Search Results: Sabrina Perkins

By Sabrina Perkins · Published April 14, 2015

Stretching

• Banding- place sectioned hair in ponytails, scrunchies, or hair ties. I use this but with only one or two ponytails and allow to dry around 80% before shaking and fluffing. This gives me some serious hang time with minimal manipulation.
• Bunning– this style will help to stretch your roots without disturbing the volume of the rest of the hair.
• Braiding– create as many braids as you like with smaller braids giving less stretch but more definition and for more stretch and less definition use bigger braids.
• Blow-dry– this technique is for the curly who has no qualms about applying heat (no judgment!”>.  Considered a pretty simple technique as you simply direct the heat to the hair roots and work your way down while holding the hair to help stretch it.

Elongated Wash & Go

Can hair products actually elongate?

Now, there are those products that claim to help elongate the curls as well so here are a few but honestly it seems the trick is a product with little to no water and heavy or give a heavy hold to help weigh down the hair and help with elongation. Many just go the DIY route and try a smoothing mixture (much like the so-called coconut relaxer“> that does not relax the hair per se but seems to be a great moisturizing and smoothing treatment for your curls. Those heavier products with the absence of water along with the aid of one of the anti-shrinkage tips above can in fact elongate your curls, coils and waves. Here are a few products to try that are heavy enough to do the job if you incorporate them with one of the above methods.

Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Aloe Fix Hair Styling Gel

Product claim: If scrunched into the hair it helps to give your hair definition, volume and bounce, and when smoothed into hair it can help stretch out the curls you have and add weight to hair to help elongate and define curls.

Miss Jessie’s Stretch Silkening Crème

Product claim: a quicker to dry whipped soufflé that delivers an amazing plump curl and a brilliant shine.

Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel

Product claim: Give dry, shriveled up curls and twists a nice stretch with Aunt Jackie’s special blend of moisturizing conditioners, flaxseed, shea butter, and extra virgin olive oil. With nourishing Omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed has been widely used as a natural remedy for hair growth, anti-thinning, and overall scalp health.

Eco Styler Gel

Product claim: Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel contains 100% pure olive oil for deep down conditioning while maintaining maximum hold.

I can attest to the hold this product has. If you slather it on it will elongate those curls like a champ! I still have to band my hair to get maximum shrinkage so I think it works just like the rest mentioned above that need a stretching technique added to them for significant elongation.

The bottom line is you must try a product and see how it works but it will take a little trial and error for the right product and the right anti-shrinkage technique to elongate your tresses.

What products elongate your curls?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published April 14, 2015

Health Benefits of Mangos

Mangos are super fruits in the category of nutrition, as they are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenolic flavonoid antioxidant compounds. There nutritional value includes vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6 plus other B vitamins, healthy probiotic fiber, copper, potassium, and magnesium.

Read more: 7 Vitamins Every Hair Health Nut Should Know

Mangos and Your Hair

Yes, mangos can do much more for your hair other than give your tresses a heavenly scent. Being rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish and promote hair growth is the main reason we find tons of hair recipes and hair products that include mango. The vitamin A in mangos helps to fight dandruff while also adding a natural sheen to your strands. This is why you find them in many moisturizers. The abundance of fatty acids in mango seed oil can help with blood circulation and cell growth, which are significantly important to hair follicles. They help to increase nutrient absorption at the hair follicle.

The presence of copper in mangos need not go unnoticed as copper peptides enable wounds bordered by hair to get healed relatively quickly and are beneficial for those healing their scalp and regrowing hair after chemotherapy. There are several hair products that include mangos in their ingredients but many find creating DIY mixtures with them to be easy, fun and beneficial to healthier hair. Here are a few recipes that you might want to try:

Mango Mask for Dry Hair

via Bali Cosmetics

• 1 ripe mango
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 tbsp. natural yogurt 

Peel and dice the mango and mash with a small fork in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix egg yolks and yogurt well before adding to mashed mango and mixing well. Gently massage the mask into dry, dirty hair starting from the roots and moving down the hair making sure to focus on dry, split ends. Wrap hair in a shower cap and cover head with a warm towel for about an hour. Rinse the mask off with warm water and cleanse as usual.

Mango Butter Hair Treatment

via Revitalize Your Health

• 1 cup macadamia nut oil
• 1 cup sunflower seed oil
• 1/4 cup hemp seed oil
• 1/8 cup avocado oil
• 1/8 cup jojoba oil
• 2 Tbsp. vitamin E oil
• 1/8 cup cocoa butter
• 1/8 cup avocado butter
• 1/8 cup mango butter

Place all ingredients in a double boiler until melted then pour into a jar. When cooled, heat treatment over a bowl of warm water and then gently massage into hair and scalp and leave on for 15-20 min. Rinse and cleanse as usual. Apply this treatment once a week for optimum results for soft, healthy hair. This is also a great as a sealant after you have applied your moisturizer.

What’s your favorite mango recipe? 

By Sabrina Perkins · Published April 9, 2015

Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Hair Moisturizer 

Water, olive fruit oil, capric caprylic triglycerides (fatty acid”>, PEG-75 lanolin (chemically-modified form of lanolin”>, behentrimonium methosulfate (mild hair detangler”>, and cetearyl alcohol (fatty acid”> make up the first ingredients in this vitamin enriched and organic infusion hair butter. It can be used daily to stave off dryness and prevent breakage.

Klorane Mask with Mango Butter

Repair and nourish extremely dehydrated and damaged tresses with water, behenyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, ethylhexyl palmitate (fatty acid”>, mango seed butter, and behentrimonium chloride (conditioning agent”>. Restructure your hair shaft and smooth the scales on the cuticle to make your hair more resistant to external stresses.

Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Coil Moisturizing Souffle

With water, fatty acids, cetyl esters, glycerin, and fragrance, this moisturizing soufflé fights shrinkage for all-day elongation while nourishing your curls and coils. Add softness and definition to the tightest curls and coils.

OBIA Natural Hair Care Twist Whip Butter

Water, aloe vera oil, lavender oil, lemongrass oil, shea butter and vegetable glycerin make up the first ingredients in this moisturizing sealant that add shines and will protect your tresses. Perfect for braids, fros, locs and twists. (Note: mango is later in the ingredient line for this product”>.

Jane Carter Solution Hair Nourishing Cream

An ultra-light hair dress that has water, shea butter, glycerin, xanthen gum, kokum butter, and illippe butter as the first ingredients. Perfect for a daily moisturizer for natural hair that adds shine, nutrients and emollients that will detangle, fortify, protect, repair, and strengthen your tresses. (Note: mango is later in the ingredient line for this product”>.

Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Cream Moisturizer

This moisturizer has a complete balance of moisture and protein that starts off with distilled water, avocado seed oil, mango seed oil, coconut oil, aloe leaf extract, and shea butter. Bee Mine’s light cream moisturizer will help to prevent split ends and to strengthen your strands from root to top.

