Archive for May 2011
Lavendar Hot Oil
Posted on: May 29, 2011
Lavender hot oil treatment
Ingredients
1/2 cup organic soybean oil or organic sunflower oil
5 drops oil of rosemary
10 drops oil of lavender
Directions
Mix all ingredients well. Warm slightly and apply the mixture to damp hair. Wrap hair in plastic wrap and apply a hot towel for 20 minutes. Shampoo
Cranberry Seed
Posted on: May 27, 2011
Cranberry Seed Oil
Botanical Name: Vaccinium macrocarpon
Aroma: Fruity. Slightly bitter, but pleasant.
Texture: Medium
Color: Golden yellow.
Shelf Life: 2 Years
Notes: Cranberry seed oil is said to offer a balanced blend of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids (omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids) not available in other natural vegetable oils. The oil is also rich in Vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols) and Vitamin A. These vitamins help to nourish the skin, can help reduce the signs of aging, and may help with eczema, psoriasis and scarring.
Most vegetable oils that are high in essential fatty acids have a short shelf life. Cranberry Seed Oil, however, is rich in Vitamin E, a natural anti-oxidant. Vitamin E is both beneficial to the skin and helps to extend the shelf life of the oil.
Allspice
Posted on: May 25, 2011
Allspice Essential Oil
Properties: Anaesthetic, analgesic, anti oxidant, anti septic, carminative, relaxant, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic.
Health Benefits: Induce numbness, pain relief, relaxes body & mind, brings redness in skin, stimulates functions
Crochet braids
Posted on: May 21, 2011
- In: Braids | Style Guide
- 1 Comment
Crochet braids
Crochet braids are a type of hairstyle option typically used by black women. As the name suggests, a crochet needle is used to weave packaged hair into natural hair that has been French braided or braided into corn rows. These types of braids are a favorite for many women because of the fact that they are a low-cost, low-maintenance way to easily change hair styles. These braids also are easy on the scalp, creating a quick, pain-free hairstyle that can allow for an easy get-up-and-go routine in the mornings.
In order to create these braids, one must know how to use a crochet needle and how to style several different types of braids. Some popular braid styles include twist braids, French braids and cornrow braids. Crochet braids typically are woven into, or crocheted into, hair that has been braided into one of these styles. Oftentimes, women gather in groups to style each other’s hair into these complicated braided styles because it often is easier to braid someone else’s hair than braiding one’s own. The braids also are commonly style in styling salons, which may be the easiest option but may cost a bit more.
There are two main effects women commonly use crochet braids to achieve. They often are used to add a splash of color to natural hair. The crochet braids can even be woven in to cover natural hair, leaving one complete braided hairstyle in the color of the purchased crochet braids. Crochet braids may also be used to create longer hair styles. Very long braids can be woven in and then cut to the desired length.
Crochet braids are a popular choice not only because they can help create a quick, fashionable hairstyle, but also because they’re a low-cost and low-maintenance way to change a hairstyle. Once the braids are woven in, daily hair-care requirements are typically greatly reduced. These types of braids also don’t cost a lot of money compared to many other extension options. These types of braids don’t require hair glue, caps or any of the other things that extensions sometimes require. The result is that this hair style is very easy on your scalp. People who have a sensitive scalp or who want to give their scalp a rest from more intense hairstyles may use these braids for awhile because of that reason.
How To Crochet Hair
NOTE: It is very hard to understand without a visual so here is a youtube video who helped me understand this style. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fiLWQ_IFuE
1. Begin your style by separating your hair into small equal sections on your head, parting the hair from front to back. Begin creating small french braids in each section by picking up a one inch section from your separated row to braid, and then adding more hair from the row with each knot of your braid. Cornrow braid the entire head of hair from the forehead to the nape of the neck. Secure each row with a rubber band. This lays the plan for all desired styles.
2. Slide the hook end of the crochet needle under the first braid of the cornrow on the left side of the head with the hook pointing upwards.
