Friday, March 18, 2011

Let's Talk Hair...Yummy Goodies For Thick Healthy Hair..Literally



Greetings Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with you. Now, we all know that what we put in our insides, promotes how we look on our outsides. But, how about our hair?? Did you know that there are so many wonderful goodies that are not only beneficial for our insides, but also for the growth and health of our hair? Yes, not only are fruits yummy to eat, they carry some wonderful benefits for the health of our hair. And what's better than natural, safe and cheap? So, the next time you are at the market, grab a couple of these yummy goodies for your hair as well.

O'So Yummy Goodies For Your Hair:

Bioflavanoids and Antioxidants..The Dark Fruits:


Blueberries, classified as the 'super food' because it is packed full of vitamins.
Blackberries








Plums









Black or Red Grapes







Vitamin C and Antioxidants...The Citrus Fruits (These fruits promote scalp circulation)






Oranges








Grapefruit






Biotin..The Sweet Fruits (The Natural Health Favorite for Healthy and Strong Hair. Biotin infuses growth and thickness into every strand of hair)




Apples








Apricots









Watermelon










Peaches










Bananas






Vitamin A and Antioxidants...The Power House FRUIT


Avacados...These are my absolute favorite because they are yummy and have so many versatile ways to eat them. Scrambled Eggs w/Avacado and Salsa, Turkey Sandwich w/ thin slices of Avacado. Guacamole. Shall I go on?? Anywho, Avacados are natural hair moisturizers which promote hair growth, and are also good for damaged hair. Adding Avacado to your deep conditioner makes hair stronger, shinier and healthier. It leaves hair softer, more elastic and less prone to breakage.




So, now that you know which yummy goodies are beneficial in achieving thick healthy hair, EAT UP!!


Happy Healthy Hair


photo credit: www.fuckyeahcurlscurlscurls.tumblr.com
credits: some info found at www.livestrong.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

So What's The Rave About: ARGAN OIL


Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well.
So, what's the rave about Argan Oil? What is the rave about this Moroccan goodness that have naturals in an uproar. It's actually been called 'liquid gold' by beauty experts due to its benefits for healthy hair..Well, Argan Oil is an oil that's actually been around for ages, however, it's popularity skyrocketed over the last few years due to manufacturing companies on the hunt for 'exotic' ingredients to add 'label appeal' to their product as a ploy to get more money from consumers. And of course, those are usually products that contain synthetic chemicals and will have Argan Oil waaaayyyyyy down at the bottom of the ingredient's list. But despite of all that, it is an oil to absolutely rave about. It's so great, it is one of the wonderful ingredients that is in my O'Natural Natty Butter, and I must say, it is like 'liquid gold'. And, when combined with other natural ingredients, it is a small piece of heaven. It is difficult to extract, so it is not the cheapest oil , hence why it is sometimes found in products in unpretentious amounts. So, let's just take a look at all of the benefits of this oil.


Argon Oil...The Skin Edition
  • Prevents loss of moisture from the skin.
  • Diminishes wrinkles
  • Gives you softer skin
  • Neutralizes free radicals and treats acne, eczema and psoriasis
  • Has sebum regulating action on oily skin that reduces the oiliness
  • Increases elasticity and tightens the skin
  • Prevent stretch marks (yippee, pregnant women)
  • Reduces skin inflammation and skin irritation
  • Makes brittle nails stronger
  • If you are suffering from acne or chicken pox scars, application of Argan Oil can reduce these blemishes

Argan Oil...The Hair Edition
  • Hydrates the hair naturally.
  • Argan Oil infiltrates into the hair shafts and improves elasticity.
  • Very nourishing for the growth of hair
  • Strengthens the hair by repairing the damaged cellular membrane of the hair
  • Contains Vitamin E which makes it a fabulous agent for hair treatment.
  • Color treatment on hair causes certain damage to hair. Color treatment makes them brittle and takes away the smoothness. Argan oil cures the brittle hair and increases the life of color treated hair. It even surpasses in competitiveness in this job from Jojoba oil.
  • Non-greasy Argan oil locks the moisture in and adds to and restores the luster and shine of hair according to researchers
  • Hair stylists are also admitting that Argan oil may finally be the right choice to heal and restore the damaged, dry and weak hair from environmental extremes, excessive styling practices and perms

Argan Oil..The Internal Edition
  • Help to prevent cardiovascular diseases
  • Cholesterol lowering effect
  • Protects the blood vessels
  • Protects heart, liver and gall bladder
  • Effective in the relief of burns and scars
  • Diabetes
  • Psoriasis
  • Improves circulation
  • Has Anti inflammatory properties
  • May help arthritis
  • Lowers blood pressure

Where to buy: Any Health Food Store or online at www.mountainroseherbs.com

Happy Healthy

Let's Talk Spiritual Health: ACCOUNTABILITY



There is much temptation in the world today. Boy! We can all attest to that. Satan is working overtime to create even more. Therefore, we must have a brother or sister we can count on when facing temptations that threaten our spiritual lives.

