Search Results: Sabrina Perkins

Add This Oil to Your Scalp Scrub, Stat

By Sabrina Perkins · Published September 11, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMARACHI UKACHU

Vanilla and cinnamon are my favorite scents and flavors so this incredible essential oil was on my radar. Both of these scents are associated with baking or cooking but they truly have a different focus with Peru balsam essential, which has a botanical name of Myroxylon pereirae. Not widely known or used, this oil is derived from a resinous substance called Balsam of Peru, which comes from a tree in Central and South America called the Myroxylon balsamum. The resin or balsam is oily and has the aroma of cloves, cinnamon, and vanilla. This sweet and spicy scented resin is used in flavorings in food and many cosmetics. Primarily found along the Balsam Coast where El Salvador meets the Pacific Ocean, the usage of Balsam of Peru dates back to the Mayan culture where it was used as incense for medicinal purposes. This oil has long been used as a stress reliever, calming nerves, and anxiety through aromatherapy.

Properties of Peru balsam essential oil

It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and fungicidal properties, which benefit chapped skin, eczema, rashes, and minor wounds. It can eliminate germs and bacteria and aids in helping the body clear out toxins by its diuretic properties and effective de-stressor. It is also helpful for respiratory problems. Like all essential oils, Peru balsam needs to be diluted with a carrier oil.

Benefits of Peru balsam on hair

The antifungal and antibacterial components make it famously useful for eczema, dandruff, and ringworm since it has cleansing properties. Because of its antiseptic properties it is beneficial to the scalp for soothing scalp irritants. It is often used in killing head lice and treating severely dry skin. Peru balsam works wonders on severely dry, itching, or cracked skin and that includes the scalp, because it nourishes the scalp quickly and effectively. It is often used in hair tonics to repair dry hair and nourish the scalp.

Before you use it…

Because of the allergy concerns, a patch test should be conducted before a full application. Blend with a carrier oil and apply to a patch of skin and wait for 24 hrs. to see if your skin reacts adversely. It can also be mixed with water for hair rinses.

We have some DIY recipes below that will aid your scalp and hair and a few shampoos that harness the potency of Peru balsam already for you.

3 ways to use Peru balsam

Peru balsam hair tonic- simply add two drops of essential oil to your shampoo or co-wash application to rid your hair of dandruff and boost the cleansing power.
Peru balsam hair and scalp cleansing rinse– mix a few drops with water to do a final cleanse after shampooing hair. This final hair wash rinse will help eliminate any remaining dead skin cells, cleanse the scalp, and prevent any further development of dandruff.
3 essential and a base oil for scalp irritations– blend two drops of Peru balsam, two drops of ylang ylang, two drops of lavender, three ml of olive oil all oils together and gently apply to affected areas on the scalp. This will also help for extremely dry and cracked skin including the scalp.

Products with Peru balsam

Follow Amarachi (pictured above”> here:

Amarachi Ukachu and Instagram

How to Lighten Your Hair Naturally with Cardamom

By Sabrina Perkins · Published September 9, 2015

Cardamom seed (Elettaria cardamomum“> oil is steam distilled from the dried cardamom seeds after a long drying process. The three-month drying process is essential to get the best levels of chemical constituents possible. Although sourced from several places around the globe, Guatemala is widely known to have the optimal growing climate to produce the most potency of oils from the cardamom seeds. This spicy, fruity, warm, and balsamic essential oil has sabinene, limonene, terpenene, eugenol, cineol, nerol, geraniol, linalool, nerodilol, heptenone, borneol, alpha terpineol, beta terpineol, terpinyl acetate, alpha pinene, myrcene, cymene, neryl acetate, methyl heptenone, linalyl acetate, and heptacosane as its chemical composition.

Benefits of cardamom seed oil

The seeds contain a variety of important minerals like calcium, sulfur, and phosphorus, making this a valuable oil. Apart of its culinary uses, it is extensively used as a mouth freshener, but there are additional benefits. It is antispasmodic, making it is highly effective in curing muscular and respirator spasms. It is antimicrobial and antiseptic make it great for scalp care. This oil not only stimulates the digestive tract, but it stimulates the entire system. Cardamom essential oil keeps the stomach healthy and functioning properly by maintaining proper secretion of gastric juices, acids, and bile.

Cardamom essential oil for your hair and scalp

It is a wonderful oil for treating scalp infections because of its disinfecting nature, which is great if you exercise regularly. It is great for treating dandruff because its main properties are cleansing. It is an antioxidant and antiseptic, so dandruff and other scalp disorders do not stand a chance against it, but it does more than just clean. The stimulating components boost up the immune system and help generate red blood corpuscles, which initiates the cellular energy metabolism. Besides aiding in cardiovascular health, it pumps its own rich nutrients to the scalp and contributes to healthy scalp and hair. Great for maintaining healthy hair and scalp.

How to use cardamom oil

If you are interested in hair lightening with natural ingredients, then cardamom oil is the essential oil for you. When used in conjunction with honey and distilled water or with EVOO and cinnamon, it will lighten the hair due to its peroxide value. A fun oil to add to other concoctions, it blends well with bergamot, cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, orange, rose, and ylang ylang essential oils. Whether you are wanting to lighten your hair or just cleanse your scalp to perfection, here are a couple DIY recipes that utilize the benefits of cardamom essential oil.

Natural hair lightener

Recipe via DIY in Crafts

2 cups of distilled vinegar
1 cup of raw uncooked honey
1 tbsp. of EVOO
1 tbsp. ground cardamom

Mix ingredients and apply to damp hair. Cover hair in plastic wrap and place a plastic shower cap on to secure the wrap in place. Then, wrap a towel around your head. Leave the mixture in overnight and then wash out in the morning.

Conditioning beard oil

Recipe via Sustainable Baby Steps

15 ml argan oil
15 ml jojoba oil
4 drops of cardamom essential oil
7 drops of sandalwood essential oil
4 drops of grapefruit essential oil
3 drops bergamot essential oil

Mix well and apply to beard to soften and condition. Here are a few products for the non-DIY curlies wanting to give cardamom essential oil a go at it.

Products with cardamom

If DIY is not your forte, you can find cardamom as an ingredient in hair and body products like these:

The Go-to Oil for An Itchy Scalp

By Sabrina Perkins · Updated September 3, 2015

This little known oil derived from a nut grown in the South Pacific has been used for centuries to remedy almost any skin condition. Its scientific name is Calophyllum inophyllum, but it is called tamanu oil and extracted from the nut kernels of the tamanu nut tree. The tree is a large evergreen native to East Africa and some regions in Australia and India. The tamanu nut tree is a member of the Mangosteen family and all parts of the plant including the bark, leaves, and seeds have been used medicinally. The tree grows up to 30 meters and the long spreading limbs yield shiny, dark green oval leaves with small white flowers. The tree blooms twice annually and their blossoms give off a sweet perfume while the fruit, the size of an apricot has thin flesh and a large nut hull encased. The fruit nut is cold-pressed to make a greenish-yellow oil very similar to olive oil.

Benefits of tamanu seed oil

The real healing power of this oil is its unique ability to promote the formation of new tissue. It has the ability to accelerate wound healing and the growth of healthy skin. The scientific term for this process is cicatrization. This oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiotic, and antioxidant properties. It helps to diminish acne and acne scars, relieve eczema, psoriasis, and skin burn, and blisters.

