Search Results: Sabrina Perkins

By Sabrina Perkins · Published April 4, 2018

Getty Images

Macadamia oil is cold pressed from the nuts of the macadamia nut tree, which is predominately found in Hawaii where the nut is actually allowed to fall from the tree and then husked.  The oil is a pale yellow, almost colorless, refined vegetable oil that is light, non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin and hair shaft. It has a slight nutty flavor and is one of the highest sources of essential fatty acids. 

According to the USDA nutrient database, macadamia nut oil has calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, and even copper. As for fatty acids, it contains high concentrations of palmitic, stearic, palmitoleic, oleic, and linoleic with palmitoleic and oleic acids. What does this laundry list of components add up to? It totals a favorite oil for skin and hair because of its high fatty acid and nutrient composition.

Read more: You Need These Good Fats for Healthy Hair

How does macadamia oil help your hair and scalp?

Macadamia oil is used in cosmetics and skin care because it is nutritive, reconstructive, and hydrating. Squalene is a naturally occurring antioxidant in Macadamia oil that helps to reduce the oxidative stress on our skin and scalp by preventing loss of moisture. The fatty acid content is the real winner for skin and hair. Those fatty acids help to add shine, strengthen, and nourish the hair follicles, which in turn fight off hair loss and brittle strands.

Read more: 4 Acids That are Great for Your Hair

Macadamia oil is great for calming the hair of frizz, tangles, and dullness. This lightweight, non-greasy nutty oil adds shine and vitality to your strands while coating your ends and keeping your scalp moisturized. An overall beauty oil for scalp, skin and hair, macadamia oil has been a staple for years because it can produce positive results. From hot oil treatments to scalp massages, this oil is here to stay as a favorite with its potent composition and lightweight nature.

Beauty and hair brands have been loving and utilizing the powers of this natural oil for years. Several curly, coily, and wavy girl friendly products have macadamia oil in their ingredient list to help moisturize, add shine, and healthier strands. There are a lot of products with macadamia emblazoned on the front of their packaging, but I’ve specifically chosen the products that contain macadamia oil in its top six ingredients on the label. Read here to see why the top six are so important.

Products with macadamia nut oil

• Macadamia Professional Ultra Rich Moisture Oil Treatment
• Kinky-Curly Stellar Strands
• HASK Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Shampoo
• Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Masque
• Mixed Chicks Replenishing Oil

DIY your own macadamia mix

Here are a couple of hair recipes using macadamia nut oil for our DIY curlies.

Macadamia Oil + Tea Tree Oil + Aloe Deep Repair Hair Mask

• ¼ cup of macadamia oil
• Drop (or two”> of tea tree oil
• Drop (or two”> of aloe vera gel

Mix ingredients in a ramekin and apply to cleansed and towel dried hair. Pour in the palm of your hand and rub to hands together to warm slightly. Apply to hair making sure to coat all strands and either use fingers or a wide-tooth comb to fully distribute throughout hair. Leave on (under a plastic cap is optional”> for 15 min. and then rinse with warm water before styling as usual.

Macadamia + Avocado conditioner for dry hair

• 1 tbsp. macadamia oil
• 2 peeled avocados
• ½ tsp. favorite oil (fragrance”>
• Blender

Place avocados, macadamia oil, and your favorite oil into blender and blend until mixture is uniform.  Apply to wet but not cleansed hair and rub mixture into scalp and strands. Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb to ensure mixture is evenly distributed. Leave in for 15-30 min. before washing with shampoo and styling as usual.

Have you tried macadamia nut oil?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published March 2, 2018

The Causes of Thinning Edges

Prevention attributes the main causes of hair loss to pregnancy, postpartum, drastic weight loss, stress, hereditary, hypothyroidism, chronic illnesses like lupus, iron deficiency anemia, hormone imbalances like polycystic ovarian syndrome, scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and excessive tight styling.

Many women, whether natural or relaxed, are experiencing thinning edges due to excessive styling and/or bad styling habits. First off, do not feel like you are alone. This can happen to anyone and may happen regardless of doing everything right. Sometimes we see the problem occurring before it gets too bad and we curtail whatever the problem is.

Do not make the problem worse!

I must start off with this because I know this can be an embarrassing situation to find yourself in – everyone can see when you have thinning edges if you do not cover it up. Well, covering it up may worsen the thinning, so forget the embarrassment and concentrate on regrowing your edges rather than hiding the problem. You are not the first person with this problem and unfortunately you will not be the last.

Start:

Scalp massages

Scalp massages stimulate the skin and encourage the blood vessels to increase blood flow and boost circulation to the scalp and hair follicles. This increased circulation brings more nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles and may aid in hair growth. Which oils to use is less important than the actual act of massaging, and this can be done without oil, as the purpose is to encourage circulation.

Scalp stimulating oils and treatments

Rubbing the thinning areas with oil or oil mixture treatments can also aid in re-growing hair in those areas. These treatments will reduce the damage on your edges by repairing the follicles and encourage hair growth. According to Livestrong, rubbing your scalp with vitamin E is a great way to stimulate growth.

