Why is being "Nappy" such a problem for some women????

Happy Monday ladies,

I pray you all have a blessed and safe week. Ok I live in El Paso, Tx, I've been here for almost a year and I have not seen or met not 1 natural yet. And to make thing worse even though El Paso is predominantly mexican, I live on an army base where I come in contact with many many beautiful women of color, and i have yet to meet a natural. Many people compliment me on my hair everyday, and I always say "Thank You" and then proceed to ask them have they ever considered going natural. And the first thing that comes out of their mouth is "my hair is too nappy to go natural"! I am so tired of hearing that foolishness! So I always respond with I'm happy to be nappy! Nappy is beautiful! And then they get this expression on their face that says "Whateva"! I know it takes a strong and confident woman to go natural and stay natural, and many women just dont have the guts, but when will the time come when being "Nappy" wont be a problem???

I absolutely love all of my sistahs and i just want the wool to be pulled from over thier eyes. I understand the phrase "to eash his own" but chemically relaxing your hair is toxic, and if you want to achieve a straight hair look there are other alternatives such as flat ironing and hot combing. And even too much of that will start to cause damage.

I love being natural! It is one of the best decisions i ever made in my life. Being natural allows my inner disposition to shine far more brighter than my outer appearance could ever be. It allows me to express my individuality and be the unique person that i am. It allows me to be creative and have fun with my hair, while maintaining it's health and growth.
So to all the women out there who has a problem with accepting every kink, coil, and curl that God gave you, i dare you to stand up and have have faith in the fact that God made NO mistakes when he created you! Even the fibers on your head!

Well ladies thank for your support! Enjoy your week and God bless you and yours!

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!

2010 Hair Goal!

Happy Thursday everyone! OK, yesterday I told you that I would share my 2010 Hair goal with you, so here it is...........
My Hair goal for 2010 is to grow 1inch of healthy hair every month! Whew........ I know it sound exhausting already, but I am committed to the task at hand. I will attempt to achieve my goal by........
1. Drinking Plenty of Water! Water is key, our Body needs water and so does our hair.
2. Eating a balanced Diet consisting of mostly fresh fruits and veggies. (A quick rant: I was vegetarian for quite a while, and when i moved from Florida to Moreno valley, Ca it was really hard for me to find my normal foods, so i resulted back to eating meat again. But i only ate chicken, turkey, and fish. What a bad mistake!!!!! Eating meat has really took it's toll on me in just 5months. I've gain 25lbs since July, my hair isn't as healthy as it should be, and I just feel miserable. So starting today no more meat for me! Only fish occasionally!)
3.Wearing protective styles. (i.e. Braids, twists, kinky twists)
4. And by following a well thought out and planned hair care regimen, which is as follows........

*Daily- Seal in moisture every night before bed. (Will blog about "How to seal in moisture" @ a later date.)
*Mon, Wed and Fri- Co- wash and De tangle (Those will be the set days unless my hair gets really dirty from something like a accident fall into some dirt or something. lol)
*Every Saturday- Deep Condition with my Homemade Tropical Avocado Deep conditioner. (If you would like the Recipe check out my YouTube page. http://Youtube.com/user/TheMBess)
*Every 4Th Saturday- Clarify hair with a ACV Rinse (apple cider vinegar rinse), Do a protein treatment with my Homemade Protein treatment. (Check out my YouTube page for that recipe as well;), Do a length check, and trim ends if necessary.

I will do product reviews and post them as well. I also will be blogging and updating my YouTube channel and Fotki page regularly with my hair updates. I would love your support on this growth journey!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Beginning of my Natural Hair Diary!

On 2/10/2010 I will have reached my 5years natural mark. I had locs up until about 4 months ago. On 8/4/2009 I big chopped for the 2nd time. I loved my locs, and i never thought i would get rid of them, and since i cut them off it's been kinda like a new liberation. I'm free to try more styles and strive to have the healthiest hair possible. My hair was literally in bondage.....LOL! But locs are good, I might even go back to them one day.
Since cutting my locks off i have been enjoying getting to know my hair again. I have fallin in love with every kink, coil, and curl. In the beginning I tried a lot of products, so were good and some were bad. (I will do a update on those products later.) I've learned a lot of do's and dont's for natural hair, and i'm looking forward to sharing them with you.
I am dedicating 2010 to ultimate hair growth. I will share my hair goal with you on tomorrow. I will blog everyday (if possible) about my hair process, styles, and products. Anything new that i learn and all the things i know about natural hair, I'm going to blog about it. I feel it's time for sistahs to stop being "lyed" to, and embrace their natural beauty. My best friend always says "Love the skin that God has placed you in" and she is right. We ought to love ourselves in out natural state. If God wanted us to have straight, and silky hair he would have gave it to us. And not only are we more beautiful in our natural state, the chemicals in relaxers and other hair care products are dangerous, and harmful to the human body! So stay tuned sistahs, I am dedicating this year to Natural Hair!