Finghair Tips Thursday: Nutrition

Henna Gloss On Natural Hair

Hello everyone!

Happy New Year's Eve!

As a henna head, I've gone from doing a full strength henna treatments every month to every six weeks. Imagine my surprise when I got a calendar notification of my last henna for the year.

Yo! I thought that was six weeks ago?

I had clearly miscalculated.

So, I had to decide whether or not to commit to a 5 hour treatment. Not really. I remembered Glory on my Instagram posting something about a henna gloss. I went ahead to look it up and loved what I saw.

So what is a henna gloss? What makes it different from the regular henna treatments?

Henna gloss is a shorter, quicker, easier alternative to regular full strength henna treatments. You know how henna requires 4 hours for proper penetration plus an hour for a moisturizing DC. Right! So, henna gloss involves the addition of conditioning and moisturizing ingredients such as conditioner, coconut milk, yogurt, e.t.c. These other ingredients basically make up the gloss part of the henna gloss.

Overtime, with regular application, I've been able to master the act of henna-ing without any issues but this time, I was a bit hesitant and I'm so glad I discovered an alternative.

Basically, you need just two things for a henna gloss - henna and conditioner but you know how I like to do the most. So, I added some honey, grapeseed oil and rosemary oil. Oh and yeah, it is important to use a conditioner devoid of any trace of protein. Your best bet is a moisturizing conditioner.

Next you mix up your ingredients with plastic utensils. It's also important to decide whether or not you want some dye release. If you do, mix your henna with something acidic like black tea orlemon juice and leave it overnight. But then, you might have to deal with the henna stains. If you like to go the easier route by avoiding stains and whatnot, mix the henna with some warm water and then your conditioner subsequently.

I left mine for about an hour plus. I didn't want it to be too short or too long. Next time, I plan to use my heat cap. Since it's not a full strength treatment, four hours isn't necessary.

When I was done, I rinsed out with cold water. I was expecting my hair to be hard and stringy which is the normal state of a freshly henna-ed hair but it was surprisingly manageable - the same result you get after a deep conditioner plus the weather wasn't very favourable. I didn't need to deep condition afterwards which was a good sign. So, I just cowashed and moisturized afterwards. Ideally your hair should be really conditioned and moisturized when you're done but I didn't use enough conditioner. That will change by my next application.

What else can I say? Yass to henna glosses!

So, for all ye lazy naturals, this is your shot! (I'm looking at you, Berry)

Any henna head in the house? Have you tried henna glosses?

Love, coils and curls
 eBunitehair

Naturalistas on Mane Matters feature in 2015

Hi Naturalistas,
In a couple of hours, we would all be wishing one another a Happy New year. It's been an awesome year so far. Hoping to have a more fulfilling one this coming year with lots of mane matters feature for you all.

 

Since this would be my last post for the year, I felt it'd be nice to reflect on how the year went. Just incase you missed any of the Mane matters feature this year, here are links to some posts that might interest you. Enjoy and learn something.

"My husband loves my Natural hair" Mane matters with Vivien Beyioku

'I love to experiment with my Natural hair' Mane Matters with Wunmi

'Going Natural was exciting...' Mane matters with Nafisat

'Relaxers made me cry' Mane Matters with Mokut

'Don't sweat the styling aspect, learn how to take care of your hair first'. Mane matters with chidinma

I have an ever changing Natural hair regimen' Mane matters with Jennifer

'Research and stick with whatever works for your natural hair' Mane Matters with Alexandria 

'I big chopped myself' Mane Matters with Zainab

'I went natural in 2012 right before my mom passed. With taking her to chemo everyday it became stressful and hair was the last thing on my mind, so I cut it off.'
Did you miss this post, read up here

Read up on the rest of our 2015 posts here 

If you want to get featured on the blog in 2016 or know someone who would love to, you can always send a mail to manematters@africanaturalistas.com and you would get a response as soon as possible.  


Happy New year in advance. Enjoy the rest of the holiday.

Till then
Leeznijis

Tips to stick to your natural hair goals in 2016

Hello Naturalistas,

How was your 2015? Once upon a time a certain AN blogger *side eye* always shared her hair goals for the year with us, Please help me ask her what happened?

