Who’s Most Affected By Your Natural Hair?

Hey you guys!  My sister’s thinking about going natural!  Can you believe it??!! 

Her reason: she’s tired of the chemicals and being Mrs. Scabby Scalp.  Below is her current hair length.

Unfortunately, she’s suffering from hair anxiety and fear about being “too nappy to be natural.”  This fear primarily cames from my mother who told her that she wouldn’t look good with natural hair.  My mother said the same thing to me.  She’s such a hair hater.

So my question to you all is, who is most affected by your natural hair?  Is it your parents (mom, pops), significant other (boyfriend, husband), your friends (girlfriends) or other (co-workers, classmates, the world)?

Although its been a year, it appears that my mother is most affected by natural hair, not just mine.

Who’s most affected in your life?

Good Imitator? FREE STUFF!

I’m all about saving money where I can and I realize that there are excellent imitators are there for products and supplies.  But are there really?

Annie’s, who makes hair supplies for African-Americans, makes a hair brush remarkably similar to the Denman brush!  They are much cheaper in cost and are sold in two different sizes.  I bought one recently and I was shocked at the quality of the bristles!  However, after about four uses, I did sense some random sliding of the base of the brush.  Awkward…

I want to know how you feel about it so…I’M GIVING AWAY FIVE FOR FREE!!

Please, (1) comment to this blog and (2) forward your correct name and address to naturallyfamous@gmail.com.  I will reply with a confirmation and put your free regular sized brush in the mail in 24 hours!  Please note that this will be regular US post.  I’d love to hear your comments about the Annie’s Denman Brush Wannabe.

Thanks! 

UPDATE: NO MORE BRUSHES!!

I’d like to tell everyone thank you who participated and I hope you enjoy your brush!

I GOT A RELAXER!

Just kidding.

I’m back and unfortunately the website’s progress is not where it should be.  Meanwhile, I’ll continue to post entries.

Here’s a quick update.  I’ve set an appointment with the hairdresser but not for a relaxer, just to get it straightened and trimmed.  I haven’t had a trim since I BC’d back in Nov. 2007.  Can you believe its almost 1 year?!  My ends are shoddy and there’s absolutely no treatment in the world that will remedy them.  I simply need a trim.

The hairdresser is planning to use the Pravana’s Keratin Fusion straightening method.  I’m in the process of doing my research but I’m not too sure how I feel about adding chemicals to straighten my hair, even if temporary.  The hairdresser has natural hair as well, locs to be exact so I doubt she’ll do anything crazy to my hair.

My appointment is not until Oct. 18th (yes, I’m that busy I had to book it three weeks from now).  I’m taking before and after pics so get ready!

Hair pH Balance

With natural hair, its important to maintain a proper pH balance of 4.5 to 5.5 (for your hair).  pH is a medical term that describes the balance of your system and it refers to the condition of metabolic changes.  Your pH balance is also affected by the types of food you eat.  A woman’s body should maintain a pH balance that averages to 6.5 (but no more than 7.5).  Drinking purified water will neutralize your pH balance.

Just like your skin, your hair’s pH balance is affected by numerous factors, particularly the products you use.  This is why its important to switch up some of your products after 90 to 180 days because your hair becomes tolerant.  Tolerant hair = dull, dry look and feel.  Neutralizing products (I’ve only seen shampoos sold as such) are your friend!

Many products have their pH number on the bottom of the bottle.  If not, you should try to determine whether the product is alkaline or acidic.  You can test your hair product’s pH balance by purchasing a testing kit at Walmart (for about $10.00) or any local pool supply store.  You can also test your pH balance by testing your saliva or (dare I type it?) urine.  Eww!

Let us know your results!

Due Diligence

Hair’s a little inspiration in case you’re down in the dumps.

Having natural hair is probably the hardest thing you’ll ever go through but its possible and the rewards are great.  You have to do your part.  If you’re at the point of succumbing to the creamy crack, don’t.

When you find your hair overly dry and brittle, stop yourself from acting emotional. 

1. Take a moment to review and evaluate your products and their ingredients.  Find the culprit(s) and toss it (them). 
2. Change your regime.  What works for one person may not necessarily work for you.  Yet, if you’re taking advice from another, make sure that that person has a similar (if not the same) hair type.  Your hair texture is your texture.  When I first went natural, I found myself taking advice from someone with 3A hair.  Her products nor advice worked on my 4B kinks.  A certain conditioner or gel may enhance your hair texture but don’t expect a total reformation.  It only goes so far.
3. Take the time needed.  Having natural hair is time consuming (more than I expected) but taking the proper time to do weekend deep treatments is needed.
4. Stay consistent.  Please be consistent and persistent. 

As long as you stay diligent, the rewards will be great.  Give your hair the due diligence it deserves.  This advice goes beyond natural hair.  DON’T STOP!  Run the race!

Treasured Locks Contest and Giveaway

Treasured Locks is hosting another wonderful Giveaway Contest!!  The prize is a Treasure Chest of Treasured Locks hair care products.  The winner will be notified by email.    Treasured Locks Nothin’ But Nature Daily Hair Care Set

“Its Hard to Manage!”

