Daddy Styles Daughter's Hair

This week on The Real, I saw this father and daughter team displaying their unique hair styling technique. It really warmed my heart to see a dad functioning in that capacity in the life of his child. The circumstance surrounding him doing her hair is unclear and frankly irrelevant. Whether he is doing it by choice, or because he is a single father who has to do what he has to do, he still deserves his props for stepping up to the challenge. 

For little girls, when hair styling can be this quick and so much fun, its truly a pleasure. Thanks for letting other dads and moms in on this secret. I need to have my hubby hold my ponytail so I can spin into my bun too....shoooooooottttt!!! Hair styling has never been this speedy. 

Keep it going daddy, and kudos to all the other dads out there who are representing.

Zendaya Sports Faux Locs at The 2015 Oscars

Disney Star Zendaya turned heads, dropped jaws and popped eyeballs at the 2015 Oscars with her beautifully installed Faux Locs. The flawless locs cascading over one shoulder framed her face beautifully. I don;t know who or what is to be credited for the inspiration but I absolutely LOVE it.

Zendaya's hair perfectly complemented her off-the-shoulder Vivenne Westwood gown.

Zendaya could have rocked a 20" weave, a bob cut, a elegant bun, a messy updo or a tonne of other options, she chose however to step outside of the box and express her individuality, taking the risk of not getting the approval of the traditional, stereotypical fashion critics.

Zendaya's look symbolizes self-expression, self-confidence, individualism and BOLDNESS.  I have a new found respect for this girl. Did I mention that brows are on fleek?!!!

Natural Stars Ripped the Red Carpet at the 2015 Oscars

Two of my very favorite stars Ripped the Red carpet at this year's Oscars. I am super duper stoked and beaming with pride that my fellow naturals chose to rock their hair in its authentic, all natural state. They are truly an example that beauty is not defined by the length or texture of your hair. I TOTALLY loved both their looks, from their hair, to their make-up and not to mention their drop dead gorgeous gowns. Kudos ladies....you Rock!!!


Lupita Nyong'o wore her hair in a very low cut. She did another recent big chop and as usual is never afraid to experiment with or make drastic changes to her hair. She is indeed a Natural Beauty.

Viola Davis, one of my most highly respected actors, is a true representation of a strong black woman who knows her worth. Her hair appears to have been styled in a Wash n Go. The tapered Do is very attractive and she wears it very well.

Healthy Lifestyle....Healthy Hair.

Do you believe that there is a co-relation between your health habits and your hair? Believe it or not, there is. Having a healthy lifestyle will have an impact from the inside, out. Not only will you enjoy the perks of having a fit and healthy body, but your skin, nails and hair should show signs of marked improvement over time. A diet high in fruits, vegetables and lots of water, coupled with regular exercise is vital to your overall health, including the health of your hair. Vitamin E for example improves circulation to the scalp. When your scalp does not have enough blood circulation, the roots of your hair don't receive enough nutrients to support the strength and life of your hair follicle. Vitamin deficiencies resulting from an unhealthy diet can cause dry brittle hair, which makes your hair more likely to break and as a result not retain length. We have heard it said over and over again that water is life and is beneficial to the whole body. A generous intake of water on a daily basis will in fact result in healthier hair.
 Water is vital for every cell in the body, including the hair follicles. Keeping the body hydrated results in improved circulation of nutrients in the blood making it better able to reach the scalp and ultimately strengthen your hair. Drinking water increases the amount of moisture not only in your skin but over time you will be sure to notice the difference in the appearance of your hair overall lifestyle habits will definitely play a role in your ability to achieve more noticeable hair growth.
Exercise cannot be over emphasized. Exercise stimulates the blood to flow. The nutrient rich blood nourishes each hair follicle, promoting healthy hair growth. Lack of sufficient blood flow would yield the growth of duller, more brittle hair. Apart from supplying the follicle with nutrient-rich blood, exercise also helps to alleviate stress, which is a known cause of hair loss.

