a minute or two with this step if you have medium-long hair. This step may be tedious, but worth it to maintain healthy length retention. Once you’ve finger detangled your hair, you can now use a wide tooth comb to release the shedding hair. Start from the ends and work your way up through the sections of your hair.
Step 4. Two strain twist your hair until all sections are complete. I like to add pretreatment to my hair like light oil and sit under a hooded dryer, or you can steam your hair. This will help open up the hair follicles and stimulate absorption of conditioner or treatment.
Step 5. I like to wash my hair in the two strain twist and then apply many DC masque or treatment to the hair. Wash as usual and retwist hair, and at this point I like to let my air dry with my favorite product. Lately, Shea Moisture’s extra-moisture detangler is my go-to product for wash days!
I find it doubles as great leave in for me, and re-apply about three more times throughout the week. My hair is left feeling super soft and easy to manage. I have tried many other products, but I keep coming back to this one. It is now a must-have and by far a staple of mine. Hopefully, I have helped someone who is finding detangling a challenge. Keep checking back with us for more helpful tips with natural hair!
Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this post with another natural beauty!
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Christmas Gift Ideas For Natural Hair Girls
The holidays are upon on us again, which means it’s that time to start Christmas shopping! Don’t stress we have some great gift ideas for natural hair women on your list!
By: Emily-Ann
Do you have a natural hair beauty on your list for this year? The holidays are upon on us again, and you know what that means. It's time to open our wallets, purse, and credit cards and start that Christmas shopping. Don’t stress I have some great gift ideas for natural women on your list.
Natural Hair Care Basket
If you are a DIY kind of person you will love this idea. You can buy a basket, box or decorative box. Collect different items from your local beauty supply store and make a gift basket. You can fill the basket with items that every natural needs if it’s someone who recently joined the natural community-like a welcome package of some sort.
Stocking Stuffers
You can stuff them with products that they love and items you see them using all the time it just takes a little attention to detail. A quick look around their home and a few questions can give you some clues.
T-Shirts
More ideas are cool t-shirts and mugs with famous saying like “Black Girl Magic”, “Black Melanin”, “My black is beautiful” or other slogans. Remind her of how important self-love is.
Bathroom Accessories
I have seen really cute shower curtains with cartoon characters with afros, shower caps and other things that one may need to protect her mane. They are all over Esty and Instagram. There are so many cool items on Esty as great gift ideas, that I can just shop on there for hours. If I got paid for shopping that would be my next career position.
Wraps and Slick Scarfs
For that natural who loves wearing wraps and just slaying the game with her wrapping skills, give her the gift of some head bonnets/scarfs/wraps. They come in a variety of patterns and African prints. This is an old tradition that of course our mothers have handed down to us, and has been in our culture for decades. Caring about her edges will always win you points. You can find these items at your local beauty supply store, and other websites that cater to natural hair beauties.
Gift Card
For that natural beauty that has “everything”, my suggestion is simple. Gift card with their favorite beauty supply store or Amazon. It eliminates the guesswork and saves you some time. Plus, if your guy is clueless about what to get you, mention the gift card. You’ll get exactly what you want, and he can relax knowing it did a good job on this Christmas gift exchange. ( Insert Picture)
Just recap great gift ideas for naturals, read them below.
A natural hair care basket
Mugs with black centered slogans or sayings
Slick scarfs
Head wraps
Accessories, like sleeping bonnets and hair ties, hair tools etc...
Buttons with slogans sayings (Insert picture here)
Gift cards to the beauty supply store
Merchandise and decor like bathroom accessories, phone cases, t-shirts that say, “My black is beautiful”, “Black Melanin”, and “Black Queen”.
Stocking stuffers with favorite natural hair products
If I have missed anything, please share in the comment section below.
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8 Natural Hair Tips You Need to Know: A Guide To Living With Natural Hair
Are you thinking about going natural and need some guidance? The beauty of it lies in self-discovery and identity. Here is the beginner's guide to living with natural hair!