Original Moxie Hair Bling High Shine Pomade

Made with jojoba oil, mango butter, tucuma butter, beeswax and stearic acid, this high shine pomade provides long-lasting moisture and protects hair from UV radiation. It is made with an ultra-lux blend of oils, butters, and waxes to give amazing softness, superior hold, and massive shine to your thirsty tresses.

Koils by Nature Nourishing Hair And Body Butter Marvelous Mango

This nourishing body and hair butter has shea butter, coconut oil, kokum butter, mango seed butter, and avocado oil needs only a small amount to moisturize, revitalize, heal, and protect your strands and body. Lightly scented mango butter without mineral oils, sulfates, parabens, silicones, and sulfates.

By Sabrina Perkins · Published April 2, 2015

Disclaimer: this list contains products with silicones. Read what CurlChemist has to say about the Scoop on Silicones.

Aussie Moist Conditioner (13.5 oz.”>

Water, stearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, cetyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, and jojoba oil are formulated in this curly girl favorite. If your strands are dying of thirst, then this amazingly priced conditioner will moisturize and quench your hair’s thirst. Get softer curls with the Australian aloe and jojoba oil and say good riddance to dry strands.

Suave Naturals Shampoo, Tropical Coconut (22.5 oz.”>

Another favorite among the curlies, it has water, cetearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, cetrimonium chloride (emulsifier”>, and distearyldimonium chloride (moisturizing and smoothing properties”>. You will be able to replenish your hair’s natural beauty with the sweet scent of coconuts with an even sweeter price.

TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner (25 oz.”>

Definitely one of the best bargains on the list, this nourishing conditioner starts off with water, cetearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, behentrimonium chloride (conditioning agent”>, and avocado oil. Banish those tangles with this lightweight conditioner that leaves the hair feeling healthy, more manageable, and smoother.

TRESemme Flawless Curls Curl Hydrating Conditioner (32 oz.”>

Water, stearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, cyclopentasiloxane (conditioner, increases slip”>, cetyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”> are in this (my”> favorite cheapie conditioner, which is full of slip! Not a fan of silicones for most of the time, but when I am desiring movement then I make sure to pick this lightweight conditioner. It leaves my hair softer and my curls never have crunch.

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner (13 oz.”>

With a heavenly coconut scent, this milky conditioner starts has water, cetyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, behentrimonium, cetearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, cetearyl glucoside (emulsifier”>, and glycerin (humectant”>. It moisturizes and strengthens your tresses.

Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curls & Waves Hair Conditioner (10.1 oz.”>

We have another winner that starts with water, stearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, behentrimonium methosulfate (detangler”>, wild cherry fruit extract, orchid extract and corn silk extract in this serum infused formula. Gain shiny, bouncy curls even in humidity.

Aveeno Nourish + Moisturize Conditioner (10.5 oz.”>

Water, cyclopentasiloxane (conditioner”>, cetyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, behentrimonium methosulfate (detangler”>, and behentrimonium chloride (conditioning agent”> make up this dual benefiting conditioner. Get silky hair that is tangle-free while this conditioner nourishes and conditions your strands and helps to repair your hair with wheat protein.

Pantene Pro-V Truly Natural Hair Deep Conditioner (12 oz.”>

Water, stearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, behentrimonium methosulfate (detangler”>, cetyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, and bis-aminopropyl dimethicone (modified silicone”> make this conditioner perfect for detangling and moisturizing. Retain moisture and shine for up to 72 hrs.

Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Conditioner (12.7 oz.”>

This is a conditioner for all hair types with water, cetearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, sweet almond oil, panthenol, hydrogenated coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and soybean oil. Restore your scalp’s natural moisture balance to create the perfect foundation for stronger hair from the root to the tip.

Alba Botanica, Drink It Up Coconut Milk Hawaiian Conditioner  (12 oz.”>

Water, sunflower seed oil, behentrimonium chloride (conditioning agent”>, cetyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, and stearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”> and amodimethicone (silicone”> make up the primary foundation for this nourishing conditioner that protects hair from heat styling. High in fatty acids and proteins, this conditioner will make dry hair softer and more nourished than ever before.

What’s your favorite affordable conditioner over 10 oz.?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published March 26, 2015

Gossypium herbaceum or cottonseed oil is a fixed oil extracted from the seeds of the cotton and is among the most common vegetable oils used in the US. It is often referred to as “America’s original vegetable oil and has been a part of the American diet since the 1800’s. Cotton has been around since ancient times and has even been found that people from 3500 BC wove cotton into cloth. Archaeologists have also found pieces of cloth made from cotton from the Indus Valley Civilization. Since then there have been a variety of uses discovered for cotton that include cottonseeds and the oil that is extracted from them. According to the National Cottonseed Products Association, cottonseed oil ranks third in volume behind soybean and corn oil and represents about 5-6% of the total domestic fat and oil supply. 

Cottonseed oil has several benefits that are more than cosmetic and its primary use in the United States is as a salad or cooking oil. It has a mild, nut like taste and is generally a clear to a light golden color. It is mainly made up of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA”> and linoleic acid makes up the majority of its PUFA content. Rich in tocopherols and natural antioxidants, cottonseed oil is among the most unsaturated oils along with corn, soybean, canola, safflower, and sunflower seed oils and has no cholesterol.

High Ceramides Concentration

Cottonseed oil is a big winner for its ceramide concentration of 54%. Ceramides are one of three lipids aka fatty material that are sandwiched between the cuticle and cortex called the cell membrane complex or CMC. Ceramides are not to be confused with sebum. They bind the cuticle layer in place or lying flat. Despite the fact it is naturally occurring, some women need them in hair products because through the mishandling of hair through chemical treatments, heat applications, and even washing over time, ceramides can become depleted and that can lead to raised or damaged cuticles. Our hair needs elasticity, moisture, and strength and ceramides fit nicely in the strength category even though they are not proteins.

With a rather high concentration of ceramides, women with chemically damaged hair seek after cottonseed oil. The ceramides help keep the cuticle flat, aid in strengthening the hair, and because they help keep the cuticle flat they enhance the hair to become shinier and smoother.

Composition of Cottonseed oil

via Chempro

• Linoleic acid: 42%
• Oleic acid: 35%
• Palmitic acid: 20%
• Myristic acid: 0.4%

It also has a high smoking point of around 450 so it is suitable for heat styling and made stable with a significant amount of vitamin E, which also aids in fighting off free radicals. According to Cosmetics Info, It is used in cosmetics as an emollient, an occlusive, a cleansing agent an emulsifying agent, and a viscosity-increasing agent.