How is tamanu seed oil beneficial to your scalp?

The anti-inflammatory properties of tamanu seed oil contains a high content of calophyllic fatty acid, which will can calm an inflamed scalp. This is an anti-inflammatory that is said to reduce signs of aging and reduce swelling, so an inflamed scalp will be relieved quickly with scalp massages and hot oil treatments. Tamanu seed oil hydrates relieves severely dry scalps while quickly calming and curing an irritated scalp, because it has a fast absorption rate and excellent moisturizing qualities.

How is tamanu seed oil beneficial to your hair?

This oil is stellar for deep conditioning the hair. It is used as a hot oil treatment often used to prevent split ends. Even super dry hair becomes softer and shinier from the benefits from weekly hot oil treatments using this miracle oil. Tamanu oil contains three basic classes of lipids: neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids. Those lipids aid in repairing damage that occurs from chemical treatments, heat-styling, the sun, and excessive hair coloring.

A little goes a long way, so all you need is a few drops to add to your favorite carrier oil for a scalp massage or hot oil treatment. You can add a few drops to your shampoo, conditioner, or deep conditioner or utilize a few products that have this amazing product already in them.

Products with tamanu oil

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Refresh Your Hair Color with This Rinse

By Sabrina Perkins · Published September 2, 2015

Clove buds, more commonly know just as cloves, are not one of the more popular essential oils. Despite that it is by far one of the most useful essential oils to have around the house and used on the body. For over 2,000 years, the clove tree has been cultivated for a variety of uses from medicinal to beauty. The clove bud tree is native to Indonesia and a member of the Myrtaceae family. Three types of clove essential oils are derived from the three: clove bud oil, clover leaf oil, and clove stem oil. Oil produced from the leaves and stems have stronger chemical compositions and can easily cause skin irritations but the clove bud oil or Eugenia carophyllata is most often used in aromatherapy.

What is the composition of clove bud oil?

Cloves are high in fiber, minerals, and even vitamins. The component responsible for its powerful effects comes from eugenol, which is toxic against harmful organisms like fungus and yeast. Clove bud oil is 60 to 90% eugenol, which is a very potent fat-soluble antioxidant and anesthetic and antiseptic properties. Even with a valuable asset as eugenol in its composition, clove bud oil also possesses nutrients like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamins A, B-Complex and C. The oil is prepared by steam distillation and this remarkable oil blends well with basil, bergamot, cinnamon bark, clary sage, grapefruit, and lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, rose, rosemary, and ylang ylang essential oils.

Why use clove bud oil on your hair?

Many use clove bud oil for preventing hair loss, maintaining the hair’s luster, vibrant color, and hair conditioning. It however is perfect for the scalp because of its antifungal, antiseptic, and anesthetic properties, which will treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and other scalp ailments when mixed with olive oil or coconut oil. The antioxidants of clove oil help to increase circulation in the scalp and in turn work to stimulate new healthy hair growth. Eugenol refreshes and enhances your hair’s natural color.

Sometimes we overuse products and create an unhealthy overused space by product buildup, dirt and, sweat. Cloves are natural and an easy solution for keeping the hair and scalp clean, which is why they are often formulated in shampoo, conditioner, and hair coloring agents. They are often used in DIY recipes and we have listed a few below.

Clove oil massages

Clove oil scalp massages are great ways to press the reset button on your scalp and to rid it of scalp conditions like dandruff and seborrhea dermatitis. Mix a few drops of clove bud oil with coconut or olive oil and massage it into your scalp. Once it has been applied allow to set for about 5-10 min. before massaging your scalp again. Cleanse hair with a mild or sulfate-free shampoo and condition and style as usual.

Clove hair color refresher

1 qt. water
1 tbsp. whole cloves (freshly ground in a spice grinder”>

Bring water to a boil and remove from heat. Add ground cloves and steep for 20 min. Strain tea through a fine mesh strainer and allow to completely cool. Apply clove tea after coloring hair and shampooing. This clove tea will bring out chestnut highlights and warm tones like red.

Clove oil/tea deep conditioner

Create clove tea as above or just use a few drops of clove bud oil. Add a few drops of the oil or the tea it into your favorite deep conditioner for an additional cleansing enhancement along with color conditioning of the hair. If DIY is not your thing, then we have got a few shampoos and conditioners with the potent properties of clove bud oil below.

"How Often Should You Do a Cholesterol Treatment?"

By Sabrina Perkins · Published September 1, 2015

I cannot mention a cholesterol hair treatment without thinking of Queen Helene Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream. Every relaxed woman I knew had it under her bathroom sink to repair and restore moisture in damaged and dehydrated hair from over-processing, over-heating, or over-styling your relaxed hair.

Fast-forward to today and there are more women going natural and abandoning their relaxed hair routines, techniques, and products, but is this necessary? Are not some of those products and techniques still relevant and beneficial to natural hair? IamMelanie from Curly Q&A wants to know more.

Question

How often should you do a cholesterol treatment? I mixed Queen Helene Cholesterol with jojoba oil last weekend and after I applied it, I put on a plastic cap and sat under a hooded dryer for 30 min. After I rinsed, my curls were very defined and my hair was super soft. I was wondering if I can apply a treatment every week or should I do it less? My hair isn’t damaged at all because I only wear protective styles and every weekend I deep condition so I guess the cholesterol is another deep conditioning but it is the first time overdone one since becoming natural last May.

Answer

You should use a cholesterol treatment as often as your hair needs it. How often you use a cholesterol treatment depends on your styling preferences, whether you color treated, and the ingredients in your cholesterol treatment. Cholesterol conditioners are rich in lipids or fats and are designed to repair and rehydrate your strands. There are three types of lipids found in the hair’s cuticle: ceramides, cholesterol, and 18 MEA. These lipids help the cuticle to lay flat by keep the hair cuticle in place. When the hair is damaged by chemical treatments, heat styling, or over-manipulation, the hair lipids are removed, causing the hair to become dull, dry, brittle, and lacking shine or luster.

Cholesterol treatments repair this damage temporarily by coating the hair with the lipids and transferring some of those fats and minimal proteins into the hair shaft to strengthen it. Now, many cholesterol treatments have mineral oil, lanolin, and even protein, but often the protein is towards the bottom of the list, meaning there is not a lot of it in the product. This can be used on all hair types and can benefit anyone with damaged strands.

Remember, this treatment is for dry, brittle, or damaged strands that have been exposed to chemical treatments, coloring, heat-applications, or the sun. If your hair is not damaged, there is no need to use it. Most women with relaxed hair back in the day (including me”> used this regularly because they were dealing with over-processed or damaged hair, but if you are relaxed or natural and your hair is not damaged there is no need for this type of treatment.

Most naturals steer clear of mineral oil and if you do too, then know that most but not all cholesterol treatments are formulated with mineral oil. Despite that many naturals continue to use it with no issues. Remember, do what works for you. One of the best things about cholesterol treatments is their price. They are usually $3-$4 dollars for a huge jar, which is more affordable than most deep conditioning treatments. Are you in the market for one? Well, here are some popular ones for you to try out.

