Curly~n~Natural

Curly~n~Natural

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Happy Holidays!


Hello Everyone,

My Family and I are on our way to Florida for the Holidays and I wanted to wish everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New year! Be safe and remember there is no Christmas without Christ! He is the reason for the season! So be thankful no only for the gifts, friends and family, but for the gift on love and the price that He paid that we may live again! God Bless! Thanks for your support!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Your Hair's PH Balance: Acidic or Alkaline?




Hello Lovely Naturals,

This blog was inspired by both Dr. Don Colbert and Kim Love from luvnaturals.com. About two years ago I was introduced to having healthy PH levels by reading Dr. Don Colbert's book "The Seven Pillars of Health", and recently I came across Kim Love and her vlog about your hairs PH Balance. So I decided to share with you all what I've learn thus far. So lets get started.......

The pH scale was first developed in 1909 by the scientist Soren Peder Lauritz Sorensen. The system allows us to compare our body chemistry to the chemical makeup of our environment. pH is a medical term that describes the balance of your system and it refers to the condition of metabolic changes. It technically stands for “potential for hydrogen ion concentration.” Your body’s natural pH balance can be affected by the types of food you eat. For example, 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 body and skin, your hair’s pH balance is affected by numerous factors, particularly the products you use. Understanding your hair’s pH level is important for proper hair care. If you want to learn how to restore your hair’s natural pH level, its really quite a simple process once you understand your hair. The natural oil that our hair secretes is a natural oil called sebum. Sebum maintains the moisture and balance in our hair. The hairs natural pH balance is between 4.5 and 5.5 scale. But what is most important is that we understand how to measure our hair’s level of Alkaline or Acid. The scale is from 0 (strongly Acidic) to 14 (Strongly Alkaline). Having a level of 7 represents neutrality.

Because your hair is primarily protein, it tends to be very strong. Chemical processes, however can weaken your hair causing it to break off.

By nature, curly hair cuticles tend to remain in an open state, as the spiral pattern of a curl makes it extremely difficult for the cuticles to lie flat. Since these open cuticles are what cause frizzy hair, it is particularly important for curly heads to be aware of the pH levels of the products they use.

Your hair consists of three parts. The outmost layer is the cuticle and inside of that is the cortex. The medulla is the central, most internal portion of the hair shaft that contains excess cells and air. When your hair is damaged, the scales on the cuticle stand out and break off. This exposes the cortex which makes your hair feel harder. The cortex is what gives your hair its strength and its elasticity.

Melanin is on the inner section of your cortex. Melanin is what gives you your original hair color. That is why when coloring your hair, the hair colorant must penetrate the cortex in order to change the color of your hair.


Hair colorants are usually more alkaline. Alkaline means that the product has a pH level of 7 or over and it is a non-acidic product. The cuticle opens up when an alkaline substance is applied to it. This is what allows hair colorant to penetrate the cortex. There, it reacts with the hairs pigmentation to produce the color change.

Most shampoos are also made to be neutral or at times, slightly acidic. The high pH will allow the shampoo to easily clear off any oils or dirt that have formed on the hair and scalp. Neutral shampoos may be recommended for people who have sensitive scalps. In the same manner, hair conditioner is acidic or carries a high pH, because it causes the keratin on the hair strand surface to be flattened out instead of bristly, thus causing hair to be smooth and soft.


So, now that we know that alkalis will open the cuticle, and acids will flatten it, we can decide on which types of products we want or do not want to use on our hair. Naturally, we’ll not want to do anything that causes damage, so we’ll avoid the extremes one way or another.

Well there you ave it! A little of what I know about Hair PH Levels! Want to learn more???? I recommend Dr. Colberts "The seven Pillars of Health". That book as well as his others are Amazing! Thanks for your support! God Bless!

UPDATE: Homemade Leave-In Condish/Daily Moisturizer

Happy Friday Beautiful people,

OK really quick I just wanna give a quick update on my recent Homemade Leave-In Condish/Daily Moisturizer. It's only been 2days since I started using this new concoction, but I've notice that my scalp loves it! I have a very itchy scalp, and since I've been using this new product my scalp is no longer itchy as bad as it was. And when it does starts to itch i just spray my two-strand twists and scalp down and my scalp instantly feels refreshed and no longer itches! I must say I am happy that my research and determination to only use natural products pays off!
Thanks for your Support! God Bless you and yours!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Homemade Leave-In Conditioner/Daily Moisturizer


Happy Wednesday everyone,

I hope everyone is enjoying their week! My week has been going well. I'm exhausted considering I have a newborn at home, but that come with the territory. Anyway today I am gonna share with you how I make my Homemade Leave-In Conditioner/Daily Moisturizer.