Hair products with Cottonseed Oil

• L’Oreal Professional Mythic Oil Shampoo 
• L’Oreal Professional Mythic Oil Nourishing Conditioner 
• L’Oreal Professional Mythic Oil Nourishing Masque 
• The Body Shop Cottonseed Curl Boost 
• Mill Creek Keratin Conditioner 

Have you tried cottonseed oil?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published March 26, 2015

Bergamot oranges (Citrus bergamia”> can be traced back to Southeast Asia and it is widely cultivated in the southern region of Italy. Bergamot oil is an essential oil that comes from the Bergamot orange, which is part of the citrus family that includes oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, and pomelos. They are delicious, refreshing, and are considered an all-star food because they contain flavonoids. Many flavonoids are shown to have antioxidant activity, free-radical scavenging capacity, coronary heart disease prevention, and anticancer activity, according to PubMed. Bergamot oil is a complex mixture of more than 300 compounds and the most prevalent compounds are linalyl acetate (30% to 60%”> and linalool (11% to 22%”>, which are high in anti-inflammatory activity.

There are several other positive attributes of this sweet smelling oil like being an antiseptic, disinfectant, and antispasmodic. It has a powerful aroma, which makes it a popular component in numerous perfumes. Like many other oils, it is primarily derived from cold pressing instead of steam distillation. Earl Grey tea would only be black tea if it weren’t for the irreplaceable bergamot essential oil. It blends well with other citrus oils and pairs well with black pepper, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, jasmine, nutmeg, rosemary, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang.

Bergamot benefits for hair 

Because of its high activity of inflammatory compounds, this oil is perfect for treating dandruff and any inflammations on the scalp while also protecting the skin and hair from infections if used regularly. The vitamin C found in all citrus fruits is known to be one of the most effective for strengthening, stimulating hair growth, and creating luster and softness. Bergamot oil will also protect your scalp against fungal infections with its disinfectant properties.

How to use Bergamot essential oil on your hair

• Apply a few drops to your shampoo to help with your hair’s pH balance
• Apply to wet hair to add shine and luster
• Add a few drops to your heat protectant to get frizz-free straight hair
• Mix a few drops with a castor and coconut oil mix for a scalp massaging hair tonic

Precautions

WebMD says you should avoid sun exposure after applying bergamot oil to skin or hair until it completely absorbs, as it contains active ingredients that may cause skin problems like blisters, scabs, pigment spots, rashes, and cancerous changes. Consider blending this essential oil with a carrier oil when treating psoriasis and fungal infections. 

Do you use bergamot oil?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published March 25, 2015

Many of us know how the staples in the natural hair world like SheaMoisture and Carol’s Daughter got their start but what about others that have kept maintained quality products and committed to their consumers? We love our curls, coils, and waves and they do too, so sit back and learn how these wonderful women manifested their dreams and gave us stellar products to keep our tresses gorgeous!

Eden BodyWorks

Mission: EDEN BodyWorks provides natural products that integrate wellness and beauty inspired by nature to restore and maintain the hair and body’s original design.

Founder Jasmine Lawrence was frustrated at the tender age of 11 when her hair was damaged and breaking badly from a bad relaxer experience. Her hair began to fall out, which was an embarrassing and traumatic experience for the pre-teen. From there she vowed to never use chemicals again on her hair and she began researching for creations she could make for her hair because she could not find products without harsh chemicals. At the age of 13 she became CEO and founder of hair care brand EDEN BodyWorks.

That was almost 11 years ago and EDEN BodyWorks is flourishing with the same founding principles of using natural ingredients that have been used from the start. The products are formulated without petroleum oil, mineral oil, and sodium sulfates. The focus of EDEN BodyWorks is to “strengthen and repair all hair textures – whether relaxed, natural or somewhere in between.”

Jessicurl

Mission: To help curly heads everywhere learn to love their curls!

Jess McGuinty, founder and CEO of Jessicurl, had straight hair until her coming-of-age at 14. She was at a total loss for what to do as her hair began growing coarser and eventually curling. As her curls grew so did the mean comments from other kids and she began to truly dislike her curls and how hard it was to manage. Desperate for tips in 2002 she did a simple curly hair search on Google and came across NaturallyCurly.com. From there her life began to change!

She was immediately enveloped in horror stories from curlies with similar issues. After trying many products from recommendations and not finding any that truly worked, Jess came across a DIY with flaxseeds and gave it a try. It was less than ideal but after some tweaking with other natural ingredients she came up with concoction that gave her the hair she has always wanted. After sharing her newfound recipe she found many who would rather just have her make it up and they buy it from her. From there the Jessicurl Rockin’ Ringlets Styling Potion was born in September 2002 right out of her own kitchen. She says, “The path to loving our curls is not easy, but many of us have made it and many are in the process. I’m honored to be a part of that journey.”

OBIA Natural Hair Care

Mission: To produce pH balanced, non-toxic, herbal-based hair care products for women and men with natural hair.

Founder and formulator Obia Ewah is a trained chemist with bachelor degrees in chemistry and biology along with a master’s in public health. During her third year of medical school she became sick and as a result became cautious about the foods and products she ingested and applied to her body.

After she did the big chop in 2010 she was hard-pressed for hair products that worked great for her hair and aligned with her need for health-conscious ingredients. She began tinkering around with formulations and came across concoctions that worked wonders for her hair and OBIA Natural Hair Care began in 2012. The entire collection is vegan and does not contain mineral oils, petroleum, sulfates, artificial colors, drying alcohols, silicones, or gluten. 

Curl Junkie

Mission: To offer effective alternatives to the hair care products currently available for curly hair types.

Marsha Coulton, the owner of Curl Junkie Hair Products, LLC, is a licensed cosmetologist and the product developer for the line. The line was inspired by a suggestion from a student back in her beauty school days. She was annoyed with the lack of options for herself and her clients because of their textured hair, and with only $100 Coulton bought essential oils, base ingredients, and began mixing up products at home. Many of her clients were asking if they could buy her custom-blended conditioners and in 2005 she realized she had the beginnings of a product line.

In 2006 she quit her job, started creating her hair care products full-time right in her home with only $5,000 in start-up expenses. With her marketing major and her computer savviness, she was developing products, mixing, packaging, and even shipping right from her house. Curl Junkie promises a “development of unique and effective, naturally based hair products that can answer the needs of anyone who wants easy to style, beautiful, & healthy, wash and go hair.”

By Sabrina Perkins · Published March 24, 2015

Abyssinian oil is often compared to jojoba oil but it is much higher in erucic acid and means a stronger, intense moisturizer for your skin and hair.

Oh my goodness, we have another new oil to check out? Well, yes and no. This oil is far from new but little is known about its amazing benefits. Abyssinian (Crambe abyssinica”> seed oil is ultra-light, non-greasy natural oil with a unique molecular structure not found in any other naturally occurring oils. This useful plant that originated in the Mediterranean region along with parts of eastern Africa comes from the seeds of Crambe abyssinica. Although it is inedible oil, Abyssinian has a number of industrial as well as beauty uses.

