I just had to brag about the two hand twist out I did on my hair over the weekend. I've had my oils for some time now and I've been watching YouTube, of course, trying to figure out how I am going to use them. I know I need a regime especially when transitioning because the hair is more susceptible to breakage and excessive shedding. I have actually been experiencing excessive shedding and breakage lately so I wanted to do a protective style to help me care for my hair. Well I love two strand twist because it an easy style and fairly quick to do --its sort of a 2-for-1 style. I can wear it as two strand twist for up to a week and the wear the twist out for about a week. I can even get more creative if I want to but time does not allow that very often. So anyway, in addition to the oils I decided to use try out the flaxseed gel especially bc I knew I was gonna need something to hold my twists taut. When I decided to transition I vowed to use all natural homemade products on my hair. I really like the idea of having complete control of what I am putting into my hair. I want not only length but also a healthy head of curls. I know to help achieve this I need to put in nourishing products.
In trying to figure out what can I do to stop the shedding and breakage I again looked to YouTube and google searches. In all my searches the common solution was asking the same question "How much are you oiling your hair?" Well for me it was not hardly. I mean I religiously wash once a week Oil when I do my initial style but that's it. See when I was relaxed my hair would hold oil so I had gotten used to holding off on the oil so much. I mean my definition of oil was oil moistures such as PINK oil or Pantene moisturizing creme. So oiling on a regular is somewhat forgein to me. I really am going to have to get use to the thought of feeding my hair oil more that once a week or so. Some ladies suggested oiling as much as twice a day (I imagine that is for extremely dry hair). The trick for me is figuring out how much oil my unrelaxed hair need to thrive and how much my relaxed hair need to maintain.
So what's my reaction to flaxseed gel, oils, and butter twist? GREAT!!!!! I absolutely love it. The gel provided enough hold to keep the braids from unraveling as well as providing the nourishment of the seeds. The oils gave my hair the much needed conditioning as well as the antioxidants, vitamins, and protection that it needed to start the process of stopping the breakage and promote growth while maintain the length and over health of my hair. I received numerous compliments while out and about as to how shiny my braids looked how bouncy they were (which mean no weighting down from too much oils and gels). My hair felt good, airy and breezy! I am definitely using this as my go to winter protective style!
Regime:
Cowashed, hot oil treatment which included jojoba, coconut, almond, castor, olive, and grapeseed oils. Covered with plastic cap for 30 mins with a towel wrapped around my head. Shampoo washed, conditioned. Parted in four sections detangled applied leave in conditioner and then saturated each section with olive and coconut oil, sealed with shea butter twisted with flaxseed gel that I added vitamin E to, and let dry over night. Note: Hair did become dry during the process so I sprayed the dried areas with water as I braid.
If you used the gel let me know how your continued results have been. If you can testify that oils is the answer to ending breakage please also let me know as i am really trying to remedy this issue. Thanks for reading!!!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Ethnic Skin Care
The biggest issue for African Americans, Asians and Hispanics as related to skin care is hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. This is a highly underserved market that requires attention.
Maybe its been ignored because of the varied overtones and undertones of ethic skin or maybe its because of the so-called problem skin that we have whether its darker in some spots and lighter in others. Or maybe still its due to the lack of education per the consumer of the products that are currently on the market for ethnic skin. Whatever the case the fact remains that skin care target market strategy is not highly geared toward the people with ethnic skin.
Hyperpigmentation, according to webmb.com, is the increase of melanin in the skin. Common causes are acne scarring, over exposure to sun, pregnancy, and drugs Rx or otherwise. To avoid hyperpigmentation in the first place I can offer some tips. Although I am not a dermatologist I have been interested in skin care and the prevention of preventable flare ups of our skin for years. So here goes.........
1. allow acne to heal normally. I know its ugly, unattractive, and even gross at times but the long term results of not messing with the pimple are a lot better than dealing with the dark mark that picking with it leaves behind.
2. SPF people. Find a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher especially in the summer months. For those that are fortunate enough to have hot weather year round you need SPF year round. The sun is baking your skin. Look, when you put a piece of meat in the oven and turn the temperature up and leave it in there for awhile the end result will be a dried piece of meat that has some kind of blackened texture. But when you put some kind of protectant over the meat whether its water or foil or what have you it take longer for the meat to gain the darken dried texture. The same can be said about our skin. If we overexpose ourselves to the sun over time hyperpigmentation will occur. Now I've heard some people feel if their skin has an increased melanin sunscreen is not necessary. I can't tell you how much that have been proven to be so untrue. While yes its true that the visible effects can be seen more quickly on a person with fairer skin the damage that it can do on a darker skin tone is still prevalent. Sunscreens can be found in many cosmetics nowadays so if you don't want to put something extra on your face then make sure you read the labels on your cosmetics and pick ones that contains an SPF. Apply it frequently and generously!!!!