Anyways, I am very big on reviews and seeing how I did in the last year and I must say that this year will probably be my worst hair care year so far. I was generally lazy about my hair and uninterested and in the last few days I have just be using turbans because I don't want to worry about hair styles... My hair is pretty much abandoned!

The castor oil challenge helped me see that I could do what I needed to do when I set my mind to it, so I decided that I would include my natural hair in my 2016 goals. Here I tips I think will help;

Set your goals; Just like our certain AN blogger did here, Set goals. Write down the set goals, nothing too overwhelming that will make you pressure yourself over things you cannot control like hair length or how your hair will react to a certain product etc. Look at your goals like things you need to do better as against achievements (does that even make sense?) because for the hair I think quality over quantity. 

Ask yourself the "What?"; What do I need to achieve these goals? DC every week? Hair wash once in a week? etc. and write it down

Ask your self the "How?"; How will I achieve it? Does it make sense with my schedule? It will be absolutely unrealistic with a very crazy schedule to think that you will be able to do DC every week or co-wash every other day and other unrealistic goals you can think of. The point it just be realistic. 

Know the implications; Yep! I mean cost!!! Write down what you need and also know the cost, there are plenty online stores now to help you compare prices. Are there products, accessories you can DIY? Can you afford the ones you can't? It helps you NOT buy what you don't need and get past that product junkie phase rather quickly. 

So, Let's go set out goals shall we? What will be on your goal list? How was your hair Journey in 2015? Mine? A disaster + a cute wedding hairstyle! 

Festive Season Heatless Blowout.

  Over the Christmas Period I tried out the 'Big Hair Look' just for that extra bit of Drama!All I needed was a few Ouchless Hair Bands and my Wide Tooth Comb.

  These are my results....

Diary of an Honest Naturalista: Week 134

Christmas was great for me. I spent it with the whole of my family, including my sister, her husband, and her two kids, the loves of my life. It was great fun.

This harmattan has been causing my hair to gulp water and leave-in conditioner in bulk. I have been moisturising very regularly. Ever since I took down my thread, my hair has been in twists. I did it deliberately so that moisturising could be easy this season.

At first, they were in updo, and constantly felt like extremely dehydrated sponge every two hours, after drying out. The change in hairstyle ensured that the moisture got to every part of my hair, thereby reducing the risk of breakage. I’m sounding so intellectual at the moment.

When Boma came to our house with my sister for the Christmas celebration, her hair was in the usual giant bun that made her face look so cute. In the process of admiring it, I touched it, and it was extremely dry, which wasn’t surprising.

“Oh my gosh, Boma. Your hair is so dry.” I exclaimed.

She looked at me like I was speaking gibberish. So I turned to my sister. “Why is Boma’s hair so dry?”

“I guess it’s the harmattan.” She shrugged, replying nonchalantly. “Even my hair is dry. Do you want to feel it?”

“Yeah, of course, it is harmattan. But it just means you haven’t been moisturisng.”

“Madam Anna, the natural hair expert, I have been moisturising Boma’s hair.” She eyed me, walked away and went to sit by her husband on the couch.

“You have to double the moisture because the harmattan is really drying.” I said, not relenting, following her right to the couch she had gone to seek refuge.”

“Ok, I have heard.” She said dismissively.

“I know you are only saying that to shut me up. You are not really listening to me. You want Boma’s hair to start breaking?” I replied with a sulky demeanour.

And then my sister turned to me

“What is your own Anna. Everytime, you carry yourself around like you are a hair expert, even though all you do is read off everything online. You put the hair problems of the whole world on your head. You will not let me hear word about Boma. Boma’s hair this, Boma’s hair that. DIY, moisturise, trim, condition, bla bla bla. Do you think I don’t have other things to think about apart from Boma’s hair? For God’s sake, I even went natural because you haven’t been cutting me some slack about Boma’s hair. I agree I don’t know so much about natural hair, but I am trying. So leave me alone, and allow me take care of my daughter’s hair the best way I can. If I need any assistance, I would be sure to call you, since you know everything. You can now leave me alone.”