Products with cholesterol

Have you used a cholesterol treatment since you have been natural and if so which one?

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Is Blow-Drying Your Transitioning Hair A No-No?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published September 1, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Transitioning hair is neither easier nor harder but merely a different way to leave chemical straighteners in your past and embrace a more natural method of hair care. Women who choose to transition are usually on the hunt for hairstyles and methods to make working with two textures easier. Damaging their strands is also high on the list of what not to do, so it comes as no surprise that many are leery on some popular straightening methods. Tanya.Bryant posed her question on our Curly Q&A section, and while she may not be transitioning, these tips can help her decrease the potential for thermal damage.

Question

I am 6 months natural. Am I supposed to let my hair air-dry now only or can I still blow-dry it?

Answer

Air-drying is always going to be less damaging than blow-drying. The combination of heat and tension with a comb attachment or brush can cause breakage along the hair shaft, especially at the line of demarcation. If blow-drying better enables you to style your hair, then try incorporating the steps below to protect your hair from further damage, as transitioning hair is fragile.

Deep condition

After cleansing your hair make sure to deep condition. Never skip deep conditioning when you cleanse your hair, as it moisturizes and strengthens the hair. Moisturizing treatments should always be done prior to any type of heat-styling or manipulation to your hair.

Heat protectant

Apply a heat protectant prior to using any thermal tools. Heat protectants are usually formulated with silicones, which coat the hair and reduce the potential for damage. Using a thermal protectant might not be necessary if you are only using cool air for your blow-dryer, but it is still necessary if you decide to straighten.

Lowest setting

Use the lowest or the coolest setting on your blow-dryer. Heat on transitioning hair can be the enemy, as it can rob your hair of moisture and may cause damage. To minimize that make sure you are using the lowest setting that will allow you to still blow-dry effectively without harming your curls. You can have a beautiful blow-out that is not bone straight, which is great if you love volume.

No high heat

Watch the temperature. This can be gaged by the current condition of your hair. Is your hair coarse, fine, color-treated, or damaged? The finer and more damaged the strands, the lower the temperature. If you are straightening, then the rule of thumb is usually nothing over 350 degrees. Coarser (not tighter”> textures can usually resists higher temperatures, but it should be monitored.

How To Blow Dry Transitioning Hair | Tension Method

JourneyToWaistLength gives a quick and easy way to successfully blow-dry your transitioning hair using the tension method on a cool setting. This gives her braid-out a uniform look from the relaxed and natural hair despite their very different textures. It is a great way to stave off tangles, dry your hair quickly and keep a gorgeous look for up to a week or longer.

These tips can be used by everyone who wants to limit their chances of heat damage, especially transitioners. Transitioning is a beautiful journey and we just want it to be positive and productive.

5 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Dandruff

By Sabrina Perkins · Updated September 1, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Many feel dandruff stems from dryness, but according to dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu, that is not the case. “It’s a common misconception that dandruff is caused by dryness; in reality, it’s usually due to an overgrowth of a harmless yeast.” In some people, “the yeast starts to feed on the excess oil and dead skin cells on the scalp, causing the skin cells to shed more frequently and clump into flakes.”

Other reasons for dandruff could be diet, skin irritations, psoriasis, eczema, and excessive, lack of, or improperly washing your hair and scalp. With a laundry list of reasons for a dandruff problem, it can be difficult to eliminate, especially if you are not aware of the cause. Many dandruff shampoos are often too harsh for curly hair. Many curlies are turning to natural forms of dealing with scalp conditions and it is only natural that we opt for natural methods as we rock our natural tendrils. I decided to get a professional opinion on the topics and enlisted the expertise of Dr. Kari Williams, trichologist and owner of Mahogany Hair Revolution.

Coconut oil

The health benefits of coconut oil are vast and that includes more than just hair. This edible oil extracted from the flesh of matured coconuts is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, amazing as a moisturizer and can penetrate hair better than many other oils. According to Dr. Williams, “the key ingredient in coconut oil that makes it effective in combating dandruff is lauric acid. This is a fatty acid that is antiviral and antibacterial. It can help decrease the inflammation caused by dandruff.”

Coconut oil and lime juice are a great combination to rid the scalp and hair of dandruff. Mix one part lemon juice to 2-parts coconut oil and massage into the scalp. Cover with a warm towel and leave in from 15 to 20 min. Shampoo or cleanse and style as usual.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil or Lavandural angustifolia is one of the most versatile essential oils in nature. Most commonly used for its relaxing effects on the body, lavender oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal properties. Lavender is revitalizing to the skin and hair. Dr. Williams adds, “this essential oil does not contain properties to fight dandruff but it is a healing agent, promotes hair growth, and softens the hair.”

Lavender oil and olive oil makes a great scalp massage oil to thwart dandruff. Mix 2 tbsp. of olive oil and 20-22 drops of lavender well. Apply to scalp and massage gently before covering with a shower cap. Leave on for 30 min. before cleansing with a gentle cleanser and style as usual.

Rosemary oil

Rosemary oil, also known as Rosmarinus officinalis, has been used since ancient times for a variety of purposes including culinary and medicinal. It has become popular in recent years because of its ability to stimulate hair growth, boost mental activity, and relieve respiratory problems. Rosemary has antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities, which make it ideal for eliminating eczema, dermatitis, and dandruff. Dr. Williams adds that rosemary “has anti-fungal properties that help it kill the yeast that’s associated with dandruff. It also helps to soothe the itching associated with some forms of dandruff.” Fight the dandruff then soothe your scalp!

Rosemary oil and your favorite carrier oil can make a perfect dandruff fighting massage oil. One drop of rosemary oil for every tbsp. of favorite carrier oil (coconut, olive, etc.”> and massage into scalp. Allow to sit for 20 min. to overnight. Shampoo and style as usual.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil or Melaleuca alternifolia comes from a plant native to eastern Australia. Used for hundreds of years as a natural cure for various health issues, this amazing oil can heal such common ailments from acne to athlete’s foot. Dr. Williams notes, “Tea tree oil is a gentle but highly effective anti-fungal and disinfectant that makes it great for fighting dandruff and soothing the scalp, Dr. Williams reminds us: “It is also antibacterial and anti-inflammatory so it soothes a dry, itchy scalp while also healing it. A natural germicide and antiseptic, this essential oil kills just about any germ associated with scalp and hair ailments.”

Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil create a potent mixture to rid your scalp of dandruff. Just a few drops of tea tree oil added to a few drops of eucalyptus oil and slightly warm prior to massaging on the scalp. No need for rinsing. You can even add few drops to dime-sized amount of shampoo and apply to several sections of your hair to relieve dandruff. Prior to implementing the CGM, I suffered from dandruff and once I started doing this method it disappeared

Olive oil

Olive oil is obtained from the fruit of olive trees. Curlies love olive oil or EVOO oils as it is unrefined and is the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. It has lower levels of oleic acid than other varieties of olive oil, but is does contain more of the natural vitamins and minerals found in olives. EVOO is an effective and natural moisturizer because it contains mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which help to coat the hair shaft and keep it protected. It possesses vitamins A and E to reduce the damage done by UV rays and hair care products and according to Dr. Williams, “Olive oil (is”> rich in oleic acid, which is an antioxidant that restores and rejuvenates the hair and scalp. The oil provides the scalp with added moisture that can reduce the flaking from dandruff.”

