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Like it or not, sweating is something that pretty much all of us do (when people can’t, it’s called anhidrosis”>. And contrary to the popular belief of some, sweating’s purpose isn’t to remove toxins from your system (your liver and kidneys do that”>; no, sweating is designed to regulate your body’s temperature.

Since this is the time of the year when we typically sweat the most, I thought it would be a good idea to explore some of the ways that sweat can affect our scalp and hair. Because, believe it or not, there are several. 

Sweat Can Dry Out Your Hair

There is quite a bit of sodium in sweat which is why it tastes a lot like saltwater. Saltwater isn’t great for your hair or your scalp because it zaps all of the natural moisture that’s in both. And when your hair is dehydrated, that can lead to dry and brittle hair (which can also cause split ends and breakage”> and/or a dry and itchy scalp. Neither of these are good.

Sweat Can Clog Up Your Hair Follicles

You probably never thought about the fact that there is a link between sweat and hair loss. But the reality is that when sebum and a buildup of sweat combine, that can create a substance that ends up clogging up your hair follicles. And yes, over time, that can result in hair loss if you’re not careful. How wild is that?

Sweat Can Lead to Scalp Inflammation

Something that is present in sweat is lactic acid. When you sweat excessively, this kind of acid can irritate your scalp. Then, when you scratch your scalp in order to find some relief, that can actually make the itching a lot worse — and that can result in scalp damage due to dirty fingernails and/or creating lesions on your scalp.

Sweat Can Alter Your Hair Color

So, here’s a doozy. Did you know that sweat can fade your hair color? Yep. Just like with saltwater, if you let sweat stay in your hair for too long, it can strip your hair of the dye that’s in it which results in your needing coloring touch-ups more often (which could also lead to more hair damage”>.

Sweat Can Weaken Your Strands Over Time

Remember what I said about lactic acid earlier? Something else that it has the tendency to do is bind itself to the keratin in your hair. When this happens, not only will it dry your hair out (as stated before”>, it can also weaken the bonds of your hair as well. And eventually, that can cause hair loss too (wow!”>.

How to Protect Your Hair from Sweat

So, now that you know some of the ways that sweat can wreak complete and total havoc on your hair, what are some things that you can do to prevent that from transpiring — especially during a season when sweating is pretty unavoidable?

1. Rinse your hair after working out

One of the best ways to get “saltwater” out of your hair is to rinse it out with fresh water. So, after working out or spending a lot of time in the sun, consider giving your hair a good rinse with some cool water (you don’t wanna use hot water; it dehydrates hair too”>.

If you’re planning on wearing a wash ‘n go, this shouldn’t be a problem because the water will help to hydrate your natural curls. If you’ve got your hair in a protective style (like some box braids”>, a quick rinse should be relatively easy to do too. On the other hand, if your hair is in some other style and you absolutely don’t want to wreck it by rinsing it, I’ve got another suggestion towards the end of this piece.

2. Exfoliate your scalp

If you want to keep sweat (and product buildup”> from clogging up your pores, exfoliating your scalp is always gonna be your best bet. Not only will it help to keep sweat from irritating your scalp, it will soothe your scalp too. If you’ve never done this before, we’ve got some helpful tips and recipes. Check out our articles “This is Why You Need to Exfoliate Your Scalp”, “Don’t Scratch, Scrub: 5 Scalp Scrub Recipes” and “10 Masks & Scrubs that Make Your Scalp Feel Amazing”.

3. Apply a leave-in conditioner

Whether you’re in between wash days or you want to add some moisture to your hair after exercising but you don’t want to go so far as drenching it with water, a fair compromise is to apply a leave-in conditioner. If it’s water-based, it can bring some hydration to your hair without adding a ton of product build-up. It will also make it more difficult for lactic acid to damage your hair strands.

As you can see, sweat in the hair is common but it’s not something that you shouldn’t prepare your hair (and scalp”> for. And if you follow these tips, your tresses should be able to successfully withstand the heat — and the sweat — that this summer will be sure to bring.

Pictured: Satin-lined Grace Eleyae turban

If you’re like me and you’re currently on a mission to gain some solid inches as far as your hair is concerned, it’s super important that you make sure that your edges and the nape of your neck get all that they need so that your entire head of hair can look healthy and strong. Since these areas tend to be the most fragile, this means that you need to be super intentional when it comes to the steps that you take, maintenance wise. In order to help you do that, I’ve got seven tips that I know, from up close and very personal experience, will definitely cause those areas to thrive. You ready?

