Oils and how they can benefit your hair



Oils and have a long history in regards to hair health. Oils have been used to enhance the beauty of hair for centuries all over the world! Many people consider oil to be a natural remedy for hair in despair. Every hair type can benefit from using oil, you simply have to find the right one for you. Here's a quick overview on the oils that I prefer based on my experience, your hair might like them as well.

Coconut Oil

Women in Fiji and India have used coconut oil in their hair for hundreds of years. This because coconut oil assists in giving hair density and shine. This oil can be added to conditioner for deep treatment for damaged hair. The fatty acids in coconut oil penetrate the hair shaft and reduce protein loss. Reducing protein loss helps prevent split ends, and hair breakage. Adding coconut oil to conditioner, and sealing your ends with it can make an overall difference in the health of your hair. This oil can be heavy, it's best for thick hair. If you choose to leave it in your hair, use it sparingly to avoid greasy hair.

If you are unfamiliar with sealing your ends check tip #3 in the post Back to school Basics of hair care



Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed Oil is great for fine hair. It contains omega fatty acids and vitamin E that nourish the hair. Because of it is a lighter oil, it doesn't weight the hair down, or make it too greasy. This oil can be used on all hair types whether your hair is; thick, thin, dry or oily. It leaves the hair super shiny and strong, prevents dry and/or brittle hair. 

Avocado Oil

This oil happens to be my new favorite, it's packed with vitamins; A, D, B6 and E. It also has protein and amino acids which assists in strengthening the hair. This oil also contains Folic acid which is necessary for healthy hair growth. It's said to work as a natural sunscreen for the hair by protecting it from the suns rays. Avocado Oil nourishes dry and damaged hair, which is great for those who have chemically processed and/or color treated hair.



Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is the lightest oil out of all of the oils that I have tried. It's the closest to the natural oil we already contain in our skin. It's odorless and  non-greasy, great for those with thin or fine hair. Many hair products contain jojoba oil because it works well on the scalp by preventing and treating dry and brittle hair. It's also known for treating dandruff and psoriasis. In my experience, it's a great oil to use on freshly washed hair because it's so light.

Whether your hair is curly or straight, oil can bring new life to your hair. Each of these oils listed nourish and protect your hair. Remember that it's best to apply leave in conditioner and/or moisturizer to your hair before applying oil, this ensures that your hair is moisturized, sealed, and protected from damage. The oils in which I have mentioned can be purchased at your local grocery store or health food store. When purchasing an oil, it's best to buy one that is 100% pure, to make sure your hair is getting all the benefits that the oil has to offer.  

Products worth splurging on



Do you splurge when it comes to your curls? If so, listen up! The following products are a bit on the pricey side, but are worth the investment.

Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo: $7 to $20

This shampoo is designed for dry and chemically treated hair.  It also has a wonderful peachy smell, a great foaming lather, and left my scalp feeling clean and refreshed, without leaving my hair feeling dry and stripped. It's actually quite moisturizing, which is a rare find when it comes to shampoo. This shampoo not only correct dryness, it prevents it as well.

Ingredients:

Prunis Persica (Peach) extract, Pimpenella anisum (Anise) fruit extract, Panax Ginseng root extract, Ginkgo Bilobika extract, cetraria islandica (Irish Moss) extract, saccharomyces cerevisiea (Brewer's Yeast) extract in purified water, sodium myreth solfate (coconut oil-derived). C14-16 olefin sulfonate (mineral-derived_, cocomidopropyl betaine (coconut oil-derived)hydrolyzed wheat protein, tocopherol acetate, Panthenol (provitamin), glycol distearate (fatty acid-derived), polyquaternium-10 (polysaccharide celulose, DMDM Hydantoin, methlyparaben (USP), propylparaben(UPS), benzophenone-4 (UV absorber), fragrance, D&C orange 4CI 15510

DevaCurl No Poo Cleanser: $18 to $32

This is a cleanser, not a shampoo. It's a lather less cleanser that cleans and hydrates dry hair. Infused with menthol and peppermint, it give the scalp a tingling sensation, and leave the hair and scalp feeling fresh and invigorated without dryness. Perfect for moisture retention, it's also sulfate and paraben free.