There are other ways to repair your edges with essential oil, carrier oils, and protein treatments. “Try a light protein treatment mixed with moisturizer and massage it into your scalp to stimulate the growth,” says celebrity hairstylist and SheaMoisture Beauty Ambassador Diane C. Bailey. “The SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque is great. You can warm it up a little bit and massage it into your scalp. Also, black castor oil is an emollient that coats the hair and scalp and it has vitamin E which helps to replenish the skin.”

Use healthy or natural products around or near your hairline

Try and keep facial cleansers, moisturizers and makeup away from your hairline, as they may cause more damage to the fragile area you are trying to regrow hair. Some acne treatments advise not applying the product to your hairline so check the back of the bottle.

Take hair supplements (consult a physician”>

At the very least a daily multi-vitamin will aid in hair growth, but many swear by taking hair, skin, and nail vitamins or biotin.  There is no supplement that will give you instant hair growth but many have claimed hair vitamins or biotin will encourage hair growth. Wondering if biotin and castor oil really work? Read what Sister Scientist has to say. Always consult your primary care physician before trying a new supplement and increase your water intake to combat a potential increase in acne.

Sleeping on a satin pillowcase

Start sleeping on a satin pillowcase instead of a cotton one because the cotton pillowcase will absorb the natural oils and moisture right out of your hair. The friction between your hair and cotton pillowcase can lead to breakage. Your edges need those oils and moisture when they are thinning, so pamper them with the right nighttime treatments.

Stop:

Wearing tight and/or protective styles

It very well may have been these styles like braids,weaves or even tight ponytails that caused this problem. Of course we want our style to last (especially if we spent a ton of money on the installation”>, but the tighter the style, the more tension you are applying to your scalp and those fragile edges cannot tolerate it. Face the facts: you know when the style is too tight and often overlook it when trying to regrow your edges.

Using glues, adhesives, or wig caps

These glues, adhesives, and wig caps are not allowing your scalp to breathe, and yes it needs air! Some women are even experiencing allergic reactions to the glues and adhesives, which do not always appear immediately. If you are trying to regrow your edges, I suggest you steer clear of them.

Wearing tight satin caps with non-satin borders

If your satin bonnet or cap is too tight or is not satin around the edge you are doing more harm than good. Just sleep on the satin pillowcase or wear the satin bonnet inside out to keep your edges from rubbing against thread from the bonnet. Bonnets or caps that are too tight around your edges are not a good idea either for obvious reasons.

No brushes, no edge control

Back away from the brush, gels for your edges, or accentuating baby hair. Keep the baby hair for your baby and leave your edges alone.

If you’re experiencing hair loss or thinning and in need of more resources, check out the following articles:

Look for these Anti-Hair Loss Ingredients in Your Products

Learn more on What You Need to Know About Temporary and Permanent Hair Loss

Have your tried this? Use Ginger for Your Thinning Edges

By Sabrina Perkins · Published February 28, 2018

Many curlies and coilies tend to steer clear of sulfates or a specific classification of foaming agents, which are also known as surfactants. They are the main components within most shampoos (besides water”> and they actually cleanse the hair. They are great at removing dirt and toxins, but they are extremely drying especially to naturals and curlies. The bottom line is they tend to be too harsh on curly, coily, and wavy hair. They strip the hair of its natural oils and can create a mass of tangles, and we all know our hair needs those oils.

Many naturals and curlies have put down the shampoo all together (like for the Curly Girl Method”>, but there are so many sulfate-free shampoos available that the use of shampoo does not have to be discontinued. Here are our Top 30 sulfate free shampoos for gentle cleansing!

1. AG Hair Care Curl Revive Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo

Cleansing and hydrating hair without stripping it of natural oils is hard to do but with C3 complex, AG Hair will do just that. Stimulating hair from the exterior to deeply penetrate the interior, this lavish shampoo is here to change how you wash your hair forever.

2. ApHogee Keratin & Green Tea Shampoo

ApHogee’s protein blend repairs minor damage and imparts body, while the Green Tea Extract and their exclusive PropHytamine Complex enlivens hair and soothes the scalp.

3. Briogeo Rosarco Reparative Shampoo

This creamy shampoo contains a unique complex of nutrient-rich argan, rosehip, and coconut oils for superior nourishment and repair. Coconut-derived cleansers, not sulfates, cleanse the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.

4.Carol’s Daughter Rhassoul Clay Sulfate-Free Shampoo

“This balancing cleanser is made to gently draw out sweat and impurities, without stripping your hair’s natural moisture—so managing your daily to-do list is a breeze.”-Carol’s Daughter

5. Curl Girl Clean Curls Sulfate Free Moisturizing Shampoo

“Clean Curls Moisturizing Shampoo gives your curls exactly what they need. Pumped up with a luxurious Brazilian blend of Shea Butter, Tea Tree, Babassu and Pumpkin Seed oils to quench the thirst of needy curls.”-Curl Girl

6. Creme of Nature Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo

This sulfate-free formula hydrates hair and adds Exotic Shine™, while gently cleansing without harsh moisture stripping agents.