Merely take ½ to 1 cup of olive oil and warm on the stove. Massage onto the scalp and then wrap hair in a warm towel. Leave on for 45 min. up or overnight before shampooing and styling as usual.

The expert has spoken so go forth and destroy that dandruff with a vengeance.

Soften Your Hair with Black Cumin Seed Oil & Honey

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 31, 2015

One the most revered medicinal seeds in history would be the black cumin seed. These seeds come from the Nigella sativa plant, which is native to Asia. The seeds are dark, think, and crescent-shaped. They have been used for centuries in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and India. Black seed oil was even found in Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb, dating back to approximately 3,300 years ago.

Today black cumin seeds are commonly used as a seasoning spice in different cuisines across the world but historically they were used for medicinal purposes. They are also known as Roman coriander, black seeds, or black caraway. They are loaded with remarkable heath properties making it one of the most powerful medicinal seeds known to man. The seeds contain over 100 chemical compounds including the primary active ingredient crystalline nigellone.

What makes black cumin so special?

Nearly all of the medicinal potency comes from the essential oils while in its truest form and the oil is more effective than the seeds. The oil is loaded with cuminic acid, cymene, dipentene, limonene, phellandrene, and pinene. More components of this amazing oil would be thymoquinone, beta sitosterol, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, copper, and zinc just to name a few.

How does black cumin essential oil benefit hair and scalp?

With all the potent properties in black cumin seeds, it is no wonder it has amazing benefits for one’s hair and scalp. The seed oil acts as a natural moisturizer that rids your hair and scalp of dryness. It lubricates and protects the outer layer of your hair and scalp with its richness in fatty acids and amino acids that maintain the lipid barrier on your hair. Here are a few of the ways your hair can benefit from black cumin seed oil:

Seal your split ends

Black cumin seed oil stimulates hair growth and helps the appearance of split ends. The amino and fatty acids will provide a protective layer on the hair, which protect the strands and help to temporarily diminish split ends. Sealing your ends with this oil will help seal and soften them while also eliminating frizz.

Calm your scalp

Black cumin seed oil is high in antioxidants like thymoquinone, which can fight off free radicals that damage your scalp and hair. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties will protect your skin, hair, and scalp year-round from the dryness of winter to the scorching sun in the summer. Those same anti-inflammatory properties help calm rashes and inflammations that affect the scalp like eczema and psoriasis.

Soften your hair

Not only healing the scalp, this rich oil will soften and condition your hair. Black cumin seed oil and coconut oil together can stave off dryness on your entire body. Just take 1 teaspoon of black seed oil and 1 cup of coconut oil and massage over your entire body once a week for smoother skin instantly. Use the mixture to massage on your scalp to do the very same thing.

You can also use this to create a potent hot oil massage. Warm 2 tablespoons of the oil, massage into your scalp, and rub the remaining oil into your hair. Leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing out thoroughly with warm water. There is no need to shampoo after this treatment. The oil is great alone or coupled with other oils for superb DIY treatments. We have one below for your scalp, but if you prefer using products with stellar ingredients we have some below as well.

Black seed oil and honey scalp treatment

1 teaspoon of black seed oil
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of honey

Mix ingredients well before applying the mixture to your freshly washed hair and scalp. Cover your hair and let the treatment set for 30 minutes before shampooing and styling as usual. This soothing treatment will calm your inflamed scalp while fighting off dandruff and eczema. It can be used anywhere skin conditions occur on the body.

Products with black cumin

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5 Easy Hairstyles Every Transitioner Should Know

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 30, 2015

There are two ways to go natural and both determine your products, washday routines, and hairstyles. Transitioning from relaxed to natural requires patience, proper hair care techniques, and a willingness to work with at least two very different textures. There are easy hairstyles that give you the peace of mind that you need to concentrate on growing out the relaxer and retaining your length while keep your hair healthy. Here are easy hairstyles that will allow you to transition as long as you choose to with minimal stress. You definitely do not have to master them all, but knowing what’s out there and trying a couple for yourself will help you discover your go-to transitioning style.

Roller sets

This is one of the healthiest hairstyles as they do not require heat, can last longer than other types of hairstyles, and leaves room for only little manipulation of your strands. It is also an easy go-to for the newly natural, as most relaxed women already know how to roller set like a pro.

First off, most relaxed women are quite familiar with them so this will truly be an easy style to create while you are early in your transitioning phase and beyond. You can do them yourself, enlist a loved one, or patron a salon. It is a basic style can be done on a variety of rollers (from magnetic to sponge”> and for most women the results are lasting up to a week or longer if you implement good nighttime hair care routines.

Beautywithin07 shares her take on this simple and lasting style with the help of her mother. Her mother ensures the hair is fully detangled, smooth and wrapped around the rollers properly. Those are critical factors in getting a good roller set! After sitting under the dryer, she blow dries her hair and brushes it out to get full smoothness and to get it straighter.

Twists

Two-strand and three-strand twists are popular with naturals and for good reason. They are a cute go-to style that lasts and easy to create. They also give two different textures the opportunity to unite and give ultra-sexy twists. If your relaxed just will not cooperate, you can also curl the ends (or all the hair”> to give a tighter curl or a more uniform curl if you pull them apart.

iMadamJay shows just how easy it is to create a twist and curl on flexi rods for a sexy and elegant updo that will give you some style choices and a break from everyday styling. This look can be worn down, up, in a curly bun…you get the idea and then create the look on super curly and workable hair.

Buns

Buns are an easy and great style to rock as natural or simply transitioning. For one, they are versatile and can be a messy bun, high bun, low bun, side bun, ninja bun, and even worn as double buns. Yes, you have several options to choose from during just about the entire time during your transitioning period. Keeping the edges under control and the relaxed ends tucked under and you have a quick style that is super easy and will last a few days or even a week.

iMadameJay shares how she incorporates both textures into a flawless slicked-down curly bun by braiding and curling her relaxed ends. With gel and her trusty toothbrush she completes her style to sheer perfection. Held together by bobby pins, her bun could have been left out just as easily to give her look more movement or to create a messy bun.

Braided styles

Braiding your hair is an ideal way to mask having two different textures especially if you are great at braiding. Braided hair will hold together better than twists and last longer too. You can wear them in as braids or simply take them out for stellar braid-outs that will give you volume, curls, or waves and a lasting style.

This video is for me just as much as it is for you. NaturalNeiicey shares how to cornrow natural or transitioning hair for an awesome braid-out that saved her hair during her transitioning. With only a few products she turns her long transitioned hair into a halo of gorgeous curls that will give just about anyone total hair envy! If you cannot braid, then this is a great video to learn. You see her technique up close and personal.

Combinations

Just like it sounds, we are discussing crossing the techniques lines to create unique and lasting style creations. This can be twists with braids that will give your dual textures a chance at better blend-ability. This requires a little trial and error and know that some traditional styles just do not work with you are working with straight relaxed hair and coily natural hair.

This style is unique and the perfect combination of giving each texture what it needs to get big curls. I like this style because it is easy and great for the transitioner who complains of not getting the same results on both textures when they do a regular roller set, braid-out, or other curly style. Mariyan Anna shows step-by-step instructions on a fantastic idea that allows her to rock super big curly hair that just required her to think outside the box for optimal results.

