Four things to do when you lose Hair Care Motivation

Lately, I've lacked motivation to care for my hair, due to general loss of zeal, tiredness, illness, and pressure from here and there. I mean I lost everything that made me Me, internally. As for my hair, I couldn't be bothered. It might as well, not have existed. I didnt care.

I can't say I have completely gotten myself back to that zeal-filled stage, but I am no longer where I was some weeks/month's ago. I have realised that almost everyone will go through this phase, where life hits so hard that hair will be the last thing on your mind. For some, the phase might last long, for some it might be short, maybe just 2 weeks. Whatever the case is for any of us, it would most definitely come.

So since the above is the case, what do we do when we lose the motivation to care for our hair

1. Know it's just a phase

Don't beat yourself up or punish yourself mentally for not moisturising every morning, or washing your hair twice a month. It will just make you feel bad, and make your situation worse. Understand that it's just a phase, and you would be back up again, regain you hair care mojo.

2. It's just hair

So what if your hair breaks and falls off due to lack of care? So what if you suffer a little setback for one month? It's not the end of the world. It is just hair... and it will grow back. As long as you don't have any scalp of hair shaft disorder (which we advise you see the trichologist at our hair clinic for), then you will be fine in the end. Treat it like what it is... hair.

3. Scarf it up

You probably already know this. The hair is most likely not presentable anyway, and you have no energy to make it look good. Cover it up with a scarf, turban, or hat, and go about your day's business. You need the little energy left for that. Remember that a bright lipstick and pair of sunshades can complement your head gear. This way, you would have a bright countenance, and people would most probably not notice that you have been hiding your hair for a while.

4. Protective styling to the rescue

Once you suspect that this phase is not easing up anytime soon, pick yourself up, go to the salon, and put your hair in a long-term protective style, such as box braids, crochet braids, etc... something that would make sure you don't have to worry about hair styling for the next couple of weeks.

I hope that with these few points, I have been able to help someone in this situation.
What of you? Have you ever lacked motivation to care for your hair? What worked for you when you were in that situation? Please leave your answers and suggestions for others in the comment section.

African Naturalistas Throwback: Is Natural Hair for everyone?

African Naturalistas started as a blog 6 years ago, with just a single writer... when natural hair was not so popular in Nigeria, and so there were definitely lots of product choices out there (whether imported on Nigerian-made... when the few naturalistas that existed were mostly limited to using DIY methods to maintain their hair.

Even though today is not thursday, I want to do a throwback to the very first post written on this blog. You can find the original post here.

There are different kinds of reasons why people go natural. I will list some of the reasons why people go natural. Religious purposes, some people do not like relaxers, following the ‘Team natural’ trend, making a fashion statement, having a healthier hair and some other reasons I don’t know of. 

Whatever your reason for going natural, be sure you are prepare to see it through as lack of knowledge can lead to hair frustration. Don’t like say ‘wow, Tina’s hair is so nice and its all natural, I am going to go natural too.’ You need to know what exactly Tina does to make her natural hair look nice and be sure you can go through the same routine before you take that big step. 

The simple truth is that African Natural Hair requires more discipline and dedication to maintain. If you hear otherwise, you should doubt it seriously. The good news is that there are always ways to surmount every challenge in life, and the natural hair challenges are not any different.

Have you ever asked yourself what our core African ancestors did in the olden days when there were no relaxers? At least, we have never heard that their combs kept breaking or that they had constant headaches. It only goes to show that there were some things they did to their hair then which some of us are not aware of.

Overtime, this blog will be of immense help to African natural hair carriers, as we will be sharing tips and helping each other out.

So to answer the question asked in this topic, the answer is Natural Hair can be for everyone, but the reality is that it will never be. This is because not everyone will have the time and patience to go through with the maintenance routine that natural hair requires. For those that have determined to go through with it, I must tell you that it is a journey well worth the effort.

So what do you think? Obviously times have changed in the past 6 years. Do you think my opinion in the last paragraph is still valid? Or has the tide turned?

Removing Two Strand Twists with Coconut Oil.

  Happy Tuesday Ladies!Today ,I would like to briefly share with you how I use Coconut Oil in the removal of Two Strand Twists I have been wearing for a week.

