Aple Cider Vinegar and Hair Growth

I have successfully used apple cider vinegar through the years for blood pressure control.  (It acts as a diuretic, thus helping to lower the blood pressure).  As I continue to read about its wonderful properties, I have learned that it can also help jumpstart weight loss by controlling the appetite, and it can help the hair grow.  This really caught my eye!

Here is some of the information that I found on ACV and hair growth.

Apple Cider Vinegar helps the hair follicle and scalp

As women with curly/kinky hair, we use so many products in our hair for styling and for battling dryness.  ACV  helps cleanse the scalp of the buildup of such creams and oils, thereby allowing the scalp to breathe, by opening pores and by allowing the natural oils to nourish the hair follicle.  Remember, the buildup can cause irritation and, rather than helping the hair and scalp, it can block natural oils which contributes to the dryness. 

What really caught my eye with ACV is the fact that during menopause, many women suffer dryness and breakage which can lead to baldness.  This can be halted by using apple cider vinegar as a conditioner.  It is usually suggested to use one part  ACV to one part water.  Leave on for about five minutes and rinse.  The amounts can be titrated up or down for personal preference.

ACV is also great for scalp conditions such as dandruff.  As a matter of fact, if you are looking for great shine, try it.  It helps reflect the light on the hair, giving it a healthy and wholesome shine without harmful chemicals. 

ACV also stimulates growth by aiding circulation which is important for delivering nourishment to the hair and scalp. It is also a great antibacterial and restores the natural pH of the hair.

Word of caution though:  if your hair is severely damaged by dryness, overuse of chemicals and heat be careful, ACV can be drying.  Make sure that it is not overly acidic by using too much in the above mentioned proportions.

Are all ACV products created equal?

No.  The first time I purchased it, I ran to the supermarket and bought the pasteurized store brand! Don't do this.  Look for the natural, raw and unpasteurized brand which is cloudy, with the mother membrane still floating around.  It looks kind of nasty, but this is where all the nourishment is found.

Success to you.  Please write in with experiences and successes trying this low cost, healthy conditioner.

Hair Extension Styles for Summer Glamour 2013

This is the second post with ideas for easy, nearly care free glamour during these scorching days of summer.  

Summertime poses extra challenges as women with natural ethnic hair attempt to stay beautiful and cool; for example, say swimming and most women cringe at the thought of maintaining their beautiful hair style. If you're like me, you've had problems with uneven hair due to wearing "too tight braids," wigs, perms and other things that we do to damage our hair as we chase beauty. If you have problems with uneven edges with say, a longer hair length towards the back of the head, here's some nice ideas that I came up with to volumize uneven hair safely without incurring any additional damage or breakage.

Natural looking extensions with #30 highlights

Natural Hair braiding: Picking your extensions

What I usually do is scout through some hair styling magazines to get ideas and then I try to replicate them within my ability to braid in extensions.  What I usually find is that water weave blends in nicely with my hair as the texture, when braided, has a kinky/curly look.  The color I opt for is usually  1B with #30 blended in highlights. (I've gotten many compliments with this mix). This blends in with my hair.  Now depending upon your desired look, you may select a different hair texture and color).

Preparation

Next, I go home, wash and condition my hair with a sulfate-free shampoo. (If you had hair, cover with a plastic caps for deep conditioning). For extra moisturization, I also use shea butter to aid in  blasting dryness. After that, I meticulously part my hair and braid in the extension.  I only braid to the ends of my own hair.  The look is seen in the photo.  This look will usually last for about three weeks to one month.  For maintenance, I usually apply Dr. Miracle's 'Growth Serum". So Far, I am pleased with the results as my hair is growing in nicely.

To remove, be careful about pulling the hair.  Apply conditioner or shampoo to ease braids out.  (I don't like to braid too tightly because this invites breakage). 

Then, when finished, try massaging the hair.  Shampoo and condition and you're ready to do it all again.

Natural Hair Care for the Dog Days of Summer

Many women with natural hair are wondering how to stay beautiful and cool during this extended heat wave. With temperatures over 90 degrees for six successive days, it can become quite challenging.

Well, if you are like the growing numbers of women who opt for natural hair, one of the easiest and most versatile style is goddess braids.  You can rock your natural locks with braids of all colors, without the worry of actually coloring and damaging your hair. And, what's more, you have the styling freedom of going with or without bangs; small braids-medium braids all the way to jumbo goddess braids. The sky is the limit

This is color  #30 hair for highlights with
1b color.

Here are a few hair care tips though to keep in mind while you stay beautiful and cool.

