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When To Use Light Protein and Hard Protein

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When your hair is relaxed, it's more fragile as a result of the breaking of the protein bonds hence using a protein based product fills the vacuum created. The protein won't restore the lost one; it will serve as a sort of adhesive to hold the bonds together.  The strength of the protein depends on the level of damage. Light protein can be used as a preventive step before relaxing; mitigating the impact of protein loss during relaxer application. Hard Protein comes in when you have mushy hair as a result of moisture overload to strengthen the hair or if your hair is extremely damaged from chemicals and dyes. How your hair responds to any of these will be the ultimate deciding factor. Hard Protein treatment should be followed by a moisture deep conditioner as it leaves the hair hard. Light protein doesn't usually have the same level of hardness. Protein for Natural Hair Yes, your natural hair doesn't need that much protein reinforcement unless you've been

Sunny Isle Extra Dark Castor Oil (Grow Your Edges)

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The Sunny Isle Jamaican black Castor oil is what I've been using for the past 6 days and I must say that I really like the texture and consistency. The difference between the Sunny Isle and Tropic Isle Jamaican black Castor oil for me is the thickness. The Tropic Isle one is thicker and the smell of the ash is quite stronger compared to the Tropic Isle. Aside these, I don't think the results will differ. The essential thing is both brands have to be used consistently to see results. What's the big deal about extra dark? It has more ash! The ash, per readings: 'Our Organic seeds are roasted and ground by a manual Grinder and then the crushed beans are boiled to extract the 100% pure, dark brown, organic oil. Compared to other brands it is the darkest Jamaican Black Castor Oil because we roast our beans longer which produces more Ash Content in our oil than any other oil on the market' (Sunny Isle). That's that guarantee more hair growth, well, by Decemb

How To Choose The Best Facial Cleanser

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Whether Micellar water, facial wash or facial soap, the important question is which one is best for me. Aside consulting a beauty therapist for this help, you may want to do a trial and error test. Read about what each type of cleanser does and the skin concern they are suitable for before spending money on them. Lately, there has been the influx of cleansing balms and oils too. Have you tried finding your skin type? Google how to do a skin type test. It's simply washing your face and allowing it to dry naturally. How your skin feels and the oil on it determines your skin type. Each product is formulated for different purposes so know why you need that particular item. Brands   Which is the best brand? Read reviews, ask friends and test them. Facial washes and soaps work well but it all depends on your skin type. Try both and decide on the best on

Can You GROW Your Edges

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Haven seen a lot of progress with my edges, I've decided to extend the challenge to the blog. The rules are quite tough but not impossible Lol. 1. No braid, No Weave, No cornrows. Absolutely nothing except wearing buns which you should also vary. The essence is to stay away from any tension on the edges. 2. Don't relax your edges until the end of the challenge. 3. Apply hair growth oil daily on the edges. You can also massage with a scalp brush. Growth oils include chapter 2000, Jamaican black castor oil, coconut oil etc. You just need to use something for growth. 4. Last rule is we'll check in every week on Saturday. Just comment on the edges growth post that will be published on Saturdays. Post your starting pictures in the comment box. On the LAST DAY of every month, we'll share progress pictures. Here are starting pix.

Ayurveda (Aritha and Shikakai) Detox Shampoo

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Ayurveda has become an integral part of the healthy hair community and especially among those who aim for organic or natural products. I jumped on the amla powder mask and it was OK. For the aritha and shikakai, I have to say that my hair loved the treatment. To prepare : Mixed about three tablespoons of the two powders together. I, actually, mixed enough for my face, hair and whole body and I didn't regret it one bit. I had super soft skin and the mixture didn't strip my hair. I conditioned with cantu sheabutter conditioner (last bit of it). My hair felt like I'd deep conditioned! **Applied creme of nature mango and sheabutter leave in conditioner and Mielle organics hair milk (to buy, call 0502417454). Covered with a scarf to dry it. I really love the feel of my hair and hope to continue to enjoy no setback.

How To Do A Clay Mask Facial Treatment

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Clay masks help to detox your skin and using them about twice a month can be of immense benefit to your face and skin too. Here's I do my clay mask treatment: 1. Facial cleansing: I use forever Claire hydrating wash( I think I'll switch to the acne wash at the next purchase). 2. Facial scrub: I use either brown sugar tea tree facial scrub or the Queen Helene oat and honey scrub. I use these about four times a week alternating between them. 3. Mix the clay with water or use the Queen Helene mud mask. I allow to sit for about 5-10 minutes and rinse off. If I use the Teiva mask, I leave it for 15 minutes as directed.

Is Hot Oil Treatment Better Than Prepoo?

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Every pre shampoo step contributes to moisture retention therefore prepoo and hot oil treatments, though different, both provide the hair with protection against the impact of shampoo as well as retention of moisture. The question a reader posed was whether hot oil treatments are better than prepoo. Another wanted to know if hot oil treatment is faster to do compared to prepoo. The answers to these questions depend on several factors. If you don't heat up your oil but sit under the hooded dryer for 5 minutes on medium to high heat, the oil gets absorbed faster. Coconut oil has become the go to prepoo and hot oil treatment to prevent hygral fatigue. The heat will allow faster absorption of the oil during the heating process. On the other hand, if the oil is preheated before application, the penetration is equally good. So, which one takes less time? I'll go for hot oil treatment since preheated oil works faster too. With prepoo, you may not have to time to sot under a

