Our Hair's Make-up and How It Grows

Happy Sunday! Today I gonna talk about the make-up of natural hair and how it grows. I've been doing a lot of research on this and found a few intresting points thats worth sharing! so here we go..............

Our hair is actually protein matter called keratin. And news is- what we see on our head, the jungle of protein that we so passionately care about, is actually `dead’. The living part of the hair s below the surface of the scalp, called follicle, which supplies these dead cells to keep our mane flowing. Our hair grows from follicles within the skin. The part of the hair inside the follicle (below the skin's surface) is known as the hair root, while the portion you see protruding from the head is the hair shaft. At the base of the hair root is the hair bulb where nutrients are received and new cells are formed.At the base of the follicle is a cluster of living cells called the papilla, which eventually forms hair. Next to the follicle is the sebaceous gland that actually keeps the hair shiny and looking vibrant. Excessive sebum activity can make hair very oily while lack of sebum activity can make it dry and lifeless. The arrector pili, a tiny muscle anchored to the follicle, respond to stimulus (fear or cold) causing them to contract and make the hair stand up straight.

The hair follicle is fed by blood circulated around it, which is why a healthy body makes great looking hair. Anemia or a fall in blood count can affect the hair. In fact one can go to the extent of saying that an unhealthy body is first reflected in unhealthy hair.

Taking nutrients from the dermal papilla, the hair bulb generates new hair cells. As these cells move up through the hair root, they mature through a process called keratinization, fill with fibrous protein and lose their nucleus. When the cell loses its nucleus it is no longer alive. By the time the hair emerges from the skin it is merely fiber made of keratinized proteins.

The fibrous protein emerging from the hair follicle as the hair shaft has a specific construction. It forms a strand with three layers: an outer covering of overlapping keratin scales called the cuticle, a middle layer of keratinized protein fibers called the cortex, and usually, a central 'core' of round cells called the medulla. A medulla is almost always found in coarse hair, and often is absent from naturally blonde hair and very fine hair.

In fact, our hair is approximately 91 percent protein, and is made up of long chains of amino acids. These chains are found within the fibers of the cortex of the hair. The amino acids of these chains are made up of the elements carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur (are also the building blocks of the skin and nails) and are joined together by peptide bonds. Long chains of these peptide bonds are called polypeptide chains.

*There are three stages of hair growth: Catagen, Telogen, and Anagen.

Catagen - The catagen phase is a transitional stage and 3% of all hairs are in this phase at any time. This phase lasts for about 2-3 weeks. During this time growth stops and the outer root sheath shrinks and attaches to the root of the hair. This is the formation of what is known as a club hair.

Telogen - Telogen is the resting phase and accounts for 10-15% of all hairs. This phase lasts for about 100 days for hairs on the scalp and much longer for hairs on the eyebrow, eyelash, arm and leg. During this phase the hair follicle is completely at rest and the club hair is completely formed. Pulling out a hair in this phase will reveal a solid, hard, dry, white material at the root. About 25-100 telogen hairs are shed normally each day.

Anagen - Anagen is the active phase of the hair. The cells in the root of the hair are dividing rapidly. A new hair is formed and pushes the club hair up the follicle and eventually out. During this phase the hair grows about 1 cm every 28 days. Scalp hair stays in this active phase of growth for 2-6 years. Some people have difficulty growing their hair beyond a certain length because they have a short active phase of growth. On the other hand, people with very long hair have a long active phase of growth. The hair on the arms, legs, eyelashes, and eyebrows have a very short active growth phase of about 30-45 days explaining why they are so much shorter than scalp hair.

*Hair Shape: The amount of natural curl a hair has is determined by it's cross-sectional shape. Hair that is most similar to a circle is straight and hair that is flattened and elliptical is curly or kinky. The more circular the shaft is, the straighter it is. The more elliptical the shaft is, the curlier or kinkier the hair. The cross-sectional shape also determines the amount of shine the hair has. Straighter hair is shinier because sebum from the sebaceous gland can travel down the hair more easily. The kinkier the hair, the more difficulty the sebum has traveling down the hair, therefore the more dry or dull the hair looks.

Ok I think I'll stop here. I just wanted to give a quick look at the biology of natural hair! Thanks for your support! Have a blessed one!