Source

I was really taken aback at her outburst. I didn’t know where it came from. She obviously had been bottling it up inside her for some time. Her husband was quiet all through, ignoring the whole scenario. He might as well have not been there.

I just walked away from there, really down. Do I really act like a know-it-all when it comes to natural hair? I doubt. I really was just trying to help, but maybe I had been taking it too far. Anyway, I need to really examine myself.

African Naturalistas rewards Customers' with Gift vouchers this Christmas

Hi Ladies,

The flyer above says it all. Since last Thursday, 24th of December, we have been rewarding all our customers with free Shoprite gift vouchers. And it would be ending on 31st December.

Thank you for your love, loyalty, and support through our years of existence. Because of you, we are waxing stronger, and we will continue our journey to success.

So to give you a memorable holiday, we are giving out shoprite gift vouchers to everyone who buys a minimum of 4 African Naturalistas Branded products (Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Black Soap are not inclusive).

You can also use this opportunity to pay it forward, in case you want to give someone who can't afford to have a memorable Christmas the Gift voucher.

Also, don't forget that we are still selling Christmas Hampers that make sense to help hair needs of your loved ones in this season of giving.

So head over to africanaturalistas.com/ourstore or click here to get some products, and a free shoprite gift voucher alongside.

Happy New Year in advance

Disclaimer: This Christmas promo was not done in partnership with Shoprite. We are giving our Shoprite vouchers just to reward our customers' loyalty, and because we don't know any other retailers who sell gift vouchers in Nigeria.

DIY LOUNGE - Rice water as hair treatment

Do you know rice water has amazing hair benefits, it has inositol, a carbohydrate that helps repair damaged hair and also protects your hair from damaging. Inositol stays inside the hair even after you must have rinsed and it continues to protect your hair after styling..
Rinsing your hair with rice water after shampooing helps strengthen hair roots, adds shine and makes hair silky.
 The rice water is more effective if left to ferment,fermented rice water is rich in minerals, antioxidants,vitamins A and B.

                       HOW TO MAKE RICE WATER::::::
Ingredients
 : 1/2 cup of raw rice
 : 2 cups of water
Directions
 : rinse rice wit cold water
 : pour the rice into a bowl and pour the water
 : let the rice soak for 15mins
 : knead lightly until the water turns Cloudy
 : sieve out the rice water and your rice water is ready for use.

Fermented rice water
 : after you must have sieved the rice water ( as stated above), cover and leave at room temperature for a day or two.
 : boil the fermented rice water ( this is to stop the fermentation process)
 : let it cool and your fermented rice water is ready for use.

         HOW TO USE
 after shampooing, add two tablespoons of lemon juice( this is to clear all build ups)to your rice water, pour on your hair and leave it in for about 10 mins, rinse out and you are done. This should be done twice a week!

So, the rice water treatment is all new to me, I haven't tried it yet but I read and heard lots of great reviews, I researched about it and what you read above is a summary of my research. If you have tried this before please let's have your testimonies at the comment section...
Thank you and HAPPY HOLIDAYS..

The Hair Reform Academy on 31st December

Hello beautiful people. Season's Greetings!

If you live in Port Harcourt, you will be happy to learn that Sizzelle will be visiting your city on the 31st of December.

The program will have general and focused discussions.
The agenda for the day is:

Healthy Hair Care
Building a hair regimen
Alopecia & Edges
Natural hair
Transitioning Hair
Safely using relaxers
Texlaxed Hair
Live Demonstrations e.g how to install curl formers, twist outs, braid outs, etc
Question & Answer sessions
Shopping & Discounts

Speakers at the event include Uzoma from Don't Touch The Hair, Hairdiva.com.ng and The Sizzling Mommy.

Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Venue: Chrisolik Hotel, 5A Peter Odili Road, Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt.

We would deeply appreciate if you indicated your interest to attend by:
1. Registering online. Please click HERE. OR
2. Sending an email to events@sizzelle.com.

(The gate fee is 750 Naira but if you register and pay before the event, it is 500 Naira).

P/S: If you are interested in being a vendor, please send an email to events@sizzelle.com.