3. Fold a small section of your packaged hair in half, holding it to leave a loop at the end.
4. Place the folded end of the hair around the hook of the crochet needle and pull the hair under the cornrow.
5. Using your fingers, pull the two loose ends of the packaged hair through the loop and tighten. The strand should lay over the top of the row, covering the natural braided hair.
6. Continue crocheting the hair down the cornrow leaving only small spaces between the rows until the entire head is covered.
7. Cut your hair to the desired style. Layered looks and Bob styles are popular with crochet braids along with long flowing one-length looks. Remove the added locks by simply cutting the packaged hair at the crocheted loop
Thermal Styling
Posted on: May 18, 2011
Thermal Styling
While we opt to style our natural tress with flat irons, blow dryers, and curling irons, we take the risk of really damaging our hair. Thermal damage is real and it can happen over a period of time or it can happen after one too-hot iron session. Whether or not you’re transitioning, want a change from your usual natural or you wear straight hair 24/7, your hair can be irreparably damaged by heat.
Signs that your heat tool is too hot:
• Touching it to a white paper towel turns the towel brown
• Smoking and sizzling as you run it over your hair
• The smell of scorched hair permeates the room
The problem is that heat styling isn’t exactly safe, if done improperly it can cause some pretty serious damage. However, if you’re willing to read on you’ll find ways to protect your hair from heat styling. Now you can have the hair you want and you won’t have to pay for it in split ends!
Every time that you style your hair you damage it. Even brushing damages your hair. To protect your hair from styling damage you need to start by fortifying your hair with the right shampoo and conditioners. High quality salons offer a great line of shampoos and conditioners that you can use to improve the strength and condition of your hair. You can also take a multi-vitamin that is designed to provide your body with the nutrition that it needs to grow strong healthy hair.
Blow drying is bad
Blow drying causes a “flash drying” effect that not only removes the surface moisture but also removes water that is bound to the hair, which is called water of hydration. The effect of this flash drying is that the cuticles become dried, rigid and brittle. When the hair flexes, the pressure causes the cuticles to crack. One study (see Reference 1 below) showed cracks occurring not only on the surface layer of cuticles, but actually two and three cuticle layers deep. Combing hair with this degree of cuticle cracking causes significant breakage.
Your hair needs moisture
Pamper your hairs with moisturizer, just like you treat the rest of your body. to your surprise even oily hairs needs moisture but in a balanced way. Give your hairs a hot oil treatment at home once a week or at least once a month will keep your hair glossy and prevent dry, split ends, do not forget to use a good conditioner on regular basis according to your skin type and requirement.
Go to a professional. For an occasion as important as a destination wedding, honeymoon, or major vacation, make an appointment with a hair professional. If you regularly manage color and styling on your own, a professional can correct mistakes, bring you up to speed on a current, flattering style for your face, and suggest the right treatment products.
Water Runs Dry,Towel drying can tear your hair
Remember, it`s not just the shampooing itself that`s bad for you hair. It`s what you do after you get out of the shower. Towel drying roughs up the cuticle. Blot your hair dry instead of scrubbing it dry. Or use one of those special super-absorbent towels.
Avoiding heat and sun
Blow dryers and styling appliances can always damage your hairs so try and make it possible to use a natural way for hair drying. get your hair styling done in a professional manner to minimize the styling experiment you often do with your hairs. and don’t forget to keep your hairs covered whenever you are out in sun.
But for complete protection, investing in a heat protection product is necessary – particularly for chemically treated hair, which is already damaged and easily susceptible to further damage. In general, such products work by coating the strands of your hair with a protective film, so the heat of your blow dryer or other heating implements won’t burn or dry out the hair shaft.
Do your hair a big favor and steer clear of too-hot tools. Occasional use is fine and moderate heat is usually okay, but it’s important to use your common sense in order to preserve your precious tresses.