Stress and Natural Hair

Happy Saturday everyone! You know what, I am so missing my hair today! I put kinky twists in my hair at the beginning of the month, and I just miss rubbing my fingers through my hair! But I will not be taking these twists out until January 30Th. This is my protective style for the month.
To keep my hair moisturized with the twists, I put 4oz of water, 3oz of Aloe Vera juice, 1tsp Shae Butter, 1tsp Coconut oil, 1tsp Honey, 2tsp Olive oil, 2tsp Castor oil, 10 Vitamin E capsules, and 2tsp Tea Tree oil into a spray bottle and shook it really well. No the oil and water did not mix, I have to shake it really well before each use. This spray has really kept my hair moisturized and itch free!
Anyway......... Today I wanna talk about stress and the effects of it on our Natural Hair. I was just thinking soon my husband and our family will be moving to a new city, and state, and I'll be going back to work, and we have kids. So being a wife, a mother, a friend, a daughter, trying to build a business, and working can get really stressful at times. So let's just take a quick look at the affects of stress on our hair..................

The Oxford dictionary defines stress as "a demand upon physical or mental energy.' However, stress, as most people see it, is an above average demand of our energy. This demand is usually very hard to deal with. Stress puts demands on people to perform well above their capacity. This demand is very difficult to maintain without some form of relief. Despite the negative perception, stress is an everyday occurrence that affects most people at some point in their life. Following are other definitions of stress:
-- Stress is supposedly a recent phenomenon and is everywhere we turn to.
-- Stress does not feel good and cannot be experienced in pleasant situations.
-- Stress can be achieved when our problems go out of control.
-- Stress and change are related.

Stress can sometimes lead to hair loss. The human body has ways of alerting us of problems such as stress. If handled properly, stress can be managed and not lead to hair loss or other appearance related problems.
The condition of a person's hair can tell you a lot about stress levels in their lives. Happiness and serenity in a person's life will be reflected by healthy looking, shiny hair. However, those with dry, lifeless, poor hair are likely encountering a depressing situation and are struggling to adapt. When the body and our health is negatively affected (trauma, emotional stress, major illness) your hair no longer has priority for your health maintenance. It's as if your body is saying, "I've got bigger problems to worry about and take care of, I don't need to worry about hair growth right now."
Your body's built-in self healing "process" considers your other problems so important, that it concentrates on the problem and ignores your hair. "... a sudden or stressful event can cause the hair follicles to prematurely stop growing and enter into a resting phase." This is referred to as Telogen Effluvium.
Telogen Effluvium is characterized by sudden, diffuse hair loss caused by an interruption in the normal hair growth cycle. This interruption is often the result of trauma, such as chemotherapy, childbirth, major surgery, severe stress, and severe chronic illness. This trauma causes large numbers of hair follicles to enter a stage of telogen, or rest, simultaneously.
The telogen phase can last 6 to 12 weeks (and much longer if left untreated) and affects women much more then men.
The good news is that stress related hair loss (telogen effluvium) is temporary. In fact, due to the nature of the hair growth cycle, by the time you hair starts to shed heavily, your stress related problem may have already been resolved.
"The odd thing about this condition is that you’re usually over the stressful event before the hair loss even starts."
However, for many people, a major stressful event can be more lasting. At times like these, these tips for handling stress are helpful:
*Exercise. Just 20 minutes a day can produce enough endorphins to reduce stress levels.
*Write in a journal. Writing your thoughts and feeling down in a journal can help in expressing the frustrations you are keeping inside.
*Get a massage. Massage therapy can relax muscles, ease muscle spasms, increase blood flow to skin and muscles, and relieve mental and emotional stress.
*Realistic expectations. A lot of stress is caused by disappointment in ourselves and/or others. When we or others can't live up to expectations you may have, disappointment and stress can set in. If you feel this applies to you, adjust your expectations. Don’t expect everyone to be like you or behave to your code of “shoulds and oughts." And don't say yes to demands that you know will be difficult to live up to. Don’t let ego and social pressure force you into being/doing something your not.
*Trust in God to help you make the right decisions in every area of your life! He is the ultimate stress reliever!

We must simplify our lives, and make them less complicated. A lot of us need to learn how to say the word NO! Stop trying to be Superwoman! Let go and Let God! If you can't do it, Just say No! A stress free life benefits not only us, but also those around us. Our family, friends, and our jobs. So less change some things. In 2010 less attempt to live a STRESS FREE LIFE!

Thanks for your Support! Have a great day!

Products that I use!

Happy TGIF! Today I'm gonna share a quick list of products that I use, and some products that did no justice for my hair.

So Here we go........