7. Design Essentials Natural Almond & Avocado Shampoo

This is the perfect cleanser for hair that is lacking strength and moisture and the combination of avocado and almond allows hair to be moisturized while cleansing and detangling knotted hair strands.

8. The Doux Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo

Safe for color-treated and chemically treated hair, this moisturizing shampoo also protects hair from heat and sun damage. With the perfect combination of shea butter, sea silk and hibiscus, this salon-quality shampoo will leave your curls feeling clean and soft.

9. EDEN BodyWorks Coconut Shea All Natural Moisture Shampoo

This is a sulfate free, mild cleanser that restores moisture to hair. It is made without sulfates and contains no mineral oils, dyes, or parabens, and is cruelty free.

10. Every Strand Argan Oil with Macadamia Hydrating Shampoo

Here is a sulfate free shampoo that is enriched with argan Oil and macadamia oil to both cleanse and hydrate the hair.

11. Flawless by Gabrielle Union Moisturizing Shampoo

This ultra-creamy, sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo can be used to quench rough, thirsty, & dry hair while gently cleansing away product buildup, excess oils and residue in a lather that won’t strip hair of natural oils.

12. Genedor Beauty Superfruit Antioxidant Shampoo

Cleanse hair in a gentle and effective way using this sulfate free shampoo, featuring a nourishing blend of honey, proteins, goji, acai, mulberry, etc,.

13. Girl+Hair Moisturizing Sulfate-Free Cleanser

This gentle cleanser is a sulfate, alcohol and paraben free shampoo created with shea butter to cleanse natural hair underneath hair extensions and deliver ultimate moisture. It includes tea tree,neem oil, & a special revitalizing blend of botanical extracts that invigorate the scalp while washing away build-up.

14. Hairfinity Gentle Cleanse Shampoo

Relax with the scent of sea salt, hibiscus, and essential oils as you gently cleanse, refresh and remove product buildup with this hydrating shampoo that won’t strip hair of it’s natural moisture.

15. Honey Baby Naturals Honeychild Shampoo

This sulfate-free shampoo cleanses the hair and scalp while protecting and restoring the natural moisture balance.

16. Jane Carter Solution Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo

Jane Carter’s hydrating shampoo infuses moisture while cleansing your scalp. This sulfate-free shampoo uses humectants that help your hair hold more moisture with an added hint of peppermint to wake up your scalp.

17. Kinky-Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo

This exclusive blend of mandarin orange extract will clean your hair and scalp of dulling buildup while sea kelp will help maintain proper moisture balance.

18. Many Ethnicities Invigorating Shampoo

Utilizing a unique combination of hydrolyzed pea protein, proprietary and sulfate-free lactylate-blended surfactants, argan oil, avocado oil and algae extract, Many Ethnicities Invigorating Shampoo delivers all of the performance without the use of any sulfates.

19. Mielle Babassu Conditioning Shampoo

Mielle Organics Babassu Conditioning Shampoo is a sulfate-free, color safe cleanser for dry and curly hair types that contains gentle botanically derived surfactants and rich moisturizing agents to soften, moisturize and strengthen the hair.

20. Mixed Chicks Sulfate Free Shampoo

Mixed Chicks Sulfate Free Shampoo cleanses hair without stripping or removing your natural oils.

21. OBIA Naturals Coconut Shea Shampoo Bar

This intensely moisturizing shampoo will leave your hair soft, conditioned, and hydrated. Shea butter deeply moisturizes hair and scalp, while coconut oil protects hair from heat and chemical damage.

22. ORS Curls Unleashed Rosemary & Coconut Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Rosemary & Coconut Sulfate-Free Shampoo is the ultimate shampoo experience and features lemon balm, rosemary and hops to deep clean the hair.

23. SASHAPURE Healing Shampoo

An optimal blend of hand‐picked, certified organic, wild‐crafted ingredients restores hair’s strength and elasticity for miraculous shine and smoother, healthier, more resilient hair.

24. SheaMoisture Baobab & Tea Tree Oils Low Porosity Protein-Free Shampoo

Infused with fast-absorbing Baobab and Tea Tree Oils & enriched with certified organic shea butter to boost scalp health and deliver nourishing hydration beyond the outer cuticle layer, this sulfate free shampoo is perfect for cleansing low-porosity hair.

25. SheaMoisture Fruit Fusion Coconut Water Weightless Shampoo

This rich shampoo cleanses and hydrates hair weightlessly & has certified organic shea butter and coconut water blended with a fusion of dragon rruit, lychee berry and green apple extracts to nourish and energize lifeless hair.

26. tgin Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo

This unique formula is enriched with aloe vera to gently cleanse your hair without stripping your strands of their natural oils, and Pro Vitamin B5 to reduce breakage and increase moisture retention.

27. Noughty Hair Care to the Rescue Shampoo

Fortified with 97% natural ingredients, To The Rescue Shampoo cleanses and moisturizes hair to fix damage caused by a plethora of hair styling techniques and treatments. Its silicone-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free formula revives hair without additional damage.