This plant was introduced to the United States in the 1940’s and successfully grown in the mostly North Dakota. It is an annual herb with large pinnately-lobed leaves and can achieve a height of 24-40 in. depending on the conditions and the plant’s density. The plant procures numerous small, white flowers and the seeds (from where the oil comes from”> are about 1/8 inch in diameter and round.

This oil is closely related to rapeseed and mustard and has about 50%-60% erucic acid, which is a long fatty acid often used to manufacture industrial consumer items like high-temperature lubricants, heat transfers fluids, surfactants, coatings, cosmetics, polyesters, and more. The spherical fruit bears one seed each and the seed remains in the pod or hull until harvest because de-hulling improves oil extraction efficiency. It is extracted by cold pressing and the oil’s breakdown is rather impressive:

Abyssinian Oil Composition

via The Herbarie

• Palmitic 1.0-4.0%

• Palmitoleic 0.1-0.5%

• Stearic 0.5-2.0%

• Oleic 10.0-25.0%

• Linoleic 7.0-15.0%

• Linolenic 2.0-5.0%

• Arachidic 0.5-2.0%

• Eicosenoic 2.0-6.0%

• Eicosadienoic 0.0-4%

• Behenic 1.0-3.0%

• Erucic 50.0-65.0%

• Lignoceric 0.0-1.0%

Read more: 4 Acids that are Great for Your Hair

Abyssinian Oil and Hair

Abyssinian oil is often compared to jojoba oil but it is much higher in erucic acid and means a stronger, intense moisturizer for your skin and hair. It is very stable and long-lasting seed oil that rapidly penetrates the outer layer of the epidermis, and because it is often compared to jojoba oil (meaning it mimics human sebum”>, it is very silky in texture and makes for a great natural alternative to silicones in haircare products. It adds wonderful shine and a light feel to the hair and it forms a light continuous lipid layer to help detangle the hair and lock in essential moisture. Since it can be used as a surfactant it is great in shampoos and conditioners and even eliminates the feeling of greasiness. Because Abyssinian oil is very stable against heat breakdown and is highly resistant to oxidation, it allows your hair’s cuticle to remain sealed, protecting the cortex within.

With the erucic acid your hair gets a strong layer of protection against dehydration. This oil is great for creams, lotions, lipstick, lip gloss, foundations, and hair care products that condition without greasiness and add an emollient feel to the hair. One of the most beneficial ways to use this light, non-greasy oil is in a spray form whether on your face or hair since it is safe to use directly on either. Abyssinian oil is becoming increasingly popular and can be found as an ingredient in hair care products like a few we have listed below.

• Ojon Restorative Leave-in Treatment for Brunettes 
• Ouidad Color Sense Shine Boosting Color Extender 
• Black Miracle Hair Conditioner 
• U R Curly Abyssinian Oil 

By Sabrina Perkins · Published March 23, 2015

We are all individuals

What works for the masses or the testers may not be the best application for everyone. Trial and error is my best friend and should be yours too. Don’t knock it till you try it. What does that mean? Well, it means I use shampoo from one line, conditioner from another line, gel for yet another, and a deep conditioner from another one! They must all work well together and if you follow the directions on the back of any brand they recommend that exclusively using their products will garner the best results. Hogwash! Many brands will play nicely with others and if they do not, then I will not use them. Here are a few situations when I don’t follow the rules.

Cream as a Refresher

Karen’s Body Beautiful Super Duper Hydrating Hair Cream

Directions: Start with a dime size amount twice a week on hair and scalp as needed. Works best on dry or slightly damp hair.

How I Use It: Refresher

I love this stuff although I do not use it that often. It usually comes out when my hair is looking a little busted, meaning parched and in need of a wash. I use about a dime-size amount on each section and I never put it on my scalp. Anything applied to my scalp makes it itch and my scalp is never dry. This jar has lasted over a year because I rarely need it, but when I do it works like a charm.

Conditioner as a Leave-in

SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner

Directions: Work conditioner through hair from root to ends. Leave on three minutes, then rinse.

How I Use It: Leave-in conditioner

Yea, right. Like I will ever rinse out this amazing conditioner. Ok, I am an ultra-big fan of SheaMoisture and want to lose my mind over this Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil collectino that can only be found at Target! I use this conditioner as my leave-in. Rinse out? Are you crazy? This stuff is too good to be letting it run down my drain and my hair drinks it in with no issues at all. I hop in the shower, saturate my hair, pump the conditioner along with the Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Reconstructive Finishing Elixir into my palms, and shingle it through my hair followed by gel. This seems to keep the frizz away even on the most humid of days.

Elixir as a Cocktail

SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Reconstructive Finishing Elixir

Directions: After styling, spray into hands and apply evenly to seal hair cuticle and add shine.

How I Use It: Cocktail product

As I mentioned above, I add a few pumps of this amazing elixir to my conditioner that I leave in my hair. It aids in allowing my fingers to glide through my hair when detangling. I actually picked up this tidbit of info from my sister since she saw some hair guru doing it on TV. It works great with the Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil conditioner (ab0ve”> and after I use it while in the shower so there is no need for any after I am done. It seems to fight off frizz working with the conditioner like a pro.

Twist Cream as a Refresher

As I Am Twist Defining Cream

Directions: After cleansing, conditioning and detangling hair apply in small sections from root to tip then twist away!

How I Use It: Refresher

I have not used this in twist yet! I love this twisting defining cream just to bring my curls back to life from my wash and go on a second or third day and it does this better than a daily conditioner from the same line. It is light, soft and even adds shine to my curls. I’m sure I will use it for twists one day but until then it will refresh my wash and go curls like a champ and keep me from jumping in the shower to do it.

Ok, now it is your turn…what products do you use that do not follow the directions on the bottle?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published March 23, 2015

One oil on my to-do list would be the little known clary sage essential oil. Its botanical name is Salvia sclarea and it is most commonly steam distilled. The clary sage plant is a dramatic plant growing to 2-3 ft. with tall flower spikes that rise above big hairy purple-green leaves and small blue-violet or white flowers. The benefits attributed to this essential oil are antidepressant, anticonvulsive, antispasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, emenagogue, euphoric, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, stomachic, and uterine substance. Extracted from the buds and leaves of the plant, this herb has been praised as a medicinal plant throughout history and is a close relative of the common garden sage but with a slightly different organic makeup, according to Organic Facts.

Benefits of Clary Sage

Clary sage has an ester called linalyl acetate, which reduces skin and scalp inflammations and heals rashes while regulating the production of natural oils in the skin. There is a reduction of oily and dry skin and can be used directly on the skin and scalp or diluted with a carrier oil such as almond oil. It also helps with hair loss caused by natural aging process and may prevent thickening in the membrane tissue around the hair follicle that can cause hair loss. It is also believed to actually strengthen the hair follicles, which also staves off hair loss. Besides combatting hair loss, clary sage is also believed to stimulate hair growth while limiting sebum production and treating scalp ailments like dandruff.

