How to Build a Haircare Regimen

How to Build a Hair Care Regimen for Natural Hair

When I started my natural hair journey I was so lost in where to go and what to do about finding products for my hair. At the time I was strapped for money so I couldn't try everything I saw ladies on YouTube trying on their hair. I found out the hard way about products that worked on my relaxed hair just wouldn't work on my natural. I started small (and cheap) getting the basics for my hair care needs i.e. shampoo, conditioner, gel. I would research more cost effective ways to say money and have enough products to last me for a while. Before my product junkie gene kicked in to high gear I actually made my own products for my hair. There are countless recipes to make all natural shampoos and hair butters to name a few on the web. My hair butter (which I still make) lasts for a couple of years and is great for hair&skin. Over the course of 2 years and counting I've acquired a few tips that have helped me build a stable hair care routine. 

When building a haircare regimen make sure you have some of the following:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Deep Conditioner/Treatment
• Leave In Conditioner
• Oils
• Moisturizer
• Styler

Shampoo is used to clean the scalp and remove excess dirt product and oils from the hair. Some naturals (including me at times) stray away from shampoo due to the strong stripping and drying process it has on hair. For that I would say to use a sulfate free or natural shampoo every other week or at least once a month just to clarify to hair and scalp.

Conditioner is use to restore moisture and softness to the hair after the shampooing process. Most naturals even used this as their only hair washing product. This process is called "Co washing" or conditioner washing. Some companies even have started to make cleansing conditioners using alternative cleaning agents in a conditioner form that cleanse the hair like shampoo without the dryness. 

Deep Conditioner/Treatment this process is an extended step to help treat and restore moisture shine and some times protein etc. Depending on a person personal hair care needs they can use countless kind of treatments to help with their hair inquiries. There are hot oil treatments for dryness, protein treatments for breakage or shedding, and moisture treatments. You can either buy them from a store or make them right in your own kitchen. 

Leave In Conditioner is used to help continue the moisture process. This acts as the foundation product to help keep hair soft and moisturized before any other product is added. 

Oils are used to feed the scalp and seal moisture into the hair after using a leave in conditioner or moisturizer on the hair. Oils come in different shades, forms, uses and benefits. Depending on personal scalp needs each oil has a healing or hair growth/aid purpose. Do some research and test out a few individually or combine them for your own personal hair elixir. 

Moisturizers are used to help provide hair with manageability, sheen, softening etc. Some naturals either make their own Shea, mango, coconut, etc hair butter moisturizer or use any store bought brand moisturizer. When choosing a moisturizer (or any product) keep in mind the following:

• Does the  ingredients of the product agree with your hair&scalp and won't cause irritation or dryness
• Will the product be  light or  heavy 
• Will the product fit my hair type
• What benefits will your hair receive from using the product
• Is the cost of the product in your price range
• Whats the availability of the product
• Are you going to use the product correctly in your hair care routine 
• How many ways can this product be used
• Will it work properly with other products in your hair care routine

Stylers are used to help add definition, hold, or body to the hair. Things such as gels, curl cremes, twist cremes, edge controls, pomades and the list goes on. These types of product help you "get the look" your going for when styling your hair. Just like the tips for the moisturizer, make sure you select a product that is going to be easy to use. Depending on the hair type more or less of a styler may be used. 

Side Notes

• If you are using heat in your regimen make sure to add a keratin or silicone based shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant before flat ironing, electric curling, or blow drying. This will help prevent any damage to the hair.
• Always use a sensible heating temperature when using heat tool 
• If you have color treated hair check products to see if they are color friendly or "for all hair types"
• Check out reviews on products before buying to get feed back if your not familiar with a product.

Starting Over in 2014

I've been away from my blog here for a few weeks now but I will be back soon to make some major updates. I have been trying out products, recipes, diy projects etc to name a few things. I even enrolled in school and will be starting at the end of the month. I took time out to live life away from my computer screen and got inspired to make alot of changes in my life. I am starting a new path in my life and will enjoy the lesson and growth that will be coming from it. I will be taking time this year to explore learn and educate people on the many things I've over come. I feel it is my calling to reach out inform. My goal this year is to better my self, my life, my education, my career, and everything I do. I'm excited for this new season I'm about to coming into and I thank god for everything I have ever experienced in life. Working on some new things for my this blog well as my YouTube channel. To my readers I say thank you and stay tuned for my special updates coming in the next few weeks. 

Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Twist and Lock Gel (Product Review)

At first glance I was happy to see this product in the store. Cantu isn't a stranger in my house. I didn't over think this product. I thought to myself, "Ooh a new product by Cantu". Then I took off the lid to smell and look at the physical product. It was the weirdest looking consistency of a product I had ever seen. I'm a product junkie and I've seen alot of different types of products but none with this feel to it. Its a cross between a light whipped yogurt jello and vanilla pudding. The smell is amazing just like the other Cantu for natural hair products. I used this product after my extended wash routine. I applied this product on detangled wet hair, that was conditioned, oiled, and moisturized (SEE L-O-C METHOD POST). Styled in the form of twists for my go to hair style (twist out). I loved this product!!! It's simple and easy to use. The key to this product is not using a lot and rubbing it between your fingers before working it into the hair. I find that this warms the product up making it easier to distribute onto the hair. After I let my twists air dry for 2 days I untwisted them to find my BEST TWIST OUT EVER!!!! My hair was so soft yet firm & defined. The shine from this product was amazing alone by it's self. For 13 oz of product this will be in my stash for a while. I normally have to put a huge dent in my gels, curly cremes, and etc but I have hardly used any of this product. I feel like I'm getting my money's worth on this one.  I would highly recommend using the LOC Method with this product. I enjoyed this product and I will make my rounds to try more from the Cantu Shea Butter for Natural hair line.

Today's Modern Food: It's not what you think - Part 2

Today's Modern Food: It's not what you think - Part 1

2011 Vegetarian/Vegan Documentary/Film Myths and Truths about Vegetarianism

A 2011 documentary about the myths and truths to Vegetarianism. In this video it explains everything there is needed to know about the benefits to being a vegetarian and why it is a healthier choice from the way the modern world eats in today's society.

Poet "Truth Be Told" (2nd Annual Naturals In The City Hair&Wellness Expo)

The L-O-C Method

 The rise of natural hair awareness (trend or not) has sparked many questions from natural haired woman. The most frequently asked question being, "How do I keep my hair moisturized?". I think alot of woman relaxed or natural have come across this issue more than once in their life time. It's a "hair thang" that alot of woman from all walks of life have to deal with, but mostly black woman. The lack of retaining moisture will bring any naturalist to their knees. Most woman in general run out and try to buy or find any miracle product that will promise or ensure their hair will be fully packed with moisture. Which sadly becomes a lost cause and another product to bury in the product stash grave yard. Maybe it isn't just what you pt in your hair, but how you your using the products. Which leads my to the topic at hand. The L-O-C Method (Leave in, Oil, Conditioner) I first came across this method my first few months post big chop (Dec 20 2011) after transitioning for 7 months. After watching so many youtubers explain and break down this unique and easy method for retaining moisture. The "L-O-C Method" is simply applying certain products in a general order on wet or dry hair.

(The Break Down)  L-O-C

 

1. Leave In
2. Oil
3. Conditioner

Leave in conditioner acts as the foundation product that helps continue the conditioning process which soften, detangles, and makes the hair more manageable.

Oil works as a sealant for the hair shaft and nutrient for the scalp. Oils vary in uses and benefits research which oil works best for your personal preference, seasonal weather and health.

Conditioner (moisturizer) is used to soften, strengthen and moisturize the hair making the hair soft, shiny, and healthy.

This is the only method I personally used that really locks the moisture in my hair. I've tried different ways but this simple 3 step method is a sure way to keep the moisture in my hair longer. Another key ingredient is picking the right product for your hair texture, porosity and hair type.

 

Open Conversations: 1:2 Necessary Fear

 Fear is defined as something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension, something a person is afraid of. Everyone has a fear whether it be a physical or an emotional restraint. Yet, every fear is of the psychological paradox that exist according to each separate individual and sometimes can be applied to certain ethnic or social groups. In my 25 years of life I can say fear was necessary. As a child I experienced a lot of pain in which would manifest it's self into this huge intity of fear that followed me into my teen years and my ealier 20's. My fear was necessary for the personal development that has helped me become the young woman I am. I never knew I would become as strong, wise, or loving as I am now. As a little girl I grew up watching my parents divorce and the aftermath that followed. I lived in poverty and watched countless sense of violence in my community. I experienced some personal woes i.e. abuse, depression, social anxiety, self inflictions, insecurities etc. These things use to break me down into so many pieces . As a teen my soul was so tortured, my heart was completely empty and I would try my best to hide it all inside. I didn't want anyone to know. It made me so angry and depressed. I shed so many tears but these same things that made me cry I am proud to say I have experienced and over came. I still struggle with depression but I take it one day at a time and have gotten better over time dealing with it. Looking back at my life I let fear hold me back from so many things. Love, friends, college, dreams and goal etc. Some good and some bad but the thing is I never got to get the experience and the lesson that was waitng in those lost moments. Fear puts a hold on you and you become a prisoner to those fears. It becomes the master and you become enslaved to them. I lost so much time and years that I can't get back. It was all necessary every tear cried heart break broken and scary moment. A few years ago I decided I was tired and couldn't take any more pain and I had to make some changes. I conquered those fears and put them behind me. It took everything in me, every drop of faith in me but I look at all the people I have helped because of everything I went through. The wisdom learned I get to pass along. I'm in such a better place in my life. Rebuilding myself into a great woman allowing greatness into my life. One day I will be able to sit my children and neice down and tell them my story and give them the encouragement that will help them not be afraid to conquer their fears they will face in their life time. One thing about fear it doesn't stay dead . You have to keep fighting and pushing yourself to over come any thing fear has to throw at you. Fear is what makes us human, it's what make being human worth living for. It helps to give us a choice a sense of direction to the path we want to take. To conquer, over come, and become triumphant in this journey of life. Learning, growing and ever changing into hopefully better humans than when we first started............TBC..........> 