By: Emily-Ann
Are you thinking about going natural? Are you looking for guidance? There are many reasons why many black women have chosen this path. The beauty of it lies in self-discovery and identity.
>> RELATED: Breaking The Rules: Natural Hair Treatment Tips
A new show on Netflix that follows a woman of color and her path of self-discovery called Nappily Ever After, premiered on September 23, 2018. The main character, which is played by actress Sanaa McCoy Lathan, begins by cutting and shaving off all her hair. She sports a short hairstyle and is a bit self-conscious about the new look, which many of us can relate to. Many of us start with a short hairstyle when we do the big chop. The character slowly builds back her confidence by accepting her new image. With the encouragement of good friends she then learns to live life freely. The character’s layers of identity begin to slowly unravel as she walks in her truth. For many women of color, including myself, our hair is a big part of our identity. Looking in the mirror, it’s the first thing that we see and touch.
This show captures one woman's story on starting her natural hair journey! Whether you are transitioning from relaxed to natural or decide to do the “Big Chop”, I believe this show displays a very real reality that speaks the truth about being a black woman. The emotions that come with being natural and realizing what kind of woman you want to be.
>> RELATED: The 5 Step Skin Care Regimen Every Black Woman Should Know
The beginner's guide to being natural isn’t a straight line, but you can find great tips and tricks from bloggers and Youtube including sites like this one. Now I know you are curious about how to get started so here are some guidelines. I am certain you don’t want to have your own screaming moment in the mirror like our character in Nappily Ever After.
Guide To Living With Natural Hair
It will take time getting used to your new look. Freaking out is normal, and your reservations about whether it was the right decision is also normal. I promise you, in the end, you will learn to love your beautiful naturally curly hair and texture.
Write out your hair goals, what is important to you. Create a hair Journal where you can express your thoughts on paper.
Start mapping out how and when you will do your big chop or transition. Mark it on your calendar and map your whole month.
You will encounter friends, family and even coworkers who will have their opinion on your new look. Not everyone will like it. Remember why you are doing this and ultimately it’s your hair on your head.
Confidence will come with growth. Especially, if you have always had long hair. I always like to remind myself, “Its hair, it will grow back it just takes time.”
Purchase the products that are appropriate for your stage in your journey. Read the labels and don’t just buy blindly. Each product tells you what it designs to do for your hair. Find the one that works for you.
Find a natural with the same hair type as yours. What works for them may work for you as well. Take notes and adjust as needed or until you get desired results.
Your hair will let you know what it needs. Believe me when I say it has a voice of its own. Don’t be afraid to switch products during new seasons, it's actually recommended.
Staples
Deep conditioner
Cleansing shampoo
Spray bottle
Favorite oil for moisturizing
A good routine and sticking to it!
Afro pick or wide tooth comb
Plastic cap
Hot oil treatment
Protein treatment
Hair MaskHair bonnet or silk scarf
Silk lining hat or scarf
We love hearing from you! Let us know your story? What are your challenges? If we missed anything let us know by leaving a comment.
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7 Tips And Tricks For Growing A Healthy Beard
Fellas, growing a thick and full beard is definitely in, so here are some tips and tricks for growing a healthy beard!
By: Emily-Ann
Fellas, growing a beard is definitely in, so here are some tips and tricks on growing a thick and full beard. Keep in mind that the hair on your face is like any part of the hair on your body. While genetics play a role in growing a full beard, you can maximize your facial hair growth potential. However, you can make it work to your advantage if you promote facial hair growth and take steps to reaching your beard's highest potential!
I am a huge fan of letting your beard grow out. Nothing like a well-groomed man. Am I right ladies? Okay, all seriousness I wanted to show some love to our black men and specialize this for black men beard care. I have asked many of my male friends to help me out on this one and did a little research of my own on what can make your beard grow. Over the few years many men have now been embracing their beards and natural hair too! Here I will be sharing a few pointers on growing a healthy beard courtesy of some of my male friends.