Quick "Rosette" Hairstyle for Natural Hair Kids

If you can't braid, twist, flat twist, or cornrow.. this style is for you. It is so simple to do and can be done for tender headed kids.

 

 

How to do the style, click here or watch below:

 





Festive Hair : 1 Style, 3 ways

Hi Ladies!

Hope you are enjoying the festive season.

Here is a simple protective style that can be varied in three ways. It's best for this busy time of the year when there will be many get-togethers, and time spent away from home.

Extensions: Xpression for the cornrows and Outre soft dread for the front bang. The soft dread was fixed on like crochet wig style in the front. You can also opt out of using the extensions for your cornrows.

Maintenance: oil your lines every two to three days. Use a moisturising spray to keep your hair moisturised. As always, satin scarf at night. Oil and massage your edges daily to keep them tip-top.

The 12 Days of Christmas for Natural Hair

On the First Day of Christmas my true love gave to me an Oil press and a Tea Tree
On the Second Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two Afro Puffs

On the Third Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three Hours to Detangle

On the Fourth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 4 A|B|C [curl types, aye?]

On the Fifth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, fiiive Bantu Knoooots!

On the Sixth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six Satin and Silk Scarves

On the Seventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven Twists a-Drying

On the Eighth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight Cinnabuns

On the Ninth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine AN Bloggers!!!!

On the Tenth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, ten packs of Bobby Pins

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eleven Deep Conditioners

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me, twelve Inches of Hair Growth

Written but not composed by

Berry Dakara.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and see you in 2016!

Is The Product Junkie Phase Inevitable?

Hello everyone!

Compliments of the season!

'Product junkism' is a term that has been passed around a lot especially in the natural hair community. A lot people don't realize they are product junkies until it's pointed out to them. They're just used to stockpiling products(consciously or unconsciously) in their stash until it becomes a mini store.

As I was ruminating over this topic, I realised that many if not most naturals pass through the 'product junkie phase' at one point or the other. Some at the very beginning of their journey, others like me, at the middle. Somehow, you find yourself searching for that product that will keep your hair soft and manageable for a longer period.

For instance, I recently found out that my curls are 4a. Imagine the horror after claiming 4c for almost two years. Believe me when I say that single discovery changed the game for me. Before now, I wondered why my twists weren't as defined and voluminous like my 4c counterparts. I questioned a lot of things. My hair was highly porous and wasn't able to retain moisture extensively. Mind you, my hair was healthy even though I had to moisturize daily. But then, I met Natmaine at NITC12 and explained my predicament. Let's just say I had to go back to the drawing board. When I started my journey, I decided I wasn't gonna bother myself with technicalities like hair type and porosity. Right now, I'm not very such that was a good decision.

This new realization meant that that I had to change my techniques and search for 4a friendly products.

Hello, product junkism!

For a few months now, I've been trying out different products, searching for that moisturizer that will keep my hair moisturized. But instead of stocking products up, as much as my hoarding capacity can allow me, I'm giving them out.

So, back to my question.

Is the product junkism phase inevitable? Were you able to find your holy grail products without passing through that stage? Or are you like me? Let's give each other moral support.

Love, coils and curls.
eBunite  

'I went natural because my relaxed hair wouldn’t grow' Mane matters with Chelsea

Hi Naturalistas,

How are you all doing? It's only two days to Christmas. Who's excited?

Meet today's Naturalista, Chelsea 

Can you tell us who you are and what you do?

I’m Chelsea Gomez. I’m currently doing a Diploma.

What are your thoughts about natural hair?

Seeing women with their natural hair makes me indescribably happy! I love the versatility and different textures of natural hair.

What are your reasons for going natural?

I went natural because my relaxed hair wouldn’t grow, it was very thin and it was also very weak. There was absolutely nothing I could’ve done for it to just grow and be healthy! I was embarrassed so I never took pictures and now that I went natural and I recently flat ironed my hair it looked thicker and it was longer than how it was relaxed. (I sent a photo with it flat ironed looking all cray) 

When/why did you decide to go natural?

I decided to go natural last year April (2014). 

Did you do a BC or you transitioned?

I transitioned.

What was the experience like?