30 Day Crunch and Squat Challenge Final thoughts

What can I say I really enjoyed this challenge. I tried some new routines and I have gain more knowledge of the different kinds of workout there are in the fitness realm. I've learned more about myself outside working out on a schedule and eating on a planned meal. I was able to make a goal and try to stick to it in which I did for the most part. I have found my weakness and gain some new strengths as well. In 30 days I was able to fit into an XL which hasn't happen since 2008. My jeans fit better my shirts are looser and my dress fit smoothly in all the right curvy places. I will continue to push myself and work on my odd eating habits as well. I'm very proud of my self Im actually thrilled to say I will be doing this challenge or rather a new challenge later this summer. I am continuing my fitness jorney one day at a time by my own rules of dedication, time, patience, healthier eating, and good old hard work. I have such a positive thought and feeling about working out now that wasn't always there. I can't wait to see my progress 6 months from now.

30 Day Crunch&Squat Challenge Week 1 Update

Week one check in the good and the bad......
So this week has been better than I thought give or take a few things. Let's start with the good first since everyone always loves good news. I've been very physical and very active. I had to change the routine by kicking it up a notch. I felt the challenge was a little too easy so for the first couple of weeks I will be doing 100 crunches and squats (which is what Ive been doing most of the week). This was a personal choice of mines I need a to kinda push myself a little more than normal. Turns out my body really likes the ideas of this change. I'm really starting to feel it and I like working out. Now the bad SMH... I have been having a bit of a dilema in the food department. Two things have been going wrong either I'm not hungry and don't want to eat or I'm implse eating or PMS eating is more like it. I've been a vegetarian for a year and a half now and not have any urge to eat all day isn't new to me. It freaks me out really. I've been a big girl all my life minus one year out of my 25yrs of life. This has been happening for the past 8 months now on and off and I've been noticing it more now. I have to plan my meals to make sure I'm eating enough to power my body. I didn't plan my meals last week and it showed. Then there is the impulse eating. I didn't go far off in the deep end and chug a dozen of dounuts but I did have some not so healthy things (to my standards) i.e. a coffee drink, banana nut muffin, etc. Nothing horrible but nothing I should be eating right now. I eat pretty clean for the most parts and eat full balanced healthy meals about 85% of the time. I'm very honest and open about my eating. I've always had a eating problem and it's one of those things I'm still working on but I'm doing better since becoming a vegetarian. I'm still amped and excited to be doing this challenge and I will continue moving forward with it. I'm focused on eating better I will be addding more reps to the routine since right now its a 100 x 1 for each workout then it will double up soon. I love how my body feels a little sore but I know it will be all worth it : )

30 Day Crunch and Squat Challenge

It has begon!!! The 30 Day Crunch&Squat Fitness Challenge is live and in effect as of now. I'm very excited to start this challange since my normal routine has gotten so dull and boring. I saw this posted on facebook and had to at least give it a try. I will be following this formula for both challenges (crunches&squats) I may double up on the routine (morning&night) to get the best results out of the challenge. Im gonna start at 6am-9am before work on most days and 9pm-10pm on most nights. Far as nutrition I will be on a mostly greens, veggies, fruit, large portions of water and high solid proteins i.e. tofu, protein bars or shakes (vegetarian grades for me of course). No direct sugars and high carb foods allowed no cheat days!!! I'm very excited and pumped. I've been getting motivated by watching CT Fletcher videos via www.youtube.com/ctthetrainer The man take no BS and says it like it is.... the TRUTH. I'm gonna hopefully work my way up to lifting weights this summer and become an iron addict but we all have to start some where. Why not start with a challenge??? I will be posting updates through out this challenge and keeping an open face diary weekly to use as a reference later on. I wish everyone luck who will be accepting the challenge and hope you give it your all and try your best. Good Luck...XOXO... - Girl Friday