>> SEE ALSO: Natural Hair Care Products For Black Hair: What’s in Your Spray Bottle?
What are some ways to make your beard grow?
Many of the things I found while doing my research were almost identical to natural hair care. There are also many products to try and get familiar with to help promote promote facial hair growth. Experiment with them and see what best works for you. Sticking with a routine is probably the key element in seeing the best best facial hair growth results.
Try moisturizing your beard as soon as you get out the shower followed by a beard balm and beard oil. This will help seal in the moisture after you apply your facial hair products and keeping your beard happy! Shaping your beard and beard grooming is where you will get to really personalize the experience. Build a great relationship with your beard and barber. Below is a list of things to consider, while growing that healthy beard we ladies love to see!
Genetics - Plays a role in growing a full beard and it's something you can not change but you can work within it.
Diet - Just like everything else, a good diet is a key to optimal health and to promote beard growth.
Beard Grooming - Washing your bead tools properly and often is essential to avoid bacteria growth and ingrown hair etc. Trimming your split ends is important just like the hair on your head. Trimming your beard will be apart of this process in growing a healthy beard.
Patience & Time - You are going to have put this into action! Growing a beard is a journey and it will test you.
Washing your beard 2X/week with beard shampoo - Beard shampoo is designed for the beard and includes ingredients that help with natural beard growth and healthy beard maintenance.
Beard Oil with essential oils great for adding this into your routine.
Good barber relationship - Having a good relationship with your barber can make things a lot easier in outlining your beard, and shaping it to the way you want it. Speak up and let them know exactly what you want!
>> SEE ALSO: Breaking the Rules: Natural Hair Treatment Tips
Here are some of the best beard growth products:
There are beard subscription, website, and care packages that you can sign up for with beard care products! Here are few websites to check out owned by black men.
www.DrGoatBFC.com - Products contain no alcohol and price point is about $15-50$.
Before you make that trip to the barber, let your beard grow for at least a month. Waiting to trim the neckline, upper cheeks, and mustache can help you see your beard growth patterns. If you go to the barber too soon, it can impact your natural beard growth. Let me know where you are in beard journey? If you have any additional beard growth tips to share comment below. Good luck on your journey kings!
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Natural Hair Care: Eco Styler Gel Is Cancelled
It looks like the natural hair care community has made a decision and Eco styler gel is cancelled! Here’s why Eco Styler Gel shouldn’t be used for natural hair styles and some of its effects!
By: Emily-Ann
It looks like the natural hair care community has made a decision! Eco styler gel has been voted off the island. Recently, videos all over youtube have surfaced and many are expressing their thoughts on the subject. Our naturals are sharing their concerns, and cariogenic effects and their harmful properties. I knew this was going to happen eventually. I am not going say I haven’t circulated a few coins in this product. Personally, I was not impressed with the product and what it did in my hair. We may love the end results of having your edges laid and your baby hair’s acting right but at what expense?
>> SEE ALSO: Transitioning to Natural Hair: Are You Ready?
Being educated and working in the healthcare field this is very concerning. I read the ingredients and wasn’t impressed or surprised what was listed. We should be just as health-conscious of our bodies concerning what we consume and place on it. I remember getting some solid advice, which stated “ If you won't put it on your skin don’t put in on your hair. Arm yourself with the information so you can make the best hair care products decisions for your natural hair.
Now I have done a little bit of research, and the FDA approves these ingredients. They claim no more than 5% should be in one product. If you are applying this product over a long period of time, imagine what you are doing to your hair, skin, and body with chronic exposure. Although, Eco Styler gel states that only use 1% of these ingredients in their hair care products. One percent is too much for me. I rather use alternatives that are much healthier and better for me. Side effects along with the chemical names are listed below!
>> SEE ALSO: Natural Hair Care Products For Black Hair: What’s in Your Spray Bottle?
