Fall Protective Styles Pt. 1

As the colder days are slowly approaching, I've been scrambling to figure out what protective styles I'd be wearing my hair in. I have two new jobs this Fall, so I know my schedule is going to be hectic, not allowing me much time to dedicate to my hair. I happened to find this awesome lacefront that I'll be talking more in depth about once it comes. Nonetheless, as I've been browsing the good ol' YouTube I've come across a few videos that could help you ladies decided on protective styles for your hair, as a lot of you won't be taking the wig route as I am. I'll probably post something like this weekly. I also try to categorize the styles by length to make it easier for you ladies!

TWA (Teeny Weeny Afros) / TA (Teeny Afros)                                                                                    



BlakIzBeautyful's Elegant Roll, Tuck, and Pin Updo
BlakIzBeautyful's Big Two Strand Twist Pin Up

CBL (Collar Bone Length) / APL (Arm Pit Length) / BSL (Bra Strap Length)                                


wwestNDNbeautyy's Twist Galore
TheGoodHairBlog's Flat Twist Updo

Do you have any great protective styles you'd like to share? 

6 Months In: What My Hair Has Taught Me

September 2 marked six months of me being natural thus far & I have to say I absolutely love it. I constantly tell people it's one of the greatest mistakes that ever happened to me. I never truly intended on going natural because I felt it was too much work & maintenance. Although, I'd admit it does require some time and patience, there's nothing more liberating than knowing that I no longer have to perm my hair to be 'accepted'. Nonetheless, these past six months have learned quite a few things about my hair:

• I have high porosity hair. When it's moist, it's moist. When it's dry, it is.. dry.
• My hair absolutely loves water. For the first few months of being natural, I'd cowash my hair daily with Aussie Moist & just rock my wash & goes. If I don't wash my hair daily, like I've been doing lately, it just requires my water + Aussie Moist spritz bottle to bring my hair back to life.
• Oils, oils, everywhere. I find that oils help retain moisture for my hair more than that of hair butters. My hair loves all oils -- Jojoba, EVOO, Vatika, Avocado, but i think EVCO has to be the favorite. Gives my hair great shine, softness & all the moisture I'd need to last me throughout the day.
• Detangling is optional. For the most part, I'll detangle my hair every two weeks when I wash with shampoo. But when I do detangle my hair, it is always a breeze when wet. Haven't tried to detangle dry, don't think I will.
• Single Strand Knots.. I think not. I have yet to find a Single Strand Knot in my hair & I'm very thankful.
• Silicones are optional. My hair doesn't mind the water soluble silicones in Aussie Moist. But, I have noticed that when I use silicone free conditioners, my curls do pop a little more. But I do appreciate the softness I get from Aussie Moist.
• Day 3 Twist Outs always look the best. I've noticed that usually by Day 3 of my Twist Outs my curls are popping & my hair is way fuller. I've also realized when it comes Two Strand Twist my hair prefers dry twist outs, as opposed to wet.
• A trim does my hair good. This just reminded me that it's about time for a trim. But when I did get my hair trimmed a few months ago, I did see my hair starting to grow noticeably faster it seemed.
• My hair type is still questionable -- but for now I'm going to stick with 3c/4a. The back of my hair going towards the middle of my hair is a 3c, whilst the sides and front are definitely that of a 4a.
• Shampooing Bi-Weekly isn't a big deal now. I went practically five months without putting shampoo in my hair. When I had product build up, I'd just do an ACV Rinse & be on my way. Now that I've been using my Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo, my hair actually likes that & doesn't mind being cleaned twice a month.
• My hair can take a good beating. By beating I mean, there are days where I don't really do anything to my hair, including moisturizing it (gasp) but it still hangs in there with me. I don't suffer from any real breakage from it being dry luckily. My hair's a trooper. It knows eventually it will get water.
• I can't keep my hands out my hair & it doesn't seem mind. I suffer from that Hands In Hair Syndrome. Seriously. It's like my hands are always in my hair doing something -- most the time two strand twisting it & then untwisting it within seconds. I feel like by somehow always keeping my hands in my hair, I've been constantly stimulating my scalp thus making it okay! Plus, like I stated I don't experience much breakage or shedding luckily.