Getting enough sleep (8 hrs. recommended) and staying stress free can cause your hair to grow faster and longer. Sleep is also a very important factor that can determine one's overall health. As it relates to the health of your hair, getting the required amount of sleep can aid in hair growth as growth hormones are secreted during sleep.s

It has been observed that factors like stress, depression and sleep deprivation actually contribute to hair loss. Stress can cause hair loss in different ways. In the case where there is severe stress, it can result in a condition called Alopecia Areata where the white blood cells attack the hair follicles, stopping hair growth and causing the hair to fall out. There is also a condition called Telogen Effluvium in which emotional or physical stress prematurely pushes large numbers of growing hairs into a resting phase, forcing the affected hairs to fall out easily. There are also the cases in which individuals undergoing stress literally gets the irresistible urge to literally pull out hair from their scalp. This condition is called Trichotillomania. In light of these facts, it is extremely important to lead a stress free life as it will improve your overall health. 

Making minor adjustments to your daily routine can reap significant benefits as far as hair growth is concerned. Set your hair goals, and with much commitment and dedication, you will be able to achieve if not surpass them.

Photo Credits:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/277252920785676155/
http://www.essence.com/2012/01/10/ask-the-experts-maintain-healthy-hair-while-breaking-a-sweat/
http://www.hercampus.com/school/valdosta/natural-hair-girls-ways-keep-your-hair-healthy
http://hellobeautiful.com/2012/07/21/3-easy-ways-to-improve-your-sleep-habits/

Hot Oil Treatments for the Cold Weather

Winter days can be a nightmare for women in general regardless of how their hair is worn. The trauma is however more evident for naturals because natural hair is already by nature very dry and this particular season brings additional crisp, dry air that attacks and often conquers the moisture in their tresses.
 

Naturals are forced to bring their A game in an attempt to combat the effects of this crucial weather on the hair. Routine remix is a must once this season emerges. No longer can they remain on the path once trod during the summer, spring and even fall months but major adjustments are necessary in order to entertain a pleasant natural hair experience during this potentially horrid season.

Not everyone is as blessed enough to be geographically located in regions that enjoy fairly warm weather year round and so for a large number of naturals the only option is to take the necessary precautionary and preventative methods to preserve the health of their hair. The best way to maintain the health of natural hair, as we may know is to keep it well conditioned and moisturized. There are various ways to introduce and maintain moisture in natural hair and while they can all be explored at various times, one very effective way is a Hot Oil Treatment.

What is a Hot Oil Treatment?

A Hot Oil Treatment is a process to help condition and treat dry, damaged or lifeless hair. This is done by heating and applying oils directly to the hair. Hot Oil Treatment is a temporary but effective solution to dry, brittle or damaged

hair. It is a form of deep conditioning as it introduces moisture to and improves the strength of the hair shaft.

What tools are needed for a Hot Oil Treatment?

Natural Oils

Bottle

Finger Tips

Plastic Cap

Towel Cap/Towel

How is a Hot Oil Treatment done?

Step 1:

The treatment is done by placing 2-3 Tbsp. of natural oil in a bottle. A half a cup of water should then be heated and the bottle with the oil placed inside the cup in order to warm it. Heating the oil increases the moisturizing and emollient properties and it gently repairs the hair and soothes the scalp. There is also the option of warming the oil on a stove top or in the microwave but that is not my personal preference as in some weird kind of way I think the direct heat zaps some of the nutrients. The oil heats up pretty quickly so after a minute you can check to see if it is warm enough to be applied to your hair. Be sure to test the oil on your arm first and not just proceed to place it on the scalp before testing.

Step  2:

Once the temperature has been checked and determined to be safe, the oil can then be applied to the entire length of hair and also massaged into the scalp. It is best to use a bottle with an applicator cap in order to safely and effectively apply the oil to your hair. For one thing, pouring it into your palms can be extremely messy and can be rather awkward to maneuver onto the hair. The applicator tip also helps to gain easy access to the hair roots and aids in the even distribution of the oil. Once the oil has been applied the hands can then be used to smooth it into the strands and the finger tips to massage the scalp to stimulate the follicles and promote circulation.

The Hot Oil Treatment can be done on dry hair or damp hair and the question of which yields better results is still being debated by the experts. I have tried both and cant say that I really notice a difference but would lean more towards doing it on dry hair as water temporarily alters the structure of hair and as such I would think it interferes with the absorption of the oils.

Step 3:

After the oil is generously applied, a plastic cap should be used to cover the hair and a towel cap or towel placed over the plastic cap. The oil is allowed to remain in the hair for about 15-30 minutes before it is thoroughly washed out and your regular was day regimen applied. The result will be very soft silky hair which will be able to better able to stand up to the winter weather woes.