*CONDITIONERS
1. Elasta QP Intense Fortifying Hair Conditioner- This is what I use for my Co-Washes. It's light and filled with vitamins and plant extracts. This product is a great detangler and it leaves my hair soft, manageable, and moisturized every time. I hear V05 and Suave works great for co-washing also.
2.Elasta QP Feels Like Silk Leave-In H2 leave in moisture sealing conditioner- Whew........ That's a long name. Anyway I love this stuff! This is my leave in conditioner. This is one of the first products that I spray on my hair everyday. It's great for keeping my hair detangled, smooth, soft, and moisturized.
3. ApHogee Pro vitamin Leave-In conditioner- This is my back up Leave in. Since everyone is starting to get hooked on the Elasta H2, sometimes the stores tend to run out of my favorite product so when they do, I get the ApHogee. Now this product works fairly well in my hair. It does a great job at moisturizing my hair, but it doesn't leave it as soft and silky as I would like. But it does a good job!
4. My Homemade Tropical Avocado Deep Conditioner- This all natural homemade conditioner leaves my hair soft, silky, manageable, and ultra-moisturized. (Will post recipe @ the bottom)

*SHAMPOOS
1. Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo- I rarely, rarely Shampoo my hair but when I feel I have to have Shampoo I use this one. It's a Sulfur/Sulfate free, lightweight shampoo and it leaves my hair feeling very moisturized and clean.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse- This is what I use to Clarify my hair once monthly. I simply take 1cup of vinegar and 3cups of water mix them together pour them in my hair while I'm gently rubbing and massaging my hair. Then I rinse! This is a great natural way to get the hair clean and product free without stripping and drying out the hair.
*I can also recommend using Dr. Bronners 18-in-1 Castille soap. It's all natural and it's Sulfate/Sulfur free!

*MOISTURIZERS
1. Shae Butter- This is a great all natural Whole Body Moisturizer. Great for the skin, nails, and hair. It does not clog the hair shaft allowing the hair to stay moisturized.
2.Tea Tree Oil- I used to suffer from bad dandruff, I thought I would never be able to stop using shampoos (i.e Head and Shoulders) because of it. But let me tell you, if you have bad dandruff treat your scalp to some Tea Tree Oil every day. This stuff is good at fighting dry, itchy, flaky scalps. It is a Fungus Fighter and a great Preservative.
3.Elasta QP Recovery anti-breakage oil moisturizer-This is the product I use in the last step of sealing the moisture in my hair. It's lightweight, and gives my hair a marvelous shine. It's rich in vitamins and natural oils.
4. Coconut Oil- This oil is OK in small amounts. It's only good for the hair, not the scalp, and if you use too much it will began to clog the hair shaft and prevent moisture from getting in. But it a great hair moisturizer. It doesn't weigh you hair down and it gives a great shine to your hair.
5.Castor Oil- This is a great moisturizer for the hair and scalp. It's great for growing the hair and is also for great for thinning hair. It also helps to hide damaged hair, helps with frizzy hair, it adds a natural shine, and it's help prevent damage and breakage! Great Stuff!
6.Jojoba Oil- This stuff is great at moisturizing, conditioning, and controlling brittleness, breakage, and split ends.
7. Glycerin- This product in it's pure natural state is an excellent moisturizer for smooth, soft skin and hair.
*Please note that I do Not use all of these products every day. It depends on what effect I want for the style I'm doing. Because a lot of these oils are versatile I sometimes make my own mixture by combining some of the oils.

*Gels
1. Gueye's Herbal Extra-Hold styling gel- This product is alcohol free, and encourages hair growth. It does not flake, or make your hair feel hard and crunchy.
2. Eco Styler styling gel- When I need more of a hard and controlled hold I use this product. It does not flake, but I do feel the need to rinse my hair everyday after use.

*MISC
1. Aloe Vera Juice- I like to put half water, half Aloe Juice in a spray bottle and spray it on my hair first everyday. Aloe is great for promoting hair growth, and an excellent treatment for hair loss.
2. My Homemade Protein Treatment- Because our hair is made up of proteins, our hair needs proteins. So once monthly I give my hair something it loves and needs Protein! This treatment leaves my hair soft and strong! I love it! (Will post recipe @ Bottom)
3. Vitamin E Capsules-Vitamin E is an antioxidant that encourages blood flow in the scalp area. For that reason more oxygen is supplied to the hair cells. I don't like to take the capsules orally, so I extract the oil out and put into one of my oils.
4. Biotin- This B-complex vitamin metabolizes fatty acids which are valuable growth components in the body including hair.

*Some Products that did not work for me or my hair!
1. Pantene Pro V Relaxed and Natural Shampoo, Conditioner, and Oil Moisturizer- These Products are rich in sulfur/sulfate, cones, and synthetic products. They left my hair feeling great when I first started using the products and then all of a sudden I was battling dryness, brittleness, frizz, and build-up.
2.Palmers Olive Oil Shampoo and Conditioner- Unlike Pantene Pro V, this product claims to be an Organic product. NOT! This product is also rich in Sulfate/Sulfur, Cones, and other synthetic ingredients. The same as with Pantene, the beginning results were great, but after a month I was back to fighting dry, weak, brittle hair!
3. Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Moisturizing Hair Lotion- The cones in the product left my hair hard and crunchy once it was dry. Also when rinsing I could tell there was product in my hair, it felt slimy and slippery! Not good!
4.Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner- OK it's my fault I'm out of $20.00 for buying this product. I did Not read the ingredients before I bought it! Anyway I put this product on my hair right after I got out of the shower, OK my hair was curly, and soft at first but after my hair dried it was so hard and crispy I was scared. So I ran to check the ingredients and guess what, Amodimethicone is the third ingredient on the list. I was so upset at myself for not reading the ingredients before I purchased it! I sure did learn my lesson.

