Product Review: Dove Quench Absolute

  I've been my own “guinea pig” for many occasions. Whether it be a new shampoo, heat protectant, curly hair product, or in this case deep conditioner. Many of you may not know this, but I am indeed a deep conditioner JUNKIE, but what natural isn't in one way or another right? I feel as if the deep conditioning is the most vital step in the entire process because it's allowing your hair to be replenished of what it needs and helps to keep the curls bouncin’ and healthy!

  I recently decided the try a deep conditioner that I had heard about through YouTube via GlamTwins.  Dove Quench Absolute. Now I was definitely skeptical at first because I'm used to hearing about their soap, not hair products!? But I finally gave in and tried it out and I can honestly say that I LOVE IT!

  Dove Quench Absolute left my hair feeling super soft and fluffy. It definitely defined my curls and there was so much moisture in my hair afterwards. I could definitely tell the difference in my hair, after one use.

  But what I didn't like is that while is was in my hair, it did leave my hair feeling a little hard, but once I washed it out the feeling went away. So this product gets a two thumbs up from me.

  I definitely recommend this product to anyone with thick hair, (because this DC has a somewhat thicker consistency) and if you don't have thick hair but would like to try it, use a small amount. Let me know how it works for you!

Sincerely,
   A Natural

P.s. What are some of your favorite DC?

Hair after DC is washed out.

Nightly Hair Routine on Natural Hair

Hey guys!
Long time, no talk (not really, only missed one day). But whatevs, even with that short time I've missed you guys and my fellow naturalistas.

This is a long awaited, highly requested post that I've been putting off for a while and I'm not sure why. By the title, you surely know what it is.... MY NIGHTLY HAIR ROUTINE!
So, without further or do here it is.

Step 1: I part my hair into four sections, (doesn't have to be perfect) and then pin three of the four sections up.

Step 2: Working with that first section, I lightly spritz with water (and sometimes aloe Vera juice), until my hair is damp enough to finger detangle, but NOT drenched.

Step 3: I then apply my leave-in conditioner. (A few that I've personally used and liked are Cantu's leave-in, Shea Moisture, Giovanni's direct leave-in, and African Pride's leave-in.) Making sure to evenly distribute it throughout my hair using my fingers.

Step 4: Repeat step 3 on all the sections until the entire head is complete.

Step 5: After applying the leave-in, apply an oil of your choice and two-strand twist each section.

Step 6: I then pull each twist back into a loose ponytail/bun and then wrap my hair with a silk scarf and put my bonnet on top of that.

...then viola! I'm done and ready for bed.

Now you've heard my nightly routine, what's yours?

Sincerely,
 A Natural

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

       This week’s post will just be an update with what's going on with the status of my “natural hair addiction.” However, everything should be right back to normal. As some of you may know, I just so happen to have a LOVE for hair. Thick, fine, kinky, ect. (And if you follow me of social networks then you already know, but if you don't this will be knew information to you.) So therefore, I've decided to start a natural hair channel in hopes that I am able to inform others and have fun while doing so! I hope that you all love it as well and hopefully, you subscribe.

Xoxo

TO KEEP UP WITH UPDATES:
Be sure to follow my Twitter page and  Instagram if you’d like.

Sincerely,
   A Natural

Why I Love Coconut Oil

In the natural hair community, there are many different oils which all have many different benefits. However, the one that will forever be my favorite is coconut oil. Listed down below are a few reasons why this specific oil is a staple product for me.

Penetrates the Hair
1. Coconut oil is one of the few oils that actually penetrates the hair shaft, instead of just lying on top. Because of this, it is great to apply after putting in a moisturizer because It will seal in everything. Personally, I follow the LOC method in order to moisturize. Here is the link, describing how I do the LOC Method: LOC Method

Promotes Blood Flow to Scalp
2. This oil also helps to promote blood circulation to the scalp, and when more blood circulates that means hair growth!

Rich in Vitamins
3. Coconut oil is a one stop shop when it comes to nutrients. It had just about every essential nutrient for your hair in it! (Not really, but it's pretty close) It's rich in vitamin E, K, and iron which helps to keep the hair from thinning.