3. During pregnancy some women experience what is referred to as "the mask of pregnancy". This type of hyperpigmentation typically goes away once the hormones have regulated. Usually nothing has to be done to treat this. Keep with regular routine of washing, exfoliation and toning. This is the time to adjust skin care to match the hormonal changes that is occurring in your body. Some become sensitive to products that have been used prior to pregnancy. So just reevaluate what you have been doing and make adjustments when and if necessary. Pregnancy is a time when that natural glow is showcased. So enhance it, show it, and flaunt it.
4. Rx and other drugs tend to change everything about how our body operates. So naturally if after taking a drug you notice changes in your skin you may want to stop taking the drug. But that's not always feasible especially if its a Rx that helps alleviate another aliment so you may have to either live with the discoloration, hide it with makeup, or treat with with more Rx or skincare regimens. Never stop a Rx because its not agreeing with your skin. Instead bring it to your doctors attention. There maybe an allergic reaction that you or the doctor was not aware of or the Rx may be able to be adjusted. Whatever the case take this time to also reevaluate your current skin regime and adjust as necessary.
Maybe its been ignored because of the varied overtones and undertones of ethic skin or maybe its because of the so-called problem skin that we have whether its darker in some spots and lighter in others. Or maybe still its due to the lack of education per the consumer of the products that are currently on the market for ethnic skin. Whatever the case the fact remains that skin care target market strategy is not highly geared toward the people with ethnic skin.
Hyperpigmentation, according to webmb.com, is the increase of melanin in the skin. Common causes are acne scarring, over exposure to sun, pregnancy, and drugs Rx or otherwise. To avoid hyperpigmentation in the first place I can offer some tips. Although I am not a dermatologist I have been interested in skin care and the prevention of preventable flare ups of our skin for years. So here goes.........
1. allow acne to heal normally. I know its ugly, unattractive, and even gross at times but the long term results of not messing with the pimple are a lot better than dealing with the dark mark that picking with it leaves behind.
2. SPF people. Find a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher especially in the summer months. For those that are fortunate enough to have hot weather year round you need SPF year round. The sun is baking your skin. Look, when you put a piece of meat in the oven and turn the temperature up and leave it in there for awhile the end result will be a dried piece of meat that has some kind of blackened texture. But when you put some kind of protectant over the meat whether its water or foil or what have you it take longer for the meat to gain the darken dried texture. The same can be said about our skin. If we overexpose ourselves to the sun over time hyperpigmentation will occur. Now I've heard some people feel if their skin has an increased melanin sunscreen is not necessary. I can't tell you how much that have been proven to be so untrue. While yes its true that the visible effects can be seen more quickly on a person with fairer skin the damage that it can do on a darker skin tone is still prevalent. Sunscreens can be found in many cosmetics nowadays so if you don't want to put something extra on your face then make sure you read the labels on your cosmetics and pick ones that contains an SPF. Apply it frequently and generously!!!!
3. During pregnancy some women experience what is referred to as "the mask of pregnancy". This type of hyperpigmentation typically goes away once the hormones have regulated. Usually nothing has to be done to treat this. Keep with regular routine of washing, exfoliation and toning. This is the time to adjust skin care to match the hormonal changes that is occurring in your body. Some become sensitive to products that have been used prior to pregnancy. So just reevaluate what you have been doing and make adjustments when and if necessary. Pregnancy is a time when that natural glow is showcased. So enhance it, show it, and flaunt it.
4. Rx and other drugs tend to change everything about how our body operates. So naturally if after taking a drug you notice changes in your skin you may want to stop taking the drug. But that's not always feasible especially if its a Rx that helps alleviate another aliment so you may have to either live with the discoloration, hide it with makeup, or treat with with more Rx or skincare regimens. Never stop a Rx because its not agreeing with your skin. Instead bring it to your doctors attention. There maybe an allergic reaction that you or the doctor was not aware of or the Rx may be able to be adjusted. Whatever the case take this time to also reevaluate your current skin regime and adjust as necessary.
manage my transitioning hair
What am I using to manage my transitioning hair?
