Search Results: Cozy Friedman

Almost overnight, pomegranate is appearing everywhere.

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.”> , is because it is being touted as a miracle food. Curly tops may have noticed that it now is a key ingredient in beauty products, including shampoos and conditioners. Are you wondering why this gorgeous, deep red, seed-heavy food – once found only in potpourri – now is inundating our pantries and bathroom cabinets? Then read on.

Contrary to popular belief, the pomegranate is not a fruit but the berry of an African and Asian tree called Punica granatum. Its original Latin name, “arbor punica,” means “Carthaginian tree” because Romans first encountered large groves of pomegranate trees growing in North Africa’s famed city of Carthage. Rome waged war with Carthage, and they were named the Punic Wars. Punic is a root word evident in its Latin etymology as well as the description of its chemical constituents. Its other Latin names are malum punicum (Carthaginian apple”> and malum granatum (seedy fruit”>. Pomegranate gained notoriety in ancient Carthage, quickly spreading at the hands of the Romans to the Mediterranean, Middle East and parts of India — all places where they still are enjoyed in local cuisine and folk medicine.

Habit, Growth, Distribution

The pomegranate only has one genus and two species. It is a small tree or shrub growing between 20 and 30 feet high. The pomegranate tree is spiny, with multiple branches, and can live as long as 200 years. Its leaves are about 4 inches long and are and leathery textured. Bold flowers appear on the branch tips, with as many as five to a cluster. The seeds represent more than half of the pomegranate’s body weight.

The trees continue to thrive in tropical Africa and North Africa, the East Indies and Middle East as well as arid regions of Southeast Asia. Pomegranates are commonly planted in Bermuda. The tree was introduced to Latin and North America around 1760. Pomegranate trees prefer a mild, temperate, subtropical climate, yet adapt to regions with cool winters and hot summers. They are grown as far north as Washington D.C.

Berry of Myth and Legend

Pomegranates have such a unique appearance that they have sparked many a myth and legend. Considered an aphrodisiac, the rich red color lends itself to use in love magic.

Although it has recently stormed onto the scene as a super food, it has a long history in health and beauty. It has been used in Africa since at least New Kingdom, Egypt as a medicine and a nourishing food.

North African Medicinal Uses of Pomegranate

In holistic health, it is important not to isolate parts of the plant while disposing of the rest. Many parts of the pomegranate tree are useful, and knowing all of its uses rather than focusing solely on the berry can be helpful in your holistic health regimen.

• Pomegranate tree root bark is anthelmintic (destroys or causes expulsion of parasitic intestinal worms.”>
• The tree bark is also a vermifuge (expels worms”>
• Root and bark can be extracted to release an astringent solution
• Pomegranate wood is a malleable wood good for carving and is used in crafts
• The rind is especially astringent.
• The dried pulverized rind is used to treat ulcers of the digestive tract.
• It is antidiarrheic (controls diarrhea”> and hemostatic (arrests flow of blood or hemmoraging”>. Revered as a dentifrice (used to cleanse teeth, strengthen the gums and fight plague”>.
• Rind and flowers yield important dyes used in textiles

Berry (Fruit”>

• used to treat leucorrhea and for pectoral troubles
• It is an effective preventative for air borne infections because of its cleansing (diuretic and astringent”> actions./li>
• Ripe fruit is used to treat infections of the digestive tract.
• Ink is created from steeped leaves.

Parts of the entire tree are used in tanning and curing leather. The bark contains 10 to 25 percent tannin. Root bark has 28 percent tannin; the leaves 11 percent tannin and fruit rind up to 26 percent tannin. Pomegranate’s leaves, fruit and peel are used for astringent properties and to stop diarrhea. The bark, stem and root contain alkaloids used against tapeworm. Bark leaves and unripe fruit are astringent, halting diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhages. Leaves, roots, seeds, bark are hypotensive, antispasmodic and anthelmintic. Flower buds are mildly astringent.

Pulverized flower buds are employed for bronchitis. The arils or seed casings are separated from skin. The internal parts — called pith and capillary membrane — are removed and the seed is consumed raw. The taste is widely varied from sweet to tangy to sour The seed shows uterine relaxing activity and estrogenic effect.

Benefits of Various Pomegranate Preparations

This is the best way to consume it because of the high concentration and lack of sugar, which provide greater healthy benefits.

Pomegranate juice is a popular drink in the Middle East, especially with Persian (Iranian”> and Indian cuisine. A 100 ml-serving of the juice provides 16 percent of the daily adult requirement of vitamin C. It is also a good source of pantothenic acid, potassium and antioxidant polyphenols.

A stable and effective way for kitchen-cosmetic makers and large scaled beauty product designers to utilized pomegranate’s benefits is through the oil. Certified organic Pomegranate Oil is usually cold pressed, thus it is unrefined. Oil can be used to make handmade shampoo bar, soap, pomades and more. Antioxidants contained in pomegranate oil are fight aging by stimulating cell regeneration, increasing elasticity and decreasing visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles. The botanical oil nourishes and fortifies the outer epidermal layer of the skin, making it a beloved skin treatment for everyone from maturing people to children or teens prone to skin eruption and irritation. Dry and cracked skin, such as that found at the heels or elbows during winter, can benefit from pomegranate oil. Serious skins disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis, also benefit from pomegranate oil.

Pomegranate and Beauty

Pomegranate oil is preferred for hot oil treatments or pre-shampoo soothing for frizzy, over-processed hair and for general conditioning for kinky, curly and wavy hair. Pomegranate oil will enhance the appearance and feel of hair, help with detangling and will moisturize the hair shaft.

Pomegranate oil is a boon to those with distressed fingernails and cuticles. It can be applied warm as a rub or as a manicure soak. This oil can greatly benefit those who have just removed gel nails because it repairs damage.

Loaded with Vitamins

Vitamin C: 100 ml of the juice provides 16 percent of the daily adult requirement of vitamin C.

Pantothenic acid: Also known as vitamin B5. This vitamin has been highly touted in hair and skin products, and has been used as a supplement for years. It is one of the B complex thought to reduce visible signs and symptoms of stress, including depression or prematurely graying, thinning and dry hair, skin and nails. Vitamin B5 plays an important role in the secretion of cortisone, which supports the adrenal gland. These hormones assist the metabolism, help deter allergies benefit appearance and improve the feel of hair, nails and skin, as well as the performance of muscles and nerves.

Ellagic acid: Ellagic acid once hydrolyzed helps a substance absorb more easily into the hair, skin, nails and other parts of the body. Ellagic acid in pomegranate is responsible for its ability to be absorbed easily, without any greasiness.

Punicalagins: Punicalagins are tannic acids that lend antioxidant power and emollient qualities, benefitting the appearance and feel, condition of the hair, skin and nails. These acids are responsible for reduction of oxidation and stress on hair and skin when using pure pomegranate-rich products.

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Beauty Products Containing Pomegranate

Curl Junkie Coffee-Coco Curl Creme

Curl Junkie Guava & Protein Curl Creme

Curl Junkie Olive Pomade

Fresh Pomegranate Conditioning Hair Rinse

Klorane Pomegranate Hair Repair Balm

Klorane Beautifying Shampoo with Pomegranate Extract Burt’s Bees Pomegranate and Soy Very Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner

Back to Basics Pomegranate Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner New York Soap Company Pomegranate Shampoo Nature’s Gate

Pomegranate Sunflower Skin Defense Lotion.

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About the author: Stephanie Rose Bird is an herbalist and aromatherapist. She is also author of “Four Seasons of Mojo: an Herbal Guide to Natural Living” and soon-to-be released book on the spirituality of Africans and trees.

Q: I have a 6-year-old daughter who’s starting school next year. In our schools in South Africa, it’s compulsory for them to wear their hair up and out of their faces. She has long, blond curly hair. It’s not a very tight curl. It looks like locks, but it does frizz around her face when it’s in a ponytail. Do you have advice for me to keep her hair from frizzing? I’d also like to have a few ideas for different ways I can take her hair up. We are getting bored with only plain ponytails and buns. I have always had really short hair so I’m not too creative when it comes to long hair.

Cozy: That “halo” of frizz is such a common problem, but one that is easily remedied! After you pull her hair back in a ponytail, rub and evenly distribute So Cozy Kooky Kiwi Styling Cream on your hands. Next, run your hands from the scalp back to the pony, smoothing the hair as you go. This should evenly apply a light layer of cream to keep hair smooth and frizz free. I prefer the Styling Cream to a gel because it won’t show at all. Sometimes the gel can change the look of the hair a little. You can also do this at any time of day to refresh. As for new styles, it’s hard to recommend any without seeing her hair. But look through magazines and see what appeals to you. Just don’t try to achieve those looks when you are rushing out the door in the morning. Experiment on the weekends or when you have some spare time. It will be a fun activity for you and your daughter!

Q: My 18-month-old daughter has very tight ringlets all over her head. If you pull her ringlets down straight, they are at the bottom of her neck. But I’m always battling knots. Should I be doing a daily routine with her hair?

Cozy: Yes, it’s so important to detangle daily before it becomes overwhelming. It is such a big problem for so many people that we created a kit just for this purpose! Try the So Cozy It Takes Two to Detangle Kit. Start with the Lucky Lime Pre-Detangling Treatment, which you use in the tub with the wide-tooth comb (it comes with the kit”>. Apply a liberal amount after shampooing, using more in tangled areas. Combing through tangles with the Pre-Detangler in her hair will be much easier and painless. Make sure to start at the bottom of the hair, holding a 1-inch section and working your way up the strand, inch by inch. Continue around her entire head. If you do this regularly, it won’t take long because it won’t be very tangled. Also in the kit is the Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave In Conditioner. This is great for removing tangles all other times of day and is also great because it is a leave-in conditioner.

Q: I have a 5-year-old daughter with medium curls. My question is how can I keep it from getting so big? It just gets so puffy by the end of the day.

Cozy: It’s a two-part answer. 1. She needs a great cut. Often it gets big because the layers are too short. Find a good curly hair stylist. 2. Products. Using the right products makes all the difference. Using adult products often weighs down the hair, making it flat and lifeless. Using no products will allow frizz and lack of curl control. You should test out different styling creams and gels to see which ones work best for her hair. I recommend using products without alcohols and parabens. It’s never too early to teach your children to be healthy and environmentally concerned.

Q: My 8-year-old wants to wear her curly hair straight. Is it okay to flat iron her hair? I want her to love her natural curls, but I also want her to feel like she has options. If I do blow out her hair or flat iron it, what types of products should I use to protect her hair from damage?

Cozy: I advise against flat ironing her hair on a regular basis, and really just save it for an extra special occasion. I know how badly it damaged my own hair so I can speak from experience. Of course the best option is to try to work with her to embrace her natural curls, but I completely understand the allure of straight hair. When you do blow it out (better than a flat iron”>, make sure to use a good leave-in conditioner first. Try So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler, not only will it protect her hair, but it will help to prevent frizz and keep it smooth looking. Good luck!

It has been 10 years since I got myself tangled up in this madness called “A Nappy Hair Affair.”

It happened by accident. Fashion is not my forte. I make my living styling words, not hair. It was never my intent to spend 10 years preoccupied with matters of the mane.

But ever since that third Sunday in May, 1998, I inadvertently stumbled upon something that has practically taken over my life — and taken on a life of its own.