Essential oils are great alone or even better when added to other essential oils and/or carrier oils. Many curlies love mixing them and creating amazing hair recipes so here are a couple of DIY pre-poo concoctions worth giving a try.

Pre-poo Treatment

• 8 drops clary sage essential oil
• 3 drops of wheat germ oil
• 2 tbsp. grape seed oil

Mix and store in a dark bottle. Prior to shampooing, briskly rub a little of the mixture into your scalp and roots for a few minutes. Cover hair for an hour or longer and then shampoo as usual.

Scalp-stimulating Pre-poo

• 3 drops of clary sage
• 2 drops of white fir
• 1 oz. of coconut oil
• 1 drop of rosemary

Mix gently before applying mixture to scalp. Leave on for 30 min. or overnight and then shampoo as usual.

Product Recommendations

Or if you prefer to buy ready-made hair products that contain clary sage, then try one of these products:

• Nature’s Gate Organics Shampoo, Lemongrass & Clary Sage 
• Nature’s Gate Herbal Blend Volumizing Conditioner, Lemongrass & Clary Sage 
• Lulu Organics® Lavender + Clary Sage Hair Powder 
• Everyone Hair Sulfate-Free Shampoo, Balance
• Everyone Sulfate-Free Hair Conditioner, Balance 

So curlies…have you given clary sage a try?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published March 19, 2015

Shampoos are formulated with detergents that cling to the dirt, pollutants, sweat, and product buildup in your hair and help to remove it. Cleansing your hair is essential to healthy hair but does it always have to be done with a shampoo? Also, is lather even necessary? It seems as soon as I build up a lather my hair begins to tangle. The less lather the better and I know there are plenty of other curlies in the same boat. I want my tresses cleaned but without the harsh sulfates, silicones, and that lather, so if you are on board with me then I have 15 gentle yet effective cleansers that keep not lather!

Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream Moisturizing No Suds Shampoo

A moisturizing shampoo formulated with water, cetyl alcohol (emollient”>, butylene glycol (humectant”>, and behentrimonium chloride (conditioning agent”>. Sulfate, paraben, and cruelty-free, this shampoo is great for parched strands.

Miss Jessie’s Creme De La Curl Cleansing Cream

Water, cetyl alcohol (emollient”>, cetrimonium chloride (emulsifier”>, and hydrogenated castor oil are in this ultra-conditioning cleaning cream. A daily curl wash for dry, parched, damaged, used, and abused tresses.

As I Am Coconut CoWash Cleansing Conditioner

A favorite among curlies, this coconut cowash starts off with water, coconut extract, tangerine extract, cetyl alcohol (emollient”>, cetrimonium chloride (emulsifier”>, and cetearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>. Get clean hair with a gentle but effective formulation that goes all the way down to the follicular level. It is extremely creamy and leaves your hair feeling luxurious.

Purely Perfect Cleansing Crème

Get silky, shiny hair from the water, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, cetearyl alcohol (fatty alcohol”>, cetyl alcohol (emollient”>, and glycerin that make up the first ingredients in this cleansing crème. A creamy shampoo for all hair types that requires no lather to get your curls clean, soft and manageable.

NYC Curls The Curl Cleanser

Perfect for all curl types, this sulfate, silicone, and paraban-free cleanser has water, cetyl alcohol (emollient”>, isopropyl palmitate (palm oil based emollient”>, behenalkonium chloride (fatty acid”>, butylene glycol (humectant”>, and cocamidopropyl betaine (foam booster from coconut oil”>. No lather, no harsh detergents, and safe for daily use and for color-treated tresses.

DevaCurl No-Poo

Water, cetyl alcohol (emollient”>, glycerin, behentrimonium chloride (conditioning agent”>, isopropyl palmitate (palm oil based emollient”>, and polyquaternium-7 (detangler”> come together as the first ingredients in this sulfate-free, no-fade, zero-lathering cleanser. It will amazingly hydrate and cleanse your strands while fighting frizz to keep your curls looking their best.

EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea Cleansing CoWash

No suds and no worry from this coconut shea cowash that has water, aloe vera leaf juice, cetyl alcohol (emollient”>, propanediol (preservative-boosting humectant”>, shea butter and coconut oil as the first ingredients. Remove all the dirt, gunk, and residue to promote a healthy hair environment.

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner

With water, cetyl alcohol (emollient”>, glycerin, cyclopentasiloxane (conditioner and adds slip”>, behentrimonium methosulfate (mild hair detangler”> and agave tequilana stem extract you are well on your way to dream hair. It is the perfect cleanser for hair begging for moisture and full of tangles.

Organic Root Stimulator Herbal Cleanse Hair and Scalp Cleanse Shampoo

Raved for eliminating hair residue and odor without creating unwanted suds, this shampoo has SD alcohol 39-C (antifoaming agent”>, water, glycerin, lavender oil, basil oil, and aloe barbadensis leaf juice.  The aloe vera helps to calm and sooth your scalp and dries quickly unlike other dry shampoos.

Curls Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream

Water, sodium cocyl isethionate (surfactant”>, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate (mild, anionic, vegetable oil”>, cocamidopropyl betaine (foam booster derived from coconut oil”>, steric acid, and glycerin make up the first ingredients in this gentle, creamy cleanser. Gentle enough to use daily and will moisturize your curls like a champ. Great for chemically altered or color treated tresses.

Macadamia Oil Flawless Cleansing Conditioner

We all want flawless hair so you may want to give this cleaning and conditioning product a try if you are fine with silicones. With water, cetearyl alcohol (emollient”>, isopentane, dimethicone (silicone”> glycerin, and decyl glucoside (mild non-ionic surfactant”>. Easy and fun to use with its pump action that promises to bring back balance to your curls.

Palmer’s Olive Oil Formula Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner

This all in one cleansing cream starts off with water, cetyl alcohol (emollient, emulsifier, and thickener”>, glycerin, and palm oil based emollient, polyquaternium-7 (detangler”> and behentrimonium chloride (conditioning agent”>. It deeply cleans, conditions and even detangles without the lather, dryness, or frizz.

Karen’s Body Beautiful Delicate Do No Poo Lather Free Hair Wash

Purified water, vegetable glycerin, vegetable wax, aloe vera, echinacea, nettle extract, and horsetail extracts round up the first ingredients in this non-lathering, gentle cleanser that provides maximum moisture and makes detangling a breeze. Amazing for thirsty curls!

Wen Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner

A favorite among many, this sweet smelling, cleansing conditioner has water, aloe vera gel, and glycerin, chamomile extract, cherry bark extract, and calendula extract as the first ingredients. A universal cleanser that has the perfect balance of herbs and natural ingredients to cleanse your hair and scalp without sacrificing the beauty and integrity of your tresses.

SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser

Water, coconut oil, shea butter, mango seed butter, olive fruit oil, and wheat germ oil make up the top ingredients in this ultra-cream favorite of many. Remove all the dirt, grime, and gunk without sulfates and without stripping those precious oils our curls crave. Softens, moisturizes, and slays frizz like a beast!

By Sabrina Perkins · Published March 11, 2015

One of the weirdest and most secretive hair care ingredients has been kept quiet by women from the Caribbean. For generations snail slime has been used for skin and scalp ailments while also keeping hair in pristine condition. You may look at a pesky and slow moving member of the Mollusca family and cringe but if you knew just how amazing their slime was you would think twice about it.

It is not the snail itself that has been the secret weapon for gorgeous hair but rather its enriching slime. Yes, the Dominican hair secret is none other than snail slime with its regenerative properties that are great for treating acne, fighting wrinkles, scar removal along while aiding irritations, burns, stretch marks, and healing wounds. The mucus that snails excrete is called Helix Aspersa Müller Glycoconjugates that is supposed to contain proteins, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, which help to retain moisture in skin and hair. According to cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller, “Chemically speaking, snail slime is a complex mixture of proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, glycoprotein enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides and trace elements including copper, zinc, and iron.”

There has been a surge of snail slime in cosmetics and the substance even has an International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients code, which means it is registered on the international list of cosmetic ingredients as snail secretion filtrate (SSF”>. Snail slime is big business and there are even women getting snail facials where a therapist places snails on a client’s face and let the roam around the face freely. The snails leave behind a trail of mucus slime that is packed with glycolic acid and elastin, which also protects the snail from cuts, bacteria, and UV rays.

Here are a few reasons snail slime is making its way into cosmetics:

Curl booster

Snail slime is actually a blend of two types of mucus where one is more watery and acts like a lubricant while the other is more viscous and elastic. Together they behave like an adhesive. The second mucus acts as a natural gel and can aid individual curls fibers to meld together into more defined curls.

Natural detangler

With the highly fluid translucent secretion, the watery slime is a natural lubricant that applies smoothly. This allows your fingers, brushes, and even combs to slide through when hair is coated in the slime, which makes detangling sessions shorter and decreases breakage.

Moisture sealer

The snail uses its mucus to keep its delicate surface hydrated. Its slime or extract is over 90% water blended with natural proteins and other polymers that make it highly hygroscopic. This can have a hydrating effect on your hair and helps to seal in the moisture.

Hair protector

With the mix of proteins, enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, and trace elements, this natural gel performs as a natural protective layer to your tresses by cushioning and shielding your strands from the UV rays. This is a big reason why Dominicans use it to shields their skin and hair from the rays of the beaming sun. The extract also protects your strands from day-to-day styling.

Smoother

No surprise on this benefit, as the snail’s slime encases strands in a smooth, sealing layer, filling in cracks, and smoothing over rough sections of the hair. Hair feels silkier, smoother, and softer.

Glosser

Many curlies complain about hair not giving off a glossy look like our straighter sisters but with snail slime will smooth your cuticle to reflect light better giving it gleam and shininess.

By Sabrina Perkins · Published February 27, 2015

Historically, watercress was revered for its nutrition and healing properties. Even the father of medicine, Hippocrates, used it on his patients to treat illnesses. During the 1800s it was an essential part of the working class diet, but as more varieties of salad leaves were cultivated over the next 100 years, watercress became known as a poor man’s food and was eventually less popular, according to Medical News Today. Only recently after scoring at the top of the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI”> has this made a comeback because, as the ANDI score measures vitamin, mineral and phytonutrient content in relation to caloric content. The study, conducted by Jennifer Di Noia of William Paterson University, looked at 17 important nutrients naturally occurring in food and calculated how much of those nutrients were found in a 100-calorie serving. With the surge in healthy eating in recent years, it stands to reason why watercress is on everyone’s radar as the super food you have to eat!

Watercress for Hair

Just like most super foods that have more than one positive function for our bodies, watercress is on the list of foods that are great for promoting healthy hair. With its high iodine content, watercress also helps to improve the function of the thyroid gland and relieves the symptoms of hypothyroidism that include hair loss. Many who eats foods for optimal hair and health benefits will want to eat watercress raw and as fresh as possible. It can also be used topically to treat dandruff and prevent hair loss because of its sulfur, iron, and zinc content. It is considered one of the best natural gems for hair loss. The prize ingredients in watercress that make it so attractive for hair loss would be the presence of zinc and biotin. The vital nutrients from the minerals and vitamins from watercress assist to encourage scalp health as well as hair health. Many deem it perfect for a hair conditioner or even a hydrating hair spa.

One of the best ways to utilize watercress for your hair is to create a tincture (liquid extract”> and massaging it on your hair and scalp to rid dandruff or bacterial infections of the scalp. With its ability to enhance hormonal balance and performance, it indirectly encourages hair growth and healthy skin. Not into getting that close with nature? Well, it can also be found in an oil or in several hair products from shampoo to conditioner to even finishers.

6 Products with Watercress

• Biotique Bio-Water Cress – Fresh Nourishing Conditioner For Color Treated & Permed 
• Artec Purehair Watercress Finishing Pure Hold 
• Bain de Terre Watercress Volumizing Conditioner
• Pure Organic Unrefined Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Fresh Watercress Seed Oil
• EO Shampoo for Fine/Oily Hair, Rosemary & Mint
• Nature’s Gate Tea Tree Calming Conditioner 

So, watercress salad anyone or are you thinking about using it topically? 

By Sabrina Perkins · Published February 26, 2015

2 types of vitamins

According to Medical News Today, vitamins are fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, which determine how they respond to your body. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the fat tissues of our bodies and are easier to store than water-soluble. They can stay in the body for days or months. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body long, as they need to be replaced more often than fat-soluble ones.

Vitamins for Hair

Many turn to vitamins to get the edge on healthy, stronger, and longer hair and for good reason. Many suffer from hair loss, whether there is a deficiency in particular vitamins, they have a medical condition such as alopecia or they are just growing older. The best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a balance diet with a variety of food and here are best vitamins for optimal hair growth or at the very least to stave off deficiencies that can create hair loss.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is involved in immune function, vision, reproduction, and cellular communication, according to Dietary Reference Intakes. Its chemical names are retinol, retinal, and for carotenoids. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and its main function is mainly to promote eye health but it is a widely used means to promote healthy hair too. It is used to produce healthy sebum.

Foods you can find high levels of vitamin A are cod liver oil, krill oil, carrots, peaches, kale, pumpkin, and spinach, but exercise caution when upping your vitamin A intake. Too much vitamin A can lead to toxicity, which is why eating foods containing vitamin A is better than taking supplements with large doses. Deficiencies in vitamin A include skin and vision problems.