Triethanolamine (buffing agent and fragrance)
Skin,eye, and hair irritation
Inflammation
Itchy watery eyes
Dry and brittle hair (something that I experienced more often with my first use of this product)
Bladder/ liver cancer
Changes in testicles
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (perseverative)
Skin, eye irritant
Respiratory irritant
Cancer causing
Release of Formaldehyde
Polysorbate 20 (alcohol, yet again mix with another chemical it’s toxic ethylene oxide)
Skin allergies
Damaging animal organs
Tetrasodium EDTA (preservatives)
Causes cancer
Brakes down skin
Cause skin condition like eczema
Potent eye irritant
I have provided a few links below that goes into detail about the side effects of each chemical. Type in the chemical name and the description will pop up. I hope this has helped you make up your mind when it comes to ditching that eco styler gel. Opt for more natural way of laying those edges. Share with us any new alternatives that can get the same result without the high health risk. I am very interested in what you guys recommend!
>> SEE ALSO: Breaking the Rules: Natural Hair Treatment Tips
Share and comment with us your views on this topic and more. Until next time naturals, information is power!
ECO Styler Gel is CANCELED!!! | Bri Hall
https://www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/triethanolamine - Resouces for all the ingdieants listed and their side effects.
https://ecocoinc.com/about-our-ingredients/ - Link to Eco Styler Gel website and ingredients
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Hairstyles For Curly Hair: Spring Time Is Curl Time
Spring time is curl time and you may be wondering what to do with your hair! Here are some tricks and hairstyles for curly hair that can be used during the warmer months!
By: Emily-Ann
Hello Naturals,
It’s spring time and I find myself looking in the mirror and wondering what to do with my hair? Here, are some of my tricks and preferred hairstyles during the warmer months.
Tip #1: Use hair jewelry as an expression of your unique style. Personally, I love gold braid cuffs! They are cute jewelry pieces that can be purchased at your local beauty supply store. I am sure you have already seen them on many of the your natural hair sistas! They come in different patterns and designs.
>> SEE ALSO: Top 10 Things You Should Know About Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
Tip#2: Pinterest, is still a really good place to seek hairstyle ideas. I use it here and there to get my creative juices flowing. It helps when you just no clue what style to go with that week. Side note try not to compare hair length, and growth with the ladies on there.
Tip #3: High buns, quick and easy and look great with that dress you bought a week ago. Try buying statement pieces to add to your outfit. I bought these beautiful gold butterfly earrings for date night. When in doubt do a high bun is my answer, you can never go wrong with a good bun.
>> SEE ALSO: Breaking the Rules: Natural Hair Treatment Tips
Tip #4: I caution all my naturals with this suggestion and it’s adding color! Now, I know you want to color your hair, but do little research first. Make sure your moisture game is on point. Moisture, is essential for natural hair growth, and during the coloring process moisture tends to leave the hair. Keeping and maintaining your color is a job in itself, just make sure you are ready to commit. If you not add color with extensions or wigs. I always stress knowing your hair type, because ultimately that can play a role in how your hair takes colour and keeps it. Remember, everything in moderation and use your judgement call on high manipulation styles.
Disclaimer: Seek a professional consultation and or stylist when choosing to colour. They will be best person to advise you on the colouring process.
>> SEE ALSO: Transitioning to Natural Hair: Are You Ready?
Tip #5: Last but not least, for my brides-to-be, there are many websites and magazines that now offer styling ideas for naturals. I am amazed at the diversity in styles now available to us! I see many trends with flowers being incorporated into the hair, so wear your crown with pride and add a little floral inspiration. If you’re feeling diva-like rock that diamond accent piece to bring out that wow factor. As the old saying goes, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”.-Song by,Carol Channing,"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend"
How do you plan on wearing your natural hair this summer? Let us know by dropping a comment below and share with us your go-to styles.
Meet Jayla Smith, contributing Writer for 247 Live Culture!