Moisturizing and Sealing Oils, Are they the same?

If you are on a healthy hair journey then I know you have either practiced moisturizing  or was told to "Seal in the moisture to your hair!" , OR "Moisturize your hair!"  Usually the first thing someone does is grab the first oil they see and apply it to the hair, that can be the your first and biggest mistake. All oils are not created equal. There are some oils that will not seal in any moisture and some oils that should not be used to moisturize the hair.
 Below I will describe what is the difference between a Moisturizing Oil  vs  Sealing Oil .

Moisturizing Oil:
Penetrates the Hair Shaft
Nourishes the Scalp
Best when used with Water or Water based products
**Water is the Best moisturizer Ever!!!**

Examples:
Coconut Oil   decreases protein loss resulting in prevention of breakage and damage
Olive Oil   nourishes the scalp,reaches the cortex of the hair improving strength & elasticity
Avocado Oil  restores scalp health and closely resemble our nature sebum
Jojoba Oil helps hair cells reproduce faster
Sunflower Oil  high amounts of Vitamin E & Omega 9 that helps stop breakage and stimulate growth
**Sunflower oil can also be used to  seal as well because it is a non-polar solvent meaning that it prevents water loss**

Sealing Oil:
Do Not penetrate the Hair Shaft
Adds Shine to hair
Seals in Moisture
Sits on top of hair shaft

Examples:
Shea Oil liquid form of shea butter traps in moisture due to allantoin.
Grapeseed Oil smoothes cuticles and prevents frizz
Castor Oil contains Omega 6 producing shine and reducing split ends
Almond Oil contains Vitamins A,B,E and Omega 9,6,3 promotes strong hair and seals in                                    moisture longer.

Allantoin- helps keratin cells hold on to water molecules.

So as you can see Moisturizing Oils and Sealing Oils are very important and all present different benefits. So the next time you need to moisturize or seal your hair grab the oil that best suits your needs.
Have a blessed day!

Lose Weight and Grow your Hair!!

Having a healthy diet  and  exercising can do wonders for your body. Not only will it get rid of a few pounds but did you know it can also grow your hair longer and faster?!!

Here are 3 food that will promote healthy long hair:

Salmon

Salmon:

Salmon is a nutrient-dense food packed with protein. Protein can help you lose weight by making you feel full longer. The fish oil you receive from Salmon along with a little exercise can reduce body fat. But I guess you're saying now well how will that make my hair grow Vanessa? Well let me tell you  the Vitamin D and Protein that is in this wonderful fish will help you to have a healthy scalp so your beautiful hair can start growing. You need a healthy scalp to produce healthy hair!

Egg Yolk

Eggs:

Eggs contain essential amino acids and are loaded with protein that has been know to boost your metabolism through a process called "Thermic Effect of Food". Thermic Effect of Food is the energy the body uses just to metabolize your food. Eggs are a great source of Omega 3 vitamins. Now this leads me to explain how egg yolks will assist in your  healthy long hair journey. Some of us have been know to do a protein treatment on our hair using raw eggs. Yes this is effective but if you just cook and eat  the eggs the results are far more beneficial.  Egg yolk contains Vitamin B7, and Biotin. Yes Biotin everyone wants to take a Biotin supplement when all you have to do is just eat the correct foods.Notice I say Egg Yolk be careful to much egg whites can actually block the absorption of the much needed Biotin. So eating a fried or poached egg can give you 25 micrograms of  Biotin when only 30 micrograms of Biotin is needed.

Sweet Potato

Sweet Potato:

Sweet Potato is loaded with dietary fiber. Fiber absorb water making you feel full.  It also regulates your blood sugar. Regulated blood sugar reduces sugary cravings which in turn helps you control your appetite. Sweet Potato are full of beta carotene which gives it that orange color. When it is digested it is converted into Vitamin A or Retinol. Vitamin A promotes hair growth, prevents lifeless dull hair and dry scalp. So just pop a Sweet Potato in the oven and let it bake then add a little cinnamon to it and enjoy.