28. TRUE by Made Beautiful Moisturizing Shampoo

This gentle cleanser nourishes, replenishes moisture and provides true hydration leaving hair soft and manageable. Free of sulfates and parabens, shea butter and coconut penetrates hair to nourish & a unique blend of honey and mango provide ultimate moisture.

29. Twisted Sista Luxurious Clarifying Shampoo

It works to provide clean hair and scalp without over-drying or stripping hair of its natural moisture. Avocado, Coconut, and Almond Oils add moisture and hydration to your natural texture.

30. U R Curly Soya Shampoo

Whether you wear your hair long or short, the friendly ingredients found within this weightless shampoo, will clean and moisturize your hair leaving it smooth and soft to the touch.

This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated based on reader feedback.

By Sabrina Perkins · Published February 8, 2018

They have perfected hair care techniques and products over hundreds of years by using the natural ingredients in their country like avocado, cinnamon, coconut, oregano, and rosemary.  Their products were created to satisfy the diverse needs for textured hair. Their shampoos, rinses, and emergency repair treatments are all formulated without the harsh chemicals that can harm their hair. These products are perfect for curlies and that means we had to share 15 that can do wonders for your curls, coils, and waves.

Shampoos

Apretol Shampoo Canela y Romero

This cinnamon and rosemary shampoo helps to strengthen your strands while cleanly deeply in your hair, scalp, and pores. It is made with panthenol, vitamins A and B5, natural proteins, cinnamon, and rosemary extract.

Silicon Mix Hair Shampoo Hidratante 

Strengthen your hair while you cleanse. This Dominican shampoo is formulated for dry and damaged strands, as it contains keratin to strengthen and ceramides to soften. The silicones help to detangle and the conditioning agents protect and replenish your hair’s natural moisture.

Crece Pelo Shampoo Fitoterapeutico Natural 

Gain capillary growth with the natural plants in this innovative formulated shampoo. 100% active natural extracts that enhances your hair’s health, shine, and softness.

Conditioners

Star Lacio Lacio High Shine Leave-in Hair Conditioner 

If extra shine is your goal, then this concentrated silk protein conditioner is your go to. Gain shine, softness, and revive your over processed, porous, or dry strands. It is an intensive hair treatment that claims to restore split ends.

Dominican Hair Product Naturals Key Aloe Vera and Avocado Treatment Conditioner 

This leave-in conditioner will strengthen, smooth, and detangle your strands with the remarkable wonders of aloe vera and avocado. It fights frizz and formulated for heat styling.

Dominican Magic Hair Follicle Anti-Aging Conditioner 

Made with botanicals that concentrate on repair, this anti-aging conditioner will condition your dry, over-processed and color-treated strands. This conditioner utilizes the power of coconut, rosemary, aloe vera, and jojoba for restoration and preventing premature hair loss.

Dominican Magic Deep Fortifying Conditioner 

This conditioner is prepared with natural extracts from fruits, plants, and vegetables so their essential nutrients and vitamins to pummel your hair’s dry, damaged, color-treated, and over-processed areas.  This conditioner will revert your limp, dry, or even oily hair back to its natural healthy state.

Hair Treatments

Halka  Baba de Caracol Intensive Treatment 

With the gift of snail slime, this intensive hair treatment will strengthen and protect your hair from the harmful UV rays. It will repair and improve the appearance of your hair and it has an intoxicating smell.

Toque Magico Emergencia – Deep Intensive Hair Treatment 

Lost your hair’s shine? Well, get it back with the power of this deep intensive hair treatment that restores your hair’s health that has been robbed by chemical processing like color and straighteners. Formulated with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and oils to assure maximum results.

La Plancha Deep Heat Leave-In 

Straighten your hair the right way. This leave-in conditioner provides full protection so your hair retains its luster and moisture during the heating process and not at the expense of your tresses. Get ultra-smooth and hydrated straight styles with this formula specifically created for ceramic irons.

Dominican Hair Product Placenta de Ovejo 

This product uses the power of the placenta.Sheep placenta actually or more accurately put, purified hormone-free sheep placenta. This is formulated with quaternized panthenol and other highly concentrated nutrients in this formula that will leave your hair completely restored, conditioned, and with exceptional softness and shine.

Silicon Mix Intensive Hair Deep Treatment 

If you are not afraid of mineral oil then you will love this intensive hair treatment that restores the health of your hair while adding shine and softness. Great for damaged and weak hair and hugely popular in Dominican homes.

Silicon Mix Bambu Nutritive Hair Treatment

Bamboo extract is the powerhouse in this hair treatment that has vitamins A, E, F, and H. Nourish and regenerate your strands with a touch of silicone for smoothness and adding a shiny finish. The bamboo extract will prevent split ends and hair breakage.

Crecepelo Tratamiento Fitoterapeutico Natural 

This is a treatment for capillary growth with natural plants and an innovative formula that claims 100% natural extracts. Its nutrients bring shine, health, beauty, and flexibility to your hair while encouraging your hair’s growth.