Like many of you all I am hooked on youtube. I like seeing what is working for some and not so much for others. I am very intrigued with the many different regimes that each natural has come up with to deal with their texture of hair. I also love that it has brought so many people in the kitchen to mix up shea butter mixes, deep conditioners, no-poos, shampoos, oil mixes, growth serums, remedies for dry hair, fizzy hair, kinky hair etc. Its very interesting that our hair has so many dimensions and require so many strategies. I am so anxious to discover how my hair looks with no relaxers, flat irons, curling irons or any heat what so ever applied to it. I have already been experimenting with coconut oils, shea butters, almond oils, castor oil, natural shampoos, conditioners, and of course water.
From my relaxed days I know my hair responds well to weekly washings and conditionings, I used to deep condition once a month and moisturize every other day. I plan to still follow this plan because my hair has always been healthy. I used to get trims every 6 weeks or so. Now I plan on moving it to every 8 weeks. I also plan on maintaining lots of protective styles to keep my health especially while transitioning. I know that line of demarcation needs to be treated with intense care and I want to minimize the breakage as much as possible.
The good thing about transitioning is that I can play with hair styles now. My favorite style is twist outs. I love the waviness of the braided hair. I also love rocking the braids in a bob style. While my hair is twisted up (in tiny tiny twist) I can style it as if it was a wrap, I can pull it back in a bun, pin it up, push it all to the side. Whatever I wanna to do with it. I can keep that up for up to a week (longer but I be needing a change). After the week is over I unbraid it and switch up the style and wear it in a variety of ways until it becomes too unmanageable.
This is just the beginning of my journey........
Like many of you all I am hooked on youtube. I like seeing what is working for some and not so much for others. I am very intrigued with the many different regimes that each natural has come up with to deal with their texture of hair. I also love that it has brought so many people in the kitchen to mix up shea butter mixes, deep conditioners, no-poos, shampoos, oil mixes, growth serums, remedies for dry hair, fizzy hair, kinky hair etc. Its very interesting that our hair has so many dimensions and require so many strategies. I am so anxious to discover how my hair looks with no relaxers, flat irons, curling irons or any heat what so ever applied to it. I have already been experimenting with coconut oils, shea butters, almond oils, castor oil, natural shampoos, conditioners, and of course water.
From my relaxed days I know my hair responds well to weekly washings and conditionings, I used to deep condition once a month and moisturize every other day. I plan to still follow this plan because my hair has always been healthy. I used to get trims every 6 weeks or so. Now I plan on moving it to every 8 weeks. I also plan on maintaining lots of protective styles to keep my health especially while transitioning. I know that line of demarcation needs to be treated with intense care and I want to minimize the breakage as much as possible.
The good thing about transitioning is that I can play with hair styles now. My favorite style is twist outs. I love the waviness of the braided hair. I also love rocking the braids in a bob style. While my hair is twisted up (in tiny tiny twist) I can style it as if it was a wrap, I can pull it back in a bun, pin it up, push it all to the side. Whatever I wanna to do with it. I can keep that up for up to a week (longer but I be needing a change). After the week is over I unbraid it and switch up the style and wear it in a variety of ways until it becomes too unmanageable.
This is just the beginning of my journey........
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Transitioning to Natural (Hair that is): Its a family affair
This is a hair blog!!!!
So I have a little one that has never had a relaxer. For years I have wrestled with the thought of letting my relaxer go. I tried once last yr and lasted about 3 months. Recently a family member of mine mentioned on facebook that she was thinking of going natural, so I commented well if u do it I will too. Thus here I am today!!! I have decided yet again to go natural. I have so many reasons as to why I would like to take this journey. But one of the most inspirational one would be because my oldest daughter would like to join me. So this will truly be a family affair. As I stated earlier I already have one that has never had a relaxer (my youngest daughter) my oldest daughter has decided she also wants to see how her hair is in its natural state.
Ultimately we have the same end goal but are going to achieve it a little differently. I want to learn how to style my hair so that when it is in its completely natural state I will have it mastered already. So I will be experimenting with transitioning styles. She, on the otherhand, will be wearing braids and weaves until she has her desired length and ready to cut off her relaxed ends. Mainly because she is on here way to high school and is not all that comfortable with dealing with two hair textures. My last relaxer was in June of this year 2011. Her last relaxer was about May of this year.
During this transition we both will achieve healthy hair, as much growth as possible, as well as establish a regime that is suited for our lifestyle and hair type. I am so excited about this hair journey I can't wait until I have no more traces of relaxer in my hair. I am eager to see my curls. For anyone that is reading and has transitioned GOOD FOR U I CAN'T WAIT TO CATCH UP TO U, to those that are TRANSITIONING STAY ENCOURAGED ITS GONNA BE A GREAT RIDE and for those thinking about it I HOPE WILL WILL JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY.