What are some things your hair has taught you? 

DIY: Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub

[Source]

I'm always looking to try new pre-poos now that I wash my hair more. I've had great experience with just my oil pre-poos & now I'm looking to expand. While on NaturallyCurly.com I stumbled across this basic pre-poo scalp scrub that I am definitely going to try this week on my wash day. I may modify it adding more oils but I feel this is a great recipe to start with.

This easy head scalp scrub removes excess, oil and impurities, removes dead skin cells and improves circulation.

Ingredients

• 2-3 tbsp. of Brown Sugar 
• 2 tbsp. of Olive Oil 

In a small bowl mix ingredients. Add enough sugar to make a thin paste Do not heat the oil as this will melt the sugar. Wet hair in shower.If you have styling products in hair, apply a little conditioner to make hair more pliable, rinse. Take a heaping scoop of the scrub and apply to scalp, separating hair to reach entire scalp. In circular motion, scrub the scalp with the mixture for 5 minutes. Rinse well, then shampoo and condition hair as normal.

For those of you that would like to try a similar recipe that you can incorporate into you co-wash, be sure to check out the DIY: Brown Sugar Honey Scalp Massage.

Biotin Health Challenge: 30 Day Check-In

Today is really Day 27 of my Biotin Challenge, but as I've been noticing the effects that Biotin is starting to do, I thought I should just share anyway. To read about my Biotin Health Challenge, or if interested in trying one of your own, please click HERE.

Now, when I first was started researching if I should take this vitamin I had read a lot of horror stories about it. Most of it having to do with skin breakouts. Being that I never had a real breakout in my life, this terrified me. So instead of taking 50mg of Biotin, like recommended, I thought I'd start off with a smaller dose to slowly introduce Biotin into my system.

I take one 10,000 mcg (or 10mg) Biotin daily with food, along with my multivitamin & B6 for energy. It's always best to take Biotin, as well as any B vitamins with food, so I'd always suggest that you take them with a meal, or a glass of milk. 

Nonetheless, within the 27 days of taking Biotin lately I've noticed the following:

• I haven't had one breakout as of yet. When I was researching about Biotin, a lot of ladies talked about their breakouts probably being related to them not taking in proper amounts of water each day. To combat breaking out, I've attempted to drink at least 64 oz of water each day, as well as trying to maintain somewhat of a healthy diet. 
• My nails grow even faster now & are stronger than they've ever been. So, my nails have always grown rapidly. I'd like to blame this on my crazy obsession with milk. I can go through a gallon of milk in a few days alone. As I started taking Biotin, I've noticed an increase in my nail growth. I like to keep my nails relatively short so lately I find myself having to cut my nails every week. I kid you not. Aside from them growing at a super fast speed, they are now harder than ever. My nails have a history of breaking from time to time, and the Biotin has definitely stopped that. 
• My hair is definitely getting fuller. My hair has been growing, but I think it is too early to attribute that to the Biotin. But one thing I've noticed that I can attribute to the Biotin is that my hair has started to get thicker. My natural hair has always been thick, but within the 27 days that I've been taking Biotin, I've noticed my hair filling out, especially around the front of my head & edges. 

I told myself I would let the first month determine if I would continue taking the Biotin for the full 100 days. Since I haven't experienced any negative outcomes, I will continue to take it. As far as eventually increasing to Biotin 50mg, I'm still debating. Right now my body seems to like Biotin 10,000mcg & I don't want to mess that up. 

Have you tried Biotin? What were some of your experiences? 

Creme of Nature Raises Awareness for National Alopecia Month

[Source]

As some of you may know, September kicks off National Alopecia Month. I received an email from Aquia of Creme of Nature explaining to me that they have partnered with certified medical and surgical dermatologist and co-author of BEAUTIFUL SKIN OF COLOR: A Comprehensive Guide to Asian, Olive and Dark Skin, Dr. Fran Cook-Bolden. As director of Skin Specialty Group and the Ethnic Skin Specialty Group in New Your City, Dr. Cook-Bolden has the knowledge and expertise to address alopecia (hair loss) prevalent in both men and women, as well as effective ways to treat this condition. 