Sometimes we look for that golden hair product that is going to give us long luxurious hair when a lot of times  that golden product is food that is at our super market, farmers market or in our refrigerator. Having a healthy diet will not only help you to drop a couple of pounds but help you on your journey to healthy hair and Ultimately a Healthy Life.

Have a blessed day!

Can you Eat your way to Healthy Hair??

The saying" You are what you eat!" I am finding to be so true. As I'm on this journey to living a

healthy lifestyle I have noticed many changes. These changes are not only in the composition of my

body but my nails, skin and hair.

Eating a healthy well balanced diet has done things for my hair that no hair product could've ever

done. Product build up has become a thing of the past because  I find my self using less product

simply because my hair does not require it.  The more colorful my plate became the better my hair

looked and felt.  My hair appeared thicker and felt stronger.

Detangling time was reduced tremendously. My hair retained moisture and my scalp has become less

itchy.

Below is a just a few examples of the different vitamins and nutrients that  promotes healthy hair.

Eating healthier has simply changed my life inside and out.
So DIG IN !!!!!
Have a blessed day!

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!

DIY Clarifying Shampoo

Homemade Clarifying Shampoo
1 tspn of Baking Soda

 Shampoo

few drops of Tea Tree Oil


The reason this recipe works is because baking soda is alkaline which soften the sebum(oils) allowing the shampoo to cleanse the scalp. The tea tree oil is an antiseptic which kills bacteria and unclogs the hair follicles.

After cleansing your scalp and hair you can follow up with a moisturizing treatment. This will leave your hair soft and manageable!!

Have a blessed day!

The Big CHOP

YES I did it again!!!!

I usually cut  my hair during the summer, living here in Sunny Florida next to the beach my family and I  spend a lot of time at the beach or the pool so to have less hassle I usually cut my hair really short, but this time it's a little different. This time I cut it and  I will not be  relaxing it. Now that's truly  different. I have not been natural in years!!

The reason I decided to do this was not because my hair was damaged or I'm against realaxed hair or anything.  I have been on a weight loss journey or  what I like to call it  just get more healthier journey and I am determined to not only have healthy hair but a healthy body as well. So far on this journey I have discovered some great tasting healthy foods and as well as some VERY challenging workouts! LOL!!

So cutting my hair was a no brainer, and  I LOVE IT!! I know there are going to come days when I miss my hair. Especially when I see someone rocking a fly style!! But I am ready! I am learning to love my natural hair again .

Now let me say this: Will I still weave my hair every now and again? YES ! I love versatility .

I already know there will be a lot of wash n go style, just because I love that style. Documenting the ups and downs the good and  the frustrating times will be all part of this new journey I am embarking on.  Let's go through this journey together!!
Shout out to all my NEWLY BIG CHOP SISTA'S!!
Let's do this!

Have a blessed day!!

Protecting your hair while Swimming

It's that time again when we will be visiting the pools and beaches often. Truth be told living here in Florida swimming can be done all 12 months and I love it!!! But for majority of the country this is not so.
We are always talking about protecting our skin but sometimes fail to leave out protecting our hair. There are several steps that can be done to assure you that your beautiful mane will stay healthy while showing off your summer body!!!
Here are some steps to take:

1. Wet hair with clean/tap water before getting in the pool or ocean.

Your hair absorbs approx. 30% of its own weight, so if your hair is full of clean tap water it will decrease the amount absorption of chlorine in the pool or salt in the ocean water.

2. Apply a serum that is silicon based to your soaking wet hair.

This will create a barrier from the elements.
** If you must put on a swim cap make sure its silicone lined in the inside as well.  I usually do not recommend swim caps because they can be too tight and pull the hair out when putting them on and while taking them off.**


Now that your hair is protected get in the pool/ocean and show everyone your Olympic style strokes!! LOL!

When you get out of the pool/ocean there are just a couple more steps to take.

1. Rinse your hair with tap water.

2. Shampoo  your hair.
If you are done swimming for the day shampoo & condition your hair with a shampoo that contains phytic acid. This shampoo will remove the chlorine or saltwater that was able to penetrate the hair shaft.