Helps Keep Scalp Healthy
4. All hair grows from the roots, which is why it is important to keep a healthy scalp. Coconut oil helps make this easier.  It not only helps to get rid of dandruff (I can testify to this myself), but also helps to boost hair growth.

All in all, coconut oil is just and all around great product. While I know it may not work for everyone, it definitely works for myself and if you haven't tried it yet, you definitely should! I can almost guarantee that you'll like it!

Sincerely,
A Natural

(No copyright infringement intended)

All About My Hair (Picture Edition)

Hello everyone!

So this week’s post is going to be something a little different from the norm. It's just going to be a brief description of my hair and mainly pictures because I feel as if it's better to SEE what kind of hair I, myself, am working with so that you can get a better understanding of the person behind the keyboard.

Ok, so let's begin!

I have course hair. Now if you were to ask me my hair type, o could not tell you. I'm not really into the hair typing system, although I'm more than sure that it benefits some (I'll save that explanation for another article). I have different textures all throughout my head. My crown is the most coarse and the sides and the front are more loose textured coils.

Also, I have low porosity hair. Meaning that it is not easy for my hair to absorb moisture. In order to make sure my hair is gaining the moisture is needs, I usually sit under a hooded dryer once I have applied the product that needs to penetrate such as a oil or even a leave-in conditioner.

Now for the pictures! I'm going to show you my hair manipulated in different ways so that you can see for yourself, that it still appears to be healthy and more importantly IS healthy.

Sincerely,
A Natural

Wash Day Routine for Natural Hair

Ahh, the day is here! Wash day. You love how healthy your hair looks after, but you dread how long it takes. So now it's time to start, but you're not sure what to do and how to do it. Listed below, I will explain my wash day routine in hopes that you learn something useful and apply it next time your ready to wash.

Step 1: Prepoo & Shampoo

I always Prepoo before shampooing my hair because it lessens the harshness of the shampoo while also nourishing the hair and helping with tangles (for me). It's believed that the reason for doing this step before shampooing is because of the fact that oil and water do not mix well so when it's done before, it actually is able to penetrate your scalp. Then shampoo and usual. Be sure to only shampoo the roots. When you rinse it out, it'll catch the rest of the dirt as it does down your strands.

Step 2: Condition

Conditioning helps in the healthy hair process by putting certain nutrients back into the hair that may have been stripped when shampooing. However, these are usually only for 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Deep Condition

Now this is my favorite, and also a very vital step in this process. Regular conditioning only did half of the job, and deep conditioning helps to fill in the gaps. This is meant to be left in a longer period of time than the regular conditioner, so it is better able to penetrate your hair. Deep conditioning helps to restore elasticity, shine, and I my hair even feels softer after one use.
DC that I recommend are the Joico K-Pak Intense Hydrator, Mane and Tail Deep Mousturizer, Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Baobab, etc. I then proceed to style as usual (which is usually twisting and then wrapping).

It's best to find what works best for your hair and then stick to it. Your hair will thank you for it. Happy conditioning!

Sincerely,
  A Natural

Before Wash Day

After Wash & DC

#1. Curly Question of this Week

I love my natural hair. I love how she  curls, how she feels, the health of her, and just the overall appearance. However, there are some downsides. Many people tend to believe that my hair isn't my own. I've had plenty of people ask me if it is real, or when my hair was straightened, if I have in extensions or a weave and then I tell them that I do not, they look at me in disbelief. Why can't a sista have long hair and not be questioned about it? 

But at the same time, I love it. In a sense, natural hair was once a controversy in itself. With the common many everywhere never correlating a person of color with long hair, until it was proven that it is possible! I know plenty of "black" girls with beautiful luscious locks. 

This particular subject led me to think about all the different questions and statements that I have heard about my hair, which led to this post today.

Listed below are 7 things I have heard number of times from others about my natural hair.