*Recipes
I'm not suggesting you use the recipes to my homemade hair products, I recommend you find whats right for you and your hair. But if you do try these recipes and they work for you then please feel free to continue to use them. I just showing you what works for me ;)

*Tropical Avocado Deep Conditioner
1 Soft Avocado
1 Soft Banana
1/2 can of Coconut Milk
2tsp Honey
1tsp Coconut Oil
1tsp Tea Tree Oil (Preservative)
-Combine all ingredients and blend until you reach a smooth and creamy consistency. Apply evenly to hair in sections(detangling hair prior to making conditioner saves a lot of time). Put a shower cap on and let conditioner sit in hair for 30-60minutes. Rinse well.

*Protein Treatment
1cup Plain Organic Yogurt
1cup Real Mayo (Salad Dressing will dry you hair out)
2 Eggs
2tsp Olive oil
-Blend until you've reached a smooth and creamy consistency. Apply to hair in sections(detangling hair prior to making this treatment saves a lot of time). Put a shower cap on and let treatment sit in hair for 30-60minutes. Rinse well.

OK you have the run down on what works and doesn't works for my hair! Now go out and find out what works for yours! Thanks for your support! May God richly bless you and yours!

Some DO's and DONT's for Natural Hair!

Happy Thursday Blessed People! Okay today I just want to share SOME (there are many) Do's and Dont's for natural hair. So................ Here we go!

* If you have any tips or suggestions please feel free to comment :)

#1. DO wash your hair in sections. This keeps your hair from Tangling.

#2. DO ONLY comb your hair when it's wet. Combing dry hair causes breakage.

#3. DO keep your hair moisturized. Seal in moisture by first adding a water based product, such as a leave in conditioner, then add a oil based product, such as shea butter, coconut or castor oil, then add a cream based product. I use Elasta QP Recovery Moisturizer which is absolutely wonderful.

#4. DO Use a denman brush or a k-cutter comb to detangle your hair. Start at ENDS then work our way up to the roots. Starting at your roots will cause breakage.

#5. DO Detangle your hair only in the shower w/ conditioner in your hair.

#6. DO cover your hair before bed with a satin scarf or bonnet. This keeps your hair from drying out during the night. Satin Pillowcases are great also.

#7.DO big plaits or twists and moisturize before bed. This will make your hair more manageable in the morning.

#8. DO Co-Wash! Co-Washing is basically conditioner washing. Most shampoos contain sulfur or sulfate (Read my blog "No Poo Thank You" for my info) which dries out the hair! Co-washing is a way to get the hair clean without using shampoos! ACV (apple cider vinger) Rinses is a great great way to clarify hair without the use of shampoos, but if you must use shampoo, try to find a sulfur-free shampoo, and use olive oil as a pre-poo (add to hair, and massage before shampooing.) I can recommend Elasta QP creme conditioning shampoo.

#9. DO Know that most of the products you used before going natural will not work on your natural hair. (I.E i used Motions hair products before going natural and they made my hair look fabulous. Now Motions does absolutely nothing for my hair!)

#10.DO NOT allow you or someone else to lift your hair (bleach it) to put color in it. Bleaching your hair severely damages it.

#11. DO NOT use products that contain petroleum or mineral oil. It only coats your hair and does not moisturize. Please stay away from those products.

#12. DO love your shrinkage!

#13. DO trim your hair at least once every 1-2 months.

#14. DO protective styles. Such as braids just to give your hair a break.

#15. DO not overuse heat. (use heat protectants when using heat)

#16. DO read the labels on products. Get to know your products and their ingredients. cosmeticsdatabase.com in a great place to start finding out what ingredients are good for your hair and which are not. Do not be decieved, do your research before trying new products.

#17. DO NOT let hataz get you down! Love your hair! Stay Natural!

#18. DO NOT towel dry your hair if you want you curls and coils to pop! Shake the water out or squeeze the water out!

#19. Do stay connected to the Natural Hair care community! Youtube, LHCF, Mowtown girl, Nappturality, MyNHCG.com all those sites are great!

#20. DO know that diet and exercise is key to growing healthy hair!

