The 5 Step Skin Care Regimen Every Black Woman Should Know
Taking care of your skin is a must for black women to allow your melanin to glow! Here is the 5 step skin care regimen that every black woman should know!
When it comes to skin care for black women, the secret to ultimate health and beauty is natural plant based products and simple regiments. Black African Soap and Sea Butter are the two most talked about and recommended products for clearing up dark spots, anti-aging, and dry skin care. Although these products are looked at as the holy grail for darker skin complexions, there are lighter products and self improvements that allow the skin to breath and heal itself through the body's natural process. In this article, I will give a skin care regiment that every black woman should know as well as some helpful life tips that helped me beat acne!
3 Tips That Helped Me Have Clear Skin
#1 Diet and Exercise
Your skin is the largest organ on your body, and in many cases the most under cared for organ. Seems simple enough to drink water and put on lotion, however the skin needs much more TLC. Diet and exercise is a great way to show your skin some tender love and care, and this is because what you put in is what you get out. So eating leafy greens, raw live food, such as veggies, fruits, and foods with seeds will give the body back its natural glow and hydration. Scientists say daily exercise even a simple 30 minute walk everyday will not only get in some good cardio, but your skin will thank you. This is because between moisturizing, washing, scrubbing, and drinking water, your skin does not excrete the harmful bacteria’s that get stuck in your pores. So that’s when exercise comes into play and provides a much faster excreting process. Exercise helps the body force out those toxins that are deeply set into the skin. Leaving you with clear pores with a stronger defense against the breakouts.
>> RELATED: Natural Hair Care Products For Black Hair: What’s in Your Spray Bottle?
#2 Sanitization
Although working out exceeds the deep dirt and bacteria, protecting your skin and insuring you use clean and sanitized materials when in contact with your skin is another major factor to skin care. Clean hands aren’t just for the kitchen! Before washing my face or even showering I wash my hands thoroughly. This is because with all the things we touch throughout the day, by touching your skin and transferring additional germs this builds up a larger layer of bacteria increasing breakouts. So changing your face towel every week is a safe practice as well as cleaning all facial brushes, and any facial bar soaps be sure to remove residue after washing.
#3 Self Love and Positive Thinking
Lastly, be sure to tap into our inner beauty with positive thinking and stress less situations in your life. Being in a great place mentally and emotionally can reduce the appearance of acne as well. Science shows that women hold emotions in, this can increase health issues, and in turn random pimples appear and increase of feminine hygiene lacks. So starting with your mental health and stability can help with the natural glow and natural beauty that we all possess inside. Below is a face washing regiment that I have used for over 2 years. What this skin care regiment will do is give you a pure look and allow your skin to breath and be at its most healthy state when products are involved!
>> RELATED: Breaking the Rules: Natural Hair Treatment Tips
The 5 Step Skin Care Regimen Every Black Woman Should Know
Step 1: Drink Water
I always like to start the day with drinking a bottle or 2 of water. This gives your skin a nice awakening from a dormant sleep.
Step 2: Use Warm Water On Your Face
This step is to wash your face with warm water. This opens the pores in your face and allows moisture in while also breaking down any left over product or make-up that was trapped inside.
Step 3: Use A Plant Based Soap
Lather your face with a plant based soap of your choice. My favorite is from a company called “ Exotic Spa and Body” and it’s their “Oatmeal Coconut Facial Bar”. This bar contains cold cut oats and fresh shredded coconut with essential oils from both. The oats act as a calming agent while the coconut acts as the moisturizing agent. The two together act as a moisturizing soap, so you get moisture and cleaning without stripping.
>> RELATED: Transitioning to Natural Hair: Are You Ready?
Step 4: Rinse Your Face With Warm And Cold Water
Rinse your skin with warm water to thoroughly remove product. After, rinse your face again with cold water to shock your pores into closing and locking in all that moisture.
