Loctician Hair Tips from Nyesha Samuel

Natural Black HairCare Tips

When it comes to the gentle care of African American skinand hair, there are various ingredients that well-made products contain. Theseingredients will help to rejuvenate your skin and hair and replace thenutrients that are lost in day to day living.

 

Shea Butter Cream

Shea butter cream has long been known for its effectivenessas an emulsifier and a moisturizingcream. It is especially valuable in treating wrinkles, skin discolorations,dark spots, blemishes, dry skin, acne, burns and for fading scars. Shea butteralso helps to provide natural protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.It is easily absorbed into your skin, and it won't leave your skin feelinggreasy, as some other types of products can.

Shea butter cream helps to soften your skin, and maysometimes

be found in hair conditioners in its butter form. It helps torevitalize and rehydrate brittle or dry hair. It will also keep hair frombreaking as easily, and make it softer to the touch.

Shea butter aids in evening skin tone, and gives your skinback its natural luster. Since it absorbs quickly, it can penetrate deeply topromote the growth of healthy skin cells.

Herbal Shampoo Conditioner

African American women often tell me that they have adifficult time finding hair products to satisfy the natural needs of theirhair. Many of the products you see in magazines or commercials cater to womenwho have colored or relaxed hair. This isn't helpful for those withunmanageable, curly, thickhair. An herbal shampoo, conditioner or rinse can help to revivedry and brittle hair. It usually has a clean smell, which makes it easier touse. It helps to promote a healthy shine, and aids in getting rid of frizzies.

There are other products that combine herbal shampooconditioner and nut oils, which can be very helpful for dry, dehydrated hair.Your hair will drink in the moisture, and the proteins in the conditioner willadd shine and a final luster to your hair. They will also leave it soft andmanageable.

Organic Hair Oil

Many African American women have found that organic hair oilcan help to leave their hair nourished and revitalized, and more protected fromaging's effects. They may have experienced some level of hair loss, due tomicrobial effects on the roots of the hair and on their scalp. An antimicrobialoil will break the glycerol bonds that leave your hair weak and moresusceptible to thinning.

Most types of organichair oil will also contain vitamin E, which will help to keep your hair andscalp healthy and rejuvenated. Natural oils help your hair to retain moisture,since they don't break down easily, nor do they evaporate. Natural oils willkeep moisture within your hair, leaving it soft and manageable. Hair can also benefit from organic hair oil that will meltwhen it is heated, and then condense on your hair as it cools. You can apply itto your hair and it will evenly spread throughout all areas of your scalp. African American women will benefit from the combination ofShea butter cream for their skin, and shampoos and conditioners, along withnatural oils, that leave their hair full and healthy.

Healthy Scalp, Healthy Locs

Nyesha Samuel, Publisher/Master Loctician, healthylocsblog.com

Natural Hair Inspiration - Chime

Name: Chime Edwards ( my first name is pronounced the same way wind chime is :))

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: I realized the actual reasons why I was relaxing my hair. I did not think kinky hair was as appealing as straight hair, because this is what I had been taught my entire life. Being natural was never an option for kinky-haired girls. Something just clicked; I would never live up to the European standards of beauty. I was longing for this bone straight hair that was not meant for African Americans to have. My hair was breaking off rapidly because I was using a chemical to force my hair to do something that it was never meant to do. One day I just had an "Aha moment" and I decided that I had to go natural.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Yes. In the beginning I was scared that my hair would be too nappy. Then I realized that it was okay if it was. Nappy hair is not bad hair. I had to reprogram the way I thought and everything I was taught about good hair and bad hair. I stopped hoping to have a not so kinky grade of hair and I began to pray to except and love my hair for whatever it was.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: Giovanni's Leave-On Conditioner, Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner, and Jason's Biotin Shampoo.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: You have to go into it knowing that many people have never seen stylish natural hair and they are going to go off of what they think your hair is going to look like. Just realize that they don't understand now but most will eventually get it. And many people who may dislike your hair when you do the big chop will love it later on. Keep the reasons why you are going natural at the front of your mind. You did it for yourself and no one else. You should have a "I don't care what anyone thinks" kind of attitude:)

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website?
A: I have a YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/HairCrush

 

You can follow me on twitter: @ManeChick10

And I have a fotki page: http://members.fotki.com/lifesacatwalk/about/

 

Kids Corner – Make your Conditioner!

Natural Ingredients Hair Conditioner

By Ms. NB

One of my lovely daughters (age 12) has recently discovered a passion for trying out homemade conditioners, shampoos and even face mask!  This past weekend, she made her own conditioner, with a natural ingredient recipe that she found online.  She used if after shampooing her hair and loved it.  I asked if she wanted to share it on my blog and she said yes. 

Here is the recipe she tried:

1/4 cup water

1 egg

1/8 cup baby oil

1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil

"Mix these ingredients until smooth. It may be watery, but that is ok. After you shampoo your hair, rinse it out well. Then part your hair into 3 to 4 sections.  Work the condition mixture into each section by rubbing it in all the way."   Leave the conditioner in and style while wet or when dry.  I have not tried this recipe myself, but her hair was very soft after using the conditioner that she made using the ingredients above.  Here is what she had to say after using the conditioner. "Your hair will feel soft and will make people behind you want to touch your hair. It is especially good for ladies with curly or wavy hair.” –  Ms. NB