#21. Do regularly Deep Condition your hair! (I will share my Deep Conditioner on tomorrow)

#22. Do regularly do Protien Treatments. Our hair is basicly made up of protien, and when it lacks protien our hair tends to become very weak and prone to breakage. Lets keep our hair strong by giving it what it needs! Protien! (Will share my Protien treatment on tomorrow also.)

#23. Do not use products that contain Cones!!!! (i.e Silicone, Amodimethicone,Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bisamino PEG/PPG-41/3 Aminoethyl PG-Propyl Dimethicone, Bis-Phenylpropyl Dimethicone, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane (&) Dimethicone, Lauryl Methicone CopolyolPCA Dimethicon, Phenyl Trimethicone, etc....... There are many more.....) Theses igredients makes natural hair feel great when its wet, but once it dries it leaves the hair hard, stiff and crunchy. Cones cannot be removed by shampoo, therefore causing build-up and locking moisture out of the hair. Stay Away from the Cones! (Will do a blog on cones at a later date)

#24. Do love God, your self and others! You are beautiful! As my Best Friend says, "Love the skin that God has placed you in". Know that there is greatness inside of you!

Shea Butter and Natural Hair!

Happy Wednesday everyone, I pray all is well with you and yours. Well today I want to talk about a natural resource/product that I use on my hair and skin. This stuff is amazing and the great part is that its "All Natural"! I am talking about Shea Butter! Yes good ol' Shea Butter! It works miracles for my hair and skin and I'm absolutely positive it will do the same for you!

*So........What is Shea Butter?
Shea Butter is only found in the tropics of Africa. It is extracted from the nuts of the Shea-Karite tree which begins to bear fruit after about 15 years; and can take up to 30 years to bear a quality crop of nuts with a high content of irremovable fatty acid. It is this irremovable fatty acid that gives Shea Butter its unique healing properties and makes it far superior to cocoa butter and other vegetable butters. Traditionally, Shea Butter was extracted by people who picked the nuts, cracked them, grilled them and pounded them. They were boiled in water for hours until the Shea Butter rose to the surface. It was then scooped into gourds and left to cool and set. Shea Butter is solid at room temperature although it quickly liquefies right around body temperature. This Shea Butter is called unrefined Shea Butter or raw Shea Butter. Since Shea Butter is an all natural product, it can vary widely in quality, appearance and smell depending on where it is produced from and how it is refined or extracted. Most Shea Butter comes from West Africa. Although a more soft and smoother variety from East Africa is beginning to appear on the market.

*How can Shea Butter benefit me? Shea Butter can provide relief from everything from just dry skin to many minor dermatological diseases (if you have a serious skin condition, you should see a doctor). It has been clinically shown to provide benefits.

-Here are some of the benefits of Shea Butter for the skin:
Daily skin moisturizer (face and body)
Dry skin relief
Dry scalp
Skin rash- including diaper rash
Skin peeling, after tanning
Blemishes and wrinkles
Itching skin due to dryness
Sunburn
Shaving cream to reduce razor irritation
Small skin wounds
Skin cracks
Soften tough skin on feet (especially heels)
Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
Minor burns
Eczema
Sun and wind protection
Even skin tone
Reduce blemishes and scarring
Eliminating scalp irritation from dryness or chemical processing
Preventing bumps after shaving
Reducing acne (especially in combination with African Black Soap)
Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue
Helps restore elasticity to skin
Restores luster to hair

*How does Shea Butter benefit my hair?
Shea Butter provides moisture to dry or damaged hair from the roots to the very tips, repairing and protecting against weather damage, dryness and brittleness. It also absorbs quickly and completely into the scalp to rehydrate without clogging pores. It is particularly beneficial for processed and heat-treated hair. It is an excellent treatment for dry scalp. It restores luster to damaged hair.

So there you have it, The 411 on one of the worlds greatest natural moisturizers! God is good! Thank Jesus for the Shea-Karite Tree and all the fruit(nuts) that it bear!

No Poo Thank you!

Happy Tuesday Good People! Part of my natural hair regimen is NO-POO(No shampooing)!

I know you may be thinking how can I not wash my hair. Well technically I'll still be cleaning my hair I just won't be using shampoo. I'll be clarifying with a ACV(apple cider vinegar) Rinse. I will discuss that on a later date. But I do want to share with you why I won't be using Shampoos.

Both Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and it's cousin Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are commonly used in products that we expect to "foam up." Both chemicals are very effective foaming agents, chemically known as surfactants.

SLS and SLES are esters of Sulphuric acid- SLS is know as "Sulphuric acid monododecyl ester sodium salt," however there are more than 150 different names by which it is known. In fact SLES in commonly contaminated with dioxane, a commonly known carcinogen.