What’s your go-to style for transitioning?

Calm Your Agitated Scalp with this Berry

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 26, 2015

Just when you think you have known about every fruit on the planet, something pops up ready for you to devour and appreciate. I love blueberries and their antioxidant power is well-documented, but I was quite intrigued to hear about a distant yet similar cousin. The bilberry has been used medicinally for centuries as a food. Related to the blueberry and native to Northern Europe, the bilberry is a perennial shrub that grows about 166 inches in height and has sharp-edged, green branches and black, wrinkled berries. The berries are ripe during late summer and although it looks like and tastes quite like the blueberry, it is also related to the cranberry and huckleberry.

If you have ever had whortleberries and cream in England, then you had a healthy dose of antioxidant-rich bilberries. Along with huckleberries, bilberries are quite popular with hikers along with forest animals and birds. So, what do hikers and forest animals know that we don’t know?

Benefits of Bilberry

What is the secret ingredient that makes bilberry so boss? Well, it is not a secret at all but rather the key compounds called anthocyanosides, which are flavonoids. Anthocyanosides, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center, help build strong blood vessels and improve circulation to all areas within the body. Just like their cousin the blueberry, bilberries have antioxidant properties and they are rich in tannins (acts like an astringent”>, which also have anti-inflammatory qualities that are perfect for an agitated scalp.

Bilberry extract for hair

We are all trying to age gracefully but some age related breakdowns occur regardless of our fight. There are age related breakdown of the micro capillary circulation around the hair follicles and is an important factor in hair health deterioration. Bilberry extract has been shown to improve the micro capillary circulation and strengthen collagen throughout the body including the hair. This is a great attribute as we age because according to Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science, collagen after 40 is no longer being produced. Collagen and elastin fibers begin to break down but bilberry extract inhibits enzymes that can cause collagen degradation.

As you can imagine, this anti-aging property is perfect for the skin as well and why many face moisturizers and lotions utilize bilberry extract for that very reason. Bilberry extract serves as an effective moisturizer and exfoliant. This cooling herb tones the skin and scalp with its natural astringent qualities that can soothe an inflamed or irritated scalp while nourishing the scalp.

We also worry about the damage free radicals can cause on our skin, scalp, and hair, but bilberry is an excellent source of antioxidant properties to help prevent or even reverse the damage to cells by those free radicals. Your follicles are nurtured by the blood flowing from your scalp to your hair and this blood flow delivers the necessary nutrients your hair needs for optimal growth and quality. Bilberry supplementation boosts blood circulation to not just every other part of the body but to your scalp, giving your hair follicles the proper nutrients they need for optimal hair growth and strength.

How to use it

Bilberry tea is a popular drink for many wanting to maintain a healthy vision from the anthocyanosides, but it is also a way to benefit from the antioxidants, tannins, and skin nourishment by drinking. If other means of consuming this quality herb we have a few items below you may want to try.

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Skipping These Steps Could Be Causing Your Frizz

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 25, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Fighting frizz is as one of the biggest nuisances curlies grow weary of. Sometimes we do not want the big, fuzzy halo. Sometimes we just want to get to class without our hair getting caught in the doorway before we do. Is that asking too much? Not really and CurlyGina13 from Curly Q&A has questions about controlling frizz as she heads back to school.

Question

How do you keep your hair frizz free throughout the day? So when I wake up I usually have some frizz so I just fish for my frizzy pieces and apply water and conditioner to refresh the curls but in hour or two later I start getting a lot of frizz. I’m worried especially that school is coming up and I don’t want to carry around conditioner and fix my hair every hour.

Answer

There are many types of frizz, here are three of the most common forms:

Surface frizz – along the outside of the hair
Halo frizz – concentrated in the crown exclusively
In-the-curl-frizz – smooth curls are completely destroyed by frizz throughout the head

It sounds like CurlyGina13 has the in-the-curl-frizz that the weather seems to create. No worries because we got you covered. I have got three solid tips that will ensure your frizzy days are over or at the very least you will have fewer of them.

Always deep condition after you shampoo

Always deep conditioner after cleansing, as shampoos with a high pH level have a direct effect on how frizzy your hair will become. Shampoos with a pH above 5.5 can cause a buildup of static electricity and that leads to flyaway hair, friction, and even breakage says Maria Fernanda Gavazzoni, a professor of dermatology at Federal Fluminense University in Rio de Janiero. She also says curly girls have less lubrication and a thinner cuticle layer than straight-haired women and that makes us more vulnerable to frizz. Remember to follow up with a deep conditioner after every cleansing session in order to restore the pH levels of the hair, closing the cuticle.

Beef up on Stylers

Secondly, it may be time to invest in a styler to help the conditioner that is working hard at keeping your hair moisturized and frizz-free. No worries on finding what works because we’ve already compiled a list for you of the best frizz-fighting products that actually work!

Check the weather

Check the weather. Your phone is a great tool for checking how humid or wet it will be in your neighborhood or just check our Frizz Forecast and plug in your zip code. That will help you determine how to style your hair so you can prevent frizzy nightmares.

How do you reduce frizz?

The Best Ingredient for Your Oily Scalp

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 25, 2015

Commonly known as horsetail, shavegrass is a sterile perennial plant that is possibly the most abundant source of silica in the entire plant kingdom. It is in the Equistaceae plant family and also known as candock, paddock pipes, bottle brush, horsetail fern, field horsetail, common horsetail, or giant horsetail. This is a prehistoric plant that has been used for medicinal purposes by Chinese herbalists, ancient Greeks, and Romans for centuries. Used traditionally to stop bleeding, healing ulcers, and wounds, this huge, tree-like plant thrived 400 million years ago during the Paleozoic era, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Shavegrass is a close relative of the fern and this nonflowering weed can be found throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. It has hollow stems and shoots that look like asparagus and is found in or near watery areas like marshes, rivers or streams. It has no leaves or flowers and grows in two stages. The first stage occurs during spring when a fertile hollow stem appears. Once the stems have withered and died the second stage begins during summer where the green barren stems brand out from the plant and this is when the horsetail is gathered for medicinal use.

Benefits of shavegrass (horsetail”>

Shavegrass is revered for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent coagulant, demulcent, and diuretic properties. The list of its uses is extensive from aiding brittle bones to acne and frostbite. It contains valuable minerals and nutrients like calcium, caffeic acid esters, flavonoids, iron, fatty acids, phytosterols, glycosides, phenolic acids, aconitic acid, saponins, tannins, and silica. With similarities to the alfalfa plant, shavegrass is capable of absorbing exceptional minerals and nutrients from the earth like its prized ingredient silica.

How does shavegrass benefit hair?

With the impressive list of minerals and nutrients, it is no wonder why people seek horsetail as a natural method to combat hair loss. The most impressive ingredient would be silica as it is believed to boost hair growth and even the health of hair while also combatting dandruff. This trace mineral helps to strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation, which in turn stimulates the blood flow to the scalp and encourage hair growth. It binds protein molecules to many tissues in the body and this makes it perfect for brittle, damaged, weak strands by giving it strength and vitality along with shine. It is a necessary component of the skin’s connective tissues so it helps to strengthen your bones and nails as well and it improves the elasticity of skin and hair making it more durable to manipulation. Shavegrass has selenium, which is essential for the proper growth of the hair because it helps the body to process iodine, which regulates hair growth. A deficiency in selenium can lead to slower growing hair.