Step 5: Pat Your Face Dry and Apply Oil
Pat your face partially dry with a slight amount of moisture left over. Then apply Vitamin E oil, or JoJoba oil. Either of the two provide natural radiant moisture while allowing the skin to breath throughout the day.
Using this 5 step skin care regimen for black women will give you a new found confidence in your beautifully melanated Skin!
Stay true to yourself and yourself will take care of you! , Yan’ece!
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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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Do You Want Long Natural Hair? 4 Essential Oils For Natural Hair Growth
“Why can’t I grow long natural hair?” Growing long natural hair can be daunting especially if you don’t know where to begin! Here are some essential oils that will help your aid your natural hair growth!
By: Emily-Ann
Growing long natural hair can be daunting especially if you’ve been relaxed for a long time. Sometimes you don’t know where to begin. You can also become obsessed with playing with it and wanting to keep touching it. Our hair is very delicate, and the kinkier it is, the more delicate the hair is. Reality hits and you start to question yourself. Why can’t I grow long natural hair? How can i make my hair grow faster? You see the women and even men on social media with big natural hair. Take inventory of your natural hair care products and what you are using on daily. There are some essential oils for hair growth that you may want to implement to get your natural hair and curls to the next level! Remember this equation if nothing else I mention here.
Essential oils + massage = healthy, happy scalp, and growth
>> SEE ALSO: Natural Hair Care Products For Black Hair: What’s in Your Spray Bottle?
Let’s talk about Vitamin E! It reduces inflammation, repairs damage to the follicles and encourages growth. Typical application in oil form can prevent dry hair issues. Let’s be real this summer has been a heat wave and with high scoring temperatures, and our hair and curls are bound to suffer from the sudden high-temperature environment. Not to mention daily manipulation and styling effects.
Another essential oil that you may or may not be familiar with is Jojoba oil. This oil helps the scalp to maintain a natural balance of oils, and at the same time moisturizes the scalp and follicles without leaving any residue. Vitamin E helps to repair damaged hair follicles that may be at the root of your hair growth problems.
>> SEE ALSO: Top 10 Things You Should Know About Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
You can also add foods to your diet that contain high sources of Vitamin E, like sweet potato, olive oil, butternut squash, avocado, and spinach just to name a few.
Peppermint Oil is another great oil to include in your natural hair care products collection and hair growth oil regimen. Remember to use a carrier oil because this oil is pretty strong alone. It helps to increase blood circulation to the scalp which will also help stimulate hair growth.
Rosemary oil is good for those who are experiencing a handful of hair loss. It can promote strong, thick, and luscious hair. Rosemary oil acts like an antibacterial agent for your scalp. Healthy hair growth takes time, and patience. Some naturals can easily find what natural hair care products and methods work best for them. Keep in mind that you are unique, and so is your hair. Therefore, your journey will not be the same.
>> SEE ALSO: Breaking the Rules: Natural Hair Treatment Tips
You may want to speak with your doctor and discuss multivitamins being added to your diet. There are many chewable vitamins on the market right now. It's an alternative option for those of you who are not the pill taking type. Although multivitamins can aid in boosting your overall health it should not be taken as a replacement for good natural hair practices. Ultimately, you are responsible for the consistent practices and patience if your goal is grow long natural hair!
Stick to protective style methods and make a few dietary changes. Don’t forget to trim when needed and dust the ends with sharp hair scissors. Use the right tools is key to great results. Practice good hair hygiene by cleaning not only your hair but your hair tools.
Comment below with your thoughts on this post or let us know what you would like to see discussed here.
Disclosure: I am not an expert nor do I claim to be one, these tips and tricks are what I have found to work for me. Please, consult your doctor or healthcare professional before taking any multivitamins if you have health condition or taking any other medication..
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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.
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Natural Hair Care Products For Black Hair: What’s in Your Spray Bottle?
“What do you put in your spray bottle?” We discuss natural hair care products for black hair and some ingredients for your spray bottle that can be found in your home or purchased at a store!