The experience was very… annoying. I had some good days and mostly bad ones; I could never find good hairstyles and it was hard dealing with two different textures. 

What was/is your biggest fear about going Natural?

I really didn’t have a big fear. I was actually very excited because of watching how beautiful and BIG African women hair are! I truly just love it.

Do you have a regimen you stick to? What is it like?

I deep condition weekly and that’s basically the only thing I stick with. Everything else that I do to my hair happens whenever.

What emotional struggles, if any, have you faced since going natural?

While transitioning my boyfriend would often say to me “Why don’t you just relax it back?” So it had me a little sad that he wasn’t as excited for me as I was for myself.

Do you think you are in it for the long haul or is it just a phase?

Definitely the long haul!

There are people that definitely have negative comments about you hair, how do you deal with that?

I mastered ignoring them.

What's your must have product and accessory?

My must have would be eco styling gel, cantu leave in moisturizer, Shea moisture hair mask and castor oil.

What is your go-to style?

Braid out. 

What advice do you have for anyone just going natural?

Patience my darling, Patience!

Where can we find you? Your social media platforms…

Instagram: Chels.ayee

Facebook: Chelsea Gomez and Chelsea E. Gomez 

Soon I will have a Youtube on my hair and other random stuff so to keep up with that follow me on Instagram if interested

Thank you for your time

No problem at all.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas in Advance.

Till then

Leeznijis

Heatless Ringlets on Natural Hair for Christmas!

  Happy Tuesday Ladies!In Todays video,I share with you how I achieved Ringlets on my Natural Hair using Flexi-Rods and No Heat!It is possible to set your hair without the use of heat and the results are really Good!

  Have a Wonderful Christmas Ladies and may you usher in the New Year with Style and Grace!

Diary of an Honest Naturalista: Week 133

My office party was the bomb. I can’t remember when last I danced as much as I did. My colleagues are fast becoming family to me, which is basically the reason I felt so at ease dancing like a mad girl in their presence, never mind that I am not one of the best dancers the world has to offer.

And guess who my date was?

DIMEJIIIIIIIIIIIIII.

Yes, the love of my life is back, and I am so excited. Christmas came early for me this time around.
As I had mentioned, the theme was old school. The easiest thing for me to pull off was Oleku. I did a very well-designed igbo/deeper-life style threading on my hair.

Dimeji wore old school style light aso oke agbada and kembe shorts. I have basically learnt more about our traditional way of dressing because of this party.

We looked really good together, I must say. No one knew for sure if we were dating, but then, no one asked. Yemisi is the only one who knows a bit about my personal life, but she came really late, which is not surprising to anyone. Her fiancé did not come with her. I just hope they are alright, and the guy gives a wedding date soon. Three years is a long time to be engaged.

Anyway, after having fun at the party, I went home really tired. I did not even do anything to my hair. I fell on my bed, tired and exhausted, after all threading is a protective style.

The next morning, I got up, ready to go to church. It was a shocker for me to see that my hair wasn’t ready for church. I wasn’t sure whether to take down the thread or go to church like that. I imagined the number of stares I would get, so I decided to take it down.

Surprisingly, the rubber threads came off so easily. And my hair was super-stretched!!! I was so shocked at its length. No, it wasn’t waist length or anything of that sort, but I didn’t expect it to be that long. I have never stretched my hair, so it was a first experience for me.

All I did was just pack my hair into one, and used about three bands at interval on the tail, so it was stretched all through.

By the time I got to church, people started looking at me strangely. I wondered if I mistakenly left one threaded section without knowing. It wasn’t until my friend asked me a question that I knew why.

“Anna, did you relax your hair?”

“Ehm, why would I relax my hair?” I asked.

“But you relaxed your hair, right? It is now straight.”

It was then I understood the stares. “Oh no, I just stretched it.”

“How?”

“With thread.”

“How does thread stretch hair?”

Mehn, it was going to be a long day in church.

Source

I didn’t know how I was going to answer all the questions. So I made a decision, which I implemented the next time I got the question.

“Anna, did you relax your hair?”

“Yes, I did.” I lied in an effort to reduce the number of questions.

“Really?” She looked shocked. “Why?”

Oh my gosh, it seemed nothing I said was going to stop the questions after all.