How To Use Aloe Vera On Relaxed Hair

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Haven dealt with how I use aloe vera on natural hair, why not show you how you can use aloe vera on relaxed hair too. Do share these "How To" posts with friends and family to get them to maintain healthy hair. Apply on your edges. When you want to restore moisture around the edges, just apply the aloe vera on your edges at night. If you don't mind wet edges in the morning, you can do so. I realised my edges stay fresh looking with the aloe vera. I top up with the edges oil mix and call it a night. Cover with a satin cap to prevent staining your cloth. The beauty of this is that I notice an increase in the growth of the hair at the hairline too. Apply to your scalp and massage for a couple of minutes. I extend to the hair and cover with satin cap. Aloe vera will help soothe your itching scalp as well as promote growth. Apply to scalp after relaxer to soothe the scalp. This is the best treatment for scalp burns too. Apply daily for a week to restore the pH of your s

How To Grow From Thin To Thick Relaxed Hair

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Relaxed hair care seems to be one complicated journey but when you get the hang of it, you'll be so relieved. Why does relaxed hair get thin easily? A case in point is my own struggles with thin relaxed hair. The few lessons I've kept in my pocket this time around are : 1. Trim regularly. Have a schedule to get rid of the thin ends. I plan to trim every touch up. That's approximately every 12 weeks. I've learnt from so many setbacks that I'm bent on getting it right this time. 2. Longer stretches. A major problem I've had for the past two years and not going beyond 6 weeks. That thinned my hair out like crazy. This time, regardless of the short length, I'm surely going for nothing below 12 weeks. The ultimate stretching is 16 weeks so 12 weeks is a good starting point. There are some who advised starting off gradually with 8 weeks but that's what set me back. You get comfortable with the 8 weeks and moving beyond that it's a challenge. Therefor

3 Hacks For Moisturizing And Sealing

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When moisturizing and sealing, one major setback has to do with the type of product you use. In growing your hair, moisture based products don't necessarily pertain to your deep conditioner only. Your shampoo can be moisturizing, your leave in as well as moisturizer can all be moisture based. Over reliance on protein products has been a huge factor in the breakage we usually see. So, here are my 3 hacks for moisturizing and sealing to ensure your hair stays moisturized for longer periods as well as reduce manipulation of the hair. 1. You can moisturize at night but be sure to cover or protect your hair with a satin cap or silk bonnet. This will allow ample time for the products to penetrate the strands, you will have the patience to apply the products and also ensure that you save time in the morning. 2. Avoid liquid moisturizers in the morning if you don't want damp hair. To be safe, use a very small size spray bottle to apply the water component of your moisturizing a

Making Use of Carrots To Grow Your Hair

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I vividly recall the days of vegetable stew or fried rice. But using carrots is  not limited to internal use; it can also be used for external purposes specifically in hair care. Benefits Using carrots and honey increases hair sheen reduces dry scalp minimizes hair loss preserves natural elasticity prevent split ends Hot Oil Treatment: Ingredients: 2 Carrots 2 Tbsp Honey 1 Tbsp Olive Oil 1 tsp Vitamin E Oil Juice your carrots in a juicer or blend the carrots in as little water as possible. Strain the carrots. Warm up the honey olive oil and vitamin e oil in a saucepan. Add this mixture to the carrot juice. Apply mixture to damp hair, coating it completely from root to ends. Cover with a plastic cap and leave in your hair for at least an hour or as long as you have the time (overnight will yield great results.) Wash the mixture from the hair, preferably with a sulfate free shampoo and then rinse well.   Deep Conditioner Ingredients 1 large

Why Your Natural Hair Is Dry

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As for this issue of dry natural hair,  the one advice I'll give you is trial and error with products and techniques. You don't sleep with a satin cap to protect the hair at night.  The hair is exposed to the sun which ultimately will suck up the moisture in your hair.  Your deep conditioner or wash routine isn't effective so you may need to switch things up.  Your hair spritz isn't working or you aren't diligent with it.  Find heavy butters to seal your hair. Coconut oil is known to penetrate the strands thus it won't seal in the moisture.  Lastly,  you may not be drinking enough water or hydrate the hair.  How do you combat dry natural hair?

Deep Conditioning Tips For Natural Hair

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These tips for natural hair can be applied to relaxed hair too.  Make sure your hair is sectioned to make applying the deep conditioner easier and faster.  You can add natural oils to the deep conditioner for added slip as well as enhancing the moisturizing  impact.  You don't  have to do DIY deep conditioners.  Store bought ones are equally effective if not more effective.  Deep conditioning with heat increases the effectiveness of the products.  Use the product as directed. Sometimes,  going off the instructions means no result. 

How To Twist Your Own Natural Hair

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Whatever I share here is from my personal experience with my natural hair. You may have to tweak it to suite your hair needs. Section the hair into small parts.  Use two mirrors to check the parting at the back and front.  Be sure to use your fingera to check for knots.  Section the two parts to twist.  Apply twist and loc gel or gel or even sheabutter depending on the one that gives you a maximum hold.  Start twisting from the back and work your way up.  Don't borrow hair from another section to twisting. Stick to the tow sections and swirl the ends around your finger tips when you are done.  You may have to practice this for a while so don't worry if your first attempt doesn't produce bomb twists.  Allow the hair to dry before lying on it to avoid smushing the back.

Why Your Natural Hair Is Breaking Off

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You are so worried about your hair not growing yet there are some practices that are undermining your efforts. You comb it daily and that causes a lot of breakage. Use your fingers in styling. If the hair is short, use a wide tooth comb.  You don't deep condition often which leads to dry,  brittle natural hair. Try to deep condition at least once a month to provide moisture in your hair.  Your hair needs moisture especially in this part of the world where the weather is mostly dry. Have a hair spritz to use during the day to ensure moisture retention.   The hair products aren't working for you and you are reluctant to change them. These products may cause more damage so if it's not working,  either swap with another person or give it out.   You focus on growth and not retention and therefore don't know why you aren't getting the long hair you want. Pay attention to how you protect your hair and what you use in protecting it. Keep the ends from the shoul