Dr. Cook-Bolden is most qualified to speak on this issue, as she has made guest appearances on national radio and television shows and has been featured in countless print publications. National Alopecia Month is the perfect opportunity to use Dr. Cook-Bolden to render advice and tips and tricks to your readers that may be fighting this condition or to educate those who are not.

For more information about Dr. Cook-Bolden, please visit www.cookboldenskinandlaser.com.

Q: What is alopecia? 
A: Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. There are two types of alopecia: Androgenetic alopecia also called pattern baldness, and Alopecia areata. Androgenetic alopecia is a form of hair loss that occurs due to loss of specific types of hormones called androgens. In males this can often mean total hair loss, though many men still retain some hair on the sides of their head. Women seldom have complete hair loss, but may lose hair in patches. Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that tends to occur in spots, as opposed to the pattern baldness. Alopecia areata monolocularis means that hair loss occurs in one spot only, usually on the head. Alopecia areata multilocularis means that hair loss occurs in several spots, and loss may not be limited to the head.

Q: What causes alopecia (hair loss) in women? 
A: Illnesses such as thyroid disease, diabetes, anemia and immunologic diseases can result in significant hair shedding and loss as well as hormonal changes. Other contributors to hair loss include dehydration and a lack of sleep. Stress itself is not a cause of hair loss, but significant stress impacts hormones that may result in hair loss. Some medications may cause hair loss as well.

Q: Should I be concerned that shedding hair means I have alopecia? 
A: Not necessarily. On average, most people shed about 100 strands of hair a day! That is very natural. If you see more than that, then you may want to check with your dermatologist. Also, be certain that what you're seeing is not breakage. Breakage and shedding are to different conditions. Ask yourself if you're over processing your hair, using heat styling too much, pulling and tugging to much if you wear natural styles. How are your ends? Are they splitting? That can definitely cause breakage. If your problem is breakage, you can likely modify your styling routines and begin to see a difference. In either case, if you have a large amount of shedding or breakage, it may be a smart idea to get an assessment from a hair care professional or even a dermatologist.

Q: What should I do if I suspect I have alopecia? 
A: The first step is to diagnose the disorder and begin treatment. Seek the help of a dermatologist at the first sign of significant hair loss. The most common type of hair loss I see is traction alopecia which occurs when there is excessive pulling of the hair at the root. Wearing tight pony tails and tight braiding may also cause hair loss. I also see scarring alopecia caused by chemical burns and/or medical conditions. Not all hair loss is alopecia. Some shedding and breakage is normal, and occurs all over the scalp.

Q: What can I do nutritionally to help with my hair loss? 
A: Good nutrition, including adequate water intake plus frequent exercise are good for hair growth and achieving healthy skin because they promote cell generation and cell turn over. Be sure to include omega 3 fatty acids such as salmon, flaxseed or walnuts in your diet. Also, try essential fatty acids called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in the form of black currant oil or evening primrose oil. Here’s a list of fruits and vegetables that can help promote healthy hair:

• Protein: Meat, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt and sunflower seeds. 
• Vitamin A: Butter, eggs, milk, carrots, tomatoes, oily fish, dark green leafy vegetables and apricots. 
• Vitamin B: Milk, eggs, wholegrain cereals, bread, wheat germs, nuts, soy beans, poultry, fish and meat. Vitamin D: Sunlight, fish liver oils, oily fish, milk and eggs. 
• Vitamin C: Blackcurrant, green peppers, citrus fruits, bananas, avocados, artichokes and leafy green vegetables. 
• Vitamin E: Wheat germ, peanuts, vegetable oils, pulses and green leafy vegetables. Iron: Spinach, cockles, liver, kidneys, pulses, lentils, beans, peas and dried fruit. 
• Calcium: Cheese, nuts, eggs, milk, yogurt, sardines and root vegetables. Iodine: Seafood, dried kelp and iodized salt (in moderation). 
• Sulfur: Eggs, meat, cheese and other dairy products. 

Q: Are there any effective treatments for alopecia? 
A: Your dermatologist may recommend treatments such as steroid injections, laser hair therapy or the medication minoxidil to help stimulate hair regrowth. Hair transplantation is usually a last resort due to cost.

