Naturally Loved: Part One

Your choice to go natural or if you have always been natural affirming your choice to have natural tresses may cause insecurities to arise as to how society will accept your God-given-hair. Women with kynky, coily and curly hair types may first assess the people around them and their reaction to their choice to have natural tresses. Friends and family may be critical, your spouse may have difficulty adjusting to such a change especially if it is drastic, and it may be hard to gage the reaction of colleagues at work. In the end it is about loving who you are and has nothing to do with people.

When I first decided to go natural with my big chop my family and friends were critical, not all, but enough that I found support online and women around me who already had natural hair. I realized that people who could not accept their natural hair texture had the issue and not myself. Our hair is unique and by no means should it be cared for in the manner that society dictates to us through the media that is geared to audiences that naturally have straight hair or who wants to maintain the status quo of what beauty is.

My insecurities went deeper to a level of acceptance by my significant other in my life. Would he accept my kynks and coils, the short length of my hair and the process of learning about apart of myself as a black woman? One of the first lessons I learned is that acceptance is a part of love and anyone who doesn't accept my choice to wear my hair natural is not worth keeping in my life. They have lost and I have gained so much knowledge that has laid a foundation of our history and remedies for maintaining beautiful hair and skin in my life!

From the many articles I've read over the years many women go through this process of insecurity. We are so use to wearing braids, weaves, wigs and relaxing our hair that when the time comes to go outside of our home with just an afro we have second thoughts. It is a mental chain and a lie that must be broken down and understood.

If you are thinking about going natural do research, my site is fairly new but their is a good level of information to help you out and visit thecoilreview.com and motowngirl.com, they both have a wealth of information. Anyone and I cant stress this more, anyone with kynky, coily and curly hair can wear their hair natural, it's all about knowledge and commitment. Two heads are not the same so as I always say, what works for me may not work for you, it is about trial and error until you know what your hair's likes and dislikes, and trust me your hair will tell you.
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Happy Growing,
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Natalie

Maintaining Moisture

Moisture is so important for kynky and curly hair especially during winter months. Ways to attain a high moisture level for you hair is by:

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Weekly/bi-weekly deep treatments

this includes all moisture rich conditioners such as Elasta QP DPR-11, Keracare Humecto, QB Alma and Olive Heavy Cream to name a few that can be used as deep treatments. Deep treatments add a high level of moisture to hair to assist with adding elasticity, softening the hair and preventing split ends and breakage.

* I usually add in oil into my deep treatments along with honey for extra conditioning. Placing a conditioning cap on and than going in the shower for the 'steam effect' or using a heating cap helps the conditioner to penetrate the hair for added conditioning.

Co-washing or conditioner rinse

this is a great alternative than cleansing the hair with harsh shampoos that strip the moisture from our delicate hair. Co-washing basically incorporates conditioners that can be easily bought at your local retail store like Herbal Essences, VO5, Suave, and Aussie, and using it with water concentrating on the scalp to gently cleanse.

Sulfate-free cleansing

sulfates can be harsh to our hair and should be used sparingly, a great alternative are sulfate free cleansers. These cleansers usually use a vegetable based cleanser derived from coconut and/or other natural sources. Some great sulfate-free cleansers are Curls Cleansing Cream and Pure ABBA Gentle Shampoo.

Moisturizing

having a great moisturizer will allow your hair to maintain a high level of moisture throughout the day and in between cleansing and weekly deep treatments. The key to knowing that your moisturizer is working is its ability to penetrate the hair, add elasticity and softness. A cream or spritz applied to the hair that just sits on the surface is not placing the needed moisture into the inner layers of each hair shaft.

* If you are frequently applying your moisturizer throughout the day or every day you may need to change to a moisturizer that is more nourishing and heavier for your hair type.

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Protecting the moisture level

tying your hair down with a satin or silk scarf at night or sleeping on a silk pillow case will also protect the moisture level and your hair from damage. I usually tie down my hair every night with my satin scarf and that's good enough for me.

the Joys of Oils

Oils are great as a lubricant to hair and scalp and assist in the secretion of sebum for our scalp, they can be used as a:

Sealant after moisturizing

my favourites are EVOO and coconut oils. Apply to the entire length of the hair sparingly, paying special attention to your ends. This is great to assist the hair to maintain elasticity and as a buffer against any harsh elements that your hair may come into contact with (rough materials such as winter hats, scarves, and sudden changes in temperature such as very cold to hot air.)