Crece Pelo Capillary Hair Growth Natural Dropper

A favorite and for good reason, as this extra deep conditioning repairer protects and strengthens the hair strands while preventing hair loss. The natural elements in the formula stimulate hair growth.

Which are your favorites?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published December 11, 2017

Question

Why does my hair still feel dry after moisturizing daily?

I’ve been transitioning for a little over a year. Every time I wash, condition and moisturize my hair I notice that it still feels dry. I use water every day to moisturize my hair and either coconut or olive oil to seal.

Answer

There can be a few reasons as to why your hair remains dry even though you moisturize daily. Here are a few reasons you are experiencing dryness and how to fix it.

Are you deep conditioning?

You did not specify if you were using a deep conditioner on wash day and that can be a simple fix to a recurring problem. Deep conditioners fortify the hair with moisture or protein by penetrating the hair shaft. Many experiencing dry hair regularly may just be in need of a deep conditioning treatment, and the best way to stave off dryness and damage is to deep condition on every wash day.

It may be time to clarify

Often when we feel our hair is coated, dull, or just not feeling moisturized, it has to do with product buildup that needs to be removed. While we may be washing diligently weekly or whenever needed, if you are not using a clarifying shampoo from time to time, you may be creating the problem. A clarifying shampoo will remove all the pollutants, dirt, and products that often get left behind with just a shampoo or cleansing conditioner. Many ingredients like silicones or heavier oils will just sit on the hair, and if not removed, all your efforts of moisturizing will be in vain.

It may be time to try new products

I know you love water and coconut oil, but your hair may need more moisture. Products for curly hair should maintain and impart moisture on and between wash days. Their formulas contain herbal mixes, butters, and oils that not only help with hydration, but will also tame frizz and seal in the moisture. Oyin Hair Dew Daily Hair Quenching Lotion works great for refreshing my coils. Check out the 7 Best Moisturizers for Fine Curly Hair and The 15 Best Moisturizing Products for Coarse, Dry Hair.

Does your washday need tweaking?

Wash day is essential to combatting dryness. Make sure to fully detangle your hair before or after you cleanse. Cleanse to thoroughly remove all the buildup, deep condition, and apply your styler. Take your time on wash day and know that if some products are not working, it may be time to try others.

LOC or LCO method?

Something as simple as how you layer your products can be the cause for not giving your hair the required moisture you feel it needs. Many opt for the LOC (liquid+oil+cream”> method to moisturize, but there is also the LCO method that many prefer. Honestly, either method is moisturizing as long as water is applied first. Try both methods to determine which one you prefer and that may offer some help.

How do you combat unrelenting dryness?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published October 10, 2017

Many forget that locs are a part of the natural hair family. They have been around for thousands of years in African and Asian ethnic groups, and while becoming more popular by the day, they still get neglected. Many have little to no knowledge about locs and hold onto outdated and ignorant perceptions of them. There seems to be incorrect information surrounding their maintenance and the only way to dispel myths is to give clear, accurate knowledge. To shed some light on the top ten myths surrounding loc maintenance, I spoke to eight-year veteran loctician, Lawrence at Fly Guys Locs, in Stone Mountain, GA. 

1. Dirt makes your locs grow faster or better

I truly wish this myth would just die! Not washing your locs is the best way to ruin them. Simple truth: if you don’t wash your hair it will stink. Also, clean hair will lock faster than dirty hair, as the conditioners, moisturizers, and buildup can prevent locking.

2. Do not use conditioner

Many feel that using conditioners will make it harder for the hair to lock. Of course this way of thinking makes sense from the first myth, but it doesn’t mean steer clear of all conditioners. Since shampoos lift dirt, toxins, and buildup along with the necessary oils our hair needs, we need to condition the hair to soften and replenish it. Unfortunately, many hairstylists don’t want to add conditioner in fear that it will disturb a style or loosen locs, but conditioner is necessary.

3. Only certain curl patterns can lock

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Fly Guy Locs shared some of the history of locs on how the Scottish, Mongolian, and Egyptians have worn locs for hundreds of years. Although each texture is different and coily curl patterns tend to lock faster, all hair is capable of locking.

4. You can use regular hair grease

There shouldn’t be any bad alcohol-based or petroleum-based products in our hair. According to Fly Guy Locs, “These are dangerous products to put into hair. Petroleum products are not meant for the body…period. Petroleum is basically used to lubricate machinery…It’s like putting saran wrap over your body. Nothing goes in and nothing comes out.”

It seems that many still want a sleek look where hair is laying down and glistening in the sun. Everyone’s hair cannot do this. Using grease and petroleum will only clog up the hair and your scalp, and bad alcohols will strip the outer membranes of the hair.

5. Locs are maintenance free

There is a structure and a foundation to locs and they need steady upkeep just like any hairstyle or texture requires. Your hair should be washed weekly just like your loose natural hair. It’s important to have a nightly routine as you would with loose natural hair. Healthy hair means maintenance and that goes for loose hair and locs.

