The Truth About Co-Washing #naturalhair #teamnatural

Co-washing short for "conditioner washing" is a process of washing or cleansing the hair with a conditioner as opposed to a shampoo. Many naturalistas resort to co-washing because it does not strip the hair of natural oils like most shampoo's which contain sulfates (cleansing agent found in detergents and dish washing liquids). 

Curly hair is dryer than straight hair because the circular form of the curl pattern makes it harder for the sebum produced by the scalp to be transferred to the hair shaft. Co-washing aids the hair in providing additional moisture and is great for excessively dry hair. 

If your only means of cleansing is to co-wash this can cause a problem and potentially affect growth. The purpose of cleansing the hair with shampoo is to get rid of product build up and excess debris that can clog the pores. Conditioners should never be applied to the scalp because they are usually designed to be heavier and thicker in consistency (excess build up). With that said, co-washing is not bad but it should not be your only means of cleansing your hair. If you are a heavy co-washer you should wash with a regular shampoo at least once every two weeks. 

Ways to tell if your hair is over-moisturized and you NEED TO STEP AWAY FROM THE CONDITIONER:

Strand test: Take a strand of hair. Hold both ends (root to tip) and pull. If the strand stretches and then snaps or coils up on the ends it is time for a cleanse. 

Touch test: If your hair feels gummy like the tasty gummy bears/worms. It is time for a cleanse. 

Upcoming #naturalhair events coming to a city near you! Check it out.

Pamper your scalp = Scalp Exfoliation #naturalhair #teamnatural

The way to healthy beautiful hair is to have a healthy scalp. With all the cock tailing and piling on of products, the pores of our scalp gets clogged from product build up and dandruff. If you use a lot of products like gels, mousse or petroleum you are in need of a scalp exfoliation. 

The key to scalp exfoliation is to gently rub in the mixture. You don't want to scrub too hard to irritate the scalp. Be gentle. For those who use an overload of products you should treat your scalp at least once a week. 

Recipe: 

Step 1

2 tbsp of brown sugar

2 tbsp olive oil

Stir mixture into a paste

Step 2

Wet hair and apply mixture to the scalp. 

Step 3

Work mixture into scalp in a circular motion for 5 to 10 mins. 

Step 4

Shampoo and condition as usual. 

Exfoliating scrubs remove product build up, dry skin cells and moisturize. Enjoy! 

5 things every Naturalista should have! #naturalhair #teamnatural

#1 Silk or Satin Hair Bonnet- A bonnet protects the hair from frizz and damage as you sleep to keep the hair looking fresh and preventing breakage.

 

#2 Hand held dryer with detachable diffuser- Normally I would tell you to stay away from all things heat related but the hair dryer with an attachable diffuser can be a naturalista's best friend when you are on the run or want to minimize shrinkage. The Diffuser circulates heat across the hair while maintaining moisture and preventing frizz.

#3 Wide Tooth Comb- To help detangle the hair after washing or for styling during a Wash 'n' Go.

#4 Hair Clips- These are great for seperating the hair during styling, washing and detangling. Definitely a Naturalista's Best Friend.

#5 Elastic Hair Band- This invention is definitely a treat. You slide it around your hair for smooth sides while wearing a pony afro puff or a large one! One of my favorites to wear to the gym or when I don't want to do my hair.

Ever wonder what causes dandruff?? #naturalhair #curlyhair #teamnatural

There are several reasons why you have those unwanted dry flakes on your favorite black shirt. 


True Story: I was chilling with my boo one day when I noticed him staring at my hair line. I asked him what he was looking at and he said "I think it's time for a wash." LOL. I was mortified. How embarrassing.  

To avoid an embarassing situation here are some reasons why you may be experiencing dandruff:

Dry skin- Do you have dry patches on your face after you wash or need tons of lotion to make your skin look shiny and attractive? If you answered "YES" then you have dry skin. H20 is the solution to your problem.

Irritated, oily skin- Is your skin or scalp red, greasy covered with flaky white or yellow scales? If so you may be suffering from seborrheic dermatitis. This condition affects the scalp, but also other areas rich in oil glands, such as your eyebrows, the sides of your nose and the backs of your ears, your breastbone, your groin area, and sometimes your armpits. For a diagnosis see a dermatologist.