How often should a Hot Oil Treatment be done?

The frequency of a Hot Oil Treatment will vary from one person to another. When your hair is severely damaged or during the winter weather where hair tends to dry out a lot, weekly or bi-weekly treatments are suggested. Under regular circumstances one per month is perfectly okay.

What are the benefits of a Hot Oil Treatment?

A Hot Oil Treatment gives the hair moisture and it conditions and softens natural hair very effectively. It helps to restore life to hair that has been damaged by, heat, color, excess manipulation and adverse weather. The oils penetrate the hair shaft and moisturize it from the inside out. It also helps to tame those unwanted frizz and make for more polished looking hair.

The Hot Oil Treatment also helps with dry scalp and dandruff by conditioning the scalp and eradicating dryness. Including oils with anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties such as Tea Tree or Peppermint Oil will help in this regard.

What kinds of Oils are used in a Hot Oil Treatment?

The decision as to what oils are used for a Hot Oil Treatment is strictly left up to the individual. There are pre made over the counter oil blends made for this purpose but the fact is that most persons just pull out their "mixtress” hat and put together their own homemade treatment by mixing together their favorite oils. It is perfectly okay to use only one type of oil and still get great results but the popular thing to do is to combine 2-3 different carrier oils and maybe a couple drops of essential oil. The most frequently used carrier oils are Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil etc. Essential Oils commonly used are Peppermint Oil, Rosemary Oil, and Tea Tree Oil to name a few.

The Winter may be one of the most dreaded seasons of the year not only because of the discomfort of contending with the frigid weather, but also because it makes the life of a natural more difficult as they prepare for combat on the "Battlefield of Dryness”. The Hot Oil Treatment is a reliable ally, offering the necessary weaponry to fight this not easily beaten giant of dryness. Be sure to embrace and include this process in your hair care regimen as it will result in softer, shinier, more manageable hair.

(The original article was written by me for Newd Magazine)

How I refresh my Afro Kinky Braids

Afro Kinky Braids are very convenient as a protective style. The style has longevity and requires very little maintenance. The most that may be required to keep this style looking fresh, is an occasional application of a moisturizing spritz. This will soften and refresh your braids and leave it looking shiny. In under 5 minutes your braids will come to life and give the illusion that it is freshly done. See how I made my DIY spritz and refresh the braids in a jiffy. These braids were installed using the Crochet Braiding Technique by the way.
 

Christmas is a very special holiday and for the vast majority it is the favorite time of the year. Celebrating the Savior, spreading good cheer, spending quality time fellowshipping with friends and family, enjoying the mouth watering spread of food, and gift giving are just a few of the events that sets this holiday apart.

Everyone loves the idea of receiving gifts, I believe it is something natural and there is a certain excitement that comes with unwrapping a gift of any sort. Even though there is much truth to that, there is no denying that after the big reveal, there may be a little hint of disappointment if the gift received is not useful or if it doesn’t at all identify with who you are. Somewhat like giving a treatment for bleached hair someone who doesn’t have color in their hair or giving a pair of earrings for pierced ears to someone who doesn’t have their ears pierced. Yes that may be a little extreme but you get the picture. Giving Gifts that are relevant and appropriate is always the best option. I strongly believe in gifting things not just because they look pretty but based on need and usefulness. That is my personal preference but I can almost safely say that most people will be more receptive to something that they really can use as opposed to just another random gift that no thought may have been put into.

It helps to know a little bit about the person who you are getting a gift for or at least make subtle observations to determine the things that they may like or have need of. Don’t get me wrong, I am from the islands and I strongly believe that it is the thought that counts, but at the same time there has to be some thought to count if you get my drift. I also know that the task of Christmas shopping is not an easy one and it can become very physically and mentally draining. It is with that in mind that I thought I would share some suitable gift ideas for naturals.