New Idea
Posted on: May 16, 2011
Yeah I know… I was supposed to leave my weave up till June but I just couldn’t. That hair was a hot nasty funky mess. It matted all up in the back to the point where I had to take scissors to it. So gross. So I took that down and sat there like, what the heck am I going to do now? I started watching youtube videos and came across this lady who whips her shea butter with water. To myself, I am like why the heck would you do that? She said that shea butter doesn’t penetrate the hair, it just sits on top of the hair. Which I believe it true. Every time I used shea butter and would wet it, I would have this greasy white film on my hair. She whips it with water so that it can penetrate the shaft which in turn, leaves her hair moisturized. I decided to whip my shea butter with aloe vera juice and water. Then I decided why not add some other oils to it so that I can just have one product to use instead of four or five. I used a few drops of each oil:
Tea Tree Oil (anti-itch)
Lavender Oil (growth)
Rose Oil (smell)
Olive Oil (just because)
I melted the shea a bit in the microwave and then mixed all the oils together and blended with my hand blender in a glass bowl. I slowly added my water (distilled) and aloe vera juice. I scrapped the butter into an old plastic container and set it in the fridge for about an hour. Then I remembered that I wanted to make my own leave-in conditioner. Since shea butter is a sealant, I figured I needed a product to seal in. I mixed equal parts of distilled water, glycerin, and aloe vera juice in a spray bottle. I use to do this mixture with tea tree oil for a braid spray. Shook it up and I was done. I used Herbal Essence conditioner and my tangle teezer to detangle my hair. Then I washed it with my black soap recipe twice. Conditioned with Design Essentials Moisture Retention conditioner and rinsed. I sprayed my leave-in mixture all over my hair then proceeded to plat my hair in what I like to call “Ms. Celiey Braids” all over using a small amount of Eco Styler Gel and my shea butter mixture. The results were beautiful and hopefully if I find my camera I can show you! lol..
Frizz Control
Posted on: May 15, 2011
Frizz Control
Ingredients
1/2 cup good organic hair conditioner
1/4 cup pure honey
1 tablespoon organic almond oil
Directions
Mix all ingredients, blending well. Spray hair with water mister to dampen it. Work mixture through hair thoroughly. Leave on for 20 minutes. Shampoo
10 Hair Care Tips for Summer
Posted on: May 13, 2011
The best things about summer are the fun times – relaxing in the sun, swimming in the ocean or in a pool. This article examines hair care tips to prevent sun damage.
Hair, especially colored or chemically treated hair, needs a lot of protection to avoid looking limp, frizzy and lifeless.
Hair Care Tips for Summer
Sun, water and the ocean can cause a lot of damage, especially to dyed hair. Take a look at the following tips to look after hair.
Swimming in a chlorinated pool or the ocean: Chlorine is very harsh on hair and can make it look dull and frizzy. Sea salt has a similar effect and can make dyed hair even worse because dyes and colorants make hair more porous than natural hair. Make sure to use a protein rich conditioner or hair treatment and apply it before swimming. A treatment such as a hair mask will give more protection. Rinse hair immediately after swimming, as more damage can be caused the longer chlorine and sea salt are left in the hair.
Avoid blow drying: Allow hair to dry naturally, in the warm summer months at least. Blow drying can damage hair and make it brittle.
Hair styling: Use a wide toothed comb and don’t brush wet hair as it is more likely to break. Curling tongs and straightening irons can cause damage, so give hair a break every now and again – go natural! If this seems impossible, put hair in a bun or tie a headscarf around the head – even if its just around the house, hair will benefit from the break.
Fine hair that looks flat and limp: A volumizing shampoo and conditioner is a good solution. Diet affects hair, so in summer especially, be sure to eat plenty of raw, natural foods to give hair the boost it needs.
Split ends: Use a good quality serum or cream and have the hair trimmed regularly to avoid splitting and keep hair looking good.
Avoid tight ponytails: This causes tension on the hairline and pulling the hair in this way can cause hair to break, headaches and even hair loss. Tie hair in a looser ponytail and avoid rubber bands or poor quality pony tail bands.
Look for natural hair care products: Hair that is regularly washed and conditioned with shampoos and conditioners that contain harmful chemicals, such as SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) can become damaged over time and this can even cause hair loss. Be sure to choose organic, natural products and read labels carefully and get educated on what actually goes into regular shampoo.
Home made hair mask: Give hair the ultimate treatment at home – this can be very effective and non-expensive. Try an olive oil or coconut oil mask – simply rub oil into the hair and scalp, cover and allow to soak in for a few hours before washing off with a natural shampoo.