Although SLES is somewhat less irritating the SLS, it cannot be metabolised by the liver and it's effects are therefore much longer lasting.

*So why is a dangerous chemical like sodium lauryl sulfate used in our soaps and shampoos?

The answer is simple - it is cheap. The sodium lauryl sulfate found in our soaps is exactly the same as you would find it in a car wash or even a garage, where it is used to degrease car engines. In the same way as it dissolves the grease on car engines, sodium lauryl sulfate also dissolves the oils on your skin, which can cause a drying effect.
Perhaps most worryingly, SLS is also absorbed into the body from skin application. Once it has been absorbed, one of the main effects of sodium lauryl sulfate is to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. This has many health implications and may be responsible for a variety of health problems from PMS and Menopausal symptoms to dropping male fertility and increasing female cancers such as breast cancer, where oestrogen levels are known to be involved.

*The Journal of the American College of Toxicology notes that this ingredient has a "degenerative effect on the cell memebranes because of it's protein denaturing properties."

Interestingly, sodium lauryl sulfate "is used around the world in clinical studies as a skin irritant," notes the journal. The publication expressed additional concerns:
Carcinogenic nitrosamines can form in the manufacturing of sodium lauryl sulfate or by its inter-reaction with other nitrogen-bearing ingredients within a formulation utilizing this ingredient.
Other studies have indicated that sodium lauryl sulfate enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain from skin contact. This poses the question whether it could be a serious potential health threat from its use in shampoos, cleansers, and toothpastes.
Still other research has indicated sodium lauryl sulfate may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties.
Although sodium lauryl sulfate is not carcinogenic in experimental studies, it has been shown that it causes severe epidermal changes in the area it is applied, indicating a need for tumor-enhancing assays.
Additional studies have found that sodium lauryl sulfate is heavily deposited on the skin surface and in the hair follicles. Damage to the hair follicle could result from such deposition.

I could go on and on about the harmful effects of Sulfate shampoos, but I think I'll stop here. Just know that the effects on long term shampoo use could be detrimental to our health, and if shampoo is a must try using a sulfate-free shampoo. I can recommend Elasta QP conditioning shampoo. Thanks for your support! Have a Blessed Day!

Eating My Way to Healthy Hair

Happy Monday everyone! Today I am saying, "Eat your way to beautiful, healthy hair". Just like your body, your hair also needs a balanced diet to stay healthy.

*Diet solution for dry and brittle hair:
If your hair is dry and breaks easily, it is probably a lack of essential fatty acids. By including plenty of good sources of essential fatty acids in your diet you can give your hair back its strength and lustre.
You can find these essential fatty acids in oily fish such as tuna, sardines, trout, salmon, herrings and mackeral. Also in seeds, nuts, olives and avocados. You should try to eat four servings of oily fish a week.
Sprinkling flaxseed oil and pumpkin seeds over your morning cereal is another great way to get these much needed essential fatty acids in your diet.

* Remember: To keep your hair well hydrated, be sure to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day!

*Another nutrient important for hair strength and growth is trace mineral silica. Silica is vital to the strength of hair, and can stop hair breakage, unfortunately many of the foods we eat in the western world lack this mineral. Through food processing and chemical soil treatments, trace minerals are rare in our diets.
When possible, always choose organic produce. Foods that are rich in silica are rice, oats, lettuce, parsnips, asparagus, onion, strawberry, cabbage, cucumber, leek, sunflower seeds, celery, rhubarb, cauliflower and green, leafy vegetables.

*Diet solution for greasy and lanky hair:
A lack of vitamin B in ones diet can lead to oily, greasy hair. To fight off greasy hair, be sure to eat lots of whole grains, nuts, seeds, dairy products, eggs, wheatgrem, legumes and green, leafy vegetables. These are all great sources of B-complex vitamins.
Also steer clear of oily foods where possible.

*Diet solution for hair that is starting to thin and fall out:
Thinning hair or hair loss may be a sign of iron deficiency. Be sure to eat plenty of iron rich foods, such as red meat(optional), eggs, legumes, wholegrain cereals, dried fruits and green, leafy vegetables.

*Since hair is composed mostly of protein, your hair will most likely respond well to the addition of high protein foods such as meats (optional), eggs, cheese, beans, seeds and nuts. These protein-rich foods can help reinforce the hair follicles and prevents the hair from falling out.
There is some evidence suggesting soy protein helps stimulate growth, so switch to soy milk and include some tofu, miso and soy beans in your diet.

*Vitamin E is found in green, leafy vegetables, nuts and grains and can also help hair loss. Hair loss can also be a sign of thyroid dysfunction. To stimulate the thyroid gland, eat foods rich in iodine such as seafood and kelp.