Ingredients: Water (aqua), cetyl alcohol, glycerin, isopropyl palmitate, behentrimonium chloride, polyquaternium-7, laureth-4,vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil,propylene glycol,cocamidopropyl betaine,mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, triticum aestivum (wheat) peptide, avena sativa (oat) peptide, glycine soja (soy) peptide,melissa officinalis (balm mint) extract, humulus lupulus (hops) extract,cymbopopgon schoenanthus (lemongrass) extract, chamomilla recutita (matricia) extract,rosmarinus officinalis (rosemarie) extract,achillea millefolium (yarrow) extract,menthol,citric acid,diazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate,fragrance (parfum).

Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Hair Treatment: $20

This hair treatment fits it's title to the T! It revives, moisturizes, and nourishes dry curls with a long list of great ingredients such as; Aloe, herbs, butters and oils. It moisturizes without making hair feel weighed down. At 8oz. It's a bit small, but you definitely get what you pay for with this treatment.

Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis (Melissa) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Yucca Leaf Extract, Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Theobroma Grandiflorum (Cupuaçu) Seed Butter, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Vanilla Planifolia oil, Cananga Odorata oil, Lecithin, Fragrance, Citric Acid.



Pureology Essential Repair Instant Repair Leave in Conditioner: $23 to $40

This leave in conditioner is designed for dry and color treated hair. It's like a two for one because it acts as a leave in and a gel giving shine and control to the hair. It's Anti Fade complex protects color treated hair, and contains pure biotin, soy milk, olive oil, and chamomile to protect against breakage. It assists in detangling, and gives hair a softer, silkier feel. Great for those with fine hair.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Polyquaternium 10, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG Propyl Silanetriol, Super Oxide Dismutase, Melanin, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cinnamidopropyl Trimonium Chloride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract (Sunflower), Butylene Glycol, Polyamide 2, Amodimethicone, C11 15 Pareth 7, Laureth 9, Trideceth 12, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Wine Extract, Mucor Miehei Extract, Lentinus Edodes Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract (Mushroom),

 Jane Carter Solution Nourish and Shine: $22.00

This product is great for dry hair and dry skin. It gives great shine and control, definitely a good substitute for hair gel or hair spray. It's all natural and contains vitamins A, E, & D with butters and essentiall oils as well. Great for defining waves and curls, and slicking down hair for ponytails and up dos. An all natural frizz fighter at it's finest!

Ingredients: Shea butter, Kokum butter, Illippe butter, Mango butter, Vitamins A, D, & E, pear and grapefruit essential oils.

If you have extra cash in you stash, give the products a try. They are well worth every penny!

Review: Lush R&B Revive & Balance Hair Moisturizer

Review: Lush R&B Revive & Balance Hair Moisturizer

Lush R&B hair moisturizer is a leave-in conditioner/moisturizer geared toward those of Black decent and/or those with curly hair.

Ingredients:

Oatmilk (Avena sativa), Glycerine, Organic Avocado Butter (Persea gratissima), Fair Trade Olive Oil (Olea europaea),

Glycerl Stearate & Peg - 100 Stearate, Perfume, Cetearyl Alcohol, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera),

Cold Pressed Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis), Bay Oil (Pimenta racemosa), Orange Flower Absolute (Citrus Dulcis),

Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum, Cupuacu Butter (Theobroma Grandiflorum), Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol,

Candelilla Wax (Euphorbia cerifera), *Benzyl Salicylate, *Eugenol, *Geraniol, *Isoeugenol, *Benzyl Benzoate,

*Farnesol, *Limonene, *Linalool



R&B hair Moisturizer has a thick, creamy, butter like consistency and a somewhat heavy floral scent, which is great if that appeals to you. This scent could also be considered overwhelming if you are sensitive to certain smells. That being said, it's a great moisturizer it can be used on wet or dry hair. The first time I used R&B, was in the winter, Initially I wasn't pleased due to the fact that my hair was somewhat dry, and I wasn't pleased with the overall "feel" of my curls after applying the product. I tried it once again in July, and surprisingly it had a completely different result! Upon using R&B in July, I did notice that my hair was noticeably softer, smoother, and completely moisturized. I would recommend this product to those who live in a consistently warmer climate. For those who tend to live in a colder climate, I would suggest that you add this to your summer beauty routine only.