One example of this type of shampoo is ION Swimmers Shampoo.  Its 100% Vegan & Sulfate free, and protects from Sun damage and Chlorine damage.

3. Condition your hair.

Use a very moisturizing conditioner . One that I love is Awapuhi  Ginger conditioner by Ogx. This conditioner softens the hair and moisturize you hair and stimulates your scalp.

And let's not forget to apply a leave in conditioner as well.

There is also a leave-in conditioner by ION called ION Swimmers leave-in conditioner.  For my blondes out there it protects your hair from having that green tint to it that sometimes chlorine can leave behind. It's also 100% Vegan! (this can also be sprayed on hair before entering the water for extra protection).
This is a  great leave in that helps with detangling and will rehydrate your beautiful mane!

So now you can swim freely!! Be safe out there!!!

Have a blessed day!

Benefits of Scalp Massages

We are always talking about how we want our hair to grow, but did you know scalp massages are one of the best ways to get that hair growing?!! The kneading pressure actually warms up the skin and opens the blood vessels which increases the flow and boosts circulation.

Here are some of the benefits of massaging the scalp:

• Promotes hair growth by stimulating the hair follicles
• Improves circulation
• Loosen dead skin/dandruff off the scalp
• VERY Relaxing!!!
• Strengthens hair from the root

When you are giving yourself a scalp massage their are various oils that will make your massage not only relaxing but has add benefits to scalp health.

Castor Oil is great for thinning areas.

Peppermint Oil is not only a natural cleanser but increases circulation.

Chamomile Oil is great for itch dry scalp

 Scalp massages can be done with your fingertips but there are various types of scalp massagers on the market today. My favorite one is called the Scalp Invigorator!! 

This is a vibrating scalp massager with soft silicon grips. It has such a good grip and handle  that can be used in the shower on those shampoo days!! (that way you don't have to worry about dropping it)

This can be purchased at www.mylifemyshop.com

Once you start giving your self scalp massages you are going to wonder why wasn't I doing this before!!. LOL!!!

Give it a try  I know you won't be disappointed!!!

Have a blessed day!!

4 Amazing Moisturizing Conditioner for Relaxed Hair

For all of my Relaxed Hair Diva's our hair can get really dry making a moisturizing conditioner very important. I am always in search of the next best Conditioner. In search of something that is going to make my hair smooth and moisturized. So off to the drugstore I go....

Here are my Top 4 drugstore Moisturizing Conditioner

Pantene Pro-V Truly Relaxed Hair Moisturizing Conditioner:
 Leaves your hair so soft & manageable. Great  for detangling.

ORS Olive Oil Replenshing Conditioner:
Very moisturizing! Great slippage!! Can also be used as deep conditioner!

Aunt Jackie's in Control Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner:
Great for new growth when stretching your relaxer.

  Ogx Weightless hydration Coconut Water Conditioner:
Do not weigh your hair down! Leaves hair moisturized. Smells great!!

So anytime your hair needs a little moisturizing try these great conditioners. You will not be disappointed!!!

Have a blessed day!

High Porosity?? Low Porosity??? Which one do you have????

Lately I have been seeing a lot of products coming on to the scene talking about the "porosity of your hair". I was like "Umm that's interesting. Do they know what "Porosity" means? And if they do know Do they know why they their hair has low or high porosity level??  And most of all Do they think these products will change it?

First things first lets go over what "Porosity" means. Hair porosity is the hairs ability to absorb and retain moisture.  There are 3 levels: Low, Normal, High.  The degree of porosity is related to the condition of the cuticle layer of the hair.
Hair that has a compact cuticle is naturally resistant to being penetrated by moisture which is called hydrophobic.
Hair with raised cuticle layer is easy to absorb moister is called hydrophilic.