Your not washing your hair enough- Who ever said dirty hair is better is wrong. If you don't shampoo your hair regularly, this causes build up to accumulate on the scalp. Make sure you massage your scalp and rinse all of the shampoo out. 

Psoriasis- is a skin disorder that causes an accumulation of dead skin cells that form thick, silvery scales. Psoriasis commonly occurs on your knees, elbows and trunk, but it can also affect your scalp. See your dermatologist for a diagnosis. 

Eczema-If you have eczema anywhere on your body, it could also be on your scalp, possibly leading to the development of dandruff. See your dermatologist for a diagnosis. 


Allergic reaction to hair care products- If you noticed an accumulation of dandruff or itchiness when you use certain products STOP. Not all hair products or ingredients agree with our scalps. Red, itchy, or scaling scalp is a sign you need to try new products. 

Hair recipes from around the globe. #naturalhair

Ever wonder where we learned that cold water seals in moisture or olive oil nourishes our strands? 

Avocado

Avocado mixed with two egg whites are Colombia's natural and inexpensive recipe that nourishes, smoothes and softens hair. 

Benefits: This tropical fruit contains more fatty alcohols than any other fruit. It is rich in potassium, Vitamins B, E and K and as an oil is a highly effective emollient. 

Coconut Oil

Other than their sexy bodies and beautiful tans Brazilian's have the secret to shiny, healthy hair. For the ultimate shine, apply a cocoa butter treatment mask, for an hour then rinse with coconut water. According to Pro Marco Antonio De Biaggi of Sao Paulo this treatment leaves your hair incredibly soft and moisturized. 

Benefits: Derived from the coconut fruit. A light non-greasy deeply moisturizing oil that absorbs quickly for strong healthy hair. 

Hibiscus

A true Bahamian tradition, hibiscus leaves are mashed together to create a slippery serum that is known to thicken and enhance hair growth.

Benefits: Hibiscus prevents hair loss, discourages split ends and premature greying. Relieves dandruff and soothes dry itchy scalp. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter is a curly girls' best friend. Shea Butter has been used in Africa for centuries because its a great conditioner that helps your hair retain moisture. 

Benefits: Moisturizing properties that leaves the hair soft and shiny. Can be used on the hair and skin. 

Gelatin

For generations, Mexicans have been using gelatin to fight frizz. A blend of 1 tbsp. unflavored gelatin, 1 cup water, and 1 tsp. cider vinegar. Massage the gel-like mixture through shampooed hair, leave it in for 5 minutes, then rinse. 

Benefits: Thickening agent that strengthens the hair and keeps it looking healthy and shiny. 

Aloe Vera

In Argentina its all about length. To help keep their hair healthy, Argentinian's recommend applying aloe vera directly to the scalp. 

Benefits: Rich in polysaccharides, galactose, plant steriods, enzymes, amino acids, minerals and natural antibiotics. Natural moisturizer rich in vitamins, amino acids and proteins. Prevents hair loss and promotes speedy growth. 

Cold Rinse

Ever heard the saying "Shampoo with warm water and condition with cold water?" 

Cold rinsing comes from Canada. Due to its dry, harsh weather women rinse with cold water to tame thirsty, unruly hair. For excessively dry hair, shampoo and condition with cold water. 

Benefits: Locks in moisture. 

Olive Oil

One country comes to mind when I hear the words " Olive Oil". 

About a  tablespoon of olive oil raked through the hair once a week helps to nourish, condition, and improve elasticity, while also eliminating frizz.

Benefits: Skin emollient. Moisturizes and softens. 

Wearing your #naturalhair to an interview? Do or Don't?

I was recently asked "Is it ok to wear my natural hair to an interview? Do you think that I won't get the job if I do?" In my opinion, hair whether kinky, curly or straight is professional for an interview once it is well groomed. The key is to present yourself as a total package and put your best foot forward.  There are a lot of misconceptions out there about women who decide to wear their natural curls but those barriers are being torn down as many of us embrace our natural curls. I want to know your opinion or experience about wearing your natural curls to an interview.