*Also including iron and B vitamins in your diet will help. Stick to a diet rich in antioxidants - fruit, vegetables and tea - to help slow the aging process in general.

*Foods, Vitamins and supplements to help hair growth
Hair is mostly protein, so nutritionists advise those wanting healthy hair to eat well balanced diets that include healthy proteins, along with foods high in vitamin B, C, E, A and K.
Your hair will most likely respond well to the addition of high protein foods such as meats (optional), eggs, cheese, seeds, beans and nuts. Fish has good protein as well as essential fatty acids and natural oils.
Vitamin B - Green vegetables, beans, sunflower seeds, nuts and peas.
Vitamin C - Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, melons and berries.
Vitamin E - Avocados, rice bran, nuts, dark green vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
Vitamin A - Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, cantaloupe and apricots.
Vitamin K - Seafood, dairy, figs, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, brussel sprouts, cabbage, dark green leafy vegetables, oatmeal, soybeans, wheat, yogurt, egg yolks and liver(Which I do not recommend eating).

*Food is a blessing from God. Exodus 23:25(NKJV) says, "You shall serve the Lord your God, and He shall bless your bread and water. And I will take the sickness away from the midst of you." God wants us to enjoy our food. Here's a quick look at some foods He made to bless our bodies..........

*Fresh Fruits and Veggies-At least half of what you eat should be living foods, perferably organic fruits and veggies. It is an established fact that the more fruits and veggies you eat, the lower your chance of heart disease, cancer, and many other health problems.

*Good Fats- Yes, there is such a thing as good fats. Our bodies need fat! The good types of fat heal the body and are necessary. We should eat fat every day for the health of our heart, brain, skin, hair and every part of us. Good fat nourishes and strengthens cell membranes. Good fats include..........

>Monosaturated fats- Found in cold-pressed olive oil, organic peanut butter, advocados, olives, macadamia nuts, and especially almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.

>Omega 3 fats- Found mainly in cold-water fish, some marine mammals, and algae(seaweed).

>Flaxseed oil

To learn more about Good and Bad foods, please visit http://www.drcolbert.com/ for a list of books, and other material on health! Thanks for you support! Have a Blessed day!

The truth about Chemical Hair Relaxers

Happy Sunday everyone! Today I wanted to share with you a little of what I researched about Chemical Hair Realxers.................

*What You Need to Know About Chemical Hair Relaxers:
Hair breakage, hair thinning, lack of hair growth, scalp irritation, scalp damage, hair loss. These are just some of the complaints from many who experience problems due to the misuse of chemical hair relaxers. In fact, the FDA lists hair straighteners and hair dyes among its top consumer complaint areas. Yet, in so many stores around the country, chemicals are available for everyone to use, without much instruction, a powerful process which transforms the very chemical makeup of the hair strand. Before beginning any hair treatment, especially one that introduces chemicals to our hair, we owe it to ourselves to be well informed. Armed with a better understanding of this process, we will be able to make good decisions with regard to our hair and scalp care.

*Hair Relaxers: Hair Discovers Lye
His name was Garrett Augustus Morgan and he was born the seventh of eleven children of former slaves. He is best known for his invention of the automatic traffic signal and gas mask. But it was around 1910 that he stumbled upon what would become his contribution to the hair care products industry and what would pave the way for several other entrepreneurs and manufacturers over the next hundred years.
While working in a sewing machine repair shop attempting to invent a new lubricating liquid for the machine needle, it is widely believed that Morgan wiped his hands on a wool cloth, returned the next day, found the woolly texture of the cloth had “smoothed out”, and set out to find how the liquid chemical had changed the texture as it had. He experimented on an Airedale dog, known for their curly textured hair, and the effect was successfully duplicated.
Morgan then tried his lubricating liquid invention on himself, called it a “hair refining cream”, and thus patented the first chemical hair straightener. He founded a personal grooming products company which included hair dying ointments, curved-tooth pressing combs, shampoo, hair pressing gloss, and the one that started it all: the “G.A. Morgan's Hair Refiner Cream” (advertised to “Positively Straighten Hair in 15 Minutes”).

*"Lye" or "No Lye": The Truth
Sodium Hydroxide is the strongest type of principal chemical used in some chemical relaxers because it provides the most long lasting and dramatic effects. However, this same sodium hydroxide is found in drain cleaners which well demonstrates the strength of this chemical. It is what is used in products that are referred to as “lye” relaxers. The strength varies from a ph factor of 10 to 14. With higher ph, the faster the straightening solution will take hold, but the more potential the damage.
Guanidine Hydroxide is the other common option of relaxer chemical used today. This is what is referred to as “no-lye” relaxers. This label can be misleading to some consumers. It does not imply that there aren't any strong chemicals used or that the chemicals used are somehow less potentially damaging. Some have mistakenly thought that with “no-lye” relaxers there are less steps and all the worry of chemical hair straightening is removed. Although this type of chemical hair relaxer can be less damaging than its counterpart, the hair and scalp should be in top condition before attempting treatment, and this type also requires special care when applied.