 

 

 

 

 

  The only tools I used were my fingers and this worked nicely to leave my hair ready for my wash routine.I have found that this method works to help me prevent breakage while I remove my Twists,the Coconut Oil helps in making the hair pliable and this makes ease for faster removal.

 

 

 

 

  Enjoy the video Ladies!







 

 

 

 

 

 



How to return Natural in 2017... in 8 Steps

Hello everyone. Happy New Year. We pray 2017 brings far better things than 2016 ever did. When it comes to hair care, what more way to start the year than making defining decisions about our hair?

And for those who have decided to just start your natural hair journey...

Here’s how to’return’ natural in 2017… 

STEP 1. 

Look at your image in the mirror.

What do you see? Ask yourself  ‘Why do I want to return Natural?   Because you want to get to know yourself? Because you’ve seen other naturalistas and realize how beautifully amazing what you have, or what you could potentially have is? Or is it the ‘IN’ thing now. Everybody’s returning natural and you no go carry last.

Why are you returning natural? You will need a solid reason, because this will be the back bone of your journey. And when push comes to shove, this will stand between you and your decision go back to creamy crack (relaxers). Why I went Natural; see my natural hair journey

STEP 2.

Research! 

At this point returning natural is somewhere on the list. Maybe not Top 5 on the New Years resolution list but it’s somewhere!

The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step! (I love this quote!!) Your first step here should be research. Take it from me, you don’t want to start in on this journey totally clueless! Chances are you most probably have been on creamy crack from the age of 6, if you were lucky age 10 and you have little to no idea how to deal with your kinks. Gourg on beautiful natural hair images on Pintrest, follow natural hair vloggers on YouTube, google about natural hair and read natural hair blogs. This is also a good time to get a small book to document your findings.

STEP 3.

Know that black hair is different 

    

Yes your hair is SPECIAL! We like to say MAGIC! I mean it makes history all the time!

It has been proved scientifically that black hair has specific structural features that make it differ from other hair types. These differences are responsible for excess breakage, splitting of the hair shaft, knotting (SSK’s), shrinkage and all the other magical stuff that come with being natural. 

It is also known to have fewer cuticle layers than any other hair type. So NO it won’t blow gloriously in the wind (until many years), you can’t run your fingers through it every other minute, and it certainly don’t wake up looking bed-head fab. You will learn to love it for what it is.

STEP 4.

Reality Check! NATURAL HAIR IS NOT FOR LAZY PEOPLE!

If you followed the steps above, by now you may (or may not) have realized the effort other Naturalistas go through to get moist healthy-looking fros.

Its point-blank simple! Natural Hair is not for lazy people! It will cost time and effort to learn to understand your hair, the way it behaves, products its responds to, how to style etc. You will spend a fair amount of time watering your coils to keep it strong and fight breakage. I like to liken growing natural hair as to growing a plant. You have to water, protect, trim, cultivate it before it blooms.

When people refer to ‘LAZY NATURALS’ it’s about being laid back when it comes only to styling. All the other ground work of washing, conditioning and moisturizing is ALWAYS done. And that’s ok! You will find that the more you leave your hair alone, the faster it will grow.

STEP 5.

Know that Natural Hair does not have to be Expensive. 

Truth be told the only expense you will really need to invest in once you gain an understanding of who you are and how your hair works is Time. Using fancy products and styling tools are for the ones who want and can afford to. The term Natural will start to apply in every sense once you begin your journey and you will notice more life changing decisions in your lifestyle. You can be natural with just African Black soap, Shea butter and braids every other month as the next naturalista with the entire range of Caro’s Daughter and stocks of styling tools. It just a matter of choice really!

STEP 6.

BIG CHOP OR TRANSISTION?

 CUT IT, CUT IT, CUT IT, CUT IT. Just do it.

Even if it feels like the end of the world, remember there are worse things in life than cutting your hair. No one can explain to you in words the feeling of triumph, bravery and confidence that comes with shaving your hair off. Because at that moment, it will just be about you and you alone. And this only the tip of the iceberg of the wonderful burst of emotions you will experience on your journey. This feeling my not come immediately and perhaps not even in the next few months following your big chop. Till now I have not heard of a anyone who did the BC and have regretted their decision.