Hair with low porosity(hydrophobic) has a hard time with processing chemical services so it requires a more alkaline solution. An alkaline solution will raise the cuticles allowing for saturation and processing to be done to the hair.
Hair with high porosity(hydrophilic) is usually hair that has been over processed. So less alkaline solutions with a lower pH level is needed.  Because the hair is so porous it will not retain any moisture it has absorbed.
Now that you know what porosity is lets do a porosity test so you can find out which one you have.  There are 2 tests that can be done.
Test #1
You can check from 4 different areas of the head.

• hairline
• temple
• crown
• nape

Hold the hair strand securely and run your finger along the hair strand.  If the hair feels smooth then your hair cuticles are compact,dense it is resistant(low porosity)
If if feels slightly rough it is porous.
If it is Very Rough, Dry, or Even Breaks it is highly porous and Over Processed(high porosity)

Test #2

• Fill a glass with water
• Take a couple of strands of clean hair and drop them in the water
• Wait 2-4 minutes

If the hair sinks immediately it has a High Porosity.
If it raises back to the top it has Low Porosity.
If it floats somewhere in the middle it has  Normal Porosity.

Now that you did  all of that and you know what your hair porosity level is here are things you can do to manage and or  improve your porosity level leading you to a healthy hair journey.

If you have discovered you have High Porosity hair:

• Routine hot oil treatments are very important and necessary for you.
• Leave - in conditioners, protein treatments are a must.
• Try to use creamy thick deep conditioners
• Eat a protein rich diet.*Remember we are what we eat! What you put inside affects what grows outside.*

Clues for high porosity hair:
Really quick drying time
Dull hair / lack of shine
Over processed
Tangles easily

If you have discovered you have Low Porosity hair:

• Deep condition your hair with heat. ex: Sitting under a hooded dryer, dryer bonnet, or warm towel is your best friend!!
• Use clarifying shampoo's to remove buildup

Clues for low porosity hair:
Does not retain moisture
Does not hold styles
Product easily buildup on surface of hair
Hair butters leave hair feeling oily

So do you need products specifically geared for your porosity level? NOOOOO!!!!!
All you need to do is make a conscience effort and make the products you have work for you.  Don't over process your hair with different chemical services( relaxer and/or color) and heat damage.
Listen to your hair and give it what it's asking for.
This will always lead you to healthy hair.

Have a blessed day!
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Boxer Braids????? NO IT'S CALLED CORNROWS!!!

Lately there have been so much controversy going on about cornrows or what some are trying to call boxer braids. REALLY... BOXER BRAIDS!!!!!  People are wanting to change the name, and origin. I guess those same people must have been born yesterday because there is no way they can actually believe what they are saying!! But no  I'm going to give those people the benefit of the doubt, maybe they don't know the history!! Well allow me to give a short, (I mean very short) history of its origin!


Cornrows has been worn over centuries to symbolize: status,age, kinship, and ethnicity. Cornrows has also been known as canerows. They were not only widespread in Africa but  they go back as far as 500 B.C.. The African people of Namibia have been braiding their hair for centuries. 

Through out and even after the Civil War African American adults was straightening their hair, but the children hair was still being cornrowed.  

In the 1900's school girls was beginning to wear their hair straightened due to the straighten comb invented by Madam C.J. Walker(but was patented by a French women named Annie Malone).

But by  1969 we were back in full swing with Black Power and wearing our African rooted styled hair.  In the 1970's Afro's and Cornrows was steady rising and being worn by many women.

Then in 1972 Cicely Tyson shocked Hollywood when she wore cornrows in the movie "Sounder". In the black community we were already wearing cornrows and other braided styled hair but never seen anyone on the silver screen do it.  Cicely Tyson cornrow style braids was both stunning  and liberating! She even rocked Cornrows on the cover of Jet magazine.

As hip-hop emerged women and men wore braided styles. The styles were beautiful and expressed our love for our culture. They were even adorned  with beads or shells some of the times.

Cornrows and many other braided styles have been worn in our community for many years with extra flare and style. They have been worn down the red carpet and even in the board rooms.