Lubricant for scalp messages

my favourite oils for scalp messages is EVOO and sweet almond. I usually mix both these oils together along with a small amount of vitamin E oil, MSM sulphur and add in some peppermint and rosemary EO for a stimulating feeling. This is amazing for the health of your scalp since it softens growth when used regularly, aides in the natural production of sebum and aides with growth.

Added moisturizer when added to deep conditioners

my favourite oils for adding to deep conditioners are EVOO and Jamaican castor oil. I usually use the olive oil in the warmer months and the castor oil during winter. Add about 2 to 3 TBSPS of oil to the regular amount of conditioner you use, mix it all together and add the mixture to your hair messaging the conditioner into your scalp, cover with a conditioning cap and use with heat or without heat for as long as you like, voila!

Hot oil treatment

almost the same as the scalp message but used with heat and without sulphur. Hot oil treatments are intense treatments for lubricating the scalp and are great if you suffer from scalp ailments such as dandruff, dry scalp and dermatitis. Hot oil treatments assist in calming scalp ailments, stimulating sebum and in turn promoting growth. The oil when used with heat also adds luster, elasticity and strength to the hair.

Some oils that are on my to try list are:

Grapeseed oil

Neem oil

Jojoba oil

Transitioning? Try a Wig

Deciding to transition from relaxed to natural can be overwhelming especially if you have never cared for your natural hair texture. For the inbetween stages as hair grows out wigs are a great help as you transition. I found this site, naturegirl.net and they do up wigs real nice. They make wigs with only human hair and lace fronts for those that want a more natural and secure style. Ofcourse for those without deep pockets like myself this site is great for information on how to care for wigs and the latest styles. I am really loving the Brazilian Kinky 3C style, check them out at naturegirl.net.

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More Reviews of Qhemet Biologics

The Burdock Root Butter Cream is GRRRRREAT! I love it, it has a slight frothy texture that is rich and smooth to the touch. I normally used the Amla and Olive Heavy Cream but my strands are mostly fine to medium textured and in warmer months like in summer it was too much for my hair. I love the Heavy Cream but mostly for winter months, the Burdock Root is a more all around moisturizer for my hair, so its a staple. I'll use up my order of the Heavy Cream for those torturously cold days in Toronto during winter, night treatments and just switch it up between it and the Budock Root.
My hair was left kind of spongy and moisturized at the same time, I noticed I got a slight hold from the cream when I braided my hair up. It has a faint citrus scent that is not overpowering at all. If you haven't already went visit qhemetbiologics.

Review: Qhemet Biologics Tea Tree & Grapeseed Therapeutic Pomade

I just received my order of Qhemet Biologics. I got the Amla and Olive Heavy Cream, Burdock Root Butter Cream and the Tea Tree and Grapeseed Therapeutic Pomade. So far I've tried the Pomade and so far so good. I love the fact that it is all natural and made with only a few ingredients that are effective. this pomade is suppose to be for the scalp to relieve dryness, itching and other sensitive scalp issues including dermatitis. It moistened my scalp without being heavy, and relieved the itching that I was experiencing over the past couple of days. I highly recommend this product for anyone with scalp issues especially during winter months. All products can be purchased at qhemetbiologics.com.

No Poo Results

I finally washed my hair over the weekend. The no poo thing was okay while it lasted but my hair likes a little bit of soapy suds every now and than and even some sulfates when used sparingly. I clarified my hair with Fantasia IC Tea Shampoo. The first time this shampoo was used on my hair was a few years ago at the salon and I went and bought it because it left my scalp clean, my hair bouncy, not dry and not itchy. I know it has sulfates but my low poo routine allows me to use non sulfate and sulfate cleansers. I also bought Aphogee Keratin Two Minute Reconstructor to strenghten my hair and after I used Elasta QP DPR-11 to add moisture, my hair thanked me and over the past few days it is stronger and flourishing way more than when I was on the no poo routine.

It is amazing how their are so many products and routines and a select few can work for someone and at the same time cause havoc for someone else's hair. My hair is all about minimalism, I notice that is when it is most happy, a great cleanser, deep conditioners and treatments, oils, oils and more oils and a moisturizer is reaaly all I need. As my hair grows I notice I do need to cleanse it more often, who would have thought:) ? I hope my no poo challlenge helped.