1. Is it real?

2. How many bundles is that?

3. How long does it take you to do your hair?

4. What are you mixed with?

5. No way you're fully black, black girls don't have hair like yours.

6.  How long have you been growing out your hair?

7. Wait, are you sure you're 100% black? You don't have any Indian in your family?

This just goes to show the light that the black community is portrayed in. It amazes me how long hair automatically means that your mixed with something. Now my question to you is, have you ever heard any remarks about your hair? Has someone ever believed that it wasn't real? Whatever the experience, be sure to leave what someone has said to you in the comments below and how you handled it. I can't wait to hear from you!

Sincerely,
A Natural

3 Supplements that Promote Longer Natural Hair

Majority of women want healthy, long hair. Besides exercising, eating a balanced diet, and moisturizing and sealing, a vitamin or hair supplement is a great way to “induce” hair growth.
They help to grow and sometimes even increase thickness in the hair.
Listed below are 3 supplements that I have used and saw results for myself.

1. Rainbow Light Prenatal One
I have heard women talk about prenatal vitamins growing women's hair for a while now, but was always afraid to take them for the fear of the side effects it might have had on my body, because I'm not pregnant. I took these supplements for two months, but not every day (because I would forget to take them sometimes), and even with me missing days and the short time span, I definitely noticed a difference in length. I went from about an two inches below bra strap to grazing waist length. However, it would be wrong to just give these vitamins  all of the credit. My hair by itself grows fast, but these did help out a lot.

2. MSM
Now this is a powder supplement that is originally intended for joint relief, but I read many blog posts and watched many YouTube videos that had women raving about a side effect being accelerated hair growth. After doing a little more research, I decided to give it a try.  However, I did not take this orally. I used my DIY oil mix and put about a teaspoon of this powder, along with the oil in my applicator bottle and shook it up. Now I only saw an extra ¼ inch from this, but I did see a difference in the thickness of my hair and also, I had to shave more frequently because the hair on my legs grew back faster.

3. Hair, Skin,  & Nails Vitamin
This supplement says that it promotes healthier hair, stronger nails, and healthier skin. I've seen women say that they saw drastic results from this, but I unfortunately was not one of them. I took these for about a month and I only noticed a slight difference so decided to discontinue. My hair was thicker, but only a little and I feel as if it more so helped maintain my rate of growth, but I did see a small change which is why I’m telling you all about it.

Sincerely,
A Natural

(*No copyright infringement intended for photos)

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How to Flatiron Natural Hair Without Heat Damage

   As I've stated in a previous article of mines, one of the best things about natural hair is its versatility and I cannot stress that enough. While the overuse of heat can become damaging to natural hair, it does not hurt to use it everyone once in a while. I especially enjoy it during the cooler months because I won't sweat it out and end up looking like distressed poodle (unless that's the look you are going for).

   Maybe you need a temporary break from your curls or you just want to change up your look a bit. No matter the reason, it is always important to have a proper routine in order to have the best results and prevent heat damage! Shown below are the steps I take to achieve silky, sleek hair that I know will revert back when it is time!

How to Flatiron Natural Hair:

Step 1: Pre Poo (Pre Shampoo)
   It protects the hair from the harshness of the shampoo that you’ll use after this step, nourishes the scalp, aids in retaining moisture, and helps with detangling. I suggest coconut and jojoba, but you can use any oil of your choice or conditioner. You can even mix the two for maximum results.

Step 2: Cleanse Using A Clarifying Shampoo
   The best flatiron is on CLEAN hair. Be sure to use a shampoo that will be able to remove all of the product buildup you may have acquired from your last wash day until now.  I suggest a sulfate free shampoo, like Shea Moisture or even using an apple cider rinse. However, your shampoo doesn't have to be sulfate free. Use what works for you.

Step 3: Use A Moisturizing Conditioner
   Because you will be applying heat, you'll want to put as much moisture into your hair prior to flat ironing. Sometimes I’ll turn it into a deep conditioner by sitting under the hooded dryer to be sure it is penetrating my strands! Some conditioners I suggest are Joico K-Pak, Argan 5, or Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner.