By: Emily-Ann
Hey naturals,
I have been asked this question many times from friends and family. “What do you put in your spray bottle?” Well, here it is my favorite ingredients, and they can be found in your home or purchased at a store! The first ingredient should always be in your spray bottle is good old H2O!
H2O
I am sure that you have all heard that water is essential for our body to perform at its best. It can be said to be the same for your natural hair care. Water helps to feed the hair follicle which then aids in natural hair growth. Drinking, as well as spraying your hair with water should be the first thing you do when you feel that your natural curly hair is looking a little dull. As lovely as water is - it can be a bit boring. Add rose water in your spray bottle. There are so many great benefits to rose water that it’s almost impossible not to add it!
Rose Water
Its smells amazing and very settle
You can make it yourself, kind of like a DIY just by looking on Google or Youtube.
Stabilizes your hair’s PH balance
Great for hair treatment for damaged hair
Anti-inflammatory and natural antiseptic properties
Have you been trying to figure out how to prevent dandruff? This is necessary for your natural hair journey.
This is a major key if you're looking for ways of how to make your hair grow faster
Bonus Great for your skin as a toner as well
>> RELATED: Natural Hair Growth: Do You Want Long Natural Hair?
Leave-in Conditioner
This is an awesome way to retain moisture and great for detangling your curls. You can use this in replace of the rose water. I’ve combined both rose water and leave-in and my curls feel good and smell wonderful. I currently use Aussie Moisture, as my leave-in and find that my hair loves it. I find that because I have colored my hair on top of being low priority my hair requires a lot of moisture attention.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice has so many benefits, I have been using this plant since I was young! Even before I knew of the great properties it holds! It’s great for both hair and skin, but I will just discuss the great benefits for our hair. Aloe Vera juice, can be found at your local health food store. Desert of Lily is a popular brand with 99% consideration. This plant is a pact with repairing enzymes, amino acids, and vitamins that help with hair appearance and overall health. I have recently added this to my daily routine. I have seen improvement in thickness within a few days. Keep in mind once you open the bottle and transfer it into your spray bottle you will have to keep it in the refrigerated to keep the Aloe Vera Juice from going bad. I also drink this daily for added benefits. Although, if you are pregnant, please consult your doctor before use.
>> RELATED: Breaking the Rules: Natural Hair Treatment Tips
Essential Oils For Natural Hair
Yes, essential oils can be added to your bottle. Natural oils, like peppermint and rosemary both, have properties that will help in the hair follicle to promote stimulation and is necessary on how to grow your hair fast. It is suggested that you use an carry oil with peppermint due to its high concentration and possible irritation. There you have it guys, just some ideas for your spray bottle. What do you currently have in your spray bottle, and share with us what you find to be helpful in keeping your hair moisturized throughout the day!
Disclaimer: These suggestions are what I have found to work well with my hair. Please, do not use any of these products if you are allergic, or have scalp conditions that are best treated with medication by your healthcare provider.
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Top 10 Things You Should Know About Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
There is more to the journey than just hair! Check out this list of tips that every natural should know about natural hairstyles for black women!
By: Emily-Ann
Hello natural beauties!
I have compiled a list of things I think every natural girl should know. I have said it many times, and I will say it again. There is more to this natural hair journey than just hair. I know you're wondering, what else could there be? These are things I wish someone told me. I'm glad you’re still reading cause I’m about to spill the tea hunny! Here is my list on things you need to know about natural hairstyles for african american women! Let’s get right into it!
Top 10 Things You Should Know About Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
1. Knots, fairy knots, huge knots, SSK (single strand knots), knots, knots, and more knots - Yes, I meant to drill it into your head. Regular trims can prevents these annoying things from taking hold of your curls. Not only are they a hassle to get rid, but type 4 hair is most prone to knots. Moisture control is a preventive measure to control knots. Try to take your time when going through your hair and finding knots, be patient and release each strand of hair one at a time. I do this while watching my favorite show, listening to audiobook, or watching my favorite youtuber.