Most people who transitioned will tell you one thing, its haaaarrrrrdddddd bruh. Except you intend to forever keep your hair in braids or any protective style you love until your coils grow to a length you are comfortable with seeing, you will need to prepare even more for the work of caring for multiple texture of your head. Another thing with transitioning is that you will spend more time in general getting to understand your kinks than you would if you BC and baby step from day one. And seriously,who would want to miss Teeny Weeny Afro(TWA) stage????

STEP 7.

Budget your 5 years 

You’ve done the big Chop! Subscribed to Natural Hair Channels on YouTube, followed all the amazing natural hair blogs and naturalistas for hairspiration and you stay dreaming every day about your bra-strap length of glorious kinks that will belong to you.

Before frustration comes knocking on your door, let me quickly tell you to budget at least 5 years of growing time to achieve that . From what I’ve seen from long haired naturalistas, it takes about 4 to 5 years to get that big hair shoulder length after shrinkage kinda look. And from experience it takes about 2 years to even begin to understand the phenomenon that is our hair.

Everything is personalised in this game! What works for others may not work for you. Chances are you will do another big chop within your first 1-2 year on your journey. Sounds far-fetched? Just ask the nearest Naturalista. So you should actually be budgeting 7 years for that jaw dropping length most of dream of. LOL, it’s not that serious though. But for the first 2-3 years, try to focus more on the overall health of your strands and less on length.

STEP 8.

Document your Journey 

Once you establish in the corner of your mind that a huge afro won’t just grow on your scalp overnight, and that you will need to work for it, you know to relax and enjoy the journey. It’s not just a thing that we say. It really is a Journey, one of self-discovery. We have to learn things our mothers never knew and taught us.  Keep a hair journal, start a blog, take length check photos. DO whatever it takes to keep your head and hair in the game, forming the habits of caring for your hair, finding out things that work and don’t. There is nothing more motivating than proof of progress!

Returning Natural is so much more than hair. To me it’s the one of the most self-empowering decision a black woman could make. I mean dealing with everything that comes with being woman, and then having our type of hair?? Talk about Super-Women!

I hope these steps help to guide you on your decision to returning natural. For more insight on natural hair Download my free e-book NappyHair by Ese|Guide to Beautiful Healthy Hair and to subscribe to NappyeseTv on YouTube for more Natural Hair care tips!

These post may also help:

Top 10 Tools and Things for Nappy Hair After the Big Chop!

Ingredients to avoid in your Natural Hair Products

 All the best for the New Year♥ and see you on the other side!!

Love&Nappiness

Ese

How to Finger Comb Your Natural Hair

In this video, I show you how to Finger Comb your Natural Hair. This is different from Finger Detangling.
When you finger comb, you are styling the hair, whereas, when you finger detangle, you are detangling the hair to wash your natural hair. Finger combing natural hair helps to retain length which shows how to grow your natural hair. It reduces breakage on the hair and also split ends caused by using a tool .

HOW TO FINGER COMB NATURAL HAIR:
Step 1: Make sure that hair is sectioned into workable parts
Step 2: Moisturize your hair using the LOC method or the LCO method. Try not to saturate the hair with too much water. Doing so will cause shrinkage and further knots and tangles.
Step 3: Working from the ends of your hair to the roots of your hair, use your fingers like a comb and comb through.
Step 4: Shape your afro to the size you want

 

How To Speed up Hair Growth

Hi Naturalistas

Here are some tips that can help you grow your hair faster;

source

1. Eat more protein: Since our hair is made of protein, you should make sure you are getting plenty of it in your diet. This helps strengthen your hair and improve growth. Eggs, meat and fish are good sources of protein.
2. Get enough Vitamins: Vitamins are essential when you want a healthy hair. Eat lots of fruits like oranges, paw paw, pineapple e.t.c especially those foods that contain vitamin C, iron and zinc such as vegetables.
3. Reduce heat: Try as much as possible to avoid heat damage. Heat causes damage to your hair when exposed to it regularly. Stick to stretching your hair with threading when you need a stretched look. Also try protective styles so you don’t get tempted to apply heat on your hair.
4. Trim your hair: Trimming is very important when trying to grow your hair. Get a trim every 3-6months so as to get rid of split ends that might be hindering growth.
5. Exercise: Try and workout as often as possible. It helps reduce stress. Also get enough rest and sleep.
6. Drink a lot of water too

I hope you all find these tips helpful.