Q: What products should I use on my hair if I have alopecia? 
A: You should use gentle products on your hair. Creme of Nature utilizes certified organic ingredients in their products. I absolutely love their new line of Argan Oil products. If these products don’t help, see your dermatologist to determine if you have scarring alopecia, meaning permanent loss of hair. Your dermatologist may try other forms of treatment to stimulate hair growth.

Q: Is it necessary for me to oil my scalp everyday to combat shedding and breakage?
A: Oiling your scalp daily is not really what you want to do. Consider for a moment that your scalp already secretes oils called sebum oils. What you need to ask yourself is, "Why am I oiling my scalp? Is my scalp actually dry or is my hair?" If your answer is that your hair needs moisture, then take a look at your shampoo. Is it stripping your hair? Take a look at your styling products. Are they causing your hair to be moisture starved? Switch things up a bit. Integrate products that are moisture-rich with light Certified Organic oil and extracts like Creme of Nature Shampoos and Conditioners. Also consider hydrating the hair daily with a leave-in conditioner or a serum like Creme of Nature’s Argan Oil Gloss & Shine Polisher, but don't use too much!

The Mizani Natural Curl Key

I know one of the biggest confusions within the natural hair community seems to be figuring out what 'hair type' you are. September 2 marks my 6th months of being natural & honestly, I still am unable to properly identify my hair type. My hair towards the back tends to go towards the 3c type, while the rest of my head tends to dabble in the 4a or 4b type. But like I said, I honestly still don't know. I figure as I continue along my natural hair journey as my hair continues to grow, I'll be able to have a better look at my curl patterns. Nonetheless, I've wanted to share with you girls another hair classification type I came across this time from MIZANI.

With the support of their world renowned scientists in the United States and France, MIZANI has pioneered the Natural Curl Key. After years of research and testing, their laboratories defined global hair types based on specific-shape criteria and utilizing a scientific approach to measuring features of human-hair strands, including curve diameter, curl index, number of twists and number of waves. This research resulted in the identification of eight distinct hair types worldwide.

I will only be talking about five of the eight hair types today, but feel free to visit HERE for more information on their Natural Curl Key.

Type IV - Curly
Defined, mixed curl patterns: loops to spirals; ringlets to corkscrews
TEXTURE: Thin to thick
GROWTH PATTERN: Grows down from the scalp, then curls
BODY / VOLUME: Body, volume and bounce
ELASTICITY: Moderate stretching with moderate return
POROSITY: Slightly raised to raised cuticle. Prone to fizz.

Type V - Very Curly 
Defined curl with S-shapes forming into coils
TEXTURE: Thin to thick or combination
GROWTH PATTERN: Grows down from the scalp, then curls
BODY / VOLUME: Reduced volume with some movement. Prone to be compact. ELASTICITY: Stretching with minimal return
POROSITY: Raised cuticle. Likely to frizz and tangle.

Type VI - Coiled
Loose afro – medium coils close to the scalp
TEXTURE: Thin to thick or combination
GROWTH PATTERN: Grows up and away from the scalp, then curls
BODY / VOLUME: Some volume. Likely to be compact, less movement. ELASTICITY: Stretching with minimal return
POROSITY: Raised cuticle. Some frizz, tangled.

Type VII - Very Coiled
Tight afro – distinct, springy coils closer to scalp
TEXTURE: Thin to thick or combination
GROWTH PATTERN: Curls directly from the scalp
BODY / VOLUME: Minimal volume. Some compaction, no movement. ELASTICITY: Stretching with minimal return
POROSITY: Raised cuticle. Frizzy, tangled and prone to knot.

Type VIII - Zig-Zag Coiled
Extremely tight afro – interlocking coils and zig-zag patterns
TEXTURE: Thin to thick or combination
GROWTH PATTERN: Curls directly from the scalp
BODY / VOLUME: Compact with no movement
ELASTICITY: Stretching with minimal return
POROSITY: Raised cuticle. Frizzy, tangled with some knots.


The thing I've noticed about my hair when wet & without products its about a Type V. But there are days where, unfortunately I neglect my hair & won't moisturize it & it can turn into a Type VI & VII real fast.

What's your hair type based on the Mizani Natural Curl Key? 

Miss Jessie's Back To School Sale at Target

Thought I'd share this with you girls!