Green hair after swimming: Chlorine has this effect on blondes, usually after swimming a lot. Try a rich, natural, leave-in conditioner or treatment and/or visit a salon for a professional analysis.
Protection before going on vacation: Start the season with a visit to a stylist for a great cut and treatment to make sure hair is in good condition before going away. Ask the stylist for tips on maintenance to keep hair looking fabulous while away.
Preventing damage to the hair and caring for hair is not difficult. Thinking ahead is the key factor to good looking hair during the hot summer months.
Detangle
Posted on: May 11, 2011
How to detangle afro textured hair
Natural African American hair is one of the most fragile types of hair there is. A misconception is that because of its coils, and kinks, it is not as susceptible to breakage. This is untrue, with natural hair you need to be very cautious when detangling. Because of its coil shapes, natural oils don’t always make it down the entire hair shaft, which means less nutrients, more breakage, and weak hair. Unintentional breakage can be avoided by properly detangling your hair.
NOTE: The best combs to use for combing out your hair in the shower are the Jilbere shower comb, K Cutter comb, wide tooth bone combs, or any seamless wide tooth comb.
1. Shampoo your hair
2. DO NOT pile hair on top of your head while shampooing. This will only cause MORE tangles and breakage
3. Next, add conditioner to your hair just as you normally would and make sure that your hair is COMPLETELY saturated with conditioner. While the conditioner is in your hair, take a wide tooth/shower comb and part your hair into four or more braided/twisted sections.
4. Leave one of the sections unbraided, take your wide tooth/shower comb and comb hair from ends to roots. DO NOT COMB FROM ROOTS TO TIPS!!! That will result in MAJOR breakage!! If you come across a really nasty tangle, the best thing to try to do is to try to untangle it with your fingers. That will prevent breakage. You can split each section into subsections for better management.
5. Repeat step 3 on all sections by unbraiding and combing from ends to roots. If your hair starts to dry [which it might, depending on how long you take] you can re-wet it.
6. Once all sections are detangled, feel free to unbraid the sections(if you want to) and rinse out the conditioner.
Riboflavin
Posted on: May 5, 2011
Riboflavin
Riboflavin, which is commonly known on the market as Vitamin B2, is a helpful vitamin to supplement with for hair growth. This comes from how a deficiency in riboflavin can cause hair loss and can also cause one’s scalp to become weak. When riboflavin is used, these problems can be avoided so that hair will be able to grow on one’s scalp with ease.
Riboflavin Promotes Cellular Repair in the Scalp
When cells die out in the scalp hair growth can be inhibited. In order to get the scalp to become healthy in this case oxygen will need to reach the scalp so that cells can be repaired and also so that new ones can be produced for one’s hair growth needs. Riboflavin can be used in that it works to help with getting oxygen to be used so that it can be received properly by the body at a more efficient rate. When this happens the oxygen can work with the scalp to improve its condition.
Riboflavin Can Also Boost Red Blood Cell Counts
The consumption of riboflavin is used to help with making it easier for red blood cells to be able to get properly built up in the body. When more red blood cells are in one’s diet the cells will be able to assist in cell respiration. When cell respiration is used it will be easier for the scalp to support hair follicles and to help with making sure that the scalp is going to be able to stay together as a means of supporting all of these follicles.
Quality Riboflavin Food Sources
In order to get riboflavin for one’s hair growth needs it helps to consume foods that contain this vitamin. Grains are by far the most commonly used types of foods in that many products, particularly breads and cereals, are enriched with plenty of riboflavin. Green leafy vegetables can work as well. Some dairy products, particularly milk, can work too.
How Much Riboflavin Is Needed?
For the best results in hair growth at least one milligram of riboflavin should be used each day. 1.1mg is needed for women and 1.7mg is needed for men.
In summary riboflavin is one of the most useful things to see when it comes to hair growth vitamins. Riboflavin can help to encourage cells and oxygen to reach the body so that hair growth can be well promoted. When this happens the scalp can stay strong and hair can grow.
Faith Amour Hair Care 