Step 4: Apply A Heat Protectant
It's best to use a silicone based heat protectant because it offers extra protection from heat. I also suggest using a liquid heat protectant along with the serum. An example would be using Bio Silk Serum and Tressemé Heat Tamer Spray.

Step 5: Section Hair and Blow dry
   Now this is one of the most important steps in this entire process. The Blow dry will determine how your flatiron will turn out. I suggest parting the hair into sections and if you have more dense hair, like myself, then parting the sections into sub sections. Be sure to detangle properly. It also helps to use a comb attachment to focus the heat and get a straighter blowout

Step 6: Time to Flatiron
   Whew! You've completed all the steps and now it's finally time to start straightening! Section off your head and put the rest up. Get your flatiron (make sure it's clean) and set it at the appropriate temperature for your hair, but remember that hair burns at 451 degrees Fahrenheit. Glide the flatiron down your hair with a comb in front for sleek results (comb chase method). Try not to go over you hair more than 2-3 times. Now repeat this process all over your head and viola!
You've got super sleek, silky results.

Sincerely,
   A Natural

L.O.C Method

   If you've been moisturizing your hair and then the next day, maybe even a couple of hours later, your hair is dry, it's time to reevaluate your method. Natural hair is especially dry and moisture retention could become regular problem if you don’t know what you're doing. The L.O.C method is a good way to combat that.

   L.O.C stands for leave-in conditioner, Oil, and Cream. It is very crucial that these are done in this order. This method of moisturizing has become popular amongst the natural hair care community because it has allowed many to go longer periods of time without having to moisturize their hair as frequently. It works by allowing the moisture to be placed on the hair first and then sealed with an oil and (butter-based) cream. Butters and oils are known for their ability to lock in moisture, which is why they call it the L.O.C Method, get it?

(Water based leave-in, avocado oil, and DIY Shea butter mix)

This specific method is easy and can be done with ingredients you may already have laying around your house. Look below to see how this is done.

HOW TO DO THE L.O.C METHOD:

Step 1: Apply a water-based leave in (you can also use water)

Step 2: Apply an oil of your choice to your hair (I find that coconut works best for me)

Step 3: Apply a butter-based cream cream to your hair, to seal in all of that moisture that you applied prior to this step.

Step 4: Style as desired!

   This in an effective way, which I have personally tried. Being that I have lots of hair and it takes a long time to moisturize, the fact that I don’t have to do it as frequently is definitely worth it!

Sincerely,
  A Natural

My Natural Hair Journey

   I’ve been asked plenty of times how I got my hair to grow and how I’ve managed to maintain a consistent rate of growth over the past couple of years. It has not been easy, that’s for sure.
I went completely natural (big chop) about 7 years ago. I didn’t like the process of transitioning, so instead I sped it up a little. I got all of my relaxed ends cut off and started from there.

    Every day, I had the same routine. Wake up. Wet my hair. Put product in my hair, which in this case was Right On Curl. I did this same thing for a while and had finally started to see growth, slowly but surely.
 
   In June of 2009, at a little above bra strap length, I received a perm and practically had to start over. My hair fell out tremendously. That was the last time I chemically processed my hair.
(It took a little over a year for all of my relaxed ends to finally just break off.)
Since then, I have learned so much about proper hair care, and more specifically, how to properly take care of my own hair.
 
    I don’t put any harsh chemicals in my hair (perm, bleach, etc.) I have also PUT DOWN THE FLATIRON (more than I normally would)! That was my biggest hang-up. I loved my hair in its straightened state, but I have come to love my curls more. Since doing so, I have reaped so many benefits. My curls are tighter, shinier, and just overall healthier. Now I’m not one to stop heat cold turkey, so from time to time I do straighten to check my length or just change up my look a bit.
One of the most important things, however, that I think helped me was protective styling. I cannot stress enough how important this is for me. I do my best to keep my hands out of my hair and since I have made that change in itself, I have saw a change in my hair, that I did not see with just heat alone (although that was a big part also).