On that Sunday in May, about 20 of my sister friends and I gathered in my backyard to engage in an afternoon of “nap nurturing.” We were kinky kindred spirits who came together to do each other’s hair. I invited them on a whim. It was to provide a place where they would not be harshly judged for their choice to wear their hair in styles that harken back to Africa. I would have a gathering place for my sisters who were proud of wearing the kinky textured hair they were born with.

On that Sunday, I held a “happy, nappy hair care affair,” to give props to our textured tresses. At the time I didn’t know that a simple hair grooming and pampering session would develop into something so much more significant. My nappy hair care affair became known as Hair Day and took root and grew.

It wasn’t our chatter about natural and African inspired hairstyles that inspired me to take the gatherings to another level. It was the stories that my sister friends shared about the criticism and ostracism they experienced for simply making the choice to let their hair “go back home.”

The next thing I knew, I became a nappy pride fanatic. I produced t-shirts that proclaimed, “I’m Nappy, Happy & Free,” “Twisted Sistah” and other “napfirmations.” I held lectures, produced nappy friendly videos, DVDs, cultural enrichment workshops, a stage production and a book.

My Hair Day concept inspired women and men in other cities and abroad to gather in similar fashion, giving themselves clever names such as the D.C. Naturals, EuroNaps and the Southern Kinks.

Women have gotten so caught up in the “napture” during my Hair Day gatherings and speaking engagements that they have snatched off their wigs, dunked their straightened hair in water to make it go back home on the spot. Some shaved their permed hair down to its bald beginnings. At my very first Hair Day gathering, one of my guests spontaneously allowed a stranger with no hairstyling experience to take scissors and snip her relaxed hair down to its natural roots!

While watching such extreme acts of liberation, I often found myself struggling to stifle laughter or fighting back tears.

My kink crusade has even placed me in the peculiar position of being a nappy hair ‘pundit.’

In April, 2007, I found myself on Paula Zahn Now!, the prestigious CNN national news program pontificating about the virtues of nappiness, in the wake of the controversy sparked by Don Imus’ infamous insult against the members of the Rutgers University basketball team (“nappy headed-ho’s””>.

Yup. I spend decades building a respectable reputation as Linda the journalist, but my claim to national fame didn’t come until I turned into Mosetta, the nap activist. Go figure.

I’m not complaining. Being a purveyor of nappiness has been a very challenging yet very gratifying experience. Even when I have my moments of doubt, something encouraging happens to help me stay the course.

During one of my low moments, the boost came in the form of an e-mail message all the way from The Netherlands. “I really appreciate all that you do, and I hope that I can make black women here and in Belgium just as enthusiastic to go nappy,” said Monique, a Dutch sister. “You may not realize this, but you are influencing black women globally.”

So maybe this all isn’t madness after all.

The cacao tree is as beautiful and intriguing as it is useful. One of the top economic botanical plants, Theombroma cacaos pods yield cocoa butter, cocoa powder and that confection we desire most of all during February: chocolate.

Savoring the numerous health benefits of chocolate is a nourishing treat for skin and hair—adding shine, vibrancy and improving the general health of both. By using chocolate and cocoa butter products on your hair and skin, you get to enjoy the delightful chocolaty aroma and reap the benefits of antioxidants, vitamin and mineral, while skipping the fear and guilt of overindulging this February 14th.

The Theobroma Cacao tree grows in the tropical rainforests of Central America and Africa (particularly Ghana”>, where it makes a significant impact on the local economy. The tree is a remarkable sight. It has dark brown bark, resembling the color of chocolate. White flowers grow directly from the branches and trunk of the tree. The delicate, light-colored blossoms create a sharp visual contrast against the deeply colored, rough-looking bark. In fact, the cacao tree is one of the more unusual trees that I’ve seen. The scent emitted by the trees is subtle—not the rich chocolate aroma you might expect.

The part of Theobroma Cacao used in most in natural beauty products is also edible, derived from the processed beans. This article examines cocoa butter and its benefits for the hair and skin. Then we’ll focus on the tree’s other gift: chocolate.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is created from hydraulic pressings of the cocoa nib or cocoa mass from cocoa beans, which are further refined through filtering or centrifuge. The scent of cocoa butter is removed using steam or a vacuum. Some herbalists massage therapists and aromatherapists prefer the scentless substance called deodorized cocoa butter.

Cocoa beans are 15 percent fat. Cocoa butter has been traditionally used as a skin softener, emollient, belly rub and soothing substance for burns. The oil is a very attractive as an ingredient in herbal cosmetics. It is useful as a superfatting[1] agent in soap. Oils and fats have different saponification value—”SAP values”—which is the amount that it will take to fully saponify 1 oz. of that oil. Because of this, each fat requires a different amount of lye to convert the fat to soap. Cocoa butter has a SAP value of 0.137.

Cocoa butter is a useful ingredient for vegans (those who prefer no animal products including beeswax”> since cocoa butter is a serviceable hardener, thickener and counterbalance to stickier ingredients like shea butter. An additional contribution of cocoa butter is that no solvents are involved in its manufacture; it is a human food-grade, edible ingredient. The edible aspect is appealing to those who desire wholesome, nurturing ingredients in homemade potions, creams and healing balms. Cocoa butter is widely available, ships well, is reasonably priced and has a shelf life of two to five years.

The high stearic composition allows cocoa butter to increase the hardness in handmade soaps and healing balms. In a pinch, I have substituted it for bees ax with good results. It can also be used as base oil in soap-making. When used this way, it is best combined with other oils, such as coconut oil, to produce a lather. The addition of tropical oils—coconut, palm or almond oil—also helps create a looser healing balm or salve that melts faster.

A hard soap, containing large concentrations of cocoa butter lasts for a long time in the bath. Cocoa butter-enriched soap will also hold intricate patterns of elaborate molds.

One of my favorite ways to use cocoa butter is simply to hold a small chunk of the butter in my hand as I run hot water in the bathtub. The cocoa butter melts and acts as a skin softener in the bath. After the bath, particularly during winter, I find cocoa butter useful on rough skin areas. I apply it nightly to my heels after a bath and then promptly put on cotton socks for an evening of foot softening. This also works well on calloused hands.

Black Cocoa Butter

Black cocoa butter is one of my newest obsessions. Most of you are probably familiar with the eggshell-colored cocoa butter that has been widely available for quite a while. Most of the ordinary cocoa butter that comes from Africa is processed before the seeds are allowed to germinate. With black cocoa butter, the cacao pods are germinated first, which produces a deep, espresso-colored butter that smells like roasted cocoa. As body butter, it truly lives up to the botanical name Theobroma cacao—”food of the gods.”

If you want to try something a little different in your skin-softening regimen. consider black cocoa butter because it is softer and more readily malleable than the cream-colored type. Black cocoa butter [2] is very easily absorbed by the skin,* and a nice addition to soaps, lip balms and body butters. It is useful as a hot oil treatment to condition the hair. I purchase this from Shea Terra Organics, Inc., a supplier that buys oils and butters directly from African cooperatives.

Chocolate

Chocolate itself is a newer arrival onto the skin and hair-care scene. Chocolate is derived from the same parts of the cacao tree, but is processed adding in other ingredients, such as milk, which is also good for the hair and skin. This derivative of the cocoa pod contains flavonoids called catechins—very effective antioxidants. Dark chocolate, which has hardly any sugar, is preferred for health benefits taken internally or applied externally in a spa treatment or hair-care formula. Dark chocolate has 35 percent more of the brown paste of ground cocoa beans than other chocolate so it is a concentrated formula. Lactose acid in milk has been shown to help deter wrinkles as well as smooth and refine skin texture.

For hair, lactose acts as a good humectant that helps curly tops retain moisturizer. The protein in chocolate is boosted by the milk, making it good for “natural” (without chemical relaxers or permanent colorants”> hair.

Antioxidant Benefits

Many of you are already familiar with the health benefits of green tea, and you may have noticed that it’s showing up in a growing number of hair and skin-care products. You might not be familiar with the fact that cocoa has more flavanoids, which means you are gaining a huge antioxidant boost from cacao-imbued products. In fact, chocolate may well be the best available source of flavanoid to use as a dietary ingredient, so just think of what that could do for your hair and skin.

What’s So Good In Chocolate?

Nutrients in chocolate include:

• Protein
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin A
• Thiamine

The minerals:

• Potassium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Phosphorous
• Copper
• Magnesium

Chocolate and Community

There are a wide variety of botanical-based beauty products containing cocoa butter and chocolate available in spas, salons and shops. As I mentioned, cacao is a huge economic boon to some countries. Unfortunately, the way that wealth is distributed is not always fair. It is best to buy chocolate products involved with fair-trade programs. Otherwise you may be supporting child labor or even the slavery industry, which has cropped up in parts of Africa around the chocolate industry. No organic chocolate products have been indicated in such activities, so you’re safe buying organic chocolate, cocoa butter and cacao health and beauty products.

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Products containing ingredients from the cacao tree:

Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar Pomade

Oyin Handmade Grand Poo Bar

Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding

Wild Woozle Tiare Pommade

Curl Junkie Guava & Protein Curl Creme

Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Honey Butta Leave-in Conditioner

Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Honey Creme Leave-in Conditioner

Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment

Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme

Miss Jessie’s Curly Buttercreme

Circle of Friends Niklas & Heidi’s Yodel-Ay-He Chocolate Shampoo

Carole’s Daughter Hair Milk

Carole’s Daughter Khoret Amen Shea Butter Hair Smoothie

Carole’s Daughter Tui Shea Butter Hair Smoothie

Carole’s Daughter Hair Balm

Carole’s Daughter Healthy Hair Butter

Somerset Toiletry Co. Cocoa Butter Intensive Hair Conditioner

Philip B. Chocolate Milk Body Wash

Hairlox Cocoa Butter All-Purpose Cream

African Vision Shea Butter Daily Hair Cream

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About the author: Stephanie Rose Bird is an herbalist and aromatherapist. She is also author of “Four Seasons of Mojo: an Herbal Guide to Natural Living” and soon-to-be released book on the spirituality of Africans and trees.

Q: I have 2c/3a hair. My daughter is closer to a 2a/2b. I don’t know what products to use in her hair. I have tried some of mine, but they tend to weigh her hair down.

Cozy: You are smart to look for the proper products for your daughter. Children’s formulations tend to be gentler and address the different needs that children have. I assume you are looking for a product that will help enhance her natural curls and eliminate frizz- without weighing her hair down. Try “scrunching” in So Cozy Kooky Kiwi Styling Cream after her bath. Before scrunching, wring out excess water and try to apply evenly. For touch ups, you can use this on dry hair too to help reactivate the curls.

Q: I am going crazy. I have a 4-year-old (girl”>, a 3-year-old girl and a little one that just turned a year in September (boy”>. I am black, with very dry thick hair, and my husband is white with thin, fine hair. My oldest daughter has very long curly, but mainly wavy, hair. It’s thin like her dads, but because there is so much of it, it looks really thick. Right now, she uses adult shampoo and conditioners and a kid detangler. I tried Pert Plus, but it didn’t do enough. She is so tender-headed. My youngest daughter has curly hair like Shirley Temple — long ring curls. It isn’t too bad, but I have to use a anti-frizz cream so her hair doesn’t look like a big fuzz ball. How often should I wash their hair? And what are some good product suggestions?