I will be trying the Aubrey Organics conditioner again, since my hair was not thoroughly cleaned before I used it. Plus I bought it and Im not about to let 13 bucks go to waste.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian Fam! I'll be back tomorrow.

Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2009

The first fashion house to present their collection online, Viktor & Rolf gained critics and a whole new audience. Shalom Harlow modeled the Spring/Summer 2009 collection and the detail given to each piece by the camera is amazing. It is difficult to see such detail at a live show unless you are one of the chosen few to have a private showing. I am loving their whole collection, it is creative in every aspect from the silhouettes to the textures and to the colour co-ordinations, I'm loving the stilettos, the dresses and the uniqueness that each piece brings to an outfit. Fashion is all about new ideas that necessarily do not have to fit a mold but Viktor & Rolf build a mold of their own from what is expected in the fashion world. Both balance the mainstream with the extravagant and odd well. Anticipating their designs over the upcoming seasons is part of the fun, you never know what to expect which makes them fresh and definite trendsetters.

Click here to view the Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

No Poo Update

Over the weekend I took down my mini twists and was going to do a protein treatment with Aphogee, and realized that I completely forgot that I need a new blow dryer since the one I have just broke. My hair was dry and product filled. I am not using all natural products so I do think I need to shampoo my hair but I held on. I co washed and detangled. I had a lot of shedding and broken ends! This is something new for me because my ends never break. I think its product upon product causing my hair to rebel. Clarifying with ACV is great but I do think my hair needs a deep cleansing.
I single braided my hair into small sections with Curls Milkshake (still waiting for QB in the mail) and added coconut oil when I finished to seal. Before I went to bed I sealed my ends with shealoe (Shea butter with aloe vera gelly). I am leaving my hair and not touching it that much over this week, I may unravel a few braids to see if it is still breaking a lot but I'm pretty sure all I need to do is clarify with a shampoo, do my protein treatment, deep treatment and trim my ends and I'll be good to go. The two styles I will be wearing for the week is scarves and putting my braids into a bun until I can do my treatment for this weekend.
This no poo thing is getting kind of complicated, again with naturally kinky and curly hair you need to try to see what works and what doesn't for your hair. Trial and error, that's what it's about.

So Far So Good

My hair is still doing great. I did style it into mini twists which took 6 hours to do on Sunday and are starting to look like starter locks because of the frizz. Every other night I put coconut oil on my dry hair, put on my conditioning cap and go into the shower, when I come out my hair is conditioned. I put my satin scarf on and go to bed. In the morning I use Curls Milkshake every other day, my Phyto Specific Integral Hair Care and my Aveda Humectant Pomade to add definition and moisture at the same time.
My ends are starting to really knot so I need to do a trim when I take these bad boys down! The no poo routine is working especially in the colder weather. I retain moisture and curl definition, the conditioners and apple cider vinegar are enough to keep my hair and scalp in shape. I am waiting for the colder weather to hit so I can start using my QB Heavy Cream and QB Tea Tree and Grapeseed Therapeutic Pomade.

Michael Kors' Fall Essentials

I am loving Michael Kors, his collection is full of key pieces that allow an outfit to be complete and unique. He is full of ideas that bring out the best in a woman's curves and his style is not over indulgent, he has a subtleness that is classic. Some of his Fall pieces that I thought are essential and worth looking at:

Chalet Boot $425 LLLLLLLLLLLLLPromo Bootie $380LLLLLLLLLLLID Chain Tote $1295

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Animal Jacquard Knit Scarf & L Bit-Temple Sunglasses $235LLLLOversized Frame w/SilverDetail

Fur Ear Muff $40 - $105LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLL LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL$225
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Some Changes

Good Morning, just an update on my product list since my little rant yesterday. These products do wonders for my hair, so I will be using them for one month for my no poo trial:

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar
Herbal Essences Conditioners
Unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
Unrefined shea butter with aloe vera gel
Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream
Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream
Qhemet Biologics Tea Tree and Grapeseed Therapeutic Pomade
Curls Milkshake
Aubrey Organics Mandarin Magic Moisturizing Jelly