  I also took prenatal vitamins for about two months’ time, but I’m not one that likes to take pills and so I would forget to take them! Though I can say, that during those two months, I saw an increase in thickness and definitely length. I gained more in length in that two month period, than I did in my normal three months of growth altogether, normally. Currently, I am an inch or so past mid-back length and hope to continue to grow long, strong, and healthy hair!
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(Throughout my journey I do not wear my hair straight all the time. These pictures are merely to show the difference in length. )









Sincerely,
   A Natural

Four Reasons Your Natural Hair Doesn't Appear To Be Growing

    You’ve went months without heat and now it’s finally time to  track your growth. But much to your surprise, your hair is the same length it was eight months ago. At this point, it may be time to reevaluate your hair care regimen and do something different! Listed below, are four reasons your hair doesn’t appear to be making any progress.

1. Lack of Moisture
Curly hair is naturally dry. Unlike other textures of hair, we have to moisture more often than those with finer strands. Hair that is not properly moisturized, will result in brittle, rough, frizzy hair and eventually break. Your hair is constantly growing, but if it’s breaking off at the same rate,then you won’t see an improvement in length.

2. Manipulating Too Often
There are endless possibilities when it comes to that hair of yours. From flexi rods, to roller sets, to twist outs. As amazing as the results are, and as tempting as it may be to re-twist and redo every night, hands off!  Our hair flourishes best when it is left alone. Nothing wrong with trying that funky hairdo you saw via Pinterest, but too much manipulating, over time, can lead to breakage.

(Image from Pinterest)

3. Too Much Heat Styling
Yes, you love your curls, but you want a different look for a couple of days and decide to straighten your hair. Nothing wrong with that! One of the best things about natural hair is its versatility, but be careful. The overuse of heat can cause heat damage, which will eventually lead to breakage. So try to stay away from heat frequently and keep that flatiron temperature low, or use only one pass. (Remember that hair burns at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.) Do whatever works for your hair, just be smart about it. You could damage the hair beyond repair, and no conditioner, or hot oil treatment is able to fix that for you.

4. Vitamin Deficiency
The human body is a machine. When one part is not functioning properly, it will start to affect the other parts. When you are not getting the proper nutrients you need, through eating a healthy diet, it will start to manifest through the outside. The hair is one of the last parts of the body to reap the benefits. If you’re suffering with malnutrition, I suggest reexamining your diet and maybe even taking a multivitamin.

These aren't the only reasons your don't see an increase in length, there are many factors that contribute but being aware of  a problem allows you to come up with solutions, and this is a start. So get healthy, be happy, and enjoy your hair journey!


Sincerely,
 A Natural

What is "good hair?"

      If you were to ask someone today what "good hair" is, 9/10 they'd tell you about the mixed girl down the street with the loose curls. While there's definitely nothing wrong with having the loose curls (work it honey), there is something wrong when that's the only thing that can be considered a nice head of hair. Everyone wasn't born with those loose locks and that's more than okay. I asked a couple of my peers what they would consider good hair and the majority said that good hair, to them, is hair that is easy to comb or "white people hair." One person said healthy, manageable hair and the rest were indifferent.
   
     Personally, I believe that all hair is good. Now don't worry, I won't go all Natural Nazi on you. However, I will say that hair that is properly taken care of (washed, conditioned, etc.) is good hair. . It's not so much about what type of hair you have, as people tend to get caught up in the hype of being a 3c or 4b. It's more so about what you do to maintain those coily curls.

   Part of the blame is the media. People with a coarser texture than others are told that their hair is too nappy, usually ending up with a perm.
   I remember watching the documentary by Chris Rock on the topic of good hair. Specifically, when he walked around yelling that he had nappy hair for sale. I'm not asking you to walk around with bags of coarse hair, but subliminally, it just goes to show that we as a people will wear everyone one else's hair instead of embracing our own.
 
    In a way, hair is like a business. You have the good, the bad, and the just downright ugly. Natural hair is more dry, more time consuming, and definitely more work! But once you get into the swing of things, it's a breeze and quite fun too!

Sincerely,
 A Natural