Natural Hair Care Tip #1: start with squeaky clean hair

For starters, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo; then condition.  Usually, such shampoos can double for conditioners.  While the hair is still wet, apply conditioner to hair.  If it is badly damaged, cover with a plastic cap for deeper conditioning.  Allow the conditioner to remain in hair.  Dry and prepare to braid.

Apply a small amount of shea butter to your hands and massage generously into the hair. This is great for maintaining moisture in your hair.  (Depending on hair condition, you might want to clip your edges).  This is great for eliminating split ends and for promoting growth. You should have selected your hair.  It is now time to begin braiding. 

Hair Braiding

If you are proficient at braiding, you have the styling option of doing whatever you wish.  If not, you can proceed to the African Hair braiding salon of your choice for the professional braid.

I like the simple goddess braid with the part down the middle of the head with one large braid on either side of the head.  I then usually pick a pack of water weave hair in bulk to augment the volume of my bangs.   What I get is a style similar to the one in the next photo.  I've gotten many compliments; and, it is an easy "do it yourself" style. Finally, I gather the two long hanging braids and fashion them into a bun. Ta-da. you have a style that should last at least 7-10 days.

Benefits of this style are that it is easy to remove.  Very little breakage occurs when removing the braids. Once you've removed your hair, you are ready to wash and perform the entire process again. Just be gentle and add shampoo or conditioner for those difficult spots. Don't pull or tear as this cab cause breakage.

In a few weeks, you should notice nice growth with very soft and well moisturized hair.


 

Beauty Tips for Year 'round Glamour

Summertime is here and everyone is doing their darndest to beat the heat and stay beautiful.  This article presents some beauty the tips from A-Z that are fabulous for keeping you at your ultimate best all year round. And, the good thing about it is that you can experiment, blend and wear to suit your personal look.

Enjoy!

Lipstick: Enjoy the full color

I've seen this information in several places.  Whatever your lipstick color of choice is,  to get the full effect of the color, you should dab a bit of your foundation on your lips-to make a neutral canvas so to speak, set lightly with powder, then apply the lipstick.  You'll be surprised at how different the color looks.

Dramatic smoky look made simple

I have dabbled with eye shadow countless times over the past two years trying to get the smoky look.  For me, it has proved difficult.  Then, I picked up some pointers from the YouTube makeup artists.  The remedy has been to use a dark eye pencil to cut the crease.  Use a finger to blot and smooth out.  It looks so crisp and precise when done.  Blend as you wish.

For Dramatic looking eye shadow

Use a primer before applying eye shadow as this will give the full effect of the color. It's like using a blank canvas before adding the color.  Color appear more vibrant when you use a primer. 

Enjoy the blending and applying of makeup to suit your own personal style!

African Black Soap: The Benefits

I don't really remember what made me make the switch to African Black soap, perhaps it was because I stopped using chemical deodorants 5+ years ago. Or, it could have been the benefits that I had read about that regular use bestows on its users. It could be that I knew about its many healing properties. Anyway, I started using the raw soap about six or so months ago.   Among its claims were that it would help decrease aging of the skin.  It also performs a mild microdermabrasion with regular use. (This seems to be true since it has grainy particles through the soap). The soap is non-drying to the skin and feels like a true moisturizer when cleansing the face. Anyway, it certainly isn't painful or uncomfortable, but feels like a mild scraping of the skin when applied to the face.  Contrary to other soaps which can be drying to facial skin, it is safe to use African Black Soap on the face. Raw Shea Butter African Soap Who makes African Black Soap?   The soap is made by the Yoruban tribe in Nigeria. The ancient formula is based on the art of ash treatment. Its ingredients also consist of plaintain skins, palm leaves, cocoa pod powder and kernel oil.   The plantain leaves are baked and dried in a clay oven, thus yielding the brownish-black color. Cocoa pod is then added which also provides wonderful healing properties.The soap is a natural source of vitamins A, E and iron.   Benefits   The benefits of black soap are many and include:   Include deep cleaning Helps clear skin bumps It helps clear discolorations It is great for removing makeup It helps clear up acne It helps battle premature facial lines and wrinkles. It is also an effective shampoo.   Sources: "African Black Soap" http://africaimports.com/black_soap_article.asp                        .   .      :

Product Review: Carol's Daughter "Jamaican Punch Shea Souffle"

I happened to be in a new Natural Body Oil Shop a while back looking around for new and enticing scents when I stumbled upon a great sale on "Carol's Daughter's Jamaican Punch Shea Souffle."  I believe that the price for a sixteen ounce jar was $10.00! (The owner told me that he was selling them at a dirt cheap price because  he was going to be featuring more of the Carol's Daughter hair care products and cutting back on the body products).  I thought that the price couldn't be beat, so I bought it.  Here is a review of my experience with the product and its ingredients.