2. Product Junkie - Be careful not to fall into this trap. I know it can be very tempting to buy every new product that comes out. Companies often advertise to us products that will promote, control, hydrate, detangle, and shine to your natural hair. Trying new products is okay, but finish the ones you have. Another alternative is to pass it to a friend or family member because it may be suited for someone else curls or natural hair. Make sure there is still a good amount of product in the container before passing it along.
3. Dry hair - It’s not a drill people, tackle this from the start and you will thank me later for this! Learn how to use moisture methods and maintain ph balance. Dry hair can cause headaches and sometimes even test your patience. Experiment with different oils, essential oils and conditioners out on the market. Find out which one works best for you!
4. Split ends - Now this is due to that fact that moisture and protein balance must be implemented in your routine. Some naturals like myself are protein sensitive. Yeah, there is such a thing lol! Some products have protein ingredients and that’s enough. Also a more gentle approach could possibly be rice water rinse.
5. Different hair types is a real thing, know yours and know it well. There are many different types of hair textures. The scale ranges from Type 1- Type 4; A through C. You can take a strand of your hair and by using many of the charts found on different website you can find out which type you fall into. Yes, you can belong to more than one, it’s normal. I personally have Type 4 A&B texture. Which is said to be prone to dryness and knots, I soon found out quickly how true this fact is, and have made it my mission to master this characteristic of my hair pattern and texture. Now there has been many debates about hair typing. I will leave that topic for another day. Get to know you hair and its likes and dislikes.
6. Comments and questions will come - Ignore the rude ones! People will have something to say all the time. It’s time to get a thicker skin, and when I mean thicker skin; I mean not caring what anybody says. Not everyone will understand your decision to go natural. Know that you are not alone and surround yourself with like minded people. Retain your mindset to stay positive, and most importantly be kind to yourself. What you feel on the inside will display on the outside. Stay in good energy and patience will follow.
Leonard Mc Lane/Getty Images - Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
7. Having more than one hair type and texture is normal - I have mentioned this before and it is perfectly normal to have more than one hair texture on your head. We are made up on our parents DNA, and that comes with taking on their characteristic traits and features. This includes the hair on our head, you can learn to manage it and promote growth. To work against your hair is to know defeat and stress. Trust me, I have had a few setbacks that have played with my own positive mindset. To the point where I did not want to go outside. This feeling usually subsides and life returns back to normal. You will have your moments, know that is is just a moment and it will pass.
8. Breaking hair tools - Yes, you will break a few of them. I broke two hair blow dryers with the attachments. I figure it was a sign, and no heat equals no heat damage. It saved me from doing more harm than good. I chose to look at the positive side of this mishap and really focus on length retention. Less chance of me creating heat damage to my already colored hair.
9. Hair porosity - It matters and will affect your product application and purchases. This simply means how well your hair responds to absorption of water. High porosity hair means that water gets easily absorbed into the hair shaft. Low porosity has a much harder time holding on to water. This the reason why sealing in moisture becomes very important for naturals with low porosity. A water test can help you find which you are. Take a single strand of hair and place it in a cup of water. If your hair sinks to the bottom, you have high porosity. If you hair floats you’ve got low porosity. Even if you take your spray bottle, and you notice the water sits on your hair, you have low porosity.
10. Have a set plan for wash day and daily routine - Planning out your wash days or just listening to your hair will help when it comes to keeping your hair healthy and happy! Circle the day on your calendar and plan out what you are going to do. For example, hot oil treatment or deep conditioning etc. Clarifying your hair with mild gentle shampoo is very important too!
SEE ALSO: Natural Hair Care Products For Black Hair: What’s in Your Spray Bottle?
Bonus: Dying your hair, before you have a good hair care routine may not the best idea. Get your moisture and protein balance down pack first. Once you get that out the way, pick a color and enjoy your naturally curly hair! One last thing, the tighter the curls the more prone you are to knots, unfortunately.
Hair + Knots of any kind= trimming time, or light dusting of the ends is needed
SEE ALSO: Transitioning to Natural Hair: Are You Ready?