While talking to my friend (who also has natural hair), she confessed to me that she made a hair appointment to go get a virgin perm.  I was shocked and horrified!  “NOOOO!” I screamed on the other line.  Her reason: manageability.

The first thing I said to her is “everyone with natural hair will have issues of manageability.  Its expected.”  I then followed up with, “but you can ease your manageability by using the right products for your hair type.”  I just emailed her and this is what I said:

Hey girl!  I forgot to email you…I hope I’m not too late!  Here are some products I used for my kinky/nappy hair:

 

Paul Mitchell Conditioner

Paul Mitchell Leave-In Conditioner

Garnier Fructis Sleek n Shine Leave-In Conditioner

Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner

Cream of Nature Moisture Shampoo

Aussie MOIST Deep Conditioner

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Hair Mask

Olive Oil for scalp (every other day)

Apple Cider Vinegar

__________________________________

Here’s what I do at night:

 

Apply a WATER-BASED leave-in conditioner to your hair.  Make sure your hair is saturated.  Apply an oil (I switch between 100% coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil) to your hair.  Put shower cap on your head.  Tie shower cap down and put a towel on your pillow.  Your hair will be soft and great in the morning.  Rinse out with conditioner (not shampoo) or water only.

___________________________________

Here’s what I do on the weekends:

 

Give a protein conditioner: two eggs, 1/2 cup of oil of choice, two large scoops of mayo.  Place a shower cap on your head and wrap your head with a large towel.  This will heat-activate everything.  NEVER SIT UNDER DRYER.  Eggs will cook.  I leave in while I’m cleaning/cooking for about four hours.  This is great protein!!  OR you can always add your favorite conditioner and wrap your head in a warm towel. 

 

It seems time consuming but I promise you, you’re hair will thank you.  See it as a pamper treat.

 

Also, if you start these good habits now, when the school semester starts, you won’t neglect yourself.  )

 

Try to look for products that moisturize the hair shaft.  VERY IMPORTANT.  Avoid products with Laureth Sulfate.  This will dry the hell outta your hair!

Read the Ingredients

One of the things I loathe about having natural hair is reading the ingredients of products.  In the real world, who has time to do that??  Really?!

One of the things I LOVE about having natural hair is reading the ingredients of products.  Although time consuming, knowledge is power…and a beautiful head of hair.

As a naturalist, there are some synthetic ingredients that you absolutely must avoid.  Unfortunately, they’re in almost everything we use.  For example, Propylene Glycol (PEG). 

Propylene Glycol (PEG)

It is one of the most common ingredients in cosmetics and is highly controversial. Many say it is a harmful irritant known to cause damage to the kidneys whilst a few believe it is safe. But consider this: the Material Safety Data Sheet for propylene glycol warns workers handling this chemical to avoid skin contact.

WELL WHAT DO YOU KNOW!!  My conditioner from last night has PEG.  How delightful (sarcasm).  If I had this list beforehand, I probably would’ve avoided this product. :-/

I highly suggest running through your the list when purchasing your products (or reviewing the products that you already have).  Your hair and health will thank you.

Hair Regime/Update

With natural hair, you absolutely have to have a hair regime.  When I wore a relaxer, I didn’t have a hair regime.  Tsk, tsk, tsk.  Apparently, I took that bad habit with me with natural hair.  I’m trying my best to change and this is what I’ve done!

1. Quit the daily ”Wash and Go.”  Although convienent, this regime (co-washing, conditioning, and applying gel) causes crazy dryness on to my hair and scalp because I can’t oil my scalp.  Oiling is important and sometimes necessary.  The convienence is causing chronic laziness.  Because of the heavy gel (and my thick hair), I often get tangles which leads to overshedding.
2. Shampoo my scalp.  I used to ONLY co-wash my hair and shampoo my scalp once every 4-6 weeks.  Eww.  I spoke to my mom about my regime and she practically went off on me.  She believes (which makes sense) that just as your ends needs conditioning, you need to cleanse your scalp.  Think of your scalp like your armpit (I know, gross).  In a day, you sweat and get collect dirt.  You can’t just rinse your armpit, you gotta scrub that thing down!  Shampooing the scalp is damaging, its the type of shampoo that is damaging.  For now, I only have Cream of Nature which can be a wee bit drying.  Today, I used ACV to cleanse my scalp thoroughly.  I then followed up with my Paul Mitchell Conditioner.
3. Baggy at night.  Last night, I did my first baggy treatment!  Baggying is a wonderful treatment that I learned from Mane & Chic.  She has beautiful hair and an amazing texture.  I used Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream.  I believe their products are primarily for women who wear relaxers but so far no issues.  I’ll update my statement if necessary.

Those are a few external things that I’m doing.  I’ll give my details soon!

Redpumpz

More Natural Hair Products!

My cousin Katholic (another natural belle) forwarded me some great information about natural products.

Beauty for Ashes (http://www.discoverb4a.com/7%20Beauty%204%20Ashes%20HC.html)

Top Ranking African-American Hair Products (http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/top-ranking-of-african-american-hair-care-products-176252.html)

Question/Advice Re: GodHead Products (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070802113159AAnijJd)

More links on their way!