Cozy: Let’s separate your issues. 1. Product recommendations: You should definitely use children’s products for both your girls. They are gentler and have the vitamins and nutrients that growing children need. Check out the So Cozy products in CurlMart. You will have your choice of all kinds of great hair products for kids, that come in fruity fragrances that kids love. 2. For your daughter’s tangles, try So Cozy Lucky Lime Pre-Detangling Treatment in the tub. Apply a generous amount after shampooing, and then comb through with a wide-tooth comb. It’s very important that you take an inch section of hair, hold it with one hand and start combing from the bottom,, working your way up the hair. This prevents tugging on her scalp, which can be very painful. Work your way around her head. You can touch up with So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler when dealing with tangles on the go. 3. Frizz- After the bath, wring out excess water and “scrunch in” some Groovy Grape Styling Gel evenly around her hair. NEVER brush her hair. This will separate the curls, making it look frizzy. To reactivate curls during the day, spray in the So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler and scrunch! Since it is also a leave-in conditioner, it’s good for her hair too!

Q: My 2-year-old daughter has beautiful curls. They are not super tight ringlets — more of a loose curl. But they are definitely more curly than wavy, which is what my 8-year-old daughter has. I am having a hair problem with her! She absolutely hates it when I mess with her hair. I only shampoo about once or twice a month, and usually it’s just with conditioner. I only comb her hair when it’s wet with conditioner in the bath. The problem is that by the end of the day or the next day, her hair is frizzy and everywhere!

The more immediate problem is that her hair is always in her eyes, and it clearly bothers her. She won’t leave anything in her hair — clips, headbands, scrunchies, etc. It gets ripped out within minutes, and putting it in is a battle. She spends most of her playtime pushing her hair back out of her eyes. I don’t want to make fixing her hair a huge battle, and some have suggested that I cut her hair into a style that will not be in her eyes. The problem is that I love her crazy hair, and I don’t want to cut it! More important, I don’t know what styles would be cute and manageable for her. I am a straight-haired mama, so I have learned all I know about managing her hair — which isn’t much — from my curly friend.

Cozy: First of all, it is crucial that you get the right haircut her—one that you will love too! I remember how sad I was to cut my son’s long locks the first time. But I also remember how much more I loved his hair afterwards! It’s not uncommon to see parents cry during a first haircut, instead of the kids! Consult a good stylist who you can trust. Second, it is clear that you need a very simple routine for now. This phase will eventually pass. But in the meantime you don’t want to turn her off to proper grooming in the formative years. I would recommend So Cozy Tropical Fruit 2-in-1 Conditioning Shampoo, to combine two steps together. To handle the frizz, use So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler. It is a spray-in Conditioner and will help smooth hair and enhance her natural curl. Since it is a leave-in conditioner, it is great for her hair too!

Q: About two weeks ago, I took my daughter in to get her long curly hair cut. We ended up cutting it into a bob and donating her long curly locks to Locks of Love. Since then, I have been unable to get her hair to curl up. I have used her regular curl shampoo and let dry naturally, but nothing? Why did this happen and how do I fix it?

Cozy: It is quite possible that your daughter’s hair has been changing and you didn’t realize it because of the length of the curls. You may have noticed that the top of her hair was straighter than the bottom. It is quite common for children’s (as well as adults'”> hair texture to change throughout their lives. Perhaps you can bring out a natural wave/curl with a different cut, adding some long layers. In any case, it is important that you embrace her natural hair to encourage good self-esteem in your child, no matter what her texture is.

Q: I grew up hating my curls because no one was around to teach me that they were beautiful. Actually, I didn’t really know that I had curls until I was 15. All I knew was that I had hair that was frizzy and unmanageable. Plus, I kept hearing that my hair had to look “nice,” which meant smooth and perfect. I was also told natural curls looked like you’d stuck your finger in a light socket. I finally went curly at 16, and my hair finally looked good and got me compliments. Now, my 3 1/2 year old daughter has wavy hair, and I’m trying to take care of her curls and just let them go free. I don’t want her to hate her hair like I used to.

Cozy: Your daughter is lucky to have a mom who totally understands how difficult curly hair can be for a child (and an adult, too!”>. Nothing looks worse than straightened, frizzy curly hair! I grew up not understanding my hair, spending too many hours worrying about it. It sounds like you will help her embrace her natural curls, which is a gift! Keep up the good work!

For more information about buying So Cozy products, visit CurlMart.

Sunflowers are a special flower in the Midwest and they are the state flower of Kansas. They grow quite freely alongside highways, beautify waste dumps, add color to fields and grace our gardens. Wherever their seeds blow, sunflowers take root. But their beauty is more than skin deep. The extract, oil and butter from these flowers are being used in a growing number of beauty products because of their moisturizing, smoothing and healing qualities.

As a sun-loving culture, the ancient Egyptians would have loved this plant. The plant’s name tells us why: helios means sun while anthos means flower in Greek. The French word for it is tournesol. or “turn with the sun” which, is precisely what it does. The plant is called phototropic meaning that it follows the sun. This is a flower intimately tied to the sun, and it can brighten you life in several key ways.

Sunflowers have a venerable history in American healing. The Native-American medicine people from various groups make use of sunflowers as poultices, skin washes as well as eating the seeds and working with the stalks to make life-preserving floats. Spiritually, bowls of the seeds are left on the graves of loved ones by some cultures.

Not limited to North America, today sunflowers are grown in the sunny climate of South Africa to create substantial flower-yielding medicinal oil from its seeds. South African sunflowers are known to be rich in unsaturated fatty acids.

General info

• Light taste and color, making it good for soapmaking and cosmetic blends
• Abundance of vitamin E more than any other vegetable oil.
• Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with low saturated fat levels.
• Outstanding for cooking (stir frying also as a healthy salad oil”>
• Rich in unsaturated fatty acids

Chemical Constituents

Palmitic acid : 4 – 9%,Stearic acid : 1 – 7%,Oleic acid : 14 – 40%,Linoleic acid : 48 – 74Contains: lecithin, tocopherols, carotenoids and waxes

Why it’s in Your Hair and Skin-care Products

Sunflower oil is an unsung hero in a marketplace saturated with oils. It has many healing applications, including herbal infusion used in massage and hot-oil treatments; nail soaks; cooking, salad dressings, marinades and formulating homemade cosmetics.High linoleic acid lends an anti-inflammatory, acne-reducing, moisturizing quality. Linoleic acid acts as an emulsifier in shampoo, soaps, and conditioners.Sunflower oil contains vitamin A, D, and E and a good amount of protein for skin and hair; it’s a high-quality source of zinc (protein is very good for most types of hair, vitamin E is a great antioxidant and zinc is protective against the sun’s rays”>.

• Low saturated fat levels.
• Has skin and hair smoothing properties—a boon to curly tops.
• Skin and hair benefits from moisture-retention quality.
• Considered hypoallergenic; making it safe for most skin types.
• Healthy addition to anti-aging, wrinkle formulas.
• It’s inexpensive and widely available.
• Helps boost the immune system.

Unique Attributes of Sunflower Oil

• Has cardiovascular benefits: appears to lower cholesterol which, in turn, results in a smaller risk of heart disease.
• Studies of adults suggested that a balanced diet in which small quantities of saturated fats are replaced with sunflower oil has detectable cholesterol-reducing benefits.
• Shown to benefit premature infant with underdeveloped skin who are susceptible to infection; infections decreased by almost half in infants receiving daily skin treatment of sunflower oil.
• Sunflower oil provides a protective barrier against infection in infants.

Q: My daughter is 4 with 3b hair. It’s so pretty if I wet it, use detangler and use a leave-in conditioner. But as the cold weather approaches, and now she’s in school, letting it air dry isn’t as much of an option, and the diffuser seems to kill the luster and definition of the curl. Any specific suggestions?

Cozy: Wow, you really know what you are doing! Continue your routine in the evening. In the morning all you will need to do is re-activate her curls. Use So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner. Spray it evenly around her hair when she wakes up in the morning and do some quick, gentle scrunching. Her hair will be dry and her curls will be reactivated by the time she’s finished with breakfast.

Q: Help! My curly-headed daughter is 10, and she’s really starting to care about her hair a lot more. She has been suffering her whole life with very long, dry, curly hair that gets matted daily and requires a minimum of two hours of raking through to make it look presentable. Because her curls are so tight, they end up getting matted into what can only be described as dreadlocks! She is horrified by this, but also by the whole process we have to engage in whenever we do it. We have very infrequent wash/detangle sessions because the water only serves to tighten the curls and the mattes get that much harder to work out. When we do have a session, it takes two to three hours to do just half her hair, and we have to leave the other half for another day. Either she needs to go to bed or we have an appointment or her brother needs something or I have to make lunch or dinner or do the laundry or go grocery shopping. We are very stressed out. We live three hours from a city where services are available, but are willing to drive if we can find a stylist to help us. FYI: I am biracial (African-American and Mexican-American with a relaxer”> and my daughter is multiracial. The curls run in the family on both sides, so curls are her destiny. We do not want to cut them. But if the dreadlocks continue, that may be the route we are forced to take. Aaarrgh! Any advice/help/etc. would be greatly appreciated!

Cozy: You may not like what I’m going to say, but you need to comb her hair more frequently. If you keep up with it regularly, it won’t be such a long and painful process each time. Also, you need the help of some products that have been created for this kind of hair. Try the So Cozy It takes two to Detangle Kit. It comes with Lucky Lime Pre-Detangler, a wide tooth comb and Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner. Use the Pre-Detangler in the bath with the wide tooth comb. To prevent tugging on the hair and thus avoiding pain to your daughter, hold an inch-wide strand in one hand and start combing from the bottom of the hair, an inch at a time, working your way up toward the scalp. Continue working your way around the head. You will avoid damaging the hair if you do this, which will help to prevent further knots. Use the Detangler in between bathing, any time you comb out. Never brush her hair. Other helpful tips: Have her wear her hair in a loose pony or braid at bedtime to avoid knots and wear her hair back when she’s doing sports or other activities. It may seem like a lot of work now, but it will certainly be much easier and save you a lot of time and anguish in the long run.

Q: Do you have any recommendations on what to use on a 4-month-old baby with extremely dry scalp and skin? He is constantly scratching his poor head.

Cozy: You should always consult your physician for skin issues. You may want to try massaging a little baby oil into the scalp.

Q: My daughter is almost two. I am a curly-headed Irish woman and my husband is African-American, so her hair is a mixture of both. I need suggestions on products for detangling or even just to keep her hair maintained. I’ve tried products from Wal-Mart, but nothing really works.

Cozy: You should try So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner. It really, really helps with the tangles. Equally important is to make sure that you are combing the hair properly. To prevent tugging on the hair and thus avoiding pain to your daughter, hold an inch wide strand in one hand and start combing from the bottom of the hair, an inch at a time working your way up toward the scalp — inch by inch. Continue working your way around the head. You will avoid damaging the hair if you do this, which will help to prevent further knots.

Q: My niece is 9 months old and it’s looking like she’ll have curly hair. She has the cutest little curl at the back of her head! The rest of her hair isn’t curly yet, but her dad is a curly and her mom has wavy hair on very humid days. I hear all this stuff about not using shampoos with sulfates, but wanted your opinion on whether it’s okay to use them. And if not, what should she use? It’s not like her hair is dry or dyed.