What are some things you found out that you wish someone told you before going natural? Share them with us below and add to the list! I would love to read your answers!
THIS ARTICLE IS RELATED TO: natural hair blogs, natural hairstyles, natural hair products, black natural hairstyles
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Breaking the Rules: Natural Hair Treatment Tips
It's okay to break some rules when dealing with natural hairstyles for black women! Here are some natural hair treatment tips for naturals! Read why your natural hair treatment can differ from other all natural black women!
By: Emily-Ann
I know you are all familiar with saying, “The rules are meant to be broken”. I think it’s no different when it comes to hairstyles for african american women. Now, I am not telling you to completely break all of the rules, but there are a few you can tweak or just throw it all way. I’ve listed a few that I feel you can do without.
The first one would be the Denman Brush. This is a staple in the natural hair community and the brush is said to be a must-have when you are dealing with natural hairstyles for black women. The rule here is to remove every other row; I did not do that, needless to say I found the brush to do more harm than good. I’ve used this brush, and all it did was cause grief. It literally pulled out more hair than anything else and not only did I break this rule but I threw it in back of my closet never to be seen again. Okay, well that is not entirely true. I can’t stand not being organized, even if it’s something as small as that. I did purchase a plastic bin to place all my hair tools.
>> SEE ALSO: Natural Hair Care: Eco Styler Gel Is Cancelled
There is another debate that seems to be going on in the natural hair community. The question that seems to be on everyone’s mind lately. Do you co-wash vs. use shampoo? Now for those of you who are new, let me break down real quick to you. The term co-wash, simply means to use conditioner in place of shampoo to perform your washes. There is a lot of back and forth about this particular method. I have done this method for awhile and I can honestly tell you that I have mix feelings. I say break this rule, it’s okay to do co-wash once in awhile, but honestly I did not see any real benefits.
>> SEE ALSO: Top 10 Things You Should Know About Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
There are so many chemical free shampoos now on the market, and wide selection to choose from. We no longer have that small section in the drug store. Growing up my mother had to take me to a small neighborhood beauty supply store just to get my natural hair care products. I can now walk-in a walmart or another store, and find black hair care products on shelves. It’s okay to put back the shampoo in your routine, just make sure to read the label. I can give you example; I am currently using Shea Moisture’s Raw Shea Butter line. My main focus is on moisture retention, so I purchase products that will promote just that. I have type 4 natural hair, with low porosity so my hair goals may be different from your own. I find that it is in great benefit to know your natural hair types and porosity level for this very reason. Trust me, you’ll thank me later for encouraging you to know your natural hair types.
>> SEE ALSO: Transitioning to Natural Hair: Are You Ready?
When it comes to oils, this would be the top of the list for best natural hair products in the natural hair community. If you guessed Coconut oil, you are correct! I am not one of these naturals that has success with this oil, so don't feel bad because I feel your pain. I say break this rule too! Whoever said that coconut oil works for all natural hair types is lying lol! I often discuss this in my own personal blog post at Blushgirlcurl, and I am very honest when it comes to expressing my feelings about natural black hair products. Go ahead, put it down and break this rule, if it doesn't work for your or your hair that’s okay! Pass it on to another natural who may have some success with coconut oil. It’s okay hunny, I won’t tell!
Last but definitely not least; the liquid oil cream method or LOC method, which is the grandfather of all rules when it comes to learning how to take care of natural hair. This is like the holy grail of natural hair care rules and until recently, I thought breaking this rule would doom your chances of success! I thought you had to follow this method when trying to figure out how to make my hair grow faster. I happen to come across an article that suggested trying a different order for you hair type. This concept surprised me and I did try this out to see if it would work for me. I broke this rule and the order, I am now using LCO for my method of choice. If you are lost and have absolutely no idea what I am talking about, allow me to elaborate further. The LOC method, stands for Leave-in, Oil, and Cream, which is the chosen standard for sealing in moisture in the hair for extended periods of time. I broke this rule, well kinda and switched the order to see if the results would change. I switched it up and found that my natural hair responded much better to the LCO, rather than the LOC.