I was paying $13.97 plus tax for Bee Mine Juicy Daily Moisturizing Spritz. I would have to buy two, one for me and one for my daughter. That is just too expensive! I always wanted to make my own, but i never took the time to put research any ingredients that would work together and compliment each other. So last night I finally concocted my own.

First you need a spray bottle that can hold at least 2cups of liquid. And here are the rest of the ingredients.........

>1 cup purified water
>1/2 cup Aloe Juice- a natural conditioner, great for hair loss, great for dry and itchy scalps.
>1Tbsp Coconut Oil (melted)- provides natural nutrition, great for adding shine, great anti-dandruff benefit, the oils and proteins in coconut oil work well to help keep hair from losing protein, which is one of the major contributors to hair breakage and hair loss
>Water from 1 can of Coconut Milk (Do Not shake can)-great for rehydrating hair, Contains organic compounds possessing growth promoting properties
>10 small squirts of Lime Juice- removes hair odors, naturally cleanses the hair and scalp, prevents dandruff
>5 vitamin E Capsules- promotes growth, decreases sun damage, It contains valuable antioxidants that help to keep the immune system up and improves circulation to all parts of the body, including the scalp.
>2Tbsp Vegetable Glycerin- It has strong humectant properties, meaning it is able to retain moisture, great for dry flaky scalps
>20drps Tea Tree Essential Oil- one of the most versatile essential oils for hair growth when it comes to hair treatments. This oil moisturizes the hair and minimizes oil production of the scalp, preventing greasy looking hair and leaving the scalp clean and dandruff-free. A few drops of tea tree oil can be added to olive oil for a mild but effective weekly treatment to deal with dandruff problems.
>20drps Thyme Essential Oil- promotes healthy scalps, gives a natural shine, prevents hair loss

Now I concocted this formula to fit my hair type and scalp. I took a look at my hair and scalp and came up with a list of things that I fight against, such as dryness and dandruff. And then came up with a list of ingredients that will help me continue to fight against these hair enemies. Please do your research before experimenting with essential oils. You could read my blog "Essential and Carrier Oils" as a start. Maybe next time I will add some Peppermint Oil. This Spritz will now take the place of the Bee Mine spray, and I will me using it daily and as a bedtime moisturizing treatment. I expect this spritz to stimulate my scalp and strengthen my tresses, leaving my hair soft, manageable and smooth, with a natural shine. I will be sure to keep you updated.
Thanks for your support! God Bless you and yours!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Naturally Jazmyne!




Hello beautiful people,

Happy Monday! I pray everyone enjoyed their weekend, I know I did! Well today I have a confession to make. In October 2009 I cut my daughter's locs off. Simply because when I cut mine off in August she wanted hers cut off as well, so I did. Anyway since that time I have been keeping her hair in braids and kinky twist. I can only recall letting her wear her TWA maybe once for about a week. I feel really bad! As a mom it's my duty to teach my daughter to embrace her true beauty, and she knows that God made no mistakes when creating her, but I had to get real and be honest with myself about why I constantly keep her hair in braids and kinky twists. The reason why is because.............
1. Her hair has very tight coils and curls, so it absorbs moisture very easily and quickly (lazy) and
2. I don't want her to have to experience being teased or picked on about her hair

Being confident in your beauty is a part of being truly beautiful. And as her mom I can take the extra effort that is takes to keep her hair moisturized and manageable. So when we come back from Christmas Vacation in January, the kinky twists are coming out and I am gonna start teaching her how to properly care for her hair. She hates getting her hair braided anyway! That should have been a sign! And because her hair is always in braids and twists, it isn't growing as fast as it should! Simply because I never let it rest and breath!

Every since she was a baby my mom always talked about how "nappy" my daughter's hair is. But we "Naturals" are happy to be nappy! And I can remember when Jaz was about 2 or 3 my mom relaxed her hair. I was so upset with her. My mom has been a big influence on me not wanting her to be teased about her hair. But things has to change! And they will change!

So not only will I be blogging and vlogging about my hair but also my daughter's. Honesty truly does set you free! Thanks for your support! God bless you and yours!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

"Natural Beauty" To Me............


Hello people,

Today my heart is heavy and weighed down by what "Natural Beauty" is to me. Because today's society preach that beauty is everything, we often times get caught up physically, emotionally, and lets not forget, financially in trying to be more beautiful. And even though I absolutely love my hair, my hair isn't my beauty! I feel like listening to India Aire's "I am not my hair"! LoL! So today i just want point out some things that beauty isn't and what beauty is to me! (Please keep in mind that these are my thoughts and feelings only) So lets get started........