Its antiseptic properties make it great for adding to your DIY scalp rinses and elixirs for an oily scalp. Whether used as tea, tried or extract this amazing herb is just what the doctor ordered for strengthening hair, fighting dandruff and hair growth. Here are some DIY recipes that are great for all three and for the non-DIYers we’ve got a few products with the magical shavegrass in them that will do the trick too.

Horsetail Dandruff Hair Rinse

1 cup boiling water
2 tsp. dried horsetail

Pour boiling water over the dried horsetail and steep for 15 min. Allow to cool and strain prior to pouring over hair after cleansing. Massage gently into scalp and leave on as a final rinse. Style as usual.

Horsetail Hair strengthening Hair Rinse

1 cup boiling water
½ cup dried horsetail

Pour boiling water over dried horsetail and steep for at least an hour. When cooled, strain and use as a final hair rinse after cleansing.

Horsetail + Olive Oil Scalp oil

Massage 3 to 4 drops of horsetail extract mixed with 2 tbsp. of olive oil (or coconut oil”> into the scalp gently and in circular motions. Will aid in stimulating the blood flow to the hair follicles and strengthening them while also decreasing dandruff.

Products with horsetail

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How to Detangle Your Transitioning Hair

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 25, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Transitioning is just one of the ways to go natural. Working with two different hair textures may discourage some, but for many it was a blessing and a wonderful way to transform into their natural selves. The line of demarcation tends to create problems during styling, washing, and detangling.

Nevertheless, we are seeing more women embracing their natural texture while holding onto their length and they are making it work successfully. It just takes a few pointers in the right direction, and what better place to get that help than the Curly Q&A section! Levysamantha had a question on how to handle her tangles during wash day and it was a good question because many women find themselves in the same boat needing a little guidance.

Question

How do I keep my natural and relaxed hair from becoming a tangled mess when I wash it? I’m only about three to four months post relaxer while I only use heat on my hair once a month and when I wash it becomes a dry, tangled, and unmanageable mess.

Answer

You just need patience, tons of conditioner, more patience, a wide tooth comb, and sprinkle a tad more patience and sectioning. There are tried-and-true methods to detangling your transitioning hair but the point I want to drive home is applying patience to your method. Remember that Rome was not built in a day and learning to work with two textures will not happen in that time frame either. I have listed the best ways to handle those stubborn tangles without damaging or yanking out your hair.

Patience

Yes, detangling is a chore. It can be time-consuming and tiring, but it is a vital component of textured hair care. Now, there are numerous high points but with anything in life there are ups and downs. Detangling requires you to take your time so do not try to do this if you are in a hurry. You do not want to break your hair by rushing, so try and do this when you have the proper time to complete it correctly.

Work in sections

You will need at least four but you may choose more sections, especially in highly tangled areas. Working in sections allows you to better manage your hair as opposed to causing breakage and increasing frustration. Working in sections allows you to twist up or braid the finished sections out of the way so you can focus on the next section. The object is to work each section by fully removing all the tangles prior to moving onto the next section of hair.

Use a wide-tooth comb

A wide-tooth comb allows you to detangle efficiently, remove shed hairs, and minimize damage in one fell swoop. Now, you can find any number of them at cheap prices just about everywhere, but the quality may be subpar, breaking and causing split ends from prominent seams. There are some live saver combs: Ouidad Double Detangler and Hercules Sagemann. Both are superior combs that several naturals rave about for proper detangling with snagging or breaking.

Slippery conditioner

Tangles require water and a slippery conditioner or oil. Favorites like Herbal Essences Hello Hydration or TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner pack a powerful punch in the slip department without killing your wallet. They are excellent choices for detangling prior to shampooing on wash day, but they are just two on a long list that many naturals love.

Slather each section liberally with your conditioner and remove the tangles using your fingers and the wide tooth comb starting from the ends to the roots. Spray each section with water before you apply the conditioner to remove those stubborn knots. You can even add some olive oil to really get the hair moisturized before placing a cap on after detangling each section and allowing it to sit on your hair for 15 to 30 min. prior to shampooing.

Sometimes seeing it being done is better so watch as Michelle B shows you her detangling process using all the tips mentioned above.

How To Easily Detangle Transitioning Hair

The bottom line is to not get so frustrated that you rush through it and do more damage than good. You want to effectively detangle without damaging so that you’re washing, conditioning, and styling becomes easier. Take it slow, remember this is only temporary and enjoy your transition.

10 Protein-free Shampoos

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 25, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Our curls, coils, and waves need a proper balance of moisture and protein. The source of moisture is water. Internally, water keeps our bodies well-hydrated, supplying sufficient moisture for proper hair growth. It also help means the hair can maintain optimal elasticity and suppleness. Our hair is actually 90% made up of a hard protein called keratin. Proteins allow our bodies and cells to function properly and that includes our bones, muscles, hair, and skin.

Why go protein-free?

Too much moisture causes the hair to feel mushy, making it difficult to hold a curl or style. Too much protein causes brittleness and breakage. Neither is ideal for the hair, but too much protein can cause more damage and breakage. Too often curlies are not aware they are adding protein to their hair sometimes on a daily basis. Many of our favorite hair products contain protein and if we use them fairly often we can be creating a protein overload. Most curlies can use a protein treatment around twice a month, monthly or even less but anything more than that and you are setting yourself up for damage. Protein can be found in treatments, stylers, moisturizers, conditioners and even shampoos and many products do not even mention them on the front of the package so you have to do some consumer digging.

How to avoid protein overload

The best way to ensure you are not getting more than your hair needs is to look at the ingredients in your hair products. That is the number one way to know what you are putting in and on your hair. When it comes to shampoos, we want effective products that clean as gently as possible to keep our strands moisturized and tangle free.

That can occur without the presence of protein so we wanted to give you a list of the top ten protein-free shampoos so you can cleanse your hair without worrying if that shampoo is doing double-duty on protein.

As I Am Curl Clarity Shampoo

Sometimes we need to rejuvenate those curls, so As I Am Curly Clarify Shampoo will get rid of the gunk without sulfates and proteins. It removes dull, residue-ridden strands and replaces them with moisturized manageable strands. Water, coconut, amla, and tangerine get the job done without harming a hair on your pretty head.

Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Gentle Cleansing Shampoo

Curlies with gentle yet effective shampoos and Curl Junkie does not disappoint with this sulfate and protein-free shampoo. Silk amino acids and green tea extracts add shine and moisturizing softness to even the driest, dullest strands.

CURLS Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo

Got gunk? Get curls! Curls clarifying shampoo revitalizes dull, limp hair without causing tangles or stripping the hairs much needed natural oils. Allow Mother Nature’s grapefruit and pineapple extracts to nourish and cleanse with a gentle purpose.

EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Moisture Shampoo

A line making waves in the curly girl sector, boost your hair’s moisture with Eden BodyWorks moisture shampoo. No parabens, sulfates, proteins, or silicones to worry about. Just cleanse naturally and effectively making washday pleasant and productive!

Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo

Get luxurious lather but not at the expense of your hydrated curls. The Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo is gentle enough for face and body but was made to cleanse and hydrate your coils, waves, and curls. No proteins, sulfates, parabens, or silicones to worry about; just an effective, cruelty-free gentle shampoo.

Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo

Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo will remove the gunk without removing the moisture. This shampoo is on nature overload with mandarin orange, marigold flower, white willow bark, and sea kelp that cleans your scalp and hair while maintaining maximum moisture.

Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo

If you love lather but not the stripping it can cause, then the Miss Jessie’s Super Slip Sudsy Shampoo is the perfect shampoo for your tresses. Add shine, manageability, and product removal without harming your strands. Get your scalp balanced and revitalized for healthier hair.

SheaMoisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo

SheaMoisture is at it again for finding the right mix of cleansers that moisturize and stabilize your hair’s environment. Water, coconut oil, and African black soap will rid your hair and scalp of dryness, dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis all while sulfate and protein-free. Soothe your scalp and calm the itch and irritation gently yet powerfully.

TIGI Catwalk Curlesque Defining Shampoo

Curly hair does not need to mean frizzy hair. TIGI Catwalk created a marine enriched shampoo that smooths the cuticle to stave off frizz. Sparkling white lotus, seaweek, and sea fennel work wonders without the sulfates or proteins.

Bee Mine Botanical Moisturizing Shampoo

Bring hydration back to your curls with Bee Mine Moisturizing Shampoo that removes dirt, grime, and product residue but never removes moisture. Sulfate and protein free, this shampoo will not strip your curls nor weigh them down. Simply clean, hydrate and give your strands a makeover of moisture.

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The Benefits of Allantoin for Hair & Scalp

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 24, 2015

Photo Courtesy of Nelly

Not every beauty ingredient is well, beautiful. Many come from exotic fruits or flowers like allantoin. This natural chemical compound is produced by many organisms, bacteria, and plants. It is the main active ingredient in comfrey root. Allantoin is also just as effective and can be obtained synthetically as a white and practically odorless crystalline powder. This non-toxic, non-allergenic ingredient, both in nature and in the lab, is good for your skin and hair because it is an emollient, anti-irritant, skin-protectant, and all-around water-increasing asset with a wonder-power.

1. Soothing the scalp

This naturally soothing, anti-irritating skin protectant would be amazing with just those three attributes, but it also has the ability to increase the water content in the skin (scalp”>. By stimulating leukocytosis (raised white blood cell count”> in the application site (skin”>, it enhances lymph fluid circulation. This is one of the reasons it is so widely used as a treatment of carbuncles, burns (including sunburns”>, scalds, acne, psoriasis, eczema, abrasions, and for the treatment of wounds.

Allantoin is an active ingredient in comfrey root that has anti-inflammatory properties. Allantoin is often added to shampoos for fighting dandruff while sanitizing and healing scalp conditions. In shampoos it is often combined with coal tar to treat scalp conditions outside of dandruff like psoriasis, seborrhea, and eczema. It soothes the scalp with the anti-inflammatory properties and coupled with the moisture retention abilities, allantoin will moisturize and soften irritated and flaky scalps.

2. Skin regeneration

It actually promotes and accelerates cell proliferation or improving skin regeneration. It is keratolytic, which means it causes keratin to soften giving the skin or scalp a softer feel. According to WebMD, allantoin is used to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly and itchy skin. Dry skin is caused by a loss of water or moisture and allantoin breaks down the keratin in skin and allows moisture to be trapped or retained.

3. Elasticity and soft hair

Allantoin improves the elasticity and softness of hair while giving it a slight glossy effect and why it is often added to conditioners and hair sprays. Being keratolytic, allantoin helps moisturize hair and scalp and softens keratin, which allows the scalp and hair to hold onto moisture. Keratin is an extremely hard protein, so by breaking it down or softening it, moisture is allowed to be retained in the hair and scalp.

4. Remove scalp flakes

Being keratolytic also allows allantoin to dissolve the materials that hold skin cells together and enables the outermost layer of the scalp to shed or slough off more easily which creates a smoother scalp surface. This makes it easier to remove inflamed, flaky, irritated skin cells. Allantoin makes it easier to remove that flaky scalp while moisturizing and soothing the new scalp underneath and retaining moisture. It makes sense why so many hair and skin products have this amazing ingredient.

Products with allantoin

Hair products with allantoin are by no means only limited to shampoos, so we’ve shared a few of them with you and it is no wonder many are loved by curlies.

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Dry Scalp? Eat These Foods

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 21, 2015

There are far too many vitamins for me to know them all by name or what they can do. They are important, even vital components within our lives, because the human body either does not produce enough of them or not at all. Learning what we need and what our bodies are lacking is essential to a healthy foundation, because vitamins are organic compounds that are needed in small quantities to sustain life. Do not let the “small quantities” fool you. Go without that small quantity for a long time and a deficiency could occur and cause havoc with your harmonious well-being. There is a delicate balance to the human body and either by food, the environment, or a supplement, we need vitamins in our bodies.

What is niacin?

Niacin or B3 is one of eight B vitamins. B vitamins help the body convert food (carbs”> and fuel (glucose”> into energy. According to the Mayo Clinic, niacin helps the body use fats and proteins and is necessary for a healthy liver, skin, hair, and eyes. This water-soluble vitamin dissolves in water and because of this our bodies need a continuous supply of this vitamin in our diet.

Niacin can be found in:

dairy products
eggs
fish
lean meats
nuts
dates
poultry

A deficiency in niacin can cause digestive problems, inflamed skin, and mental impairment while large doses of niacin can cause increased blood sugar, liver damage, peptic ulcers, and some skin rashes.

Niacin helps the body to maintain good blood circulation, a healthy robust skin condition and normal functioning of the brain including memory power. Its most important is lowering high cholesterol levels by raising our HDL or good cholesterol, which picks up excess bad cholesterol in the blood and takes it back to the liver for disposal.

How the niacin “flush” helps your hair

When many discuss niacin and hair, they are talking about the niacin “flush” one may experience when taking niacin (high-density lipoprotein”> supplements. The “flush” is a result of capillaries widening, allowing for better circulation of blood to the entire body. The flush is a rush of blood to the scalp and the increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Because of its circulation-boosting properties, it boosts the thickness of hair strands and increases moisture as niacin increases water content in skin, staving off dryness, and aging.

The flush is a rush of blood to the scalp and the increased blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.

Niacin will improve the health of your scalp. It also locks in moisture and prevents dandruff and dry hair. Niacin is also one of the necessary vitamins within the B family that specializes in DNA repair and that even includes scalp and hair repair. Whether damaged from processing or from disease, niacin can aid in rebuilding dry, damaged scalp and hair. A malnourished scalp has less ability to recover from styling and environmental stresses in our daily lives. From combing to coloring to UV rays, our hair gets frequently manipulated and maintenance requires cleansing, conditioning, and sometimes vitamin supplements if your doctor says you are deficient in nutrients like vitamin B.