Knowing that we are in a battle with forces of darkness, we should want as much help as we can gather around us. We all realize that even if we equip ourselves with everything God in defense of evil, we are still human and we may not always be able to resist Satan’s temptation. We know that without a doubt temptation will come. This is why it is extremely important to surround ourselves with accountability partners who are also seeking a spiritual path. Proverbs 27:17 says, ‘Iron sharpens iron. So a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.’ A friend’s countenance is a look or expression of encouragement or moral support. When is the last time you had a friend call you just to ask how you were doing? When is the last time you called a friend and asked her/him if they needed to talk? Encouragement and moral support from a friend are sometimes the missing ingredients in fighting the battle against Satan. The problem lies when we seek Godly advice or seek Godly accountability from those who are on a path not seeking to live a Godly lifestyle. We seek wisdom from those who are not wise; and instead of speaking what is righteous and true, speaking what feels good to our flesh and what we want to hear or speaking from a pride point of view. Many people cannot handle having a person to hold them accountable. They become defensive. They become offended. Only to realize later, after destruction, that having that moral support was wise. Proverbs constantly teaches us to seek wisdom from the wise. Satan is crafty and seeking advise from those who are not striving to be righteous can leave us feeling betrayed, empty, and unfulfilled because we are just looking for someone to listen instead of seeking those who will help us reach the higher level. Use your Godly wisdom when speaking your confidences and confessions to another. This way, you will not be disappointed and will not have to worry about if that person is speaking ill against you or throwing your confidences back into your face. Accountability is crucially important in the battle to overcome sin. An accountability partner can be there to encourage you, to rebuke you, to teach you, to rejoice with you, and to weep with you. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, ‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’ Remember, every believer should have an accountability partner with whom you can pray, talk, confide, and confess.


Happy Spiritual Health

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

My Child's Is Unmaneageable..I Had To Put A RELAXER In It


Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is great...Ok, so our childrens' hair..how many of you have heard this expression, 'I had to put a relaxer in my child's hair, it was too unmanageable.' or 'It's just a kiddie perm,what's the harm in that?' Well, the harm is that the same harsh and harmful chemicals that are in 'adult' relaxers exist in 'kiddie' perms. But anywho, let's address the reason behind the kiddie creamy crack addiction.

Many of us grew up in traditional homes where yankin and pullin on heads of thick hair was the norm. Most of our parents, grandparents, aunts, sisters or cousins had never even heard of combing the hair while it's wet and slippery with conditioner. Combing the hair from the ends, then working up to the roots all while holding the hair as to minimize shedding and breakage. Many times, all of THAT was unheard of. And let's not get into the rages of war between mother and child as hair combing battles and 'hair do-ing' sessions were going down. Well, with all of that, who wouldn't succumb to an easier, yet extremely damaging, method of doing their child's hair? Ahhh, nostalgia...

Well, for all of you lovely ladies, and gents, who are going through the dreaded battle of the 'hair do-ing war', be assured that no matter the texture, thickness or length of your child's beautiful natural hair, there is a wonderful manageable way to wash, detangle and style your young natural's hair. A way that will promote healthy hair growth and peace on earth between parent and child..at least in the hair department, that is. And besides, isn't it worth it to set aside some time to maintain your child's hair properly instead of taking a, what seems to be, an easier road and doing what may be harmful to your child's hair and health? Check out this story of a white father who's adopted black daughter's hair he combs and styles weekly..now if he, a professor at Emory, can take the time and learn to maintain his daughter's hair, because he wanted her to have an appreciation for HER hair and not alter it into something different, and he said that he wanted people to accept her no matter what her hair looked like, can't we all?? This father applies his 'weekly' touch to ensure that his daughter's hair is maintained, healthy, beautiful and NATURAL. He researches the best products to use on her hair to keep it from drying and breaking. He and his wife wanted their daughter to know that her hair is something wonderful and to be celebrated..and not a burden (unmanageable). Instead of viewing his daughter's hair as a hassle, he instead thinks of it in a positive sense as a 'father/daughter' bonding time. Check these images out of the proud dad, doing his thing!!! (For the full story, click on the link below)



Ok...So here is a wonderful way to make your hair'doing session a success.
The Method..