Don’t forget to leave a comment.

Till then

Leeznijis

Must-Haves for travelling Naturalistas

Hello Naturalistas, How are you all doing? Kinks and all? In our part of the world, we save our trips for the holiday season. If you are a naturalista preparing for a trip here are essentials you must have.

Source

Travel sized Products; You can get inexpensive leak proof bottles to fill your staples with, so you can have your hair as fly as it can be. There are also some products that come in travel size, you can just research if your favourite products does.

Source

Bobby Pins; Every naturalista knows that you need Bobby pins but most importantly when you travel it's an essential. You don't want to be caught worrying about your hair too much and your hair can go from drab to fab with just a few pins.

Mini Spray Bottle; You'd need a mini spray bottle with your regular mix for the quick and easy application when needed. The fact that you have some of your staples in the product container helps with mixing.

Source

Head bands

Source

Scarfs; scarfs or any head wrap is also an essential. They can be used as a stylish headband or full on head wraps when a quick fix is needed. It can also be used to retain moisture and protect your hair depending on the weather of where you are.

Styling tools; Whatever you use for styling will also come in handy. But it is important that it is in a travel size so as to fit into your suitcase. 

Are you planning a trip soon? What are your travel must-haves? 

Why You Should NOT Trim Your Hair?!

Hey there!

We have all heard advice over the years about how trimming your hair (natural, relaxed, texlaxed, no-laxed, all-laxed) is important in your hair care regimen. The reason why we are told to get our hair trimmed is usually because of split ends. The hair on our ends are the oldest on our head and have been more exposed to the elements - weather, friction from clothes, hand-in-hair syndrome, etc. This also means that our ends are more vulnerable to damage like tangles, knots and split-ends. When your hair splits at the ends, it is very likely for the split to keep growing upwards, towards our roots. This is one of the main reasons why we are advised to get our natural hair trimmed at regular intervals, or when you notice you need a trim.

However, I saw this video last night on Youtube where the vlogger has a new theory about trimming your hair. She advises NOT to trim more than maybe once a year. Her reasoning is this: your ends are the oldest part of your hair and if you cut them off, you expose your healthier hair to friction, tangles, knots, etc. In her opinion, she would rather not have the healthier parts of her hair deal with those elements.


What do you think? Do you agree with her? I think that while everyone's hair is different, there are one or two things that apply to most people's hair. I know I need to trim maybe two or three times a year - maybe even more, if I'm being totally honest. How often do you trim your natural hair?

Berry Dakara.

To read more from me, visit my personal blog here.

How Hand in Hair Syndrome might be killing your hair

The inner surface of your fingers are not exactly smooth. In fact, the print lines in them make them more dangerous to our hair than the cotton pillowcases and other cotton surfaces we stay away from. It's already bad enough that we have to use our fingers to rub the surfaces of our hair all length long when we are doing styles like weaving and flat twists. But at least our fingers are most likely a bit oiled by then, but it's worse when we indulge in playing with our dry hair with equally dry fingers every single moment we can get our hands free.

Here are a few ways hand in hair syndrome will kick our hair growth

1. Hair breakage
This is not rocket science. Our hair strands are not as strong as we think they are. They mouth be coarse but they are potential breakage points at each twist and bend. Playing with your hair regularly will only make these breakage points give away faster

2. No edges
Playing with you ends closer to your scalp will put your edges under so much stress. Many people have thinner hair at their edges than in the middle of their hair. Playing with your edges can cause your edges to be practically non existent.

3. Traction alopecia
No edges without you realizing why you have no edges might mean you continue fiddling with the hair left. So as this continues to happen, you hair begins to feel the tension on it, causing it to recede further and further, thereby leading to traction alopecia.

4. Stunted growth
Breakage at the ends+no edges+traction alopecia = stunted growth. Stunted growth here doesn't mean your hair won't grow.  It would grow but the ends will equally break off at the same rate at which is growing. A more appropriate term for this is zero length retention

5. Hair thinning and weak/damaged ends
One reason ends might be weaker than the root is because they have undergone too much rubbing and manipulation from your fingers. The continual friction on the hair cuticles (the outer layer of the hair strands) can damage it and make it non existent, leaving your ends weak, exposed and damaged

6. Other mild or serious scalp conditions
Continually playing with your hair might cause you to introduce foreign bodies into your scalp. If the scalp surface has been previously broken, a foreign body like germs, dust, allergens, etc might lead to some irritating conditions on the scalp making you feel itch and discomfort for a period of time, something you might not get away with until you see a trichologist

I hope with these points of mine, I have been able to convince you and not confuse you that hand in hair syndrome will slowly kill you your hair.