Naturals are usually very passionate about their journey and generally spend a pretty penny to maintain their tresses. They are always in pursuit of ways to improve the health and appearance of their hair. With that in mind, it shouldn’t be very difficult to come up with suitable gift ideas for someone who sports their hair natural. Below is a list of ideas or suggestions for appropriate and useful holiday gifts that will be appreciate by most ladies who wear their hair this way:

1.     Natural Hair Products Subscription Services – Subscription based purchases are on the rise and these are loved because they present an element of surprise and who doesn’t like surprises?? The idea behind subscription based companies is that for a flat rate, you are able to get a package of items which usually vary from month to month. The beauty about this is that the items are typically valued higher than the cost for the subscription and it offers a great way to be able to try various products offered by different vendors relevant to subscription of choice. CurlKit is one of those subscription services created with naturals in mind, providing between 6-9 product samples in a surprise box each month. These often include full sized products which are from some of the most popular natural hair product lines. The subscriptions are fairly inexpensive, reasonably priced at $20 per month.  This would be an amazing gift idea and you can opt to pay for a couple months subscription leaving the option open for the recipient of the gift to take over future payments or cancel the subscription if they so choose. This gift idea will leave your special naturalista grinning from ear to ear as they enjoy this special treat.

2.     Natural Hair Books – The pursuit of knowledge concerning the many facets of natural hair and the quest to seek a greater understanding of how natural hair acts and reacts keep us constantly researching. A very reliable source of information is books and over time the natural hair book collection has been growing steadily in numbers. A gift of a Natural Hair book is a sure win in the challenge of gift giving. Natural hair books such as “Better Than Good Hair” written by the well known natural hair guru Nikki Walton, more popularly known as Curly Nikki in the natural hair community, is a very interesting and informative read. Her book is  titled as being “The Curly Girl Guide to Healthy, Gorgeous Natural Hair”. Other natural hair books on the market include The Secrets of Going Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Loving your Natural Hair written by Zenobia and Anthony Jackson, The Science of Black Hair written by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy and Grow It by Chicoro to name a few.   These books offer a wealth of information about natural hair and afford details as to how to understand, care for and style your natural hair. They are great reads for any natural, despite the stage that you are at in your hair journey. The perfect gift idea that will definitely not be set aside to collect dust and would be appreciated by anyone who is serious about the health and appearance of their natural hair.

3.     Natural Hair Event Tickets – Different cities around the country host natural hair events periodically. There is usually a cover charge to enter these events. Such events offer the platform for naturals to meet together in one place to socialize, learn and be entertained. These shows are usually well planned and employ professional educators who impart a great deal of information to naturals that will help them to better deal with their hair. There are also live demonstrations by experienced stylists showcasing their talents by creating a wide array of hairstyles on models ranging from very easy to the more intricate. Vendors of some of the most popular natural hair products usually have booths where their products can be sampled and bought at a reduced rate. The shows can be very interesting and sometimes offer bonus surprises such as fashion shows, spot prizes and giveaways. Now that is nothing short of being in “natural hair heaven”, and it would be any natural’s dream to be able to enjoy such an experience. Gifting two tickets to an upcoming natural hair show in their area should be sure to score you cool points in the eyes of any natural.

4.     Natural Hair Apparel – Natural Hair inspired clothing lines have capitalized on the new craze and enthusiasm about natural hair. Naturals today are proud of their hair and are usually all too happy to let the world know how they feel about it. One of the more popular ways of displaying this pride is by wearing apparel that are specially designed with images related to natural hair and catch phrases boasting their confidence with being natural. The most popular garments are T-Shirts. This would make a great gift item for naturals and is a great addition to the collection of both the fashion forward and the conservative alike. I believe that all naturals would proudly wear a statement about their natural hair. A quick surf of the World Wide Web will present a wealth of options and a variety of designs from which to choose. This holiday gift will leave the natural in your life all dolled up.

5.     Satin Pillow Cases – This is a necessity for all naturals to have in their collection as it will provide that soft, silky, smooth surface for them to lay their head. Using a satin pillowcase will prevent hair from drying out and also allow for the prevention of friction that can cause breakage. Regular cotton pillowcases can have drying effects on natural hair and tends to rob it of its much needed moisture. Many naturals, although aware of this fact, do not own satin pillowcases, maybe because of the price point as they are pricier than their rougher counterpart. This is another excellent gift for just about any one and would be greatly appreciated especially by a natural.

Gift giving should not be a stressful activity. The process of acquiring gifts can be a pleasant one if the above recommendations are considered. If there is still uncertainty about whether or not the suggested items will be to the liking of that special natural in your life, there is always the safe option of getting a gift card that can be used to complete any purchase. In all your giving, give love this Christmas, at the end of the day that is really what matters most and no amount of gifts can ever replace that. Best wishes for the Holidays… from my family to yours!!!