1. Make Your Own Edge Control

OK, baby hairs are cute (to a point; sometimes, they can get really outta control”>. Still, I personally don’t believe that we should focus on them to the point where we’re willing to literally lose our edges in order to get them just right on a daily basis. And when it comes to some of the edge control products that are on the market, that’s what we are running the risk of doing due to all of the chemicals and drying alcohol that’s in them. Plus, the constant friction that comes with brushing our edges back all of the time — listen, the point here is that, again, our edges (and nape”> tend to be the most fragile parts of our hair. This means that 1″> we need to use edge control in moderation and 2″> it really is best that we either go with a non-drying product or that we make our own. I’ve made some before and it’s a lot easier to do than you might initially think. In fact, I’ve actually written an article that features a few recipes for this platform entitled, “5 DIY Edge Control Recipes For Curly Hair”. Check it out when you get a chance.

2. Massage Your Edges and Nape with DIY Oil

If you happen to notice that there are areas around your edges and nape that are much thinner than you would like, something that can help to strengthen your hair follicles and restore the hair that’s been lost is to gently massage those areas a couple of times a week. The main reason why this is so beneficial is because, when we massage our scalp, it helps to increase the blood flow to our follicles so that they are able to receive more nutrients at a quicker pace.

By the way, you can really take your massages to another level if you make your own massage oil. Matter of fact, did you know that essential oils like lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, cedarwood and ylang-ylang all have reputations for restoring hair loss? Just add them to a carrier oil such as grapeseed, avocado, argan, olive or jojoba, warm it up in the microwave for 10 seconds, apply the oil to your fingertips and run circles around your edges and the back of your neck. It feels great, releases tension and puts you on the path to getting hair back where you want (and need”> it most.

3. Let Your Edges and Nape Air Dry Before Blow Drying Them

A huge mistake that I used to make on my own wash days is, when I wanted to wear my hair blown out, I would immediately start blow drying my hair, even while it was soaking wet. Now, I know to use an old T-shirt to absorb the excess moisture, to apply a cream thermal heat protectant (cream is best if you’ve got 4 hair type and/or a lot of hair volume”> and then to let my hair air dry, at least 60 percent. Following these steps helps to reduce the chances of heat damage. As far as your edges and nape go, it’s really best to let those dry completely and then to semi-straighten them out with the dryer when your dryer is on cool. That helps to decrease the chances of weakening those areas (if you opt to go with applying heat at all”>.

4. Eat Lots of Protein

Your hair is made up of mostly protein (keratin”>, so it makes plenty of sense that you should eat more protein in order to get all of your hair to stay healthy and continue to grow. As far as the kind of foods that have the most amount of protein in them, meat and eggs are probably a given. Some others would include almonds, oats, quinoa, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, fish, Brussels sprouts, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and peas.

5. Pay Attention to “Protective Style Red Flags”

Sometimes, I’ll have summers when I’ll rock nothing but some medium-sized box braids. I adore everything about that particular style. What I have learned, though, is a good braider is someone who won’t have you leaving their shop feeling like you’re about to become a low-key ibuprofen junkie. In fact, good braiders usually don’t apply so much tension that you’re in pain for days on end. They also are not so consumed with your edges looking straight that they are willing to weaken their hair follicles in order accomplish that goal (this goes for “catching” every little hair on the back of your neck too”>. Moral of the story — when it comes to braids and twists, deep condition — all of your hair but especially — your edges and nape before your appointment, request that your stylist not braid so tight that your scalp wrinkles up and be sure to moisturize those areas with the DIY oil that we already talked about, at least a couple of times a week.

As for protective styles like wigs — massage your edges and nape before putting one on, always wear a wig cap and try not to make a habit out of sleeping with your wig on (the sensitive parts of your hair need time to breathe”>. You can read other tips on how to care for your hair when you’ve got a wig on by checking out our article, “7 Things You Don’t Do When Wearing a Wig”. Oh, and when it comes to weaves, make sure that you use quality hair, that you don’t constantly keep your tresses in a ponytail (that kind of pressure isn’t good for your edges or nape either”> and that you don’t leave your weave in for what seems like decades. Even when it comes to the best kind of extensions, 12 weeks should be your max before you give your hair a few weeks to relax and you get another set of extensions put in.

6. Pamper with Silk and/or Satin

I’ll be honest. Because I work from home, I just leave my hair in big plaits a lot of the time. And when I go out, oftentimes I just rock a pre-tied turban (the ones that come with satin lining on the inside are wonderful. You can find several merchants that make them on Etsy; just put “pre-tied turban” in the search field”>. Since they fit so comfortably, my edges don’t have to worry about enduring a lot of pressure. Then, I’ll wear my hair out on the weekends and because I oftentimes don’t have anything on my head, it’s all good then too.