The Product Experience

Carol's Daughter
Jamaican Punch Shea Souffle

The Jamaican Punch Shea Souffle is true to its name in that it is a light, and seemingly whipped culinary mixture of oils and spices that glide over your skin like whipped cream, or an egg- rich souffle. (It absolutely smells good enough to eat).  Its ingredients include shea butter, cocoa butter, almond oil, and jojoba oil. It is a must for after pool or shower moisturizing.  Yet, in spite of all the moisture rich oils, it isn't greasy or oily to touch. The fragrance is delightful, but since the scent of Jamaican spices is unmistakable, it is probably best to layer it with the body spray of the same name.

One point I'd like on the downside is that, despite all its wonderful feel and ingredients, it doesn't provide UVA protection. (UVA protection is a must nowadays).

Another thing I noted as I read the label is the fact that there are some chemicals contained in the product that are common to a large number of beauty products. Here's the low down on that.

The Chemicals

It's sad that as manufacturers include healthful oils and herbs in their products that they still continue to use some chemicals and preservatives.

After doing some research, I found that there are only a few chemical ingredients in the product and  they are low on the FDA list of hazardous chemicals.  Here they are:

Polysorbate 60  - a thickener to help and is used to help substances dissolve together that normally wouldn't.

Xanthum gum - actually a sweetener.  It acts as a thickener when used in beauty products.

Disodium EDTA - helps chemicals penetrate deeply into the skin and bloodstream (don't think I like that one!) This is done by altering the structure of the skin. This chemical can be cytotoxic and genotoxic. (http://www.natural-skincare-authority.com/DISODIUM-EDTA.html)

Pentylene Glycol -  This is a solvent and preservative. It adds moisture and has anti-microbial properties. (www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/pentyleneglycol)


In summary

Here's the story.  Jamaican Punch Shea Souffle has undoubtedly a number of great ingredients and smoothes on like a dream, but it does has one or two questionable chemicals and preservatives. 

Sources:
http://www.natural-skincare-authority.com/DISODIUM-EDTA.html
www.truthinaging.com/ingredients/pentyleneglycol)


 

Product Review: Dr. Wonder "Tingling Gro Hair and Scalp Treatment"

While shopping in the Dollar Store a few years ago, I stumbled upon Dr. Wonder Products.  It immediately struck me that this was a "knock off" of Dr. Miracle products (Even the packaging looked the same).  Anyway, I decided to give it a try. Heck, I figured what could you lose when the product was only a little more than a dollar. Well, here are the pros and cons of my purchase.


Circulation and hair growth is stimulated
with regular use.

First Impressions

Well, I've used Dr. Miracle products before - with success - so, if first impressions were correct, this would prove beneficial for the hair and scalp as well. It is amazing how so copy-cats rise up.  Well, I guess it's not surprising. 

As I opened the product, I noticed that it smelled like Dr. Miracle products.(That medicated menthol smell is unforgettable).  Anyway, Dr. Wonder "Tingling Gro Hair and Scalp Treatment provides nourishment for the hair and  scalp through the "Thermaceutical Complex" - similar to Dr. Miracle.

Ingredients

"Thermaceutical Complex" seems to be a special blend of plant oils, menthol and herbs that, when applied to the scalp, stimulates growth and strengthens and moisturizes the hair.  When applied directly on the skin, the mixture causes warmth and tingling that stimulates circulation and blood flow.  This is what promotes the hair growth.

Some of the ingredients are: Butyrospermum parkii, almond oil, safflower seed oil, castor seed oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, clove oil and menthol.  I noted that all of these ingredients are great for moisturizing, strengthening the hair follicle and promoting growth. 

Now, the down side.

Chemicals

As many folks are aware, petrolatum and mineral oil are two no-nos for hair and scalp health as they block pores and cause buildup.  (Blocked pores don't let any nourishment into them, thus preventing the hair from receiving the full benefit of the essential oils and herbs in the product)!  The product also contains colorings: D&C yellow # 11, D&C green #6 and D&C red #17.  Colorings have been associated with rashes, allergy and cancer.

Finally, as common with many health and beauty aids, the product contains propylparaben, which is an estrogen mimicking chemical that is suspected of contributing to breast cancer.

In summary

Hopefully, the information in this post will help you make an informed decision about the product.  It does seem to promote hair growth, but, it also contains some pretty objectionable chemicals.