Niacin or vitamin B3 is often found in hair care products for locking in moisture to increasing blood circulation to the scalp, so we shared a few that you may have tried or thinking about giving a try. If you choose to take supplements make sure to not overdo it (consult a physician to determine the correct dosage”> and know that plenty of foods contain niacin. Nothing will ever beat eating well-balanced meals!

Products with niacin

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How to Keep Your Hair Moisturized When It’s Dry Outside

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 20, 2015

Photo Courtesy of pRoy

With fall comes cooler temps, back to school groans, and for many of us…drier weather. Not everyone is coastal living and while many fight with humidity year-round, some of the curlies fight with dryness. Fall is a beautiful time of year, but the cooler temperatures often bring drier hair to many naturals. It can become a constant battle of hydration reinforcements and keeping that moisture locked in, especially if your climate has little precipitation on a regular basis. I live in Denver, so I understand the struggle it can be to keep my hair moisturized with the thinner air and dryer climate, so when JoneC from Curly Q&A inquired about keeping hair moisturized in a drier climate, I had to help her out.

Question

Anyone from Canada? It’s so dry here, how do you keep your hair moisturized throughout the day? I’d rather not be slapping a bunch of product in my hair and then have a product buildup. Any suggestions? What do you use? I have 3c hair.

Answer

I know the feeling. Drier climates are not a reality for all naturals, so some of the land-locked curlies have to do extra work to get those curls moisturized and keep them that way. Here are a few ways to keep your hair moisturized in even the driest climates from Canada to Colorado and everywhere in between.

Moisturize

Water is your friend and there is no better moisturizer than good old-fashioned water. Water is essential to life, including your hair. Hydration must be implemented inside and out for healthy hair and body. It is unfortunate that for years when some of us used to have relaxed hair, we believed that water was our hair’s worst enemy and we could not have been more wrong. Yes, water reverts straightened hair but it brings the natural coils and curls back. Many of us were unaware of how to care for our hair in that hydrated and natural state. Step forward to today and we are leaving that antiquated belief behind and embracing water and what it does for our hair. Water and water-based products should be used regularly to ensure to keep dryness at bay and reduce breakage.

Condition

A moisture-rich conditioner is also necessary year-round and especially during the drier months or in those drier climates. Oils, humectants, and fatty alcohols should be in the ingredient list and if not then add some!

Fix Dry Damaged Hair w/ Glycerin Mix

Ulovemegz may have relaxed hair but she knows the importance of maintaining moisturized hair with this quick fix to decrease dryness. It is simple, cheap, and surely a new tip to try as we begin to embrace cooler temperatures.

Sealing

No better way to ensure you are sealing all that moisture that you have reinforced than the beloved LOC method and LCO method. Haven’t heard of them? Well, if not then you will be singing praises soon enough. Check out these two videos that show exactly how to implement them and what they can offer in drier climates.

The LOC Method

Naturals have long been talking about using and loving the LOC method. The liquid hydrates the hair and most naturals use water or a water-based product like the leave-in conditioner AlleySinai uses in this video. AlleySinai gives clear instruction and it is easy to see just how simple this process can be. The variance of products depends on your hair’s needs, so use what works best for you!

The LCO METHOD

I had to share the LCO (liquid + cream + oil”> method, as it is used almost as often as the LOC method. Some love this one better and find it more effective. MyThriftedCloset shares her technique along with her products to complete this method perfectly. Honestly, it is a preference and as long as water or a water-based product is first applications of both methods, then you will seal effectively.

Proper Nighttime Routines

No need to ruin all the hard work you have put into your hair care moisture techniques by messing up with a bad nighttime routine. Ditch the cotton pillowcases for satin or silk ones. Even if you sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet, they can come off during the night, so ditch those linen pillowcases. As I just mentioned, sleep with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet, especially if you are still using cotton pillowcases. Depending on your style, you may need to do some prep work at night like retwisting, rebraiding, or just lightly moisturizing your hair for the morning. If your room is extremely dry, invest in a humidifier to keep moisture in the air, especially as it gets colder. It can be just as dry indoors as outside when it gets colder. One or more of these nighttime routines will help with keeping the dryness away from your moisturized strands.

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Avoid Protein Overdose with These Protein-free Moisturizers

By Sabrina Perkins · Published August 17, 2015

In order for our hair to be healthy, we need to have a balance between moisture and protein. Our hair is made of a hard protein called keratin and even though protein is the backbone of hair, too much of it can make the hair feel brittle.

If you are moisturizing your hair often then it is important to check the ingredients – does your moisturizer contain protein?

If it does, depending on how frequently you moisturize your hair, you may be giving your hair too much protein. If you moisturize daily with a moisturizer that contains proteins and you find that your hair is feeling brittle and dry, then you may want to decrease your use of that moisturizer and opt for a protein-free daily moisturizer instead. Here are 8 protein-free moisturizers that are popular in the curly community.

Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion

The Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion is formulated with a lot of things but protein is not one of them. A little goes a long way with this hair moisturizer that is formulated with slippery elm and sunflower seed oil that nourish, add shine, and detangle in one fell swoop.

As I Am Moisture Milk Daily Hair Revitalizer

Slept on curls bounce back with a vengeance with the water, beet root, soybean oil, and sweet almond oil in this daily hair revitalizer by As I Am. Fight the frizz and add glammed shine and moisture to manage any bad hair day with this amazing hydrating hair moisturizer.

Camille Rose Naturals Curl Love Moisture Milk

Camille Rose allows your hair to drink in milky moisture without protein, sulfates, silicones, and parabens. This hair milk does a hair body good! Get bouncy, frizz-free coils and curls in this lightweight nature-infused goodness.

EverButter Buttermint Smoothie Moisturizing Crème

Go for the moisture boost with EverButter Buttermint Smoothie that has raw shea butter, raw mango butter, coconut oil, and glycerin. Quench your hair’s thirst with this hair and body moisturizing crème. Get a proper moisture balance without proteins. Protein-free 650x365 2

Darcy’s Botanicals Sweet Cocoa Bean Moisturizing Hair Whip

Darcy’s luscious moisturizing cream will work wonders on your strands for adding moisture with the water, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, and ucuuba butter. This is great for your entire body, as it revitalizes your skin and adds shine and softness to your hair.

Karen’s Body Beautiful Super Duper Hydrating Hair Cream

Shea butter, aloe vera gel, argan oil, and allantoin make this hydrating hair cream super-duper. Gain intense moisture from this hair cream that will also nourish your scalp. Scented with that famously loved Lavender Vanilla Karen’s Body Beautiful fragrance is known for.

Oyin Handmade Greg Juice

The oil-free and herbal-infused Oyin Greg Juice will leave your hair feeling like a champ. Shavegrass leaf, lavender buds, nettle leaf, and chamomile flower to moisturize, detangle, and refresh dry, thirsty hair. Perfect for a daily pick-me-up without weighing your hair down.

MyHoneyChild Coconut Hair Milk

Tame frizzy hair with water, coconut butter, glycerin, and EVOO from the MyHoneyChild Coconut Hair Milk. Your hair will be smoother, hydrated, and shine all without an oily residue.

If you have protein in your daily moisturizer and your hair feels perfectly healthy, then by all means continue using it. But if you’re not happy with the brittle look and feel of your curls, then the ingredients label of your moisturizer is one useful place to look.

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