Photo by loctician @brown_eyed_b_

6. Every cosmetologist is a loctician

Fly Guy Locs was quick to say, “Don’t ever go to anyone who cannot tell you what they are doing and why they are doing it. I’ve had people sit in my chair with honey in their hair…super glue in their hair because someone told them it was natural.”

Locticians must inquire about your regimen and lifestyle: diet, water intake, and what products and hair accessories you are using. It makes a world of difference for them properly caring for your locs. If they are not asking then they cannot correctly assess each individual client. Question everything. Everyone needs to be a little more responsible, including the clients so ask questions and know what you are getting yourself into before hiring a loctician. Unfortunately, most of Fly Guy Loc’s work is repair jobs or rehabilitation work rather than starter locs.

7. Expect your locs to be sleek

Locs are not meant to look like straight hair. You should not be going to a loctician weekly getting them retwisted every time you see new growth. You will only end up over twisting and end up with broken off locs. Too much retwisting, especially if the hair is not moisturized, will lead to thinning locs.

8. Reduce frizz with scissors

This is not the way to deal with frizz or new growth. Using scissors to cut frizz only creates thinning in the middle of the loc. You must train your hair or to grow a certain way, and cutting will only alter the consistency of your locs. There are two positive ways to handle frizz:

• Palm rolling the frizz to train the hair to mend to the loc
• Take the frizz and wrap it around the loc and allow frizz to mend to the loc

9. There is an ugly stage in locs

Not so if you have a decent stylist who will show you what to do to avoid that so-called ugly stage. If you find you are having a lot of frizz the right stylist will ask you a few questions like: What are you doing at home? How are you sleepy with locs? The two of you will find what’s wrong and fix it. It just takes practice.

10. Locs are highly resilient to anything

Lawrence feels we need to leave it up to the professionals, as many are damaging their tresses expecting to get the color like the model on the box. “10 out of 10 times the model on boxed hair used salon-quality products from a professional,” he says. Sometimes you just need to go to the professional for color to avoid over processing your hair, which then leads to dry and damaged locs.

What loc myths have you heard? How do you care for your locs? 

By Sabrina Perkins · Published October 10, 2017

What is slip?

Slip refers to how lubricated a product makes your hair feel after applying. This term is primarily used to describe hair products (i.e. daily conditioner, deep conditioner, or leave-in conditioner”>, which are usually applied during washing and detangling. The more slip a product has, the easier it is to run your fingers, a wide-tooth comb, or brush through your mane. If you have curly, wavy, or coily hair then you know this to be true because we tend to deal with tangles, snarls, and knots more than our straighter-haired lovelies. 

Why do curly girls love slip?

Our coils bend, curl, and twirl around one another and create knots. You have to manipulate your strands in order to remove these knots and that can create damage from over-manipulation if not done properly. According to The Natural Haven, the way to do that is to coat the trouble spots (knots, snarls, tangles”> with either a hair conditioner that may have oil, silicones, or even mineral oil to help release the knot from your hair. These ingredients reduce the friction and help the tangles to be removed without breakage. Aside from the obvious, slip has even greater ways of helping your hair, routine, and even time-management! Check out the top four reasons why slip is important for the curlier textured divas.

1. Save time on wash day 

Wash days tend to be rather long for those with curlier textures, and when people surpass the TWA (teeny weeny afro”> or shoulder-length stage they begin to notice more fairy knots, tangles, and snarls. It is a pain to deal with on wash day, as you are not just cleansing your strands and scalp but detangling your hair too. Although slip is not essential for a product to be effective at conditioning, I have noticed it can have a noticeable impact on your hair care routine.

Detangling is the act of removing the knots from your curls, and for some it can take hours. That is why so many incorporate pre-pooing and oil rinsing into their regimen because the slip can make the process smoother and quicker. With the right product you find your detangling sessions minimized by anywhere from 25% to 50%. Not sure which ingredients to look for? Read more about Ingredients for the Slip Addicted Naturalista.

2. Cut down on breakage

No one should be tugging at their hair to remove knots and snarls, and if you are not using products with a lot of slip you might find yourself doing just that…tugging. That causes breakage! The best way to deal with a knot is to slather it with some good conditioner and rub the knot between your thumb and index to release it. This will greatly reduce breakage from the tension of detangling and releasing the shed hair from being entwined with the other hair. We all have shed hairs that must be removed and the easiest way to do so without yanking out non-shed hairs is to coat the hair and then comb or brush them out easily.

Related: The Slip Awards: 6 Products with the Best Slip

3. Save products – and money

Natural hair products are not cheap! So you can appreciate saving a penny or two when it comes to your regimen. A great conditioner with amazing slip will not require a generous application. No worries, there are cheaper ones and you do not have to break the bank to have them, but dumping a whole bottle of conditioner on your hair just to get rid of tangles means it does not have enough slip to do the job.

Yes, we will go through tons of conditioner as curlies, but that does not mean you need to go through an entire bottle or even half a bottle during wash day just to detangle. If you are doing so, then it is time to find another product. When you have great slip you use less product and you leave more pennies in your wallet.