Biotin (B-Complex”>

A popular vitamin for hair growth and strength, biotin is sometimes referred to vitamin H and promotes healthy hair by increasing the hair’s elasticity. It is the most researched of all vitamins for hair loss and is even added to many shampoos for that very reason. Biotin helps produce keratin and is a water-soluble vitamin that most people can get enough of from the foods. Foods high in biotin are Brewer’s yeast, brown rice, bulgur, green peas, lentils, and oats.

Symptoms of biotin deficiency include are usually hair loss, chronic conjunctivitis, and dermatological issues. Because it is water-soluble and our body cannot retain it, our bodies need enough of it each day. WebMD says biotin supports the health of the skin, digestive tract, metabolism, and even cells.

Niacin (B3″>

Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, occurs naturally in plants and animals. It lowers cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and also used to lower the risk of heart attacks in people with high cholesterol. This amazing vitamin also helps to nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Without adequate amounts of niacin your hair can become brittle, lifeless, and may even end up falling out! Top foods with niacin are fish, chicken, turkey, pork, liver, peanuts, beef, mushrooms, green peas, sunflower seeds, and avocado.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid”>

Like all B vitamins, pantothenic acid converts food into fuel, which produces energy. Vitamin B5 is believed to help strengthen hair follicles and allowing them to function properly. Without this vitamin your body would not be able to use carbs, fats, or even proteins as energy sources or make hormones, which would cause your immune system would collapse. Great sources of this vitamin are cauliflower, some mushrooms, whole grains, and eggs.

Folic Acid (B9″>

Folic acid is used in our bodies to make new cells and the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC”> states this is very important for women to have this in their bodies prior to pregnancy to prevent major birth defects of her baby’s brain and spine. This water-soluble vitamin is important for cell turnover for the red blood cells as well as other proteins in the body. This is the main reason it is great for hair growth, as a deficiency in this vitamin can factor how fast your hair grows and its thickness. B9 can be found in leafy vegetables, legumes, liver, baker’s yeast, and sunflower seeds. When taking this as a supplement for hair growth, many take up to 10 mg. a day.

Vitamin C

A water-soluble vitamin need for growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. It is an antioxidant that helps to block some f the damage caused by free radicals and our bodies are not able to make it on their own nor can our bodies store it. It is very important we have plenty of this vitamin in our daily diet. Vitamin C is important for the immune system but is also used in plenty of hair care products because it builds collagen, which is highly important for hair growth and maintaining the strength of the hair. It also plays a necessary role in absorbing iron, which helps to keep your strands strong and healthy. Medline Plus says you can get vitamin C from cantaloupe, kiwi, mango, broccoli, green and red peppers, and tomatoes are excellent food sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin E

This fat-soluble antioxidant is involved in immune functions, cell signaling, regulation of gene expression, and other metabolic processes. The best way to get your daily requirement of it is though foods like vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, green leafy veggies, fortified breakfast cereals, and fruit juices. It prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth by enable growth of the capillaries.

How do you get your vitamins?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published February 25, 2015

We are so busy! Too busy to stop and smell the roses, let alone stop and learn what all this information actually means. Do you know what every symbol on a product label actually means? Wait…there are symbols on products you ask? Yes, there are and they have been there for quite a few years now. Take a look at the backs of the bottles in your bathroom cabinets right now. Those symbols are everywhere! Let’s expand our knowledge beyond the ingredients label.

Are these symbols regulated?

Not all of them. In the United States the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA”> manages the labeling criteria on consumer products under two acts:

• The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act”> 
• The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA”> 

Not all symbols and labels are regulated and that includes some of the hugely popular symbols on cosmetic packaging. Some of them are government regulated or left to consumer comprehension. Case in point, the ever popular “Cruelty Free”/”Not Tested on Animals” phrases. According to the FDA, these companies can use these unrestricted phrases because there are no legal definitions for those terms. What does that mean? Well, the companies making these claims could be making them solely on the phase of the product under their own personal control. The raw materials they received from suppliers may or may not have had any animal testing. Some companies may be factoring in all aspects of the product from start to finish including the raw materials that may have come from other sources. Other companies may be solely talking about current testing and not testing from previous years. Unless you do thorough research then there really is no way to determine what their claims mean.

Are these symbols important?

Yes! Despite inconsistencies in the way some symbols are regulated, many symbols for package labeling are universally recognizable, which makes things a simpler and much safer for the consumer. In virtually every developed country there is a government agency responsible for regulating the content of cosmetics labels. Also, companies have really made an effort at making their ingredients or products more transparent while concealing trade secrets. However, there are different types of these symbols. While some exist for product certifications, trademarks, and even proofs of purchase, there are others to communicate consumer use, safety, and product integrity.

Why can’t I just read the ingredients?

Well, that is always an option but the symbols give you additional information that the ingredients list cannot. A perfect example would be the product expiry logo (refer to image below in the top left corner”> that is typically found on the back at the bottom of a product label. It indicates the estimated date that the product should be used by once it has been opened. The number on the jar indicates the number of months. 

When it comes to spoilage, the FDA does not require companies to print expiration dates: “There are no regulations or requirements under current United States law that require cosmetic manufacturers to print expiration dates on the labels of cosmetic products. Manufacturers have the responsibility to determine shelf life for products, as part of their responsibility to substantiate product safety.” If you are concerned about spoilage, especially with all natural and organic products, then it is best to look for an expiration date or expiry logo.

These symbols are important and serve a real purpose to all consumers who value transparency, accountability, and safety when using and handling all types of products. For most of us, the product expiry logo will be a favorite so we know how long we have before the contents spoil. No worries on conditioner…that never stays around long!

By Sabrina Perkins · Published February 25, 2015

The use of calendula ranges from beauty to first aid and with such a long growing season, this wonder is used in everything from lip balms to wound washes to oils. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM”>, this flower has been used for medicinal purposes since the 12^th century and although native to the Mediterranean, it is now grown as an ornamental plant worldwide. Calendula is an herbal plant but can be used either fresh or dried petals, in tinctures, liquid extracts, infusions, ointments, and even creams. The shelf life is three years of storage and should be protected from light and moisture.

Benefits of Calendula Herb

Calendula has high amounts of flavonoids, which are plant metabolites that provide health benefits through cell signaling pathways and antioxidant effects. They provide anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects and appear to fight viruses and bacteria. Traditionally this plant has been used to relieve stomach upset, ulcers, menstrual cramps, and help to heal wounds faster and even increase blood flow and oxygen to the affected areas, says UMM. The herb is believed to stimulate the production of collagen at wound sites and minimize scarring.

