7 Essential Oils For Your Natural Hair

Coconut Oil -- Great for promoting hair growth, moisturizing, thickening hair, preventing damage,                                        straightening hair and preventing dandruff.


Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) -- Oilive oil helps with moisturizing, deep conditioning, eliminating                                        dandruff, improving the strength of your hair and it helps fight hair loss.


Castor Oil --   Castor oil promotes hair growth, thickens hair, moisturizes, prevents thinning, helps                                       tame frizz, reduces split ends and can prevent scalp infections.


Avocado Oil -- Has lots of nutrients, amino acids, essential fatty acids, as well as vitamins A, B, D                                         and E. Great for deep conditioning, strengthening hair, promoting hair growth and                                         boosting sheen.


Rosemary Oil -- Great for stimulating follicles for hair growth, preventing hair loss and dandruff,                                              as well as strengthening hair and boosting sheen.


Safflower Oil -- Nourishes hair follicles, protects hair and moisturizes. Stimulates red blood cells                                            which promotes hair growth and thickness.


Almond Oil -- Locks in moisture- great as a sealant. Smooths hair cuticles to help control                                                    shedding. Nourishes hair, promotes thickness and growth, prevents hair loss and                                          gives sheen.

Coconut Oil Moisturizing Treatment: How-To

Hair Journey Essentials - Products I Use #1

These are just a few things that I have come to know and love since having started my hair journey. Good products for both natural and chemically treated hair.

At the Beach with Natural Hair-- Things You'll Need

It's important not to forget to properly care for your hair during these summer months.
Here are a few of the essential items that you'll need this summer when enjoying a hot day at the beach or pool:

• Swimmer's conditioner - Apply before swimming to prevent hair from absorbing too much water.

• UV Spray- Will protect your hair during long periods of sun exposure to your hair.

• Chlorine Removal Shampoo- Will rid your hair of damaging chlorine after your swim

• Swim Cap- To prevent your hair from being soaked with chlorine-filled water

• Floppy Hat- Protects your hair from the sun and keeps you looking FAB all at the same time.

Easy Ways To Stretch Your Hair

Banding

• Divide your detangled, wet hair into 8-10 sections
• Apply rubber bands about 1 inch apart along length of the hair
• Allow to air dry

Bunning

• Start with wet, detangled hair and apply leave-in conditioners
• Divide hair into 2 sections and brush edges with boar bristle brush
• Tie into 2, low twisted buns 
• Allow to air dry

"Double Bubble"

(Provides the best results)

• Stretch your wet hair by bunning or banding method
• Allow to air dry
• Once dry, section hair and braid 
• Leave overnight to set

Questions About Transitioning vs. Big Chop?

Transitioning

Here's the long and short of it- Transitioning is when you grow out your relaxed hair until it has reached a length where you are comfortable wearing it, then cutting off your relaxed ends.




Big Chop (or "BC")

The big chop, sometimes referred to as "BC," is when you chop off all of your relaxed hair and basically start your natural journey with you new growth, or a TWA, (teeny weeny afro).


Hope this helped those who are thinking about going natural or just had questions!

Tips for Shiny, Strong Hair

*Eat Omega-3 Rich Foods

Omega-3 fatty acids make up a small percentage of hair follicles and the body needs omega-3 fatty acids to support optimal hair growth. Sadly, our bodies cannot produce these fatty acids on their own, so it's up to you to get them on your own via a healthy diet.
Examples of foods that contain and are rich with Omega-3 are:

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Avocado
• Pumpkin
• Walnuts

*Get Plenty of B Vitamins

B vitamins are extremely important in regard to your hair's health, along with vitamin D, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. B vitamins boost the immune system and help the body produce red blood cells and have been linked to hair growth. Vitamin B6 is especially important for healthy hair, however taking a B complex vitamin is best for most people.
Examples of foods that contain B vitamins:

• Beans
• Nuts
• Whole grains

*Shampoos and Other Products

You need to use a gentle, mild and natural shampoo and conditioner to help add shine to hair. Also, adding a hot oil treatment periodically will add glossiness to over processed tresses.