Hairstyle Lounge on African Naturalistas

Hi Ladies,

How are we all doing? We are introducing a new blog column called Hairstyle louge, which will feature every third Monday of the month. Unlike other hairstyle features, it will talk about real life experiences at salons, and how hairstyles were achieved from updo to takedown stage. We hope you are inspired by it.

Last month, I was at O'Naturals to style my hair. It was my first major visit to a salon in 5 years (with a sporadic one in between). I have been turning down offers to style my hair at salons, lol.

I had just taken down a month old braids that got rough very fast. And my scalp was in a bad conditon due to constant flying, switching between different kinds of weathers, etc.

I arrived at O'Naturals, and the first thing we did was take care of my scalp (I battle with seborrheic dermatitis from time to time). It is a very manageable scalp disorder. After washing with medicated shampoo, we used regular shampoo, deep conditioned under the steamer, and then proceeded to style. I chose a style, and this was what we came up with.

The stylist was very talented, She basically drew patterns on my head, and I wasn't even aware until a few days later when I wore the hair out.

A few days later, this is what it looked like.

My intention was to get three hair styles out of this frohawk with bantu knots. That sunday, I unravelled the knots, but the length of the hair wouldn't allow me leave it that way. So I used bobby pins to achieve a frohawk updo, but unfortunately, I was too carried away with church work to take a picture. I basically forgot to take the style 2 picture

Three days later, I twisted the middle to get frohawk with twists, and this was the result.

You could see the sides had fotten really rough, but the the new twists were distracting enough to shift attention from the weaving. In all, I wore this whole hairstyle for almost 3 weeks (18 days), and I got three styles from it.

Four days later, I was back at the O'Naturals salon again. I had started a henna treatment from my home, which I let sit on my scalp from home to the salon. We sorted my scalp out again, washed and deep conditioned under the steamer.

This time, Omozo chose the style, instead of me. And this is what she came up with

What do you think? Do you think her choice was better than mine? I actually think so (covers face). I got more compliments on this particular style. People kept asking me if I added extensions, or it is all my hair. It is all my hair. I have very sensitive scalp. I can manage box braids from time to time, even though I hardly wear extensions, but weaving my hair down like this with extensions, will send my scalp south.

The style was so complicated, and I kept giving Omozo side eye for choosing it. It was the same stylist who did the weaving for the previous style that did this. I kept shifting. It was like it would never end. She spent about 1 hour 30 minutes doing it. She had to arrange it column by column.

I carried this style for about 10 days, and then converted it to this.

I loosed the twists, and created a pompadour on top. I still have this style on, and I plan to get one more style from it before changing it up. My goal is to get a minimum of three looks from each hairstyle I do.

And that's all for Hairstyle Lounge this month. Which of all these looks was your favourite? Let's know in the comment session.

Hairstyle Lounge was brought to you by O'Naturals Salon. No money exchanged hands in making this lounge a reality. To make your hair at O'Naturals, visit the salon at 54 Ogudu road, Ogudu-Ojota Lagos or book an appointment by calling 0818-802-4444 / 0815-802-4444.

DIY LOUNGE - HAIR MAYONNAISE

   Benefits of hair mayonnaise
Increases hair density
Improves hair moisture
Stops hair breakage
Softens and makes hair glossier and silky
It makes the hair shaft stronger
Boost hair shine
Relieves dandruff
Protects the hair from harmful hair products

   Tools::::
Blender/ mixer
Mixing bowl
Spoon

Ingredients::::
Eggs.
Oils
Honey
Shea butter
Apple cider vinegar

   Steps:::::
STEP 1
: Separate the yokes from the egg white and mix

STEP 2
: Add a tbs of ACV and mix

STEP 3
: Add your oils( one at a time ) and mix

STEP4
: Add 3tbs of honey and mix

STEP 5
: Add Shea butter and mix
STEP 6
: Keep mixing till it's not so watery

NB :::: the length of your hair determines the number of eggs to used.
         

I hope you enJoy making this and I hope it leaves your hair as soft as it left mine .....






Your questions and feedbacks,
Are highly appreciated,
See you at the comment section...