What Natural Beauty Is Not.........
1.What color your skin is
2.What kind of clothes you wear
3.What kind of car you drive
4.What kind of home you live in
5.How your hair looks (curly, kinky, straight, or wavy)
6.How much money you make
7.Who your friends are
8.How much you weigh
9.How pointy or snouty your nose is
10.How plump or thin your lips are

Just to name a few................
People fail to realize that you can look "The Bomb.com" on the outside and still be bottom of my shoe ugly! I ain't gone start naming names! LOL! Now...........

What Natural Beauty Is To Me............

Being Naturally beautiful is being a woman or young woman who is.......
1.Precious- Excessively refined and valued for uncommonness
2.Honest and Truthful at all times
3.Reliable and Dependable
4.Useful,Helpful and Serviceable
5.Has a fixed determination, is zealous and ardent about making a difference in her family, community, nation and world. She lives her life dedicated to giving and doing good
6.She is foresighted; She is alert to adopt new strategies and alter the course whenever she sees potential dangers or pitfalls
7.She is careful and preserving in carrying out her tasks and duties quietly and steadily
8.She has temperance
9.She is energized and vigorous
10.She operates in insight and understanding; she is able to discern quickly the truth from lies, and good from evil
11.She work hard at the tasks she endeavors to complete
12.She is economical
13.She is confident and shuns arrogance
14.She is always poised, prepared and ready for action
15.She pays attention to the cares and well being of herself and others
16.She is gracious, kind, and loving
17.She has faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
18.She eats right, drinks plenty of water and exercises regularly
19.She cares about her appearance but understands that appearance isn't everything
20.She ain't no punk either! Never being easily deceived or taken advantage of
21.She lives a stress free and drama free life

And I could go on and on! The ultimate "Natural Beauty" to me is the Proverbs 31 woman. Simply Beautiful! (Side Note: If you are not there yet, don't worry! I'm not all the way there yet either but I'm constantly working towards being that woman!)

Natural Beauty radiates from the inside out, not the other way around.Being beautiful is a lifestyle! And because we are naturally beautiful it's only right to pamper that beauty with all natural and organic foods and products. We women must continue to teach our daughters, neices, and other young females what true natural beauty is and that it is Not as seen on TV! Well I must admit I feel much better now that I have got that out! Thanks for your support! God Bless you and yours!

Friday, December 3, 2010

The Amazing Oil of Coconut!


Hello Beautiful,

Today I am gonna talk about the amazing oil of the coconut!This wonderful oil can be used and is beneficial in so many ways; from diaper rash to hair care. So lets get started!

Coconut oil has been used by the natives of Kerala in India and is now widely used all over the world for its medicinal value. Coconut oil has received negative reviews because of the high level of saturated fat. But not all saturated fats are bad for you. In fact, the fatty acids in coconut oil have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties and hence are used in a lot of skin care products to treat dry, itchy skin and used as hair tonic for healthy and shiny hair. The benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid.

The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such as giardia lamblia. As a result of these various health benefits of coconut oil, though its exact mechanism of action was unknown, it has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system. The Coconut Research Center has compiled various references on scientific research done on coconut oil.

Composition of Coconut Oil: Coconut oil consists of more than ninety percent of saturated fats, with traces of few unsaturated fatty acids, such as monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Virgin Coconut Oil is no different from this. Let us have a bit detailed study of this.

The Saturated Fatty Acids: Most of them are Medium Chain Triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well. Lauric Acid is the chief contributor, with more than forty percent of the share, followed by Capric Acid, Caprylic Acid, Myristic Acid and Palmitic.
*The Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Linoleic Acid.
*The Monounsaturated Fatty Acids: Oleic Acid.
*The Poly-phenols: Gallic Acid, which is phenolic acid. These poly-phenols are supposed to be responsible for the fragrance and the taste of Coconut Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil is rich in these poly-phenols.
*Certain derivatives of fatty acid like Betaines, Ethanolamide, Ethoxylates, Fatty Esters, Fatty Polysorbates, Monoglycerides and Polyol Esters.
*Fatty Chlorides, Fatty Alcohol Sulphate and Fatty Alcohol Ether Sulphate, all of which are derivatives of Fatty Alcohols.
*Vitamin-E and Vitamin K and minerals such as Iron.