However, if you happen to have other styling preferences, just make sure that things like scarves, headbands and even hats have some satin lining in them. Not only will that help to keep your edges and nape from losing moisture and becoming dry and brittle, it will also significantly reduce the friction that they experience; friction that can weaken your hair follicles and cause those areas to thin out within just a few weeks’ time. Also, make sure to either tie your hair up at night with a silk or satin scarf, to wear a satin bonnet or to sleep on a satin pillowcase (for the exact same reasons”>. Honestly, while this might be an unpopular opinion, I think that you should go some nights with your hair wrapped and some nights with your pillowcase. The reason why is because, when there is pressure applied on the same spot, for hours on end, for months at a time, that can also lead to thinning. Sometimes, even scarves and bonnets can “rub the wrong way” while we’re tossing and turning. Going without them so your hair can just “be” can be a really beneficial thing.

7. Ease Up on the Stress

Stress is good for no one. As far as your hair goes, it can literally push your hair follicles to a resting phase that will prevent it from growing any further; this can eventually lead to long-term hair loss. That’s why it’s important to exercise; get no less than 6-8 hours of sleep every night; to take a B-complex supplement; to consume less sugar, carbs and caffeine (all are stress inducers”> and to set healthy boundaries in both your personal and professional life. Otherwise, your edges and nape might let you know that you are overwhelming yourself more than you should by thinning out in those areas. That’s the bad news. The good news is you can make choices that will help to change that around. Please make sure that you do.

©Shellie R. Warren/2021

 

Frizzy hair really is the worst, isn’t it? Unlike curly locks that look smooth and uniform, frizz does its own thing. So much to the point that it can make your hair look like it’s dry and/or unhealthy and/or rough to the touch (even if it’s not”>.

So, what causes this kind of mayhem to happen? Humidity, hair damage and harsh hair products are usually the biggest culprits. And unfortunately, those of us with curly locks tend to battle with frizz the most (ugh”>.

While this means that sometimes, being a naturally curly

While this means that sometimes, being a naturally curly girl (pun intended”> can result in a few unexpected bad (frizzy”> hair days, I am here to assure you that there are some all-natural approaches that you can take to combat frizzing — ones that will give your curls more definition and keep frizz totally out of the way.

girl (pun intended”> can result in a few unexpected bad (frizzy”> hair days, I am here to assure you that there are some all-natural approaches that you can take to combat frizzing — ones that will give your curls more definition and keep frizz totally out of the way.

1. Pre-poo with a sandalwood and jojoba oil blend

Pre-pooing is a method of intentionally putting oil onto your hair before you shampoo so that you decrease the chances of losing moisture while washing it. If you’d like to make your own pre-poo blend, try some sandalwood and jojoba oil. Sandalwood not only contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that are really good for your scalp, it’s also a great moisturizer for your hair. As a bonus, it smells wonderful. If you add 5-7 drops of it to 1-1 ½ cups of jojoba oil, the vitamins B, E, copper and zinc in jojoba will nourish your hair as well. The end result is your cuticles will be amazingly soft through the entire wash day process (the mixture will make it easier to detangle your locks too”>.

2. Seal your ends

It really doesn’t matter how curly the rest of your hair looks if your ends look frizzy and fried. That can happen if they’re dry or your ends are split (more on the split part in a sec”>. Something that can help to get your ends to cooperate with the rest of your hair is sealing them. That simply consists of locking in the moisture that’s in your hair after you shampoo and condition it. As far as some of the best oils go — grapeseed is packed with Vitamin E, Jamaican black castor oil will moisturize and thicken your hair over time and avocado oil contains fatty acids that will condition your hair really well.

3. Keep your ends trimmed too

It can’t be said enough — there is no product on the market that will “heal” your split ends. Whenever those bad boys pop up, your only true option is to cut them (which is why you should do all that you can to avoid getting them in the first place!”>. Listen, I’ve been the person who’s tried to hold onto length even when my ends looked a hot mess and it definitely contributed to the “frizz effect”. So, while the whole “get your ends trimmed every 4-6 weeks” isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of rule, the moment that you notice that your hair is frizzier than usual, that’s usually a sign that you need to trim or at least dust your ends. If you don’t, the “splits” could run all the way up your hair shaft. It’ll be almost impossible to stop the frizzing once that happens.