So get those fingers off

2 reasons I am changing my Natural hair Regimen

Hello Naturalistas,

How are you all? Kinks and all?

When I started my Natural Hair Journey, all I knew was shampoo and conditioning and that is all I did to my hair. I started researching and reading alot I discovered co-washing. My natural hair regimen revolved around this.

Fast forward a year and plenty internet rounds later, I started doing the deep condition. When I started doing the deep condition, it was a very messy process but after the results I got, the decision was made and this was incorporated into my regimen. I have not changed it since then, all I do is Deep condition, shampoo and condition, Tea rinse (Sometimes) in that order.
I don't know where I got the idea that it was to be in that order but I must have read it somewhere and frankly it's been working just fine for my hair, until recently.

My hair just seems different and drier after I condition it. So, I am changing my regimen and here are 2 reasons why;

There is no hard and and fast rule; I obviously know this but for some funny reason I have just sat in my comfort zone for this regimen as a 'rule' for my hair. The feeling I got from my hair was a wake up call that I could actually change whatever doesn't work for my hair anymore.

I need to do what works for my hair per-time; The key word here being per-time. I also need to understand that it is what works for my hair and not just anything I read off the internet. I should be willing to try, stick with what works and shuffle it all around per-time.

I am still in the process of "trying again"and will let you know how it goes.

Have you ever gotten to a point where it seemed like your regimen needed to change? What changes did you make? Let's know your experience. 

4 things to avoid when protective styling

Hello Naturalistas, 

How are you all doing? Kinks and all? After what seemed like forever, I did a protective style. I have been careful during this 'break' to also take care of my hair. Here are my tips of what to avoid when protective styling in order to keep your natural hair protected.

Avoid styles that pull your edges too tight; ...or just speak up. I did crochet braids and one of the first instructions I gave the stylist is NOT to pull my edges. Thankfully, the style doesn't require I have my edges on fleek, so I just cover it up with the part. You want to make sure that while you're protecting your hair (which is the essence of a protective style) you are not causing further damage. There is no "lay your edges" police.

Avoid totally ignoring your hair; Remember, your natural hair is not 'forgotten' its underneath and you're still going to deal with it when you take out the style. The first week I did the style, I was so happy and relieved that I didn't have to bother with my 'stressful' hair for a while, I was called back to reality when it started itching. Don't ignore your hair. Moisturise!

Avoid keeping it for too long; I've had this protective style for 2 weeks+ already looking at the calendar that it's time will soon be up and I am sad. It is so good, I am tempted to want to keep it for longer but of course I know that it's not very healthy for my natural hair.

Avoid taking down the hairstyle improperly; Don't be so much in a hurry to 'get it out' that you damage your hair. Handle the process with alot more care by finger detangling as you go along, this will help to reduce hair loss.

These are my tips, What are things you think that should be avoided when protective styling? How long do you keep a protective style?

Different Ways to Stretch Natural Hair

I recently took down my Grey Crochet Braids, and while washing my hair, I spent too long being distracted by Youtube and Empire (have you seen the latest episode?!?!?!?!). By the time I washed it, the time was pretty late so I wanted the quickest, easiest way to stretch my natural hair in time for bed. I parted my hair into 4 and tried different methods on each one.

On one section, I had a twisted bun.

On another section, I braided the hair and twisted it around the base of the braid.

On another section was a sort of bantu knot.

On the last part, I used a two-strand twist which I tied around the base.

All methods were secured with hair bands.

 After unraveling, I discovered that there was no clear difference, honestly. That might have been because the hair was still damp from the night before though.

For now, I'd just say that all methods stretched the hair the same way.

You can check out the video I made below.

What's your preferred method of stretching your natural hair? Share in the comments.
Berry Dakara.

P.S. We're about to hit 5000 subscribers on Instagram!!! If you're not following us already, do it NOW!