4. Unlock your wash and go 

Many naturals steer clear of the wash and go style for fear of the dreaded fairy knots, tangles, and ever-lasting wash days. I am here to tell you that if you have the right products to detangle properly, quickly, and effortlessly, you will be more apt to rock that wash and go, and any hairstyle choose. 

Which product gives you the most slip?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published October 10, 2017

Cleaning out the drain is high on the list of worst chores in life. Especially when you have (and lose”> a lot of hair. We like to find small ways to put off this loathsome activity. Most of your hair breakage happens on wash day, so if you want to lose less hair then start with your shower habits.

Get a Shower Mirror

A fog-free shower mirror is a great asset to your hair care shower routine. Most of us have grown up not using one so we manage to care for our hair without it. We fumble around blindly parting our hair and feeling to ensure we have everything out and everything in. It is a pain but it is so much a part of the routine that we do not realize how it can be easier. With a shower mirror that is fog-free you can see your parts. You see if all is rinsed out and all the conditioner is covering all of your head. The parts do not have to be perfect but it is helpful to have some organization so that when you detangle your roots you do not accidentally grab a section that is put away. How does that aid in hair loss? Well, seeing your tangles in the shower and working them through will be easier than the several you missed by the time you got out. If you are like me then you get tired and get to yanking. More sight means more control over working out those tangles.

Rinse with Tea

Tea rinses for hair shedding are becoming increasingly popular as curlies find them easy to create, master, and very beneficial at stopping some hair shedding in its tracks. All you have to do is steep the tea and allow it to cool before pouring over your hair and scalp after cleansing and conditioning your hair in the shower. Then, massage your scalp before continuing your hair routine, as there is no need to rinse it out.

Black tea, made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush, is a favorite for tea rinses as it contains more caffeine than a cup of coffee. Caffeine blocks Dihydrotestosterone (DHT”>, which is the hormone responsible for hair loss. Green tea is another popular tea rinse that will stimulate hair growth and there are others teas like chamomile for brightening hair or nettle tea for helping with scalp issues like dandruff and psoriasis. Tea rinses are easy ways to fight off hair shedding or hair loss and even stimulate your hair follicles.

Use Croc Clips

Most of us have parted ways with the rat tail combs but many are still using hair care accessories that are not doing their hair any favors. Scrunchies are out! Rubber bands are out! Even ouchless hair bands are really not that ouchless as I still get hair tangled up in them. The solution? Colortrak Tools The Croc Clips that will not slip, snag, or yank your tresses while you part your hair in the shower.

The Goody Ouchless Flex barrette is my favorite barrette. I have never yanked my hair out with them and they are amazing in the shower. Using the correct tools in the shower will leave little room for yanking out hair and incurring hair loss at your own hands.

Pre-poo

A pre-poo or oil treatment applied to hair prior to shampooing is one of the best ways to decrease hair loss and fight tangles without spending hours at a time in the shower. Wet hair is more elastic than dry hair so it is manipulate it when dry. Yes, the shed hair needs to be removed either way but as most of the tangles or shed hairs are broken down by the oil, you will have less of them to reckon with when your hair is soaking wet and more susceptible to breakage.

Read more: DIY Olive Oil Pre-Poo

Rinse with cool, not hot water

Steamy showers feel oh so good. The steam is great for imparting moisture into our strands but putting hot water on our strands is not doing our curls any favors. The hot water dehydrates your strands just like our skin, and dry brittle hair is more prone to breakage and ultimately hair loss says Dr. Ryan Welter, a hair transplant surgeon in Boston. “Not only are you washing your hair’s protective oils down the drain, but the heat throws your scalp’s pores into overdrive to keep up with oil production, which can damage the root and lead to additional shedding.” You don’t have to take a cold shower, but opt for a warm one and try to rinse your hair with cool water.

How do you prevent breakage in the shower?

By Sabrina Perkins · Published October 10, 2017

It may have a strange name but it is a powerhouse of goodness and a great natural detangler for your tresses.

What is slippery elm?

Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva“> is a small tree native to eastern Canada and eastern and central United States. Most commonly found in the Appalachian Mountains, it has a reddish brown truck with grayish white bark on the branches. The inner bark is where you will find its medicinal value, which is collected in spring from the bole of larger branches, dried, and powdered.

For centuries Native Americans have used slippery elm as an herbal remedy for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin inflammations. The University of Maryland Medical Center has also been used orally to relieve coughs, diarrhea, sore throats, and stomach issues. Drugs.com says it was not just used for medicinal purposes by the Native Americans, as it was also useful for building canoes, baskets, and shelter. 

How to buy slippery elm

Slippery elm is made into a powdered bark that’s sold in two forms: a coarse powder for use as poultices and a fine powder for making a mucilaginous drink. The powdered form turns into a very slippery gel when mixed with water to make mucilage. Mucilage is a thick, glutinous substance related to the natural guns and is usually comprised of proteins, polysaccharides, carbohydrates, hexose, pentose, and methylpentose. 

