September 21, 2011

Real Talk: I am not my hair

Article written by Demetria Lucas, Relationship Editor at Essence Magazine.

Filed under Hair

May 19, 2011

The secret to healthy hair…..

The secret to healthy hair is to have a healthy scalp. Your hair is an extension of your scalp and this is where your hair grows, so you must keep your scalp clean at all times.

As brand new and healthier scalp cells are produced, the older ones on the surface of the scalp are automatically shed. These are minute particles which you can’t see with your bare eyes. You wouldn’t even know it’s happening…till you start getting dandruff! That’s when the scalp replacement process is going wrong. However the process can keep going well as long as you shampoo and condition it frequently and properly.

Tips to Maintain a Healthy Scalp:

You want to avoid using harsh chemicals on your scalp. Using mild shampoos. Know the ingredients in your products and the affect they can have on your hair.
Just like your skin your hair needs moisture. Using essential oils and a good leave in conditioner helps to keep your hair moisturized.
Massage your scalp on a daily basis. This promotes blood flow to your scalp. It also relaxes your brain and is very soothing to the scalp.
Over Washing can cause lead to a dry scalp. This also strips the hair of the essential oils the hair needs. Try not to wash your hair too much within one week. Washing your hair with conditioner (co-washing) in between shampoos can help.
Lack of sleep and a poor diet can cause damage to your scalp. Try getting in 7-8 hrs. of sleep every night. Eating on time and eating healthy foods are important. Exercising on a regular basis is important as well.
Take vitamins that promote healthy skin and hair growth.

Have a GREAT hair day!

(Source: http)

Filed under natural hair healthy hair healthy scalp

12 notes

May 16, 2011

Hello Natural Chicas,

Check out my Q&A with the lovely Mrs. Dominique Harris of All Things O’Natural. Find out how Dominique took on a holistic approach to health. She changed not only her hair but her whole lifestyle.

ANHA: How old were you when you had your first relaxer?

Dominique: I was 9 years old when I received my first relaxer.

ANHA: How long have you been natural?

Dominique: I have been natural for 16 months. I began transitioning in January 2010 only to cut it off in August 2010. So I am 9 months post BC.

ANHA: Who/What encouraged you to go natural?

Dominique: Well, the natural hair was the last piece of the puzzle in my strive to live a natural lifestyle. I was using natural herbs for me and my family and I even have a homeopathic pediatrician for my 3 children, so with me altering my hair from its natural state made me feel like a walking contradiction.

ANHA: Did you have the support from your friends and family?

Dominique: Absolutely! Everyone has been on board.

ANHA: What are some of your favorite natural hairstyles to wear?

Dominique: 2 strand twist out and 2 strand twist out bushy fro.

ANHA: Name four hair products you can’t live without?

Dominique: SheaMoisture, Bentonite Clay, Apple Cider Vinegar and my Natty Butter

ANHA: How do you keep your hair moisturized?

Dominique: Using products that are all natural, that contain no harsh ingredients. Using Ayurvedic treatments. Deep Conditioning bi weekly and sealing in moisture with my Natty Butter.

ANHA: What encouraged you to start your hair blog?

Dominique: I felt it was a great way to spread knowledge to others who wished to go natural with their hair, skin and internal health.

ANHA: What do you love most about the natural hair community?

Dominique: I love the beautiful inspirational pictures, the forums and the support.

ANHA: What is your nightly routine?

Dominique: I spritz my hair with my moisturizing spritz of peppermint oil and water, add SheaMoisture deep treatment masque to each section that I am going to twist, seal in the moisture with my Natty Butter and sleep on a satin pillow.

ANHA: What do you love the MOST about being natural?

Dominique: The freedom, the versatility, the beauty, the message it sends to my children and the health of it all.

ANHA: What words of encouragement do you have for women that are considering going natural?

Dominique: Research, research, research. Surround yourself with positive energy. Keep your eyes on the prize and don’t compare yourself to any other naturals hair. Appreciate the style, rock it and love it the way that it looks on you. When you love your hair, you can appreciate other naturals’ hair without wanting yours to look just like their hair. And keep the word PATIENCE in your memory bank.

Check out Dominique’s blog: www.allthingsonatural.blogspot.com

Find her on Facebook: All Things O’Natural

Find information about her Natty Butter: www.livingthenattylifestyle.blogspot.com

Filed under natural hair Q&A Dominique Harris All Things O'Natural natural hair natural hair story

7 notes

May 15, 2011

Looking for a way to reduce frizz try Microfiber….

Always avoid wringing or rubbing hair with a towel, as this creates friction, breakage and split ends. Gently scrunch out most of the water with your fingers while you’re still in the shower. Rubbing hair with a towel will only break up the curls you just shaped. They key is to flip your head over and scrunch up. Microfiber is a super-absorbant fabric that reduces frizz and speeds up drying time. Microfiber does not disturb the cuticle; instead it smooths it down, reducing frizz. By Naturallycurly.com

(Source: naturallycurly.com)

Filed under frizz natural hair microfiber