So I have a little one that has never had a relaxer. For years I have wrestled with the thought of letting my relaxer go. I tried once last yr and lasted about 3 months. Recently a family member of mine mentioned on facebook that she was thinking of going natural, so I commented well if u do it I will too. Thus here I am today!!! I have decided yet again to go natural. I have so many reasons as to why I would like to take this journey. But one of the most inspirational one would be because my oldest daughter would like to join me. So this will truly be a family affair. As I stated earlier I already have one that has never had a relaxer (my youngest daughter) my oldest daughter has decided she also wants to see how her hair is in its natural state.
Ultimately we have the same end goal but are going to achieve it a little differently. I want to learn how to style my hair so that when it is in its completely natural state I will have it mastered already. So I will be experimenting with transitioning styles. She, on the otherhand, will be wearing braids and weaves until she has her desired length and ready to cut off her relaxed ends. Mainly because she is on here way to high school and is not all that comfortable with dealing with two hair textures. My last relaxer was in June of this year 2011. Her last relaxer was about May of this year.
During this transition we both will achieve healthy hair, as much growth as possible, as well as establish a regime that is suited for our lifestyle and hair type. I am so excited about this hair journey I can't wait until I have no more traces of relaxer in my hair. I am eager to see my curls. For anyone that is reading and has transitioned GOOD FOR U I CAN'T WAIT TO CATCH UP TO U, to those that are TRANSITIONING STAY ENCOURAGED ITS GONNA BE A GREAT RIDE and for those thinking about it I HOPE WILL WILL JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Renewing my mind for P90X!!!
So I am going to restart P90X this Monday, Halloween!!! Now if that ain't a challenge I don't know what is! I have so much confidence in myself that I am up for it. Usually I would agree that its a set up for failure, but I know how I work and to think of it as a challenge would help get me through it. Anyway so restarting....I don't feel the same way I felt the 1st time trying. I guess the 1st time I was excited, not knowing what the 1st workout was gonna be like. Actually experiencing this challenge that I watched so many times before on infomerical got me so anticipated for it. I don't know but this time was more like I need this workout. I enjoy doing it, so I need to use this tool to guide me back to health. Focusing on the health aspect of it gets my attention a little better than working out to get my body back. {SN: I'm listening to I heart radio Wgci Chicago, and every song for the last 5 songs has been young money, Drake, Lil Wayne or some combo...crazy. I love it though but crazy} So this month has been Breast Cancer awareness month and my mother has been diagnosed 3x's. So my health has to be important to me.
With that said and my trip to FL next summer on my mind, I am back recommitted. Ready to Keep pushing play and to Bring it!
I am following the food guide which is something that I didn't do before. I went grocery shopping already to pick up all the food. I only was able to go to 2 stores (Aldi and Walmart) to pick up the things that I needed. And I sub where I either didn't like something or it wasn't available at the stores I was at. (Read ______ for the grocery blog). I plan on following the meal approach bc for how busy my life is continually becoming. I am also taking a cue from P90X and planning my kids meals a week ahead as well for the days they don't prefer the taste of a particular food that the guide suggests. I am also making a food diary so as to hold myself accountable. As well as blog about my experience. I hope this time I succeed. 5:00 am is the wake up call. I seem to do better when I go ahead and get the workout out of the way. Tentatively I plan on working out , shower, get the kids up for school, and then eat so hopefully I prove to myself i can! Just do my best and forget the rest right?!
With that said and my trip to FL next summer on my mind, I am back recommitted. Ready to Keep pushing play and to Bring it!
I am following the food guide which is something that I didn't do before. I went grocery shopping already to pick up all the food. I only was able to go to 2 stores (Aldi and Walmart) to pick up the things that I needed. And I sub where I either didn't like something or it wasn't available at the stores I was at. (Read ______ for the grocery blog). I plan on following the meal approach bc for how busy my life is continually becoming. I am also taking a cue from P90X and planning my kids meals a week ahead as well for the days they don't prefer the taste of a particular food that the guide suggests. I am also making a food diary so as to hold myself accountable. As well as blog about my experience. I hope this time I succeed. 5:00 am is the wake up call. I seem to do better when I go ahead and get the workout out of the way. Tentatively I plan on working out , shower, get the kids up for school, and then eat so hopefully I prove to myself i can! Just do my best and forget the rest right?!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)