3 ways to retain your hair length

Hi Naturalistas, How are you all doing? I know there are some Naturalistas here that would love to be featured on the blog, so why don't you send a mail to manematters@africanaturalistas.com.I would be glad.

So here are three ways one can retain length:

1. You must have a easy hair care routine: Your regimen should not be complicated. Don't get carried away by buying so many products just because someone used them and saw results. Keep your regimen simple and don't get your hair confused. Lol

2. Do protective styles : This is just the perfect way to keep your hair hidden especially your ends which is more fragile. It is the most important when it comes to retaining length and getting healthy hair altogether but it takes practice. Find ways to leave ur hair alone. You can make braids, weaves, wear wigs or just tuck your ends in. Most of all it should be a low maintenance style

3. Moisturise: You should moisturise often if not daily with a water based product or just water and you seal with oil or shea butter. If your hair is dry, it would break. At the end, you don't retain length. So try as much as possible to keep your hair moisturised at all time.


Enjoy the rest of the week

Leeznijis

Signs your natural hair is healthy

Hello Naturalistas, 

How has your week been? Kinks and all? Last week, we looked at signs to know when to trim your hair. Today, lets look at when you know your hair is healthy!! 

Do we really know when our hair is healthy? I think by now we know that healthy hair has nothing to do with length!

One of the ways to know is

• Shrinkage, We are regularly not very excited when we can't flaunt our hair length but we need to recognise the value of the shrink because it means your hair is been getting moisturised. Do ensure you are sealing in your moisture!

• Minimal breakage
• Soft to the touch
• Retains Moisture
• Shedding; Do not raise an alarm when your hair sheds, it is a normal part of the growth cycle. When it becomes excessive then you should raise the alarm. You shed an average of 100 strands a day, it's totally normal! 

What do you think? Do you have heathy hair? How do you know?

How to Prevent Split Ends on Natural Hair

Earlier this week, Tomi posted some signs that your natural hair needs to be trimmed. One of those signs were split ends, and they're the main reason why I opted to trim my hair at the beginning of the year. Split ends can be a major reason for NOT retaining any growth in your hair length, so they're definitely something to avoid. Below are some helpful tips to prevent split ends.

Moisturize and Condition hair regularly. One of the main reasons our hair splits is because it's too dry. Ensure that your moisturizing and conditioning games are on point. Also make sure that you seal your ends with an oil or butter.

Protective Styling. I'm talking about keeping your ends tucked in, away from the weather and from rubbing against your clothes.

Wrapping it up. Either using a bonnet, scarf or a satin pillow, reduces the amount of friction that can cause split ends.

Trimming regularly. Getting your ends trimmed or dusted regularly will keep your hair healthier and minimize the amount of split ends you get.

Minimal heat. Heat can cause damage if not done properly. Always use a heat protectant and don't put too high heat or too much heat regularly.

Breast milk. Using breast milk on your hair once a week will ensure that you NEVER get split ends. Scientific studies have shown that it is fool-proof! Even on April Fool's Day! :p

Berry Dakara.

4 Reasons you should NOT grow your Natural Hair

I have encountered a good number of people that have been attracted to me because of my hair. They are of different categories, the "Oh! you are trying o, I don't think I can manage my natural hair" category, the "I have not relaxed my hair in like 2 months, shebi I am natural too?" or is it the "I have not relaxed in a while but I cannot carry it like that o" and the list is endless. I am sure you as a naturalista have encountered such. The new ones I am meeting now is "I am tired of the hair, I don't know what to do with it. I am going to relax it"

I overheard a lady ranting about her hair and all she was bothered about was length, she kept on and on about how her hair still looks as it was exactly a year ago and how it would be longer if she relaxed her hair. I was like

 Now, I don't know why she decided to go natural in the first place but it's evident that it was for the wrong reasons and I am so over people saying "It's hard", "I don't know what style", "My hair is not growing" etc. I acknowledge that maintaining your natural hair can come with it's own set of challenges and that goes with every other decision we make in life. Get over it!

Here are my 4 reasons why you should not grow your natural hair.

1. It's the new trend; If this is the reason why you want to grow out your natural hair, then trust me you should just go with the next hairstyle. You will be relaxing your hair in another month and if you are resilient 6 months.

2. Your hair will be more manageable; err....Sorry Sister! You'd need more patience with your Natural Hair and if you don't have that, you'd end up frustrated in a very short time.