Now that I have given a very short history lesson about Cornrows no recent celebrity can take credit for a style that has been worn for many centuries!!
We love our " Cornrows" and the history it brings with it!!

Have a blessed day!

Combating Greasy Hair !!

Having greasy hair is a recurrent problem.  I know you wash your hair everyday or every other day to keep your tress clean and fresh. But did you know shampooing your hair takes away from all of its natural oils.  This then makes the scalp go into oil production mode, producing the very thing you just tried to wash away!! Seems like a cruel joke right! LOL!!!

Here are a few tips to help reduce the overflow of oil being produced:

• Try to pick a shampoo that is clear over a creamy one.  You can even try a clarifying shampoo.  If you are going to choose a clarifying shampoo do not use it more than 1 time in a week.
  
• Apple cider vinegar treatment can also be helpful.  Wet your hair in a warm shower then apply some apple cider vinegar to the hair roots and then down the hair strand. Rinse out.  This will restore the pH balance because vinegar is acidic.  This will also get rid of the oil build-up.

  

  apple cider vinegar

• Last but not least!!!! DRY SHAMPOO!!!!! Dry shampoo can be your best friend.  Apply it directly on your roots.

  

  Dry Shampoo

** Here's a bonus tip about dry shampoo it can be applied right after you shampoo. Blow dry your hair and apply it directly on the roots.  Then as time goes on during the day and your scalp starts to produce oil the dry shampoo will began doing its job.  This may buy you a extra day or two. **

Have a blessed day!

UN-Healthy Relaxed Hair Tips!!

Irregular Washes - I can pretty much bet if your not shampooing your hair on a regular basis that you are not deep conditioning as well.  Start a  regimen that includes shampooing you hair if not once a week  at least once every other week.

Lack of Protein - When we  relax  our hair we have broken the disulfide bonds and now we need to provide protein to make it strong again. Protein treatments should be done at least once a month!

Excessive Heat - I know some of us love that sleek look, but flat ironing our hair daily is a definite NO! NO!. To achieve that daily sleek look, on the day you shampoo and condition your hair instead of blow drying your hair try a silk wrap. Not only will it be sleek but will have unbelievable shine and body!

Over Processed Hair - If you are relaxing your hair every 4-6 weeks you are asking for trouble.  Try to stretch your relaxing service. Relax your hair between  8 -12 weeks(longer if possible) before retouching.

If you try these tips you will see a huge difference in your  beautiful relaxed hair!

Have a blessed day!

Top 3 Oils for Relaxed Hair

When hair is relaxed Moisture is very important. In a previous post  called  " Natural VS Relaxed  Which one is better?!" I explained what stages the hair goes through and how it effects the hair.(which is a good read. Check it out)

Adding  moisture can be what saves your hair from breakage. So here is  the Top 3 Oils that will help you on your journey to Healthy Hair.

1. Avocado Oil - Avocado oil contains the  monounsaturated fatty acid phytosterols  and has high levels of Antioxidants!! When massaged on the scalp it stimulates blood circulation unclogging hair follicles, promoting hair growth. This oil is also best for sealing!!

Avocado Oil

2. Argan Oil - I know we see this everywhere now, but this oil is rich in Vitamin A & E. It is packed with Omega -6 fatty acids and contain linolenic acid. The Vitamin E in Aragan oil helps boost cell production promoting healthy skin, hair, and scalp!

If you have a problem with dandruff or dry scalp  place a few drops on your finger tips and massage onto your scalp.  Your body temperature  will  release the linolenic acid which helps the body produce  a substance called prostaglandins which helps calm down overactive  oil glands(which is one cause of dandruff)

Argan Oil

3.Extra Virgin Coconut Oil -  Coconut oil   has Anti fungal & Antibacterial properties in it. These properties improves scalp health by fighting fungus and infections.

If you ever had a bug bite like a mosquito bite on your scalp, massage a little coconut oil on the bump this will help protect the bump from getting infected.

Coconut Oil

Try these  Top 3 Oils and you watch the difference they will make on your healthy hair journey!!

Have a blessed day!