Choose a natural shampoo and conditioner free of parabens, sulfates, fragrance (except natural fragrances) or any other harsh chemicals: Terressentials Earth Wash, Bentonite Clay, Chagrin Valley shampoo bars or Shea Moisture are some great shampoos that are natural and chemical free.I mostly conditioner wash his hair (weekly) and shampoo wash once per month.





Be sure to really focus on the scalp when washing. If necessary and your child has scalp issues (which usually stem from previous harsh hair products and sometimes diet), add essential oils, such as: Neem, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus or Peppermint Oils. This experience should be pleasant and not a challenge.





Be sure to rinse out all of the shampoo or conditioner, paying attention to the nape and edges.












Since I used shampoo to wash his hair, I always do a deep conditioner treatment to restore moisture..I apply the deep conditioner, Natty Moist and, optionally, add oils like, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil and/or Tea Tree Oil, then place a plastic cap and proceed to add heat, you can also opt for no heat.







Applying a deep conditioner anywhere from 10- 30 minutes. It leaves his hair soft and moisturized. Always give your child something to keep them entertained, like a book, puzzle, game, or a short movie.








Always, Always, Always detangle when the hair is wet and slippery with conditioner, using a wide tooth comb, never a brush. Here, I am using the 'Tangle Teezer' which cuts the detangling session is HALF. And my son told me that it didn't hurt at all. It actually allows you to get close to the scalp and feels like a scalp massage. Always start at the ends, while holding the hair, and work your way up to the roots. Once you have detangled one section, twist or braid that section so that it does not become tangled again.


Rinse the conditioner out and I do a final cool water rinse using ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar). Then apply a good conditioner that has a lot of slip. I used Avalon Olive Oil Conditioner. After you rinse, leave a little of the conditioner or add some of the conditioner to the hair (to moisturize), seal the moisture in with a good carrier oil (castor, jojoba, grapeseed, olive oils).




Style the hair..I usually put his hair into two strand twists that lasts for a few days, then undo the twists and allow him to wear the twists out..as in a twist out..Be sure to moisturize daily and wash or co wash at least weekly.



Your child and you should be on 'speaking terms' when this is finished and not as if you just ended a battle..lol.. So, this is a method for easy, hassle free, healthy natural hair...Don't they deserve it? (my battery died on my camera, please ignore those dates, lol)






Hope this helps...have a blessed day.

Happy Healthy Hair

Monday, March 14, 2011

Do Blacks With Natural Blond Hair REALLY Exist??


Greetings Ladies and Gents..I pray all is well. Woah Nelly, now this makes for an interesting topic..Do Natural Blond Blacks Really Exist? Well, I first ran across this interesting topic at a fellow blogger's site, KJ, at www.littlebrownnotebook.blogspot.com. It made me want to really research this mysterious topic.

Soooo,do they really exist? Absolutely. On the island of Vanautu (Republic of Vanautu), a small island in the South Pacific, many children and some elders have naturally blond hair who belong to the Malaitan ethnic group. This has been baffling to some, as blond hair has always, and in most cases, still is believed to be a characteristic of whites only. The hair of the Malaitans range from wavy to curly to kinky...O'Natural..truly. Bottom line is, although I had never been a fan of hair dye (due to the drying and damaging effects), 'society needs to understand that genetics operates outside of our idea of race' (K.J.). As we are becoming more and more high tech and with a plethora of information available on the internet, many of us have a lack of knowledge in regards to cultures outside of the US. So, How exposed are you??

The Natural Blonds of Vanautu:









Happy Cultural Health

credits: some info found at www.wikipedia.com

Friday, March 11, 2011

A Round of Applause For Talented Fingers..BRAID It Up


Hola Chicas/Chicos..One of a natural's favorite protective styles is Braids.There are just so many versatile ways to rock braids, it'll make your head spin. Let's see, there's micro braids, box braids, dookie braids, braided updos, braided fro hawks, fro with a braided front, princess laia bun and braid, braids with beads, cornrows, braided bangs, braided rope bangs, french braids...whew, did I leave any out??

At some point, I think everyone on this planet has rocked some sort of braided style..even if it was when your momma plaited your hair. I know I've worn my share of braids. Braids are wonderful and beautiful, just be sure not to braid too tight and damage your edges or your beautiful tresses. Should you decide to leave your braids in for a longer while, be sure to take care of your hair (wash, condition/deep condition, moisturize, seal, protect at night) just as you would with un-braided hair.

So, what's your favorite braided style??















































Happy Healthy Hair





photo credits: www.fuckyeahcurlscurlscurls.tumblr.com www.hairspiration.blogspot.com