Coconut oil is used as a natural conditioner for hair. The molecular structure of coconut oil makes it easier to penetrate through the hair shaft and works beautifully with the natural hair proteins. Coconut oil is also used to treat conditions like dry scalp or fungal conditions like seborrheic dermatitis that cause itchy flakes. Coconut oil nourishes the scalp and promotes hair growth, is great for hair which has become dry, dull and frizzy, and regular use of this amazing oil gives every coil, kink, and curl a shiny appearance. Massaging the scalp regularly with coconut oil makes the scalp free of dandruff, lice and lice eggs.

Lauric acid in coconut oil acts as an antimicrobial agent and protects the hair from microbial action on the scalp and hair roots. The lauric acid helps to arrest hair fall and hair loss. Coconut oil is also rich in vitamin E. All of us are aware of the importance of Vitamin E for skin and hair care. This vitamin keeps the scalp healthy and hair rejuvenated. The regular or the organic coconut oil for hair has high moisture retaining capacity, as it does not break down easily nor does it evaporate, which makes it very stable. Since it does evaporate, moisture is retained in the hair and leaves the hair soft and silky. This also prevents hair breakage. Research point to the fact, that coconut oil is a better conditioner than the synthetic conditioners available in the market
Ordinary shampoo formulation results in protein loss during washing. Coconut oil can minimize protein loss, as it contains the medium-chain triglycerides that can pass through the cell membrane and waterproof the scalp and hair.

Using coconut oil externally has it benefits. But remember that healthy hair is the result of a healthy body. Cooking with coconut oil is an easy way to get the benefits of the oil. The coconut oil can be consumed as it is or can be taken in capsule form. Coconut oil in the diet promotes normal thyroid gland activity and proper blood circulation, which helps the follicle cells receive sufficient oxygen for growth.

As you can see, the oil of the coconut is truly amazing........ That is why i will continue to use it faithfully in every area of my life that i can! Thanks for your support! God bless you and yours!

Water for Hair Growth!


Hello Lovely Naturals,

I'm back! I truly missed you all so much! And now since the little misses has joined us and I'm back to feeling much like my old self again, I figured I would start back learning and blogging again about maintaining and properly caring for my natural tress! By the way my hair has grew tremendously since my last growth update, I will be checking the length soon, and getting those results posted.

One thing that I constantly did during my pregnancy was drink plenty of water. So I decided to blog about water and it's benefit on natural hair. So here we go......

Water is the single most importatnat nutrient for our bodies. It is involved in every function of our bodies. You can live five to seven weeks without food, but the average adult can last no more than five days without water. Some people water their lawns and houseplants more than they do their own bodies! You are valuable; take care of yourself and properly hydrate your body.
Many people never drink water. Some don't like the taste of water, or they were never taught the importance of drinking it. A lack of water often results in frequent headaches, back pain, arthritis, skin problems, digestion problems, HAIR problems, and other ailments. When our body becomes dehydrated it begins to ration the small amout of water that we do have in our bodies. Think of a sprinkler system whose pressure is turned to low to reach all the grass on your lawn. Some parts stay green, but other parts begin to brown and die. When you live in a drought condition, your body smartly manages the water you give it, keeping the vital organs well watered with nutrients. "The strating five" organs are:
1.Brain
2.Heart
3.Lungs
4.Liver
5.Kidneys
The body keeps these organs well hydrated with water, lest you suffer serious consequences. But as a result, nonvital organs and areas of the body suffer. In the body's ranking system, body parts like the GI tract, joints, skin, hair, etc... are less important, and so symptoms of dehydration usually show up there first.

Coffee, tea, sugar drinks or beer does not count in your daily water count. Water means exactly that - water. Carbonated and caffeinated drinks may actually speed up dehydration which means that the body is not functioning at optimal levels. Not only can dehydration make you feel drained and exhausted, it can be a hidden factor in hair growth stoppage, dry strands or tresses that break off.

Adjust your daily levels according to the seasons of the year (hot weather may require more daily water consumption) and the amount of stress in your life.

When pressed for exact formulas, most experts can not give a simple answer to how much water humans should drink every day. Dr. Don Colbert (My Favorite Dr & Nutritionist) recommends taking your body weight and dividing it by two, whatever your answer is, thats how many ounces of water you should try to drink daily.

So as we see from the little info that i provided, water is vitally important to the well being of our bodies. So drink up! We should also increase our intake of salads, veggies, and fruits since they all contain a high percentage of water! Thanks for your support! As a side note, remember there is no Christmas without Christ! He Is the reason for the season! God bless you and yours!