Don't be afraid to try different methods to see which one works for you! Let me know in the comments below, what rules have you broken and have gained success?
THIS ARTICLE IS RELATED TO: black natural hairstyles, black natural hair, black natural hair products, black natural curly hair, natural hairstyles
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4 Essential Oils For Skin Care During Cold Weather
Here are 4 top oils or skin care that will benefit you during cold weather!
By: Alyssa Cole
As we know the winter is here and for people like myself who live in northern states, you never know what the weather is going to be like!
However, one thing that you can be sure of is that your skin goes through a lot during this season so it's important to find the right oils for your skin!
>> SEE ALSO: Natural Hair Care Products For Black Hair: What’s in Your Spray Bottle?
Here are my Top Oils For Skin Care That Will Benefit You!
Argan Oil For Skin - Best for fine lines, dry skin and dry hair.
Avocado Oil For Skin - Best for dry sensitive skin, or irritated skin.
Coconut Oil For Skin - Best for natural hair growth and it also helps in treatment of skin issues, including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, and other skin infections.
Jojoba Oil For Skin - Best for skin treatment for acne, psoriasis, sunburn and chapped skin. One of the best essential oils for bruises as well as sores.
I know there are many recommended oils to use during the Winter, but these I feel are the best and help service your body the most during those cold seasons.
>> SEE ALSO: Top 10 Things You Should Know About Natural Hairstyles For Black Women
Readers Digest Images - Essential Oils
Whats your favorite oil?!
I hope this helps someone to have a smoothhhhh rest of the winter as we approach the Spring!
THIS ARTICLE IS RELATED TO: skin oils for oily skin, oil for relaxation, skin care, oils for skin care, healthy skin
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12 Questions You Should Ask About Transitioning to Natural Hair: Are You Ready?
Are you ready to start your natural hair care journey? Here are some tips for transitioning to natural hair!
By: Emily-Ann
Congratulations, you made the choice of transitioning to natural hair! Now what? Many of us including myself, transition without understanding the journey. My knowledge, comes from trial and error, like many natural hair beauties. I was under the impression that it would be easy. I mean, it is my hair, right? How hard could this really be? It has come to my attention that there are certain questions, you need to ask yourself. Especially, if you are the type to be indecisive or frequently change your mind. It may be very good idea to plan out your transition period, and set your schedule to do your big chop. Here are examples of questions you can ask yourself.
>> SEE ALSO: Breaking the Rules: Natural Hair Treatment Tips
Why are you going natural? (this will become clear as you move along in your journey)
How do you plan to do your transitioning from relaxed to natural hair?
Do you know your hair type 1,2,3, and 4?
Do you know if you have low, normal, or high porosity hair ?
What kind of protective styling are you going to use?
What kind support will work for you i.e videos, blogs, or natural hair friend(buddy system)
How comfortable are you with rocking natural hairstyles for short hair?
How would you rate your patience level, one being low and three being very high?
What day of the week will be your wash day?
What are your natural hair goals? Length retention, healthy natural hair, moisturizer control, thick hair, or all of the above?
What natural hair care products will you use? Shampoo, conditioners, leave-ins, and moisturizers etc..
Tip: Knowing your natural hair types may aid in the selection process when purchasing hair products for natural hair. Reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed by wide range of lines currently in the market.
>> SEE ALSO: Natural Hair Care: Eco Styler Gel Is Cancelled
Questions like the ones mentioned above may save you time, and make product selection process much easier. I want nothing more than to see you embrace your natural hair journey, and with a little patience you will achieve desired results. It may be in your best interest to go through these questions to evaluate your current mindset. Keep in mind this journey will test your level of patience and consistency. May your natural hair journey be dripping with finesse and all its glory.
THIS ARTICLE IS RELATED TO: natural hairstyles for black women, natural black hair, natural hairstyles, natural black hairstyles, natural hairstyles for black women