Note: If you are unsure as to whether your hair likes or dislikes glycerin, ask for a sample of the product first. This product tends to be on the pricey side considering it's $20.00 for only 3.5 oz!

Pros: Nice smell, moisturizing, nice consistency, good ingredients.

Cons: Price/size ratio, different results depending on the season.

Will I repurchase ? : Yes, but only for summer.

Overall Grade: B

Your time to shine



There is nothing that stands out more than beautiful, gleaming, shiny hair. Every girl wants it, so here are 3 things to make your hair bling!

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Not only does aloe vera gel give your hair shine, but it's great for the overall health of your hair. After you are done styling your hair, section your hair, and rub about a dime sized dollop (for each hair section, maybe more for longer thicker hair)  between the palms of your hands and smooth the gel down the length of your hair. Be careful not to use too much, it might make your hair a bit sticky.

2. Jane Carter's Nourish and Shine

This stuff is great, not only for shine, but it also helps smooth down edges and its great for slicking the hair into a bun or ponytail. If your wearing your hair down, simply rub a small amount between the palms of your hands, and scrunch it into the length of your damp or wet hair. If you choose to wear your hair up, apply it to the edges and nape of your hair, and/or use it to slick your hair into your ponytail or bun.
Note: when using this product, remember that a little bit will go a long way, try not to be to heavy handed with this product.

3. Oils

Oils are key to sealing in moisture and they can also add shine as well. Just smooth a few drops into the length  of the hair and comb through. There are many oils out there, every one has there own type of oil to which they swear by. Such as; olive, coconut, argan, and many more. You will have to do some experimentation to find out which one is best for you. I prefer; grapeseed, jojoba,macadamia,and argan oil because they are light on the hair, non greasy, and doesn't add weight to my curls. Remember not to be heavy handed with oil, it will make your hair greasy.



It could be said that when using the products, you can get the best of both worlds. This is because not only are you maintaining the style of your hair, but you're also giving it the nutrience it needs to flourish and thrive!

Deep Conditioning methods



Deep conditioning is a key part in maintaining healthy hair. You should take at least one day out of the week, preferably every time you wash to deep condition your hair. Many think this can be time consuming or too tedious, but it doesn't have to be. Many people are also unaware that there is more than one way to deep condition your hair. Here are a few ways you can do it, it's suggested that you try all methods at least once to find the best method for you.

1. Deep conditioning with heat



This is one of the very few times when heat will be helpful to your hair. This is because the heat helps open the hair cuticle, and allows the hair to soak up key nutrients from the conditioner. Make sure your hair is fully saturated with conditioner, so that you may comb it through with ease. When using heat to deep condition,  twenty minutes is standard, but if you can go longer, feel free to do so! Make sure you pin your hair up, and cover your hair with a plastic cap or even a plastic bag (not recommended for small children) to ensure that the moisture doesn't escape from your hair. If you are willing to invest a substantial amount of money into your hair, consider purchasing a hair steamer, or hooded hair dryer.

Note: If you don't have a heat source for your hair, you can go to your local Walmart or beauty supply store and get one of these:



 

2. Deep conditioning overnight:

Overnight conditioning is a sure way to make sure your hair is fully conditioned. Simply saturate your hair with deep conditioner, pin your hair up, cover with a plastic cap, and rinse out with cold water the next day.

Note: If your hair feels mushy or flimsy after rinsing, this is not the method for you.

3. Deep conditioning on dry hair:

Deep conditioning on dry hair is can be a time saver, and helps the hair to fully penetrate your deep conditioner. This method is best used along with heat , and cowashing after the deep conditioning process.  Simply slather on the deep conditioner in sections on dry hair, gently comb through using your fingers, or detangling comb, let conditioner sit for 30 minutes (preferably with heat), cowash, and rinse with cool water.

Note: Although it may be a bit uncomfortable, it's best to rinse out your deep conditioner with cool water, this help close the hair cuticle, while sealing in the moisture from the deep conditioner. It also adds shine.

Try each method whenever you decide to deep condition and pay close attention to you hair. Which ever method makes your hair feel its softest and smoothest is the best method for you!