Cozy: There is so much talk about natural ingredients that it can be very confusing for the consumer. Many products claim to be “all natural” when in fact they aren’t. The problem is that it is an unregulated industry and many companies are taking advantage of the ignorance of the customer. First, make sure you are using a tear-free formulation for the baby. You don’t want to irritate her eyes. Next, take a good look at the ingredient label. Try to avoid parabens. Parabens are synthetic preservatives that are under suspicion for being harmful. The same is true for sulfates. Although there is no hard-core evidence at this time, it is best to use natural products until more is learned. I know that at our company, we have been busy reformulating So Cozy, replacing parabens with natural preservatives and removing sulfates. All So Cozy products are paraben-free and most are sulfate-free as well.

Q: My daughter is 8 years old and has a beautiful set of even, ringlet curls. The first day of washing/conditioning/combing, it looks beautiful. Of course, being a kid, she doesn’t want to fuss with it the next day by getting it all wet in the shower so she puts it up in a ponytail. Well, it starts to look dry and frizzy even in the ponytail. Any ideas? Should she spray it down each day with something? Any recommendations?

Cozy: How lucky your daughter is to have such beautiful curls! It sounds like a leave-in conditioner would be very helpful to remove that fuzz. At the same time, it will keep her hair properly moisturized so that her cuticle stays smooth. Try So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-in Conditioner. When she wakes up in the morning, spray in evenly and then gently scrunch her hair to help distribute it more evenly. Her beautiful curls should be reactivated and her hair should be dry before she leaves for school.

Tina Turner was a wigless and weaveless Anna Mae Bullock when she was born November 26, 1939. But when she grew up, hooked up with Ike and hit the road as Tina Turner, sightings of her real hair was history. A few years back I wrote about Tina’s relationship with her hair that appears in my book, “Nappyisms: Affirmations for Nappy-Headed People and Wannabes.” I’d like to share those musings with you:

I have always admired Tina Turner.

I admire Tina for her uninhibited stage presence and for having the sexiest set of legs on the planet.

I admire her for finally finding the courage to leave Ike.

But what I have found most intriguing about Tina was the special bond she had with her wigs.
No matter what wild gyrations my favorite rock diva executed during her high-octane performances, her wigs always held tight.

Tina was one of those sisters who wasn’t about to let anyone see what was really going on with her roots. I often wondered whether she used some sort of special adhesive to keep her chosen hair in place.

During television interviews, she was always fond of flipping and tossing her false tresses. I was a teenager when I watched those interviews and worried that she would accidentally hit a snag and expose what she didn’t want anyone to see.

Back in those days, one of the most mortifying things that could happen to black women who wore a wig was to have it fall off accidentally or be snatched off during a fight. Back then, we wore wigs not only to make a fashion statement but to cover up our naps. We were crazy like that.

I am convinced that fear of “wig shift” and nap exposure is what kept the Supremes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Aretha Franklin and other soul divas of those days from moving around too much when they performed.

But Tina never worried about wig shift. Her wig had such a grip that it even withstood the Proud Mary test.

For those too young to remember, “Proud Mary” is the rock-and-roll tune that Tina began by singing the words, “nice and easy.” Toward the end of the song, she would lead her backup singers in a wild, rough and frenzied dance. But through all of Tina’s wailing, flailing and strutting all over the stage, her hair remained firmly anchored.

A reporter for the Swiss News interviewed Tina, who lives in Europe, about her hair. According to the article, Tina described her wigs as being a part of her. She said that she purchases her hair from Spain and has it cut, colored and shaped to her specifications.

Tina is so attached to her wigs that she even wears them when she is puttering around her homes in Zurich, Switzerland and the south of France.

But Tina doesn’t put her hair through the grueling workout that she used to when she was on the road.

She is now in her 60s, and after doing countless concert tours and selling more than 180 million records, she is taking it “nice and easy.”

To mark her retirement, Tina made some changes in her lifestyle. Instead of “rolling on the river,” she spends more time relaxing by the Riviera. She has given up the flashy attire that suited her rock queen stage persona and replaced it with a wardrobe that is more low-keyed and comfortable.

But Tina hasn’t let retirement go to her head. She still hasn’t let go of her wigs.

That is certainly her choice.

But even though the former Anna Mae Bullock of Nutbush, Tenn. would rather flaunt her mane from Spain, the Swiss News revealed something that suggests that she has not strayed too far away from her roots.

According to the article, the real hair underneath Tina’s wig is styled into a bunch of little baby locks!

That’s right. Tina is a closet dread head!

Maybe we can convince her to come out of retirement long enough to perform Proud Mary one more time and rock her natural locks.

That may never happen. But we can only hope that one day she’ll let the poor babies come out long enough to get some air!

Q: My daughter is a 3b, I think. Back in April, her hair starting coming out around the edges. The doctor prescribed her Nizoral and Selsun Blue. I used it twice and noticed the texture of her hair was changing. I immediately stopped using it, but within a week’s time, I noticed her hair started breaking off. The breaking has not stopped yet. I first told the doctor and she told me that Nizoral can sometimes cause breakage. So she recommended olive oil and mayonnaise. That didn’t work. Then a beautician recommended using another product. That didn’t work. Now she is getting treatments once a week to repair her hair. But that doesn’t seem to be working either. Her hair is extremely dry, brittle and it looks very wiry. Her hair is usually very curly, thick and long. Now it’s a lot thinner, and it seems the breaking is only getting worse. Anytime I run my fingers through it, I get strands of her hair. Please help! Is there ANYTHING out there that can stop the breakage or even remotely get it back to the texture it use to be.

Cozy: This is a very difficult question to answer, especially without knowing the age of your daughter. But the first thing that comes to mind is your child’s diet. Does she take any vitamins? I would keep a journal of her daily food intake and possibly meet with a nutritionist. Second, I would talk with a dermatologist. Her problem sounds like more of a medical issue than an actual “hair” issue. While you are trying to get to the root of the problem, try to be very gentle with her hair so you don’t damage it more. Avoid tight elastics, wash infrequently to retain natural oils and use a generous amount of conditioner in her hair to keep it moisturized.

Q: My daughter has such thick hair. It almost looks like some sort of wig! She hates me touching her hair, but I have to wet it down with a spray bottle and put on a lot of gel to cut down some of the “bigness.” My husband is a barber and he cut a lot of layers into it and keeps it short. Any suggestions on cut and product?

Cozy: You are smart to ask about a cut and products for your daughter’s hair. The proper cut can make all the difference! A common mistake with thick curly hair is to try to “tame” it with a lot of layers. Very often, that will backfire and create that wig look you are describing. In my experience, longer hair with long layers will help avoid that “bigness” you are referring to. The right product is also very important. Try So Cozy Groovy Grape Styling Gel. It is alcohol free, so it won’t dry out the hair, but it will help maintain the natural curl and avoid frizz. Scrunch it into wet hair after bathing and let her hair dry naturally (or use a diffuser”>. You can also use it on dry hair to refresh the curls during the day.

Q: With my fine but thick and frizzy curly hair and my husband’s coarse thick curly hair, we knew our kids would have some major hair issues. We knew we’d have a hat baby — a baby that needs a hat all the time cause his hair is uncontrollable. I have no clue what to do with my baby’s hair. He has my texture, but it’s extremely dry in some areas. It’s coarse in one spot and frizzy. He has a huge mohawk with hair that’s pretty long. I put baby oil on it but it doesn’t help much. I’ve tried not washing it as often but then it looks dirty. Any suggestions?? If he was a girl, I’d actually put it in a ponytail right in the middle of his head. But, as a boy, i don’t think it would look right.

Cozy: Your son absolutely needs a haircut! A baby’s hair does not grow in evenly. Call ahead to a salon and find out who they would recommend to cut your baby’s hair and schedule an appointment with that person. Make the appointment at a good time for your child (not during nap time or when he is hungry”>. Bring along a few toys, a snack or a book to keep him busy and distracted during the haircut. Bring a spare t-shirt in case he doesn’t want to wear the cape. Don’t forget to save the first lock for your scrapbook!

Q: My daughter is in kindergarten and totally hates her hair. She is the only little girl in her class with curls, so she feels different. Because we live in a humid area, it gets really frizzy, which only makes her feel worse about it. How can I help her feel better about it? What styles are good for a child with baby fine, curly hair. What products do you recommend?

Cozy: It’s not easy being different than everyone else. But you need to help her embrace her curls and appreciate them. In order to do that, you need to enhance her curls and get rid of the frizz. When her curls are looking good, she will be able to enjoy them. This took me many years myself! She is so lucky to have someone to help her understand this. Generally speaking, putting some long layers into her hair will enhance the curls. Since you say she has baby fine hair, I would make sure to use a very light styling product that will eliminate frizz without weighing her hair down. Try So Cozy Kooky Kiwi Styling Cream. You can scrunch it into her hair either wet or dry. Never brush her hair, this will create frizz. Rather, comb hair with wide tooth comb when in the tub to remove knots. I recommend combing her hair in the tub while using So Cozy Lucky Lime PreDetangling Treatment. It will remove tangles and condition at the same time, and it smells great too.

Q: Do bangs work with curly hair or not? I want to try something new with my 5-year-old daughter’s tight ringlets.

Cozy: It is very difficult to wear bangs properly with curly ringlets. Instead, try long layers. This will help give her hair a different style, yet will work well with the ringlets.

Q: I don’t like to wash my second-grade daughter’s hair at night because it gets all frizzy and pouffy by morning. But I don’t want her leaving the house in the morning with her hair wet. Is it okay to blow dry a child’s curly hair? If I do, should I use a diffuser?

Cozy: It is fine to blowdry curly hair, but only with a diffuser. There is an alternative to washing her hair in the morning. She should sleep with a loose ponytail or braid, to help prevent her hair from getting out of control overnight. In the morning, you can scrunch in some So Cozy Kooky Kiwi Styling Cream. This will help to reactivate her natural curls and get rid of the frizz from overnight.

Q: I have an 11-month-old daughter. Her hair was super straight as a baby, and now it is very curly. My hair is curly, but I am a 3b. My daughter is a 3c/4a. I’ve been putting coconut oil and moisturizing lotion on her (like my mom did with me when I was a child”>, but it’s still very dry on the sides and back. Could you please tell me what I can do to keep her hair looking moist all day? I know her hair could look so nice, with the proper care. What products can I use and where can I get them?

Cozy: It sounds to me like you are doing all the right things. Coconut Oil and moisturizing lotion are both great You may want to add a great conditioner like So Cozy Sweet Strawberry Conditioner into her routine. Here’s the special trick. Instead of rinsing it all out, leave in a little, especially in the areas on the sides and back that are the driest.

Q: I have an 18-month-old daughter who has 4a/b hair. The front of her hair is more 3c/4a but most of it is in the 4s, which means it’s very dry. This is my first child and I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be doing her hair every day. I might have her hair in little braids or 4 pony tails for two weeks and then I let her hair rest for a week in one or two ponytails. Is it necessary to redo her hair every day even if we don’t go anywhere? I feel I need to do something because her hair needs moisture, but don’t want to put stress on her hair by doing the style all over again.

Cozy: You are absolutely right to keep her styles in for a couple of weeks. This will definitely help to keep her hair in a healthier condition. Use coconut oil to help moisturize.