The Qhemet Biologics Olive Cream Conditioner and Detangler is temporarily discontinued so I'm getting the Burdock Root Butter Cream in its place. I want to see if the Burdock Root or if the Heavy Cream is better for my hair since my texture is fine.
Over the past few days I've been testing the Aubrey Organics Mandarin Magic Moisturizing Jelly which is great. It is a light to medium hold gel that does not flake and holds my edges beautifully. You can re-wet the hair to smooth down your edges again during the day for a fresh look if you need to go somewhere after work or school without reapplying more product, I love it. Personally its better than the IC Fantasia Gel which I have stashed since its cheap and works good but I do notice it flakes on my hair which is another boo ... I usually put some water on the places where it flakes and they disappear for a while so I guess their is a solution to that problem.
Two products that are pending depending if I do mini twists in my hair over a month's time is Aveda Humectant pomade, LOVE IT! And Phyto Specific Integral Hair Care, LOVE IT TOO! They are just great, I can't say enough about these two products. They have natural/organic ingredients but are not up in the 95 % or more natural and organic ingredients region for me to view them as all natural/organic.
Okay so I tweaked my products and I think this should do the trick.

Boo To Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner

My update on my all natural, organic hair product quest is ... well ... not fantastic.
Last night I co washed my hair with Aubrey Organics Conditioner in the shower. When I came out I reapplied the conditioner to my hair after separating it into 5 sections. Section by section I applied a dollop amount, sealed with my coconut oil and tied each section into a tucked puff using ponytail holders, covered with a plastic shower cap and than covered that with my satin scarf and went to bed. I thought this baggy method might do the trick for uber moisturized hair in the morning.
When I woke up I lightly rinsed each section out, my hair did not feel moisturized, it was blah, not really dry and not moisturized, just there. I than applied my moisturizer and than my coconut oil, I used my head band for a cute afro style for work and out the door I went. Now I must admit my hair was still wet when I left for work this morning so I was a little self-conscious of this as drips of water came down to my ears while I rode the bus to work, but I worked it! That was around 9 AM, by noon my hair was still damp, my curls were defined but not popping the way I want them to. I had to re-wet my hair around 2 PM for the fresh-look since my hair was looking dehydrated.
I must admit that when I did this exact same style with my Herbal Essences Conditioners I never had to re-wet my hair in the middle of the day because of moisture lose and my curls popped beautifully. I had moisture packed in my hair for days and it is 3 to 4 bucks a bottle compared to the 13 bucks a bottle for Aubrey that does not work as well ... boo! Did I mention that the bottle is almost finished. I think all of you know where I am heading with this, I'm going to keep using Aubrey Organics until its finished and not repurchase. Too bad I really wanted it to work.
Although my 100 % natural and organic trial will be cut short I am still on the no-poo trial for one month. All is not lost, almost all of my other products are natural, organic and/or vegan. I can't give up my Herbal Essences, it like my crack!

The Balms

I am always on the look out for moisturizers for my lips. I just discovered on10 which boast vintage packaging along with natural and organic ingredients. The scents are heavenly and the consistency of the balms are rich and creamy, just the way I like it. Their products are currently available at Sephora.
If you want to keep it basic try Alba Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly, its great with all natural ingredients in a castor seed oil base.


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1. on10 Hershey's Lip Balm Ultra Moisturizing Trio SPF 15 3 x 0.5 oz, $16.00

2. on10 Hershey's Almond Lip Balm SPF 15 0.7 oz, $9.00

3. on10 Green Glam Gloss Lip Balm SPF 15 0.38 oz, $9.00

4. Alba Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly 100 grams retails for $6.00

A New Routine

The last time I cleansed my hair with shampoo or a cleanser-like-shampoo was about a week and a half ago. Since winter is around the corner I've decided to try the no-poo method (no shampoos used to cleanse hair) . This includes my lovely Abba Pure Gentle Cleanser and my Curls Cleansing Cream. I will rely on my lovely Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar, co-washes with Aubrey Organics and plain ole water to keep my hair clean. You may ask why am I trying this out? Well, first I've noticed natural cleansers although gentle still can be a little harsh on my curls, my hair sometimes needs a few days to 'recover' before my curls pop the way I like them to. Second, I want to see if this routine makes a difference in texture and feel of my hair since I've heard so many naturals talk about the no-poo method, and third I am making an effort to use more natural ingredients on my hair and cutting out commercial hair products is a step I am willing to try.
I expect my hair to be hella soft, my curls to be more defined and my hair easier to manage. I am also expecting a lot of growth since I am eating a lot healthier and will start a regular work out soon.
Some of the products and tools I will be using:

Products

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar
Aubrey Organics Conditioners (co-washes and deep treatments)
Unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
Unrefined shea butter with aloe vera gel
Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream
Qhemet Biologics Olive Cream Conditioner and Detangler
Qhemet Biologics Tea Tree and Grapeseed Therapeutic Pomade
Aubrey Organics Mandarin Magic Moisturizing Jelly

Tools

My Hands (detangling, twisting and braiding)
Wide tooth comb (as needed)
Denman Brush (as needed)
Scunci No Damage Elastic Head wraps
Print Scarfs (for work)
My Satin Scarf (for bed)

Well here I go!

