Haircare vs Exercise

Do you sacrifice your Health for your HAIR??!!!

As much as I care about my hair I do not let it be a reason for me not to care more for my body!
 I workout 5 days a week and the last thing that is on my mind when I am busting out my last rep is my hair.   As a African American woman I notice that sometimes I am the only or one of the very few black females getting it in.  I tend to do majority of my workouts outdoors just because I love the view. I see all other races and ethnicity out there" working on their fitness" except us!!!! I know its not because we can't do it, or that we don't have the time, I know for many of us its the hang up over our hair!!!
Before you jump down my throat I have asked many black women why don't you exercise, and one of the reasons I kept getting was " Girl I don't want to sweat out  my hair!" And the response in my head was if you don't have a healthy body your hair (which grows from the inside out) can't be but so healthy!!!
As a community we are plagued  with so many diseases and health issues that eating a healthier diet and exercise will lower our chances on contracting those issues.
So if your hair is what's standing between You and Healthier life than I believe it's a conversation worth having!
There are so many ways you can still strive for a better healthier you and keep your hair popping!!!
Whether you are on Team Natural or Team Relaxed or Team Weave you can have beautiful hair and a healthier body!!!
There are sweat head bands such as the Gym Wrap  created  by the lovely Nicole Ari Parker at .
 http://store.saveyourdo.com/ that will help keep our beautiful styles popping and fabulous.

Here are some Tips to care for your hair Pre & During Workout:

Team Natural : Beautiful Bantu Knots can be done before workout and after workouts. After workouts remove Bantu Knots for a beautiful wavy style. Pin Twist are another protective style that looks absolutely fabulous during and after workouts.

Team Relaxed: If you have long hair you can put it in a top ponytail with a bun and apply a silk scarf or a Gym wrap or Dri sweat head band to soak up the sweat. But if your hair is short and not long enough for a ponytail then Dri Sweat headband can still be worn to keep that style in check!
http://www.sallybeauty.com/headband/SBS-543779,default,pd.html

Team Weave: A Satin Lined Cap can be worn. Do not use a cotton bandana because the friction of the material will lead to breakage  so use satin or silk to preserve those edges.
http://www.satinlinedcaps.com/

Don't let your HAIR determine how you LIVE YOUR LIFE!!!
A HEALTHIER YOU WILL PRODUCE  HEALTHIER HAIR!!!!!

Stay tuned for Post Workout Tips.....

Have blessed day!

Cocoa Butter for your hair??!!!!!

I know we all know about cocoa butter for your stretch marks,chapped lips and for aging skin, but have you ever tried cocoa butter for your hair?!!! Well if you haven't then you must try it.
But before you began lets talk about where did cocoa butter come from.  Cocoa butter comes from cocoa beans which  are a native to the parts of South and Central America.  Cocoa beans are a high antioxidant containing a significant amount of polyphenol and flavanoid antioxidants.  Some of the antioxidants remain in the cocoa butter after it has been separated from the beans solid.  Cocoa butter is a healthy fat mostly saturated fat just like its counter partner coconut oil. It is very moisturizing and has been linked to a decrease in dandruff and healthier hair follicles.  Cocoa butter also has been known to prevent the onset of male pattern baldness.

So your still not sure what to do with it??? Well here are several ways to use cocoa butter for your hair; just by melting a little in the microwave and applying it to your hair prior to shampooing for about 20 minutes BAMB!!!! you just got yourself a Pre-Poo!!
Next if you are trying to combat frizz, apply a little to the palms of your hands and smooth onto your hair.  And just like that FRIZZ BE GONE!!!!
Cocoa butter can also be rubbed onto the scalp.  This will make your scalp have a healthy oil production that will leave your hair stronger, beautiful sheen and thicker.  It can also reduce dead and split ends.
But my absolute favorite way to use Cocoa Butter on my hair is as a Leave-In Conditioner. That's right a Leave-In Conditioner.

Here is all you need:
                                       Cocoa Butter Leave-In Conditioner
  **depending on the length of hair you may need to double ingredients, I'm still rocking my TWA **
1/2 cup  of Cocoa Butter
2 tbsp of Coconut Oil
1 1/2 tsp  of Vitamin E Oil
A couple of drops of Vanilla essential oil

• Combine all ingredients except Vanilla essential oil  in a small saucepan
• Melt over low heat stirring constantly
• Once melted remove from heat pour into air tight container
• Add the Vanilla essential oil
• Place in freezer for about 10-15 minutes
• Remove mixture and let soften(mimicking the consistency of butter)
• Apply to clean hair
•  Dry hair as normal

Trying these tips cocoa butter may become a permanent staple in your healthy hair regimen.

Have a blessed day!

5 Tips for Healthy Summer Hair

Clarifying Shampoo or Swimmers Shampoo:
After swimming at the beach or pool use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoo's will remove any minerals(sea salt) metals(chlorine) left behind on your hair as well as any product buildup.  You should also use a Swimmers Shampoo if you have beautiful blonde hair or blonde highlights.  Sometimes the chlorine from the pool water will leave a greenish tint on your hair. Swimmers shampoo contains phytic acid which will remove the green tint on the hair.

Avocado Oil Rinse:
 Similar to a hot oil treatment but this method is done in the shower.  After shampooing hair and scalp apply Avocado Oil from the roots to the ends. This will seal moisture into your hair.

Moisturize:
Moisture is needed to beat dry hair.  The best type of moisturizer during summer months to use are water based products.
A few examples  of water based products:
Africa's Best Kids Organics Detangling Hair Lotion
Giovanni Direct Leave - In
If you do not have any of these products don't worry mix Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado Oil and a little water in a spray bottle. This works like magic!!!! This is my favorite summer moisturizer!!! Spritz this  cocktail onto your hair. Your  hair will be moisturized and sealed!

Co-Wash:
Shampooing the hair is not always the best due to time constraints and also shampooing can strip some of the very moisture we are trying to hold on to.  So Co-Washing is an awesome option.
Co-Washing is applying a moisturizing conditioner to your wet hair then rinsing it out.  This method will retain moisture while gently cleansing your hair.
Some of my favorite co-washing conditioners are:
Ogx Coconut Water Weightless Conditioner
Alberto V05 Moisturizing Conditioner ( I know its very cheap but its excellent for co-washing because it will not weigh your hair down)

Air Dry:
Stay away from direct heat!!! The beautiful sunshine and heat will dry your hair with a less damaging effect.

And out of all the tips this is the most important of all.............
STAY HYDRATED!!!!!! 
WATER, WATER,WATER !!!!!!!!
Our diets play a major role in how our hair and skin thrive.  So make sure you drink up or none of these tips will be beneficial !!!

Have a blessed day!