Q: I need help with my 2-year-old daughter. She has curly ringlets from the chin down. The crown is as flat as can be. I didn’t think I was curly until a friend had me put products in my hair. Wow was I amazed! So I was thinking this might be the same for my daughter’s hair. What products should I use, and how do I get her to let me touch her hair? She won’t let me near it?

Cozy: It is true that using the right products will make all the difference. But a proper cut is equally important. Perhaps your daughter need a few layers to help enhance her curls. That and some So Cozy Kooky Kiwi Styling Cream should really help. Do not brush her hair after her bath. Instead, wring out excess water and “scrunch” in some styling cream. Let her hair dry naturally or use a diffuser on your blowdryer.

Q: I have naturally curly hair which I inherited from my Mom, who inherited it from my Grandfather. It is very thick and frizzy! I have tried everything to tame it: long, short, shoulder length; gel, hair spray, mousse; wearing it down, wearing it up, wearing it down with the top up. Nothing works! I will be starting high school next year (I’m 13″> and I really want to have nice, manageable hair!

Cozy: Thick and frizzy hair is certainly a challenge to tame, but very doable! First, a proper cut is critical. Call your local salon and find out what stylist they recommend to work with curly hair. Some stylists are better with curly hair than others. Second, take a look at your hair-care routine. You should NEVER, EVER brush or comb dry curly hair! That is what makes it frizzy. When you get out of the shower, you should squeeze out excess water and then “scrunch” So Cozy Groovy Grape Styling Gel into your hair, evenly distributing it throughout your hair. Keeping your hair moisturized will prevent frizz, so make sure that you are using a good leave-In Conditioner. Try So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner. You can spray it right in and it will help re-activate your curls when they start to dry out and get frizzy.

Q: I took my daughter, Julianne, to a hairstylist today to have the horrible matting and knots removed from her hair since it was beyond my ability. My poor child endured nearly an hour of painful tugging on her head while the stylist, whom we’ve seen before, worked to unravel the mess. Lots of conditioner and many tears later, Julianne is in a braid and doing fine. But I promised her she’d never have to go through that again. The stylist has suggested a perm to relax the hair and make it manageable. She wants to run the perm through the last few inches. I’m scared to death. We’d do a strand test first, of course, to check the result. What do you think of perms for little girls? I feel like we have few choices: Cut it short, relax it with a perm or suffer with knots, which isn’t an option at all.

 

Cozy: You didn’t mention how old your daughter is, but I’m not a fan of perms for young children. Instead, you need to get your daughter into a great maintenance routine that will help prevent her from getting to that horrible point of matted hair. Here are a few tricks: sleep with a loose braid to prevent tangling over night. Wear hair up when being active. A daily pre-detangling treatment in the tub will really help with daily maintenance. Get So Cozy Lucky Lime Pre-Detangler and a wide-toothed comb and comb through her hair in the bath everyday (or as often as you can”>. Daily maintenance is so important. In the morning before school you can use So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler to gently remove any tangles that occurred over night. You can get the It Takes Two to Detangle Kit, which has both of those products plus a hook handle detangling comb (to hang in shower”> and a cute little rubber ducky.

I promised to share with my readers occasional updates about people or issues that were once involved in controversial hair matters — nappy hair issues in particular. I refer to these updates as my “Whatever Nappened to . . . .” reports.

My first offering is about Chicago Bulls basketball player Ben Wallace, formerly known as “Fear the ‘Fro.” Wallace, once known as the NBA’s “Most Valuable Defensive Player,” and also known for his wild and wooly Afro.

During his glory days as a Detroit Piston, Wallace’s Afro was as intimidating as his awesome moves on the court. Whenever Wallace made a particularly powerful slam dunk or slapped a shot out of the air, he made a point of directing attention to his ‘do. He claimed that his Afro was his source of power. He was the one who gave himself the nickname, “Fear the Fro!”

His fans in Detroit never disputed his boastful words. In fact, they frequently paid tribute to Wallace’s “mane” asset by showing up at games wearing oversized Afro wigs.

Wallace and his familiar ‘fro were also mentioned in the movie “Four Brothers,” which takes place in Detroit.

Wallace left the Pistons in July, 2006, and signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Chicago Bulls. His disgruntled fans in Detroit fans balked and sarcastically changed his nickname from “Fear the ‘Fro,” to “Fear the Dough.”

Wallace’s playing skills haven’t diminished since he moved to Chicago, but his nappy crown hasn’t had the same fame in Chicago that it had in Detroit.

A few months after playing with the Bulls, he was pulled from a game against the New York Knicks in November 2006. His temporary suspension had nothing to do with his ‘do. It had everything to do with the ‘ornament’ that he wore in it.

Wallace was benched for wearing a red headband.

Wearing headbands was forbidden by Bulls head coach Scott Skills and general manager John Paxton Wallace knew that but decided to be hard-headed and wore one anyway. He said at the time that the only reason he violated the rule was to shake up the team. The Bulls were 4-9 in the early season. The next month, the Bulls went on to have a 14-3 month. He never wore the headband again.

Q : My hair is about shoulder length. And for the most part, I love how it looks. But in the back of my head, my curls don’t start forming until they’re about 2 to 2 1/2 inches from the crown area. This is driving me nuts! What suggestions do you have? I’ve pretty much tried everything to get my curls to form like the rest of my hair but nothing seems to work. Please help!

Torch : To encourage curl formation, try deepening the “S” formation of each curl. To solve your problem I suggest drenching your hair with Curl Keeper while your hair is soaking wet. When you bend your head over, you need to start squeezing each curl so that you hear a “squishing” sound. If you don’t hear a squish, you either don’t have enough water, Curl Keeper or both. The squishy sound is so important that the more you squish, the curlier your style will be. So remember to do extra “squishing” on the stubborn, looser, underneath curls. Allow the Curl Keeper to do its job of controlling your frizz and supporting your curls.

Q : I’m having some serious issues with my big hair. I never wear my hair completely down because I’m so self conscious about how big it is. This weekend, I worked up the courage to wear it down since I was going to be home all day. I looked like a helmet head. It’s like my hair sticks straight out of my scalp when it grows out. I have a lot of hair plus it’s got a lot of natural volume. Right now it’s at my shoulders — slightly past when dry — and I’m hoping to grow it longer in so the length will weigh it down. How can I tone it down a notch? Help! I’m tired of wearing my hair the same way all the time. I’ll take any suggestions, products, techniques, what ingredients to avoid — whatever!

Torch : To control your hair completely would require both styling techniques and having the correct curly haircut. So I suggest that you first learn to control your style. When you have just finished washing and conditioning your hair and your hair is totally detangled and sopping wet, study your hair and you will notice that you have no frizz and very little volume. If you distribute Curl Keeper from roots to ends in the same manner as when it is wet, you will have the same frizz control when your hair dries. The less movement that occurs during the first 15 minutes, the more control you will have over the frizz. Once your hair dries, you can easily soften your look by simply moving your hair around. The more you play with your hair, the more volume you will achieve. People start appreciating their volume and curls once they have total control over the frizz. The Curl Keeper formula re-activates with water, so simply re-wetting frizzy areas with wet hands could get you many fantastic frizz-free days between shampoos.

Q : I have tried cheap products, I have tried expensive products, and all I really need is something to make my limp, lifeless, boring waves into nice bouncy curls. If I found something like that, price wouldn’t matter. I am a 2c, and my hair is very dry and like straw. If I don’t put product in my hair, I poof like the Lion King. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Torch : Finding the product that’s right for you is only half the battle. Learning how to use the product is the other half. No two curly heads are the same and curly hair is always changing. From the humidity of summer to dry indoor heated winter air, the styling techniques and products need adjusting. One thing for sure is that silicones in any product, cheap or expensive, make styling difficult. The success of creating a curl depends on the amount of hair that can group together to form that curl. The more hair grouped together the looser the curl. When hair is coated with silicone ingredients, the sealed cuticles make curl grouping very difficult and flyaway hair appears, especially in humid conditions. When styling your hair with Curl Keeper it is important to rely on the Curl Keeper to take care of the frizz. Using the correct amount varies so it is an adjustment that only you will master. We also have a Silk Leave-in Conditioner that will take care of rough, dry wiry sections around hairlines or the tips of hair ends. The energy and effort is not how you dry your hair, but in taking time and effort in preparing your hair with the right products, then to allow Curl Keeper do its job as you allow hair to dry as much as possible on its own.

Q : I have an ongoing issue with the curls at the nape of my neck. I use gel when plopping out of the shower, and then let my hair dry naturally with a small clip at the bottom so my hair looks a little bit longer after drying. I do not comb or pick through my curls so that they’ll find their mates, and I don’t want to generate volume. The problem is that the curls underneath get so tangled and matted and squished together. I’ve done braids, leave-in conditioner (makes the problem much worse”>, the pineapple or braids when I sleep, different conditioners in the shower — almost anything I can think of to avoid this. I’m so frustrated that I’ve taken to tightly braiding just that section of hair underneath so I don’t have to deal with it. This is causing breakage and flatness in the back of my hair. Help!

Torch : To control your frizz and manage your hair style, it is very important that all knots are untangled and all loose hair is removed. Otherwise, matting occurs, which leads to dreads. To ensure that you get this under control, it is important to change your styling regimen. I recommend trying Curly Hair Solutions Treatment Shampoo to strengthen your hair and Pure Silk Protein Conditioner to moisturize your hair. The next challenge is to spray generous amounts of Slip Leave-in Detangler. After letting it sit for five minutes, removing all the loose hair will be easy. Use a large-tooth comb and distribute Curl Keeper evenly over your clean, wet, detangled hair for total frizz control. Allow your hair to settle and dry on its own before you begin your styling.

Q : I’m a 3b, but the hair at my neck is nearly straight (2a/2b“>. It’s just a small section of my hair – the lowest part on my neck – but it is so darn frustrating. I don’t know what to do about it. Any suggestions on how to get it as curly as the rest of my hair?

Torch : I recommend the following two alternatives: You could perm the looser curl to have a tighter “S” formation shape that is closer to your natural curl tightness. Keep in mind that the successful outcome of any chemical service depends on the time and care taken to perform the service. I strongly suggest a fully experienced hairstylist using the highest quality perms. Keeping your hair in its healthiest condition will certainly guarantee success. Depending on how the few stray pieces influence length or thickness, I recommend letting your hair dry as curly as you can. After you have achieved great bouncy curls, the few straight hairs will be more obvious as the curlier sections shrink. At this point, I would suggest cutting the straight hairs very unevenly to blend it with the rest. Be careful, because some people rely on those longer pieces to help pull their hair back for those plan “B” bad hair days.

Q : I am a red-headed 3a who is growing my hair out. It’s currently about 2 inches below my collarbone, and I want to go several more inches. But my hair is starting to get this puffy at the bottom — a total triangle look — and it’s not good! It’s almost all one length, but has just a couple of very long layers in it (not much shorter than the rest of my hair”>. Will more layers break up that look? I am so scared of layers because in the past they made my hair bigger, and I do not want “big hair.” I want ringlets that lay flat and long. My hair is extremely thick and coarse. I think the thickness/heaviness is the problem. Any stylist that has cut my hair says it’s the thickest hair they’ve dealt with.