Calendula and Hair

It is no surprise this herb is being used on hair and scalps. Calendula oil is often used to hydrate dry scalps, remove dandruff, and improve the condition of the scalp. With its regenerative properties it helps the hair follicles grow abundantly allowing for a thicker mane, and the antioxidants help protect the hair and scalp against cell-damaging free radicals. It is believed to promote stronger hair by the increase of collagen production and circulation in hair follicles. The benefits are similar to a scalp massage that increases blood circulation to the hair follicles. This plant is soothing to sensitive scalps and quite popular in hair rinses for adding shine, calming irritated scalps, and bringing out naturally warm highlights in blonde hair.

Calendula Rinse for Dry hair

• Handful of calendula
• 1 cup of boiling water 
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar (ACV”> or lemon juice

Place herbs in a glass bowl and pour boiling water over the top. Add ACV or lemon juice and allow to steep covered for 15 min. Strain and allow to cool before poring over freshly shampooed hair. Style as usual.

If you are not into the DIY game, then you can easily give one of these hair products a try that possess the amazing Calendula herb in their ingredients.

• John Masters Organics Green Tea & Calendula Leave-in Conditioning Mist 
• Carol’s Daughter Tui Color Care Hydrating Sulfate-Free Shampoo 
• Carol’s Daughter Tui Color Care Hydrating Conditioner 
• Carol’s Daughter Tui Color Care Moisturizing Hair Oil 
• MYHoneyChild Systematic Deep Conditioner 

By Sabrina Perkins · Published February 23, 2015

The Myth

First off, let us dispel the myth that the only way to retain length is through protective styling, especially with extensions. Many still believe this to be true when there is another way to retain length without protective styles, low manipulation styles! A style that requires low manipulation and will keep your hair away from your clothing and pollutants will protect your curls from frequent handling and friction that causes damage ends. Low manipulation styles are simple and require little to no maintenance to your hair as possible. The less you manipulate it, the less unnecessary damage your hair will incur, which means more length retention. Great low manipulated styles include wash and go’s, natural two-strand twists, and roller sets.

Read more: Ask Dr. Kari: Effective Protective Styling

Head Wraps

Love them! They are stylish, funky, fun, and a great way to keep your hair protected year-round. From winter to summer a head wrap is always the perfect way to protect your hair from the UV of sunrays to the snow and dryness of winter. You will never have another bad hair day with head scarves around. Your choice in patterns and colors are as plentiful as the styles.

Read more: Where to Find the Hottest Head Scarves

Hats

Another way to protect your strands while being stylish is incorporating a hat. Hats will always be in style and add just the right touch to an outfit. They are also great at keeping your strands away from pollutants, sunrays, and of course those bad hair days. The only concern is the lining of the hat but many small businesses are catching onto the curly girl plight of protecting the hair so they are adding satin linings to beanies, fedoras, and slouchy hats to ensure your style does not come at a cost to your curls. If there is no satin lining then cover hair with a satin bonnet, scarf, or loc soc and rock your hat all day long.

Roller Sets

These timeless styles are cute whether you are natural or relaxed. It has not changed much over the years, other than new innovative tools. You can use magnetic rollers, flexi-rods, perm rods, and even straws to achieve hot looking styles. Rollers sets are skilled at giving you maintenance-free styles that will last for at least a week. Another great asset of the roller set is silkier styles that can be achieved with or without the dryer, so if you hate the hooded dryer with a passion like me, you can still achieve an amazing roller set by air-drying.

Read more: 6 Reasons Your Roller Sets are Busted

Wash and Go

Yes, I had to discuss how the wash and go can actually be a low manipulation style although it is not a protective style. Wait…huh Remember, a protective style is a low manipulated style, and the although a wash and go is not a protective style, it can require low manipulation. It takes a good routine just like any other hairstyle and even though I cannot get a wash and go to go as long as the video below, I can use low manipulation. The shrinkage keeps my hair from brushing up against my clothing, which causing friction to my ends. See…shrinkage is a good thing!

For a low manipulated wash and go just cover your hair either with a satin bonnet or scarf or pineapple it up and either lightly fluff or refresh in the morning. Each day will either loosen the curl or allow the hair to get bigger, but often the older the style the better it begins to look. The only opposition to a wash and go being categorized as low manipulation is if your length requires refreshing more than once a week or if your overnight technique does not preserve the elongation. Refreshing one’s hair every other day works for some people, but then this would not be low manipulation for them.

Ok, now it is your turn. What are your favorite low manipulation styles?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published February 23, 2015

What is Kiwi Seed Oil?

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa“> is indigenous to Southeast Asia and has been known to the inhabitants of China and Southeast Asia since ancient times. According to Medical News Today, it was formerly known as the Chinese gooseberry but many mistakenly associate it only with New Zealand because it became popular when they started exporting the fruit around 50 years ago. It bears the name kiwi or kiwifruit rather than Chinese gooseberry in order to avoid the high duties charged on berries and because it shared some of the same characteristics as New Zealand’s national symbol, the kiwi bird which is also small, brown, and fuzzy. This wonder fruit is now cultivated in Chili, Italy, New Zealand, and the United States.

This fruit has a thin, fibrous brown skin that encases the sweet edible green fruit with hundreds of tiny black seeds. Those seeds that are cold pressed into a nourishing and high in essential fatty acids like alpha linoleic acid (ALA”> and linoleic acid. Kiwi seed oil is ideally suited for hair and skin because of the high concentration of ALA, which helps to maintain moisture and prevent drying and scaling. ALA is an omega-3 fatty acid that can also be found in flaxseed, canola, soy, and walnut oils. ALA is significant in hair and skin health because people who lack it often have dry, brittle hair and have trouble growing hair according to nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman.

Benefits of Kiwi Seed Oil

Paula Martinac, who holds a Master of Science in health and nutrition education, says that  just one cup of sliced green kiwi supplies 167 grams of vitamin C or about 150% to 200% the recommended daily value for an adult. It is a highly nourishing moisturizer and is extraordinarily effective in healing dry, cracked skin, treating eczema, psoriasis, and other skin and scalp conditions. This oil is also great at restoring the health to dry, brittle, lifeless hair because of the richness in vitamins C and E, phytonutrients, minerals, potassium, and magnesium, which all aid in regenerating damaged skin and tissues cells. 

Downsides of Kiwi Seed Oil

There is not much to dislike about this fruity oil, but it is a very light oil. Many people combine it with fatter oils in order to achieve an immediate moisturizing effect that would normally take longer to achieve if used on its own. It also has a short shelf life so adding vitamin E to it will lengthen that time.

Products with Kiwi Seed Oil

• Emerald Forest Moisturizing Shampoo
• Creme of Nature Detangling Ultra Moisturizing Conditioning Shampoo 

Moisture Restoring Hair Mask

• ¼ cup aloe vera gel
• ½ tsp. olive oil
• ¼ cup ACV
• 6 tsp. powdered milk
• 1-2 kiwis

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Apply to dry, unclean hair. Allow it to sit for 15 to 30 min. before rinsing and cleansing as usual.

Have you tried kiki seed oil?