Going Organic: Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner

Over the past few months I have been doing a lot of research on organic verses commercial. Now their are benefits to treating your hair with organic products but that is not enough. Plenty of water, fruits and vegetable and exercise help to complete the switch to a healthier lifestyle.

Last night I tried out Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner as a co wash. It cost 12.95 at Noah's in downtown Toronto so I'm pretty sure I was over charged. I co washed and than did an ACV rinse by doing half Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar with half water, shook it in a applicator bottle and than applied it concentrating on my scalp. I than messaged my scalp for a minute and covered with a plastic cap as I finished in the shower. Before I came out I rinsed it out and applied a dollop amount of conditioner in my hands again and messaged into my hair and scalp and rinsed just a bit so I had a little extra conditioning after the ACV rinse.

Well, the all-natural and organic Aubrey did add body and softness to my hair. It felt a little bit different than my regular Herbal Essences co wash. Aubrey did not silken my hair as Herbal Essences does which I like but instead made it more voluminous with softness. It did define my curls and left them fluffy. I do think I need to try this out for a while longer before I give my final verdict but so far so good.

I love the fact that it is ultra creamy and rich in texture and has a pleasant scent. the only draw back is the price. I go through conditioner quickly so we will see!

To Trim or To Dust

When I first went natural I went on a strict hair care routine that included trims every two months. I usually trimmed about half an inch to an inch off and than I started to wonder why my hair was not growing at the rate I wanted it to. Well, of course I knew the answer so I stopped trimming so frequently and started dusting my ends about every week. What is dusting? Its basically when you selectively trim hairs that are split and in the case of curly and kinky hair when it becomes knotted. this has really helped me to retain my length in my second year of growth. Now I trim every four months sparingly (about half an inch).

Dusting
I go through my hair randomly feeling my ends and when I feel a knot or see a split end I trim it. I do this usually at bed time after my shower when my hair is slightly damp. I than add in my moisturizer and coconut oil to seal my ends, wrap my hair with my satin scarf and off to bed.

Trimming
This is a little more complicated. My hair is parted and braided or twisted neatly into about 40 to 45 sections. I than trim my ends. After doing each section I may unravel the ends of the braid or twist to check if their are any hairs that I missed and trim them, than re-braid or re-twist the ends. I than follow with my moisturizer, usually Qhemet Biologics Heavy Cream and seal with a light coat of coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil. I than tie my hair with my satin scarf and off to bed.

I like dusting and trimming my hair before bed, I think it is out of habit. When I wake up though my hair is well moisturized and my ends are supple because the moisturizer and oil has time to penetrate my hair.

Nappy Anniversary

My two year Nappy Anniversary is this month and boy has my hair flourished. I will be posting pictures soon. I consider my hair 3c/4a type with most of my lose curls in the back with kinkier hair on my sides and in the middle. the top of my head is lush and thick with dense 4a curls. I'm loving Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream for winter months and the Olive Cream Conditioner and Detangler. I'm going to try the Tea Tree & Grapeseed Therapeutic Pomade for my dermatitis because the winter months can bring havoc to my scalp. I'll let you know the results for sure.

Lately though, I have been using Curls Milkshake and coconut oil for styling and my Herbal Essences conditions for co washes and my hair is really loving this combo. The Herbal Essences conditioner that I am in love with is from the old packaging. It's called Replenishing Conditioner for coloured/permed/dry/damaged hair with rose hips, vitamin E and jojoba. I use it for everything (night treatments with coconut oil and co washes). If you live in the Toronto area Walmart has a great promotion with Herbal Essences. If you purchase one of the old packaged 355 ml or 400 ml shampoos or conditioners you get a complimentary new packaged 300 ml shampoo or conditioner for free! Check it out because I'm stocking up and trying some of the new conditioners from Herbal Essences.

On Vacation

Hi Fashionista's,

I'll be on vacation until September 15th when I'll be bringing you fresh news, stay tuned ... Thanks for all the support, y'all know who you are!