Torch : Thick hair is certainly a challenge because there are thousands more hairs per square inch. Even cleansing techniques are difficult because it takes much more effort to wet the hair enough, making it difficult to get down to the roots. That is why some thick-haired kids have oily roots and dry ends. Controlling the curls will depend on generous amounts of Curl Keeper distributed everywhere while your hair is soaking wet. Allow your hair to dry as much as possible on its own without creating movement — at least for the first 15 minutes. Once your hair starts to air dry and the Curl Keeper has taken control of your frizz, you can be more aggressive with drying. Using a blowdryer with a diffuser will help speed up the drying process. As for layers, that is the most over-used term when talking about cutting curly hair. I suggest finding a hairstylist that understands that traditional layering techniques do not work on curly hair. Ledges form in the worst places, and can take years to grow out. There are specific hair-cutting techniques that carefully redistribute the bulk, creating curly hairstyles with bounce and movement.

Q: My 3-year-old daughter has mostly curly hair. If I let it dry naturally, it is much curlier. But it is fairly long and it tends to straighten out in some sections while remaining quite curly in others. In other words, it’s not the big whopping curls you see on some kids because she seems to have a few sections that are rather wavy instead of curly. Is this because she doesn’t have a proper ‘curly hair cut,” if there is such a thing? Also, I usually brush it, and the curls pretty much come out when I do that. I would like to maximize the curls, but I think that means no brushing, using certain products and a special cut. What should I do?

Cozy: It seems like you already know the answer to your question. She should definitely get a great haircut that will help to enhance her curls. Oftentimes, if there aren’t enough layers or the layers are too long, it will drag down the hair creating those straight hair sections. You are also right about brushing: NEVER brush curly hair! It will cause the cuticle to stand up, which creates that frizzy look. Instead, when she is done bathing, scrunch an alcohol-free styling gel into her hair to enhance her natural curl. I recommend So Cozy Groovy Grape Styling Gel. You will need to experiment with the amount of product needed to see what works. Start with a nickel-size and try to evenly distribute it through her hair while scrunching.

Q: I am the mother of a beautiful 8 1/2-year-old who will only wear a ponytail. She has 3b hair underneath, and most of her hair around the top — from the middle of her head up — is probably 3c and fuzz. Two years ago, I had her hair relaxed and only touched it up once. She only has about one inch of straight hair left on the ends. It seems like her hair has changed. I used to be able to let her wear some curls, but now it is just peach fuzz. I have used all sorts of products, but none of them seem to last on her hair.

Cozy: Your daughter obviously isn’t comfortable with her hair yet, which is VERY common. That is why she likes to wear it in a ponytail. I don’t see anything wrong with her wearing it in a ponytail, other than that it can cause breakage to her hair. To help prevent breakage, try putting it in a looser band. Also, make sure to condition her hair every day to help moisturize and prevent it from drying out. Most importantly, you should try to help your daughter to embrace her natural curls. Take her to a trusted stylist for a consultation. A proper haircut can go a long way and can help transform your daughter’s insecurity with her natural curls into a newfound confidence.

Q:: My 4-year-old daughter has fine wavy hair. I need a recommendation for a good moisturizing conditioner. Her hair keeps tangling bad!

Cozy: You are smart to start using conditioner on your daughter’s hair. It is so important to keep hair hydrated to prevent it from drying out. Try So Cozy Sweet Strawberry Conditioner. Not only is it packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A and E and Sweet Almond Oil, but it smells so good your daughter will love it. Half the battle is getting your child involved in the grooming process!

Q: My 6-year-old daughter longs for hair like her straight-haired friends. Is it all right to straighten her hair with a flat iron just so she can get a different look? If so, what’s the best way to do this?

Cozy: I don’t recommend straightening your daughter’s hair with a flat iron regularly for two reasons. The first and most obvious reason is that the heat from the iron is very damaging to the hair. Second, I think your time will be better spent helping her to find hair styles that embrace her natural curls. I wish that when I was a child, someone would have helped me to work with my naturally curly hair rather than wasting my time and energy trying to make my hair look like my straight-haired friends. With that said, if you are going to flat iron her hair, comb it into 1-inch sections and work section by section. Make sure to use a thermal protectant to reduce heat damage.

Q: We’re looking for help with a big problem: our 4-year-old daughter’s hair. It’s very thick and curly, and in some areas there’s thick frizz. It gets full of tangles and knots, which makes combing and washing it stressful for all concerned. We use conditioner and keep it braided, which helps, but not enough. We’d like to avoid cutting it really short, because the length is pretty and her hair has become part of her unique charm. Any suggestions?

Cozy: You are not alone! Believe it or not, tangles are the No. 1 problem we hear about at Cozy’s Cuts For Kids. We believe that for thick, curly hair, detangling is actually a two-step process. You need the So Cozy It Takes Two to Detangle Kit. It includes:

• Lucky Lime Pre-Detangling Treatment – This breakthrough formula is designed to be used IN THE TUB as it instantly starts the detangling process in the bathtub by smoothing the cuticle, which allows knots to comb right out easily and gently. It is formulated with natural ingredients such as quinoa seed, nettle extract, panthenol and wheat protein, which work together to smooth, nourish and moisturize the cuticle, keeping hair silky, shiny and tangle-free.

  How To Use: Simply apply a generous amount to the hair after shampooing, using more in tangled areas. Then, use the enclosed wide-tooth comb to work the knots right out. Rinse and then towel dry.

• Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner– This fruit-scented spray is designed to be used ON THE GO to keep hair smooth and full of precious moisture. It contains hydrolyzed wheat protein and wheat starch to condition and protect the hair shaft as well as Pro-Vitamin B5 to thicken and straighten the hair.

  How To Use: Spray evenly over the entire length of the hair, avoiding the face and eyes. Apply liberally onto hard to comb areas. Brush or comb hair at the ends and work upwards towards the scalp.

• Wide Tooth Comb with Hook Handle – Used by the pros at Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, this comb makes detangling as easy and tug-free as possible.
• Miniature Rubber Ducky – No bath would be complete without a fun toy, so this cute little guy comes along, too.
• Detangling Instructions – Written by the experts at Cozy’s Cuts For Kids, these tips will give parents step-by-step instructions on how to use the kit.

Q: I have a 19-month-old daughter who has wavy/curly hair, and it’s unruly. I would love to get her a short haircut because it would be so much easier, but I wouldn’t do it because she would look like a boy and I don’t want that. What are my options?

Cozy: Not all short haircuts are “boy” cuts! You need to find a trusted stylist to consult with. You may want to look through magazines or research haircuts on the Internet to open up your mind to all the possibilities. I see hundreds of adorable little girl haircuts every month that are so cute & feminine. In the meantime, to alleviate the unruliness, try So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-in Conditioner. It will help you to gently comb through her hair, while conditioning it at the same time.

We’ve been hearing a lot about orange blossom oil lately as an additive to hair-care products, and for good reason. This sweet and floral oil, better known as neroli, has been used for everything from revitalizing hair to promoting emotional balance.

The name neroli distinguishes it from orange blossom water, a far less concentrated version than the oil. Both have an outstanding, unusual, sweetly strong scent that many find heavenly. Orange blossom water is very light and used in African and Middle Eastern cooking and in European homemade beauty products.

Neroli, on the other hand, has a lengthy history in perfume beginning centuries ago in Persia (present day Iran”>, where it was used to perfume royalty and palace walls. Neroli is popular in India, and has slowly been introduced into hair and skin care products in the West because of its numerous health and beauty benefits.

Origins

Neroli, one of the world’s most expensive oils, originated in the Far East and is believed to have been introduced to the Mediterranean by Arab traders. It has intimate ties to both the east and western culture, especially royalty, making its true name origin hard to decipher. It is said that the word Neroli is derived from naranj, which means orange in Arabic or from the Sanskrit word, nagaran.

Thanks to the Moors, the oil made its way further north and further west. Neroli oil was eventually carried into the Mediterranean region. And, by the end of the 12th century, bitter orange trees were being cultivated in Seville, Spain for the production of this highly sought-after essential oil.

The royalty of Europe also lay claims to the word neroli. Some say it is named after the 16th century Princess Anne-Marie of Nerola, wife of Prince Flavio Orsini. She is said to have loved the scent, wearing it frequently, which in turn inspired other aristocratic women and wanna-bes who could afford it to use it as well. Others say it is named after Roman Emperor Nero. Still others claim, 17th century Duchess of Tremoille, known as ‘La Nerola,’ wore it to scent her gloves and calm her nerves. We do know for sure that in European tradition the blossoms were woven into the bride’s bouquet probably for their calming effect. They were woven into the bride’s hair to proclaim her virginity and placed by the honeymoon bed to calm nuptial nerves and assure fertility.

During that period of time, Neroli oil was often used in bath water or as a perfume on stationary and clothing. Its rich, floral scent gained almost instant popularity and was used commercially by J.M. Farina, the famous Italian perfume manufacturer. In 1709, he began selling an essential oil blend of Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Petitgrain, Rosemary and Neroli. He called this magical blend “Eau de Cologne”, which is still quite well-known throughout today’s modern world.

The Science of Neroli

The scientific separation between neroli and orange blossom oil is clear. Neroli is steam distilled whereas volatile solvents are used to extract orange blossom oil. Neroli is stronger and longer lasting whereas orange blossom products are lighter and more ephemeral. Neroli essential oil’s origins are in the Far East, but it now is cultivated primarily in Italy, Tunesia, Morroco and Egypt from the steam-distilled blossoms of the bitter orange tree.

Like rose oil, this oil’s valid expense is driven by the enormous amount of blossoms necessary to produce Neroli essential oil. In fact, 1 ton of orange blossoms are required to produce one quart of Neroli oil. Neroli oil is the extracted essential oil of fragrant blossoms from the bitter orange tree. However, before the orange blossoms may be used in the distillation process to produce essential oil, all traces of debris, including green leaves and twigs, must be removed by hand.

There are many different types of hydrosols and essential oils created from various types of orange trees and from specific parts of the tree. The ordinary edible orange, which grows so well in Florida, is Citrus sinesis. An inexpensive essential oil is produced from this tree, but it does not have the same therapeutic benefits as neroli. Orange essential oil from the fruit is usually called just that, and it is used mostly in home cleansing products.

The delicate blossoms, rather than the fruits, are used to create the pale yellow neroli and orange blossom water. Its botanical name is Citrus bigaradia or C. aurantium. Petigrain created from the tree leaves and twigs has more of a spicy scent and it comes from the tree, Citrus aurantium.

Holistic Health Uses

In the East, neroli has long been associated with the second chakra, (the sacral spinal area”> in India’s yogic tradition. Yogis and practitioners of Aruyveda admire neroli for its trance and sleep inducing, relaxing qualities. They rub it on the abdomen or sacral area. In Chinese tradition the oil is used to mobilize chi. In the west it is used aromatherapeutically to alleviate depression, soothe anxiety, hysteria and nervous conditions. As a light, refreshing, uplifting fragrance, it is used to alleviate a variety of psychological states including insomnia, anxiety and depression. It is known to help treat diarrhea, and some aromatherapists use it to treat a broad range of menopausal issues.

Neroli oil has been noted to improve varicose veins, skin elasticity and the body’s ability to develop new skin cells, while working to soften the skin, wrinkles and scars. Neroli oil may also be able to regulate oiliness, minimize enlarged pores and clear blemishes, making it good to use on oily skin and hair.