Product Review: Hairveda Sitrinillah Ultra Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

When buying hair products, we are all usually bombarded with bright, colorful bottles with all types of labels with miraculous claims. Sitrinilla is different, it's a no frills, no nonsense, tried and true deep conditioner. I have been using this deep conditioner a little over a month, and when this conditioner says; Ultra Moisturizing Deep Conditioner, It really means it! I came to this conclusion because I have applied it on both wet and dry hair, as instructed on the container, and you get the exact same result; soft and moisturized curls. Most of the deep conditioners I have tried need heat to ensure that the conditioner has fully penetrated my hair. I have used Sitrinaillah without heat and still achieved great results. It also has a light, citrus scent too it, identical to a creamsicle. It's currently available online. It's reasonably priced according to it's size, a 16 oz. jar will run you $17.50 Once I run out of this conditioner, I will be repurchasing.

If you are in the market for a new deep conditioner, definitely give this one a try!

The ingredients are the following:

Ingredients: Water, Coconut oil, Castor Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, SterylAlcohol, Stearakloniun Chloride, Dimethyl Stearamine, Orange oil, Orange Extract, Vanilla Extract, Lactic Acid, Germall Plus, Fragrance.

The Top Ten Don'ts of Biracial Hair Care



The following is a list of what NOT to do to your hair, In many situations such as special occasions or a busy schedule, you might just do some of the things on this list. Your hair, regardless of it's texture or process, is fragile and will split and break if it is not treated with care. If you avoid or decrease these practices your hair will definitely thank you.



1. Don't use direct heat excessively!

Blow dryers, flatirons, hot combs and curling irons are all sources of direct heat. This not only dries the hair out, but it can cause split ends or heat damage. Hair that has been severely damaged by heat usually cannot fixed, and ends up having to be CUT OFF! Letting you hair air dry is best!

If you absolutely must use heat appliances on your hair, limit it to once a week. Always use a heat protectant before apply any heat to your hair.

NOTE: Stay away from hot combs at all costs!



2. Don't use small combs

Small combs tend to sang the hair and cause split ends. The only time you should use a small comb is to make a part in your hair, and the hair should be completely saturated with conditioner before the comb even touches your scalp. Use a wide toothed comb on your hair instead.



3.  Don't go to sleep with your hair down.

Going to sleep with your hair down causes unnecessary friction and tangles to the hair. Before going to bed, put your hair in a braid, twist, or bun to reduce unwanted snarls and tangles.



4. Don't comb your hair, beginning at the roots.

NEVER start at the roots when combing your hair! In order to reduce tearing the hair, comb your hair starting and the ends first , then slowly work your way upto the roots. This will help you reduce frizz, split ends, and excessive damage.

5. Don't use hair spray, mousse and gel that contain vast amounts of alcohol.

Hair spray should be reserved for special occasions only, everyday use of hair spray will dry your hair out and cause build up. Mousse should be avoided because of the alcohol it contains which is also drying. If you must use gel, it's best to use Aloe Vera gel, or a gel that's organic.



6. Don't  Comb curls when the are dry

NEVER put a comb to your curls when dry, this leads to unwanted frizz, snags, and potentially serious damage!
Always make sure your hair is wet or thoroughly damp AND apply detangler or leave-in conditioner before combing your curls.



7.  Don't let your hair "dry-out".

If you hair becomes dry and parched, it is more prone to breakage. If your hair is naturally curly; spritz your hair the water then add moisturizer, then seal the ends with oil. If your hair is relaxed or naturally straight, lightly apply moisturizer, then a few drops of oil on the length and ends of your hair to seal in the moisturizer.



8. Don't brush wet hair!

Unless it's a Denman detangling brush or paddle brush, do not brush your hair when it's wet. This will cause weakening and breakage to you hair.



9. Don't use shampoo that contain sulfates.

This can make the hair and scalp dry, and lead to breakage when choosing a shampoo purchase one the clearly says "no sulfates" on the bottle.



10. Don't apply multiple chemical processes to your hair.

If you choose to process your hair by either relaxing it or coloring it, It's best just to use one process only. If you're hair is relaxed, it's best not to use permanent hair color, use a temporary color rinse instead. Keeping relaxed and dyed hair healthy is practically a science, so it's best just to choose one or the other.

Remember that preventing hair damage is a lot easier than trying to repair it! The further away you are for committing these hair dont's, is the closer you are to longer, stronger, and more beautiful looking hair!