*Things Everyone Needs to Know: The Do's / The Don'ts BEFOREHAND
How can chemicals “relax”, or straighten hair? Well first of all, as assumed, the chemical would need to be potent enough to do so. Both lye and “no lye” relaxers are very strong chemicals that work in the same manner by changing the basic structure of the hair shaft. The chemical penetrates the cortex or cortical layer and loosens the natural curl pattern. This inner layer of the hair shaft is not only what gives curly hair its shape but provides strength and elasticity. Once this process is performed it is irreversible.
This process which produces the desired effect of “straighter” hair at the same time leaves hair weak and extremely susceptible to breaking and further damage. One must keep in mind that relaxers do not help the hair, but actually strip it. So by applying chemicals to the hair, even if it is to achieve a desired effect, is never really to the benefit of your hair health. Due to this it is first strongly recommended that it be applied only under the direction of a haircare professional with a record of success with healthy haircare and chemical straightening, and that the client regularly obtains conditioning treatments before and after the process.

I once heard someone say "When we know better, we do better!" I hope that's true in this case. Thanks for your support! Have a Blessed day!

Natural: Why Me?

Happy Saturday everyone! Today I just want to share with the world why I chose to become natural! I chose to become natural because I needed to find out who I was. I had become a person that was superficial, and imitation. Relaxed, and fake hair, fake nails, fake character! I needed to meet myself and find out what type of person I truly was. The Year I started to go natural is the same year I gave my life to Christ! Without Him, getting to know me would have been impossible! So my Natural Hair Journey has been very spiritual for me. It still is! No, I am not my hair, but I feel when you look at my hair you get a glimpse of who I truly am. Naturally beautiful, strong, powerful, and honest! I am Daughter of the Most High, Yes I am Royalty!

I've started teaching my daughter to embrace who she is at a really young age. She's 7 now and she will quickly tell you that she is beautiful, inside and out, and that God didn't make any mistakes when He made her! So it doesn't matter what the world says about her skin color or hair, she knows that in God's, her mommy's and daddy's eyes she is beautiful. I believe we as parents should make sure that our children never lose sight of who they really are. We should teach our children to embrace their culture at a early age, so that when they're older they won't feel lost and only merely existing! I've been there!

Thanks for your support. Know that there IS greatness inside of you! Have a Blessed day!

Water and Natural Hair

Happy New Year and Happy Friday everyone! As you know 2010 is here and and I'm looking forwards to ultimate hair growth this year. Since drinking plenty of water is one of the tools i'm using to see this growth, I decided to share with you what I know about water!
So here we go..............

Water is the single most important nutrient for our bodies. It is involved in every one of our bodies functions.

Did you know........?
*Your body is about 70%water
*Your muscles are about 75% water
*Your brain cells are about 85% water
*Your blood is approximately 82% water
*Even your boness are approximately 25%water

When your body lacks the water it needs, it goes into a ration mode. Think of a sprinkler system whose pressure is too low to reach all the grass on your lawn. Some parts stay green and live, but other parts begin to turn brown, whither, and die. When you live in a drought condition your body smartly manages the water you give it, keeping the vital organs (Brain, Heart, Lungs, Kindeys, and Liver) well watered with nutrients. The body robs and takes away water from other areas of the body to keep the main organs healthy. This results in many health issues such as......
*Joint pains and Arthritis
*High Blood Pressure
*Digestive Problems
*Asthma and the list goes on

Guess what....? A lack of water also results in skin problems, and also dry and brittle hair. Water is the best moisturizer for natural hair. Staying hydrated can help your hair not to become dry, limp and brittle. For example when you are dehydrated the strands of your hair do not hold moisture well, making it easy for strands to snap and break off. So start combating dryness with water. Keep a spray bottle with water in it to give your hair a refresher throughout the day, and drink plenty of water.
If you don't know how much water your body needs, take your body weight and divide it by 2. (i.e 140/2=70) The answer is the number of water ounces you need in one day! Thats easy to do! Right? You can easily accomplish this by drinking 2cups of water when you wake up in the morning, and then drink a bottle of water every hour or so that you're awake during the day!

*Note: Hard water is very harmful to your hair! If you have hard water, please invest in a water softner. Your body and hair will thank you in the long run ;)

I just want to update you on my current hair length. My hair is 13cm long. That's approximately 5.11inches. Thanks for the Support! Have a blessed Day!