Anti-oxidant properties encourage healthy cell growth allowing neroli to boost and revitalize dull looking hair. Neroli also is helpful in treating many types of dermatitis and scalp irritation. This once-exotic, elite oil is now used by many to calm skin rashes, diminish stretch marks and scars. Neroli is a maturing woman’s best friend, combating wrinkles and conditioning the texture of the skin. It also helps with various manners of the heart as a purportedly effective aphrodisiac, alleviating sexual tension and even as a cardiac tonic.

Recipes

Often people with fresh cornrows, French braids, Senegalese twists, Nubian knots, locs and individual braided extensions experience discomfort (pain”> and scalp irritation. The following two neroli astringents can be dabbed on the parts of these styles with a cotton swab to alleviate the transition to braids, locs or twisted hairstyles. These can also be used to cleanse the face before applying a moisturizer. The hair and skin astringent combination works well because often long hair that is braided or twisted hangs in the face releasing unwanted oils onto the skin.

Neroli Astringent #1:

3 ounces orange flower hydrosol

1-ounce witch hazel

1-tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Mix ingredients in a non-reactive bowl. Pour through a small funnel into a 6 ounce bottle. Dab on skin with a cotton square thoroughly cleansing.

Neroli Astringent #2

This is another easy to make astringent. By adding about 8-10 drops neroli to 16 ounces witch hazel in a non-reactive bowl and funneling into a clean, dry bottle. This is immediately ready to use—just shake very gently before use. Apply to the scalp (in the parts”> or all over the face, working upward with cotton squares, to cleanse, sooth or calm the nerves.

Anti-wrinkle Mature Skin Oil

To a quarter cup sweet almond or grapeseed oil, add 12 drops neroli

8 drops each: evening primrose oil, carrot seed oil and lavender essential oil.

Swirl to blend. Pour through a funnel into 6 ounce sterilized, dry bottle with screw cap. Dab on face with a cotton ball at night before bedtime.

Alluring Aphrodisiac Oil

1 cup rose-scented sweet almond oil

15 drops neroli

10 drops sandalwood

8 drops rose absolute

In order given, add ingredients to non-reactive bowl. Swirl gently to mix. Using a funnel add to 6 ounce clean, dry, bottle with flip top. Use as a massage or intimate oil.

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• John Masters Organics Citrus and Neroli Detangler
• John Masters Organics Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel
• DevaCare One Condition
• DevaCare No-Poo
• Jane Carter Solution Hair Nourishing Cream
• Ojon Shine & Protect Shampoo
• Ojon Shine & Protect Conditioner
• Ojon Leave-in Glossing Cream
• Oyin Handmade Greg Juice
• My HoneyChild Caribbean Hair Activator
• Olive You Scalp Cleanser
• Olive You Deep Conditioner
• Innersense Organic Beauty Harmonic Healing Oil
• Innersense Organic Beauty Blissful Body Butter
• Natura Organics Nourishing Conditioner
• Mandra: Purely Natural Beauty Wheat Protein Conditioner
• Burt’s Bees Royal Jelly Eye Creme
• Burt’s Bees Shea Butter
• Burt’s Bees Healthy Treatment Repair Serum

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Resources

1. A couple of good online essential oil suppliers are: www.100pureessentialoils.com and www.libertynatural.com (which requires a $50 minimum”>. Liberty Natural Products also sells bottles, jars, absolutes and many other natural ingredients.
2. Wholesale Supplies Plus at www.wholesalesuppliesplus sells a base shampoo, conditioner, bubble bath, body butter, lotions and creams to which you can add neroli or other essential oils quickly producing your own unique products. This company also sells bottles, jars, funnels and labels.
3. One of the better bottle companies is Sun Burst Bottles at www.sunburstbottles.com. They sell jars, a variety of bottles and labels.

Waterproof makeup has been around much longer than synchro-swimming has been in the Olympics (1984″>; many of the early forms of the products were developed for “bathing beauty” Esther Williams, a former American swimming champion turned actress.

Williams appeared in over 30 films during her career, and in most of them, elaborate Busby-Berkeley-style swimming numbers were staged (Berkeley actually did direct Williams once”> with Williams at the center of dozens of synchronized pieces.

In addition to her radiant smile, Williams always wore beautiful red lipstick and perfect eye makeup while performing her swimming routines. The best information I’ve been able to find on how she got her look was that a shellac-type sealant was applied over makeup to make it adhere to skin for the hours the actors would spend in the water.

I can only imagine the lengths they had to go to remove the stuff and the damage it did to their skin!

You and I probably won’t be in the Olympics or swimming for Busby Berkeley, so we only need our waterproof makeup to last through an outdoor wedding, a backyard pool party or prom night. Fortunately, shellac isn’t required with today’s waterproof makeup, and removal can be as easy as soap and water.

Mascara is the one product that helps define a face, even when wearing little makeup. Today’s waterproof mascaras last, and Avon’s Waterproof Wash Off Mascara really does come off with soap and water. Most companies make waterproof versions of their best sellers: Maybelline Great Lash and L’Oréal Voluminous are just two examples.

To color your lids, Make Up For Ever has shadow/liner pencils called Aqua Eyes that promise to stay on “under the most extreme conditions.” These are available in 15 shades at Sephora stores or online for $16. For less extreme wear, try Sue Devitt’s Eye Intensifier Pencil; only nine colors and $22, but with one of the most beautiful khaki green shades on the market. It has a sponge tip on one end to smudge the liner into a shadow. MAC’s Powerpoint Eye Pencil is available in 17 long-wearing colors, including the beautiful Permaplum.

Simplicity is the key if one needs waterproof makeup for something like the company picnic or touring the sights in a humid climate. Try double-duty products for cheeks and lips like Benefit Cosmetics’ Benetint. This stain goes on as a liquid and dries quickly, so application is key. It’s now available in a “pocket-pal” format to easily tuck into your purse.

Vincent Longo has Pearlessence Gel Stains for lips and cheeks in three shades that promise to be “sip-resistant, swim-resistant and sweat-resistant.” Becca Beach Tint comes in one watermelon-pink (and watermelon-scented”> shade suitable to many skin tones. NARS The Multiple can also be worn on the eyelid for a monochromatic look. It comes in 13 gorgeous shades for a pricy $36, but many women swear by its long-lasting properties.

Tarte has a mini-duo of its famous (and now widely-imitated”> cheek stain along with a matching lip product. Lovin’ the Fast Stain is only available at Sephora for $30, and is watermelon colored.

If you really want to wear something special of your own, but want it to last all day, try Benefit’s She-Laq. This sealant goes over any makeup and includes a set of tiny brushes and applicators for $28. I am assured by Benefit that any remover formulated for waterproof makeup will take it off.

Before you head out, don’t forget your sunscreen. Try a liquid bronzer for your skin (Laura Mercier Bronzing Gel, Bonne Bell Gel Bronze”> and consider some bathing beauty glamour of your own – Esther Williams has endorsed a line of retro-style swimsuits!

When you think of peaches, you typically think of a juicy summer fruit as well as a delectable addition to pies and traditional American cobblers.

These days, peach is finding its way onto the ingredient list of cosmetics. Why, you may ask, would I want to lather up with a peach? In this article, we explore the wholesome qualities of peaches. By showing how to use peach tree parts as herbs, it will help explain why peaches are not only tasty but also an herb useful in healing, hair conditioning and skin treatments.

Peach Habit and Distribution

Peach is known as (Prunus persica”> in botanical Latin. Peaches grow in many different temperate and warm regions around the world. In the United States, the dominant peach producer is California, although Georgia peaches are famous. Personally, my memories of peaches come from the numerous orchards in South Jersey where I grew up. Where ever they hail from, peaches are a delightful seasonal fruits, brimming with vitamins, minerals as well as fiber.

Parts Used and Purpose

While we focus on the fruit, other parts are useful in cosmetics. The leaves are quite medicinal, possessing diuretic, expectorant, laxative and sedative qualities. Peach leaf tea is used for chronic bronchitis and chest congestion. This tea has such a strong laxative action that is not recommended during pregnancy. The powdered leaf is made into a poultice and used to heal wounds.

Peaches contain a lot of boron, which boosts steroids in the blood. The boron in peaches increases estradiol 17B, the most active form of estrogen, making the fruit useful during menopause or after a hysterectomy. I can attest to peaches efficacy in relieving menstrual cramps and PMS.

Peaches are also believed to decrease the occurrence of osteoporosis and increase testosterone because of the boron they contain. A collaborative study between U.S. government scientists at the Agricultural Research Service and their South African and Israel/Palestine colleagues found natural oil in peaches kills fungi and other pests in the soil. This peach oil is being investigated as a pesticide that would be safer for animals, people, insects and the environment than other options.

Many handmade soap makers and cosmetic formulators, both large and small, use nature identical oil (NIO”> or synthetic peach scent (fragrance oils”> for scenting candles, soaps, creams, lotions, conditioners, shampoos and pomades. Aromatherapeutically, peach scent lends thoughts of peacefulness, gaiety and romance, hence its use in aphrodisiacs. The juice, oil, pit and fruit are used in magical love brews.

What’s the Big Deal About Peach Kernel Oil?

One of the most important parts of the peach when it comes to the hair and skin is the kernel oil. Peach kernels are pressed, yielding precious, sun kissed, non-greasy oil that is added to many cosmetic products. Peach kernel oil contains minerals including boron (previously discussed”>.

I have always had very sensitive skin, and unfortunately I didn’t really start to have acne until my childbearing years. Peach kernel oil is a delicate oil suitable for those with skin like mine that is very allergic to artificial ingredients and fragrances. The oil’s regenerative and tonic abilities are attributed to its content of antioxidants vitamins A and E. Recommended for its ability to battle dehydration, peach kernel oil is also respected for smoothing wrinkles and lending suppleness to all skin types. Peach kernel oil is recommended for inflamed skin and is recommended for serious conditions such as eczema or psoriasis or overexposure to sun and wind. Peach kernel oil is also high in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPFAs”>.

Peaches in Hair Care

It seems that modern-day hair care product formulators have revisited the annals of herbal hair care. Traditional American Folklore espouses the use of peach leaf for hair conditioning and as a hair-growth aid used as a water-based infusion (tisane”>. I bought a pound of cut and sifted peach leaves and created a tea from some of it. I then used the peach-leaf infusion as a conditioning rinse on my kinky, curly, thick hair with good results. I like how it makes lackluster hair shine, and how it created more volume and body.

Peach kernel oil’s use in haircare formulations is similar to skin care. It acts as an emollient and is a light oil (easy to wash out and it doesn’t weigh down thin hair”>. By coating the hair shaft, it retains natural color and chemically applied color, making color treatments last longer. By gently coating the hair shaft, peach kernel oil protects hair from environmental conditions such as sun, wind, rain and pollution. Coating the hair shaft with light oil also deters frizz and helps define curl patterns. The nutrients in peach kernel oil, like peach leaf infusion, condition hair, aiding hair growth by preventing breakage and tangles.

Using Peach Kernel Oil

Peach kernel oil can be used neat (applied to scalp, hair or skin straight from the bottle”>. But that approach may prove expensive. Most formulators, aromatherapists and soap makers, including this one, dilute it.