Benefits of slippery elm for hair

• Calcium help to strengthen the body and hair.
• Amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, encourage the growth of strong, healthy hair. They create red blood cells, which in turn deliver nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. 
• Iodine is important in a properly functioning thyroid gland, and an iodine deficiency is a common cause of hair loss among women. According to the University of Michigan Health Systems, hypothyroidism cause by iodine deficiency may result in dry, coarse hair.

This slippery substance is highly effective in hair care, especially for curlies, as it is an amazing natural detangler. With the high content of procyanidins, nutrients, fatty acids (oleic acid and palmitic acid“>, and plant sterols, this wonder is an asset to our tresses. With the aid of water, slippery elm can move between hair fibers, where the slimy consistency makes the strands more slippery. Once in between the hair strands, mucilage temporarily weakens strand cohesion and allows the strands to glide effortlessly pass each other. This allows for easier separation and removal of shed hairs.

How to use slippery elm on hair

Slippery elm is great as a water-based leave-in conditioner, moisturizing hair cream, and a detangling spray. With the procyanidins, slippery elm improves the strength of hair and makes it tensile. The inner bark is great for treating dry, dull, and damaged strands. It is used for removing dandruff, making hair smoother, and adding volume. If you are really into DIY then you would love these recipes below:

Slippery Elm & Marshmallow Root Leave-In For Fine Hair

• 1 tbsp. slippery elm
• 3 tbsp. marshmallow root
• 3 cups distilled water
• 1 tbsp. aloe vera gel
• 15 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 20 drops vitamin E oil

Combine the distilled water, slippery elm, and marshmallow root, and boil on low to medium heat for 15 min. Allow to cool and strain herbs. Fill 1/3 of spray bottle with distilled water and add strained herb mixture. Add aloe vera gel to the oils and shake well.

DIY Leave-In Detangling Spray with Marshmallow Root & Slippery Elm

Product recommendations

If you’re not the DIY type, you can always purchase ready-made products with slippery elm in it. 

• NaturelleGrow Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm Bark & Cinnamon Deep Conditioner 
• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Kids Curling Butter Cream 
• Curl Junkie Curl Assurance Smoothing Lotion
• SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler 
• Kinky-Curly Knot Today

Have you used slippery elm on your hair?

This article has been updated. 

By Sabrina Perkins · Published October 10, 2017

Pictured: Naturall Styling Flaxseed Gel Curl Custard

What is mucilage?

Mucilage is a gelatinous substance. It is a viscous, soluble fiber that is produced from certain plants. Upon contact with water the substance will increase in volume and maintain a layer of moisture in the plant (or in our case to hair”>. Mucilage is one of the ingredients that makes a product slippery! We love slippery products because they help to reduce tension when unraveling tangles, snarls, snags, and knots. Here are some of the most popular ingredients that have mucilage and aid making detangling sessions shorter and less hectic.

Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera gel comes from the aloe vera plant. It has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes and is grown in tropical climates worldwide. Aloe vera is commonly used as a moisturizer for skin and hair and it helps to trap moisture and lock it in. It also helps with scalp healing, restoring hair’s pH levels, decreasing frizz, and improving detangling sessions.

Flaxseed gel

Flaxseed or linseeds are a rich source of micronutrients, fiber, manganese, and essential fatty acid omega-3. The golden and brown flaxseeds have similar profiles. Flaxseed gel is created by boiling and then straining the flaxseeds. Besides nourishing hair, flaxseed gel leaves hair soft, shiny, and moisturized along with giving curls more definition.

Irish moss gel

Irish moss is not really a moss but a seaweed that is found along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and especially in Ireland. Rich in antioxidants, anti-viral properties, iodine, and nutrients, Irish moss is also one of the plants that has mucilage. To turn Irish moss into a gel simply requires putting the moss into a mason jar, sitting it into a pot of water, and boiling for an hour to create a viscous, gel-like tea.

Marshmallow root

Marshmallow root is a perennial herb that is native to damp areas of northern Europe and western Asia but is now naturalized to the Atlantic coast of the United States. This is a soothing, slippery herb that is used for digestion, skin, and hair. Marshmallow root can be found in numerous hair products like Kinky-Curly Knot Today to aid in detangling or it can be turned into a gel for a DIY detangler instead.

Okra gel

Okra is a versatile vegetable that is green with tapering ridged pods containing double row of seeds and a slimy texture when opened. This low in calorie vegetable is loaded with vitamins like A, thiamin, B6, C, folic acid, calcium and zinc. Okra has been successfully used as a setting lotion, a hair detangler, and hair rinses as a volumizer and even to rid hair of lice.

Slippery elm

For centuries slippery elm has been used as an herbal remedy to heal wounds, boils, burns, skin inflammations, and ulcers. It contains mucilage and becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. It is also a popular ingredient found in hair detangling products but can easily be used in DIY creations.

Have you used any of these items or tried creating your own DIY detangling gel? Share your favorite ingredient and recipe below!