3. Length; Natural Hair can be very deceptive and it shrinks. If you don't have the knowledge and you are looking for loonngg hair to flaunt... I don't think you should grow your natural hair because after one year and it "appears" that your hair length has not changed, in comes the frustration.

4. You are not willing to do the work; Maintaining natural hair is not exactly a walk in the park, except you have your regimen on a lock down, there is constant trying out products to see what works for your hair and the routines you have to do. *Phew* If you think it will be easy, you'd end up with probably more unhealthy hair than when your hair was relaxed.

In that light, I think the only reason you should want to grow your Natural Hair is because you want healthy(ier) hair. While this can be very broad, it is important to count the cost of whatever decision that is being made, which involves doing the research required. It is not just about ''Stop using relaxer" on your hair. It's about taking good care of the hair and giving the hair the opportunity to flourish and when you do have the proper knowledge, you won't be bothered if after on year your hair "looks" the same as long as your hair is healthy!

What other reason do you think people shouldn't go Natural for?

How to Reduce Shedding in Natural Hair

By DiscoveringNatural

It is said that we shed about 50 - 100 strands a day. There are different types of shedding: normal shedding, shedding due to medication, shedding due to stress, and seasonal shedding. Some people shed more than others due to different reasons.

Here are 4 ways you can reduce shedding:

Black Tea Rinse
According to the American Hair Loss Association, the hair loss is caused by a hormone called  Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It shrinks hair follicles causing healthy hair to have difficulty surviving. Black Tea contains caffeine which has the ability to counteract the effects of DHT.



Garlic
Excessive shedding is known as telogen effluvium. Garlic contains allicin, a sulfur compound that is released in garlic and onion when crushed. Application and consumption of this helps stimulate blood flow which helps reduce shedding.


Rice Water Rinse
Rice water contains amino acids that strengths hair. It also contains inositol that is a carbohydrate that helps repair damaged hair and promote healthier hair.



Protein Treatment
We all know the benefits of protein. It strengthens and repairs hair. When hair is strengthen it has less chance to shed prematurely.



All suggested reasons have been tried and are still practiced by my girls and myself. Feel free to be adventurous and try this method. Remember consistency is key in getting results:





 

If you like this blog post written by Sola of DiscoveringNatural, you can find her on her Youtube channel, DiscoveringNatural,  for more natural hair tips. Click here to visit her channel.

Straightening and Trimming my Natural Hair

Last week when I posted about my 2016 Natural Hair goals aka hairsolutions, I mentioned that I was due for a trim and would be going to the salon. I promised to share photos of the process here, so relax and take a look see.

I got to KL's Naturals just in time for my scheduled appointment, and it being a Saturday, the salon was very full. After waiting for a little bit, I got in the chair ready for the process. I told Kemi (remember the post that showed some of the styles she's done at her salon?) that I definitely wanted to trim and have straight hair at the end of the day. She recommended a light protein deep conditioner, then blow-drying, trimming and finally flat-ironing.

I came in my crochet wig (learn how to make one here) - that people still thought was my real hair by the way.

I don't blame them for thinking it was real.

Seriously, look at it!

After I took out the wig, Kemi pre-poo'd my hair with a Spray bottle mix of African Naturalistas Moisturizing and Detangling Conditioner and water.

Then she combed my hair out to detangle it. Afterwards, she washed the hair, before putting the Light Protein and DC mix into it. I was put under a steamer for maybe 15/20 minutes - this lifts the hair cuticles so that the hair absorbs the mix. After steaming, she washed/rinsed my hair again.

Then Kemi blowdried my hair on a cool/lukewarm setting.

Do you see my ends? I had LOTS and LOTS of split ends and tangles. I was definitely in need of a trim. Going forward, I will get my hair trimmed 3 to 4 times a year as need be.

Kemi trimmed off between 2 to 3 or 4 inches - she said it was that bad. But I'm happy because I'd rather have healthier hair than long scraggly hair. The final step was flat-ironing and these are the results.

Look how nice and shiny!!!

All I know is I'm going to maximize having straight hair as long as I can - I've been avoiding water like the plague! Perhaps next week I'll share some styles I've been doing and what I've learned about moisturizing straight/stretched natural hair.

Have a happy weekend!
Berry Dakara.