Remarkably, it is equally effective in dilutions of 10 – 50% in carrier oils such as grape seed or sweet almond or jojoba oil, as it is used alone. Peach kernel oil can be used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy or as an emollient hair or skin treatment.

To use as a scented carrier oil to massage the head, scalp or body, stir 10 to 12 drops of pure essential oil to 6 to 7 teaspoons of peach kernel oil. Recommended essential oils for kinky, curly or wavy hair include sage, rosemary, lemongrass, lavender, Roman chamomile, sandalwood, palmarosa, patchouli, ylang/ylang and neroli. You can pick a few and mix them if desired.

Do-it yourselfers will enjoy the superior emollient qualities of peach kernel oil when added to handmade creams, lotions, massage oils and lip balms. Luckily, these formulas now are pre-prepared and sold as ready-to-use bases by certain companies.

For best results, peach kernel oil needs to be kept out of the sun. Stored in a cool dry place it lasts an incredible two to three years. The oil should also be derived from cold-pressed kernels, as over-refining reduces antioxidants.

Warning: Anyone with nut allergies in their home should avoid peach kernel oil and products containing it.

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Products Containing Peach

• Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo
• Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
• Back to Basics Pomegranate Peach Shampoo and Back to Basics Pomegrante Peach Conditioner
• Garnier Frizz Ultra Doux Walnut Peach Leaf Shampoo and Frizz Ultra Doux Walnut Peach Leaf Conditioner

  Frederic Fekkai Technician Shampoo for Dry, Damaged, Color-Treated Hair

• Pure, cold-pressed peach kernal oil is available from many vendors, including Garden of Wisdom. It ranges from $6 16 ounces to $21 per gallon. This light, yellow, faintly scented oil can be applied directly to the skin, scalp and hair.
• Brambleberry sells base (pre-prepared, ready-to-use”> lotion, lip balm, soap, cream, shampoo, to which peach kernal oil and favorite essential oils can be added. They also sell peach fragrance oil — one simply called “Peach” and the other called “Peachy Keen.” Added sparingly to your base, you can have a semi-homemade totally peach experience. Contact them at www.brambleberry.com or 360-734-8278.
• Aromatic creates a base cream for mature, sensitive, dry skin featuring peach kernal oil to which you can add your own natural fragrances and color.

Q: My daughter, Arianna, is 4 years old. Her hair is 4b/3b from front to back and super thick. She is more tender-headed than I was at her age. None of the hairstyles I try last more than half a day before they frizz up, unless I do braids, which take hours and only last a few days. No moisturizers last in her hair. Detanglers only work until her hair is dry. Gels don’t work either. I don’t know what to do anymore!

Cozy: Are the hairstyles you are trying for her Arianna’s hair styles that work with her natural hair texture? I ask because I know that when I blow my curly hair straight, it doesn’t matter what products I use; if it is humid outside, my hair will frizz! Finding a style that works with the hair’s natural texture is half the battle of working with curly hair. Also, it sounds like Arianna’s hair really needs some great conditioning & moisturizing. Try leaving in a little conditioner in the bath, rather than rinsing it all out. I recommend So Cozy Sweet Strawberry Conditioner. It’s thick and creamy and enriched with Sweet Almond Oil for extra conditioning. Also, the sweet strawberry fragrance is a favorite with kids.

Q: After many years of wearing his hair short, my son has decided to grow his light brown 3c/4a hair longer. He has picked it, for fun, and it is a soft fro. He likes to just wash and dry it. But it is so dry that it just looks frizzy. We have also noticed a lot of hair in the shower after he washes it. I think this is a combination of natural hair loss that we never noticed when it was shorter, and the fact that his hair may be breaking because it is so dry. When he was little, we used to spray in detangler, comb it, mess it back up and he would have cute 3b curls. I would love to those type of curls again.

So I guess this is what I’m looking for: a conditioner and shampoo for multiracial hair, with a scent that’s not to flowery so it’s acceptable to a guy. I’d also like a leave-in product he can use to make looser, corkscrew curls, or at least keep it from getting frizzy. A possible problem here is that he plays basketball, and he doesn’t want something that will run into his eyes.

Cozy: Does your son like his hair the same way that you do? From what you have said, it sounds like he likes his new fro and thinks that it looks good, although you may think that it looks frizzy. Does he want help with his hair? If the frizz is the problem, stop picking it after you use detangler. Let the curls form their natural curls. A great detangler and leave-In conditioner sounds like just what your son needs. Check out So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner. It may be the answer for both you and your son!. For shampoo and conditioner for multi racial hair, check out Mixed Chicks His Mix Hydrating Shampoo and His Mix Leave-in Conditioner. Both are formulated for guys.

Q: My 3c/4a toddler is terrified about getting her hair washed. It’s an ordeal! She’s afraid to take baths in the bathroom; we have to put her in a tub in the living room. I know it’s only a phase she’s going through. But the instant the water touches the back of her hair, she immediately starts fighting and water gets into her eyes and ears. She doesn’t understand that if she holds her head up, I can actually do a good job without getting face wet at all. I have a small watering can with a long spout that would work very well and keep her face dry, if she’d let me. But it is just about impossible. I could do so much more with her hair if she’d let me get it wet. I like to do conditioner rinses, oil treatments and things like that on our hair. Please help me!

Cozy: You are right in assuming it is just a phase your daughter is going through, and it will definitely pass. In the meantime, you need to simplify your process as much as you possible until she gets past this. Forget about oil treatments and everything else right now. Cleanliness is all you should worry about. Try a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner when you do shampoo her hair, cutting two steps into one. So Cozy Tropical Fruit is a nice, gentle product that smells great and will get the job done. As far as how to get her into the tub and allowing you to shampoo her hair, I recommend making a game out of it. When your daughter is NOT in the tub, have her give her baby doll a bath and wash its hair. Use the watering can and let her become involved in the process on her doll. This way, you can talk about it without her being emotionally involved. If that doesn’t work, try using a wash cloth over her eyes or a shampoo visor (Sassy makes a cute one”>. That will prevent water from dripping down her face. Good luck!

Q: I am VERY new to curls. My son was bald the first year of his life. Now his hair is growing, and it is curly. The top of his head is just wavy – maybe a 2a/b (more curl when wet”>. But his sides and back are pretty curly – 3a/3b. I’ve been wetting it in the mornings, but when it dries it gets really frizzy. I was wondering if there were any products that are safe for very young toddlers? I would like to cut down on the frizz without getting the “wet look.” I am curl illiterate.

Cozy: This is a very common problem. Many children have many different textures of hair. This is because the baby hair is growing out and their “real” hair is coming in. Rather than using water, which you already know doesn’t help, you need a product that will relax the cuticle and prevent it from looking frizzy. So Cozy Kooky Kiwi Styling Cream was created specifically for this problem. It will help smooth and control his hair, and the light formulation will not leave it looking greasy or stiff.

Q: My 6-year-old has beautiful, shiny 3a curls. But they fall into her face. We have to pull it back with a headband or pull it back into a ponytail to keep it out of her face. She looks at her friends, and they don’t have to do this and she wonders why she does. Any ideas?

Cozy: Have you consulted with a stylist for ideas about different cuts and styles for your daughter? It’s hard to answer without seeing your daughter’s hair, but perhaps some professional advise may help. It may be possible that some long layers may help.

Q: My daughter is 15 months old and she has a head full of curly hair. But it is really fine, and I have no idea what to do with it. She is bi-racial but really doesn’t have any kind of texture to her hair. It dries out so easily and nothing seems to keep it moisturized. What can I do for her?

Cozy: You will find that your daughter’s hair texture will change over time. For now she still has baby hair. In the meantime, you are right to be asking about moisturizing her dry hair. Try a leave-in Conditioner. We created So Cozy Fruity Delight Detangler and Leave-In Conditioner. You can use this on wet or dry hair, and it will help to moisturize it and will make it easier to comb through her hair.

Q: I really wish my daughter wouldn’t straighten her hair. She’s 12, and stick-straight hair is all the rage. She hardly ever wants to let it curl! Her hair is very long, thick and blonde (with gorgeous platinum highlights from the sun”>, and I’m thinking it’s about a 2b to 3a when we allow it to curl and use the right products. It’s absolutely beautiful! Add to it her pink cheeks and bright blue eyes… What can I do to help her love her curls?

Cozy: This is an age-old story. The grass is always greener! It took me nearly 39 years to embrace my curls! One of the reasons I think I had a problem accepting my curls is that I didn’t really know how to work with them to enhance and de-frizz them. These days, there are so many great products out there to help curls look their best. Perhaps you can help her experiment and play with her hair to help her find what makes her feel good about her curls. Try different styling creams and gels, and keep in mind that it may take some time to embrace her curls.

Q: My daughter is two, and has very tangly, curly hair. It’s very thick, but it’s not long, which makes it hard to put it into a category. It stands up on her head, and is VERY frizzy. She’s one-quarter Korean, one-quarter black, and one-half Caucasian. I’m clueless what to use for her. I want something easy to use. I think I’m definitely going to buy her special shampoo and conditioner, but I just don’t know what to use. She looks like Albert Einstein right now, which is not a good look for a 2-year-old little girl. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cozy: For a 2-year-old girl, you have to try to keep the grooming process as simple as possible. Try a 2-in-1 Conditioning Shampoo to eliminate one step. So Cozy Tropical Fruit 2 in 1 Shampoo is perfect for this. I would recommend a very light gel to help with the frizz. When she comes out of the bath, “scrunch” her hair with So Cozy Groovy Grape Styling Gel, making sure to do it evenly and consistently throughout the hair and then let hair dry naturally. Do not brush or comb, which would make her hair frizzy.

Q: My daughter is seven years old and biracial, and her hair is uncontrollable. It is very dry, frizzy and stiff feeling. I am guilty of being curly-girl ignorant because I have straight hair. I would love to know how to work with her hair. What products should I use? Should they be the ones geared to kids or can I purchase ones for adults? Is there a routine at I can do at night to save time in the morning? I need some advice!!!

Cozy: You are smart for asking for help because most people really only know about hair from their own experience. and clearly your experience is quite different from your daughter’s. It sounds like your daughter needs some very good conditioner in order to moisturize her hair. In her bath at night, try So Cozy Sweet Strawberry Conditioner and instead of rinsing it out completely, leave a little in on the ends. After bath, “scrunch” in So Cozy Kooky Kiwi Styling Cream to enhance the curls, to smooth it and to keep her hair from frizzing. In the morning, you can re-apply the Styling Cream or try to reactivate the curls and take away the frizz from the night.

Q: My 5-year-old curly daughter wants to grow her hair longer. Right now, it’s short and layered. What is the best way to grow out curly hair? Is there a strategy? Should she keep it layered or grow it all one length? I have bone-straight hair so it’s all new to me.

Cozy: Growing out layers is so tricky! There is always a period when growing out hair that it just doesn’t look right. For that, I recommend great accessories like clips, headbands and barrettes. It is hard to recommend a haircut without seeing your daughter because there is no one right haircut for curly hair. I can say that one length hair usually is not right. Typically, longer layers are better for girls that want long curly hair. But there is no rule. My advice to you is to hang in there during the growing out period and resist the urge to cut! Find a good stylist who can recommend a great cut for your daughter and a strategy for growing it out.