4. Apply product, not heat, when your hair is wet

Hopefully you already know that trying to blow dry your hair while it’s sopping wet isn’t a good idea; that’s definitely a great way to create some serious hair damage. What I mean here is when you are washing and conditioning your hair in super hot water, that basically creates humidity and that can lead to frizz. Instead, cleanse your hair in lukewarm water. Then rinse in cool water to seal your cuticles. And while your hair is wet, apply whatever product you plan on using to give your curls a lot of definition. As far as products go, check out our article “Top 10 Curl-Defining Hair Products” for a list of recommendations. Oh, and try to keep your hands out of your hair until everything completely dries. Avoiding this tip can lead to frizzing too.

5. DIY some flaxseed gel

Speaking of products to put in your hair, if you’re someone who lives by the motto “the more natural, the better”, you definitely should give flaxseed gel a try. It’s high in Vitamin E which makes it a solid nutrient. It contains properties that fight off free radicals and help to prevent scalp inflammation. And the really awesome thing about it is, it has a great reputation for eliminating frizz in curly hair while helping curls to stay together so that they look more defined; fuller too. If you’d like to make your own batch of flaxseed gel, check out the videos here and below for instructions.

6. Use a leave-in conditioner

I’ll tell you what — if there’s one thing that’s done wonders for my hair since I’ve been growing it out, it’s making sure that I apply a leave-in conditioner, even if I’ve deep conditioned my hair. Because my tresses can never seem to get enough moisture, I like that a leave-in can instantly hydrate my hair and make it soft and manageable. Plus, it definitely helps to keep frizz from creeping up. In fact, if you’re having a bad hair day, a dab of leave-in can help to tame any hairs that seem to want to do anything but act like they’ve got some sense. We can help you out in this department too. Check out “Top 20 Leave-in Conditioners” and “10 Best Water-Based Leave-in Conditioners”.

7. Go easy on the heat

Whenever you use an excessive amount of heat, it results in your hair’s cuticles getting damaged — and that will cause frizz more times than not. Another issue with heat is it can loosen your natural curl pattern over time — and no, you won’t be able to get your curls back because that is a sign of damage. So again, go easy on the hot water while washing your hair. If you want to blow your hair out, try and let it air dry at least 60 percent and go with a cooler setting. Always apply thermal heat protectant when using heat. And if you decide to go with a diffuser, that’s fine (it works on all hair types and textures”>. Just make sure that you don’t hold it super closely to your hair (that could cause heat damage as well”>.

8. Style with your fingers as much as possible

Curls that clump together create lots of definition and volume. The flip side to this is when you do a lot of combing, brushing or even picking out your hair, that can separate your curls to the point that it creates frizz too. That’s why, as much as possible, it really is best to style your hair with your fingers instead of styling tools. It will increase the chances of you keeping your curls in place. It also can reduce the amount of damage that styling tools can do to your hair whenever you apply too much pressure or they create too much friction. Follow through on this and you’ll be seeing a lot more curls and a lot less frizz. Guaranteed.

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According to a study titled the True Cost of Beauty, conducted by OnePoll for Groupon,women who invest regularly in their appearance spend an average of over $300 a month on their physical appearance. Hmph. Honestly, hair and mani/pedi appointments alone can pretty much knock that out (not to mention the maintenance of eyebrows and eyelashes”>. But what personally came to my mind is how much money that I used to spend on hair products. Real talk, sometimes I would shell out at least $150-200 each month on that stuff alone.

Why? There were layers of reasons. First, I “blame” YouTube because there are a billion Black hair care channels featuring women with amazing looking hair who each recommend at least five different hair products. Then there’s my natural curiosity. I mean, if a product says that it can do 15 things for my hair, why not try it? And then there was sheer impatience. It’s really not discussed enough that purchasing something and using it for three days, all the while thinking that it’s going to miraculously transform your tresses, is low-key delusional.

So, what made me stop being a product junkie? Well, like you’ve probably heard about other addictions, I had to accept that my time in beauty supply stores was getting way out of hand. Then once I did that and I started discovering some other ways to get the hair results that I was looking for, I realized that I didn’t need to have drawers and cabinets full of hair products just to get beautiful hair. Beyond that, letting all of those products go came with some bona fide benefits too.

1. It Saves Money (A LOT of It”>

These days, I have a shampoo and conditioner that I really like. A deep conditioner that I use. A couple of items for my wash ‘n go days. A thermal heat protectant. A couple of bottles of essential oil. A carrier oil. And that’s about it. Since I basically use the same things all of the time, not only has it saved me a ton of cash, I also don’t have to make purchases every month. Keeping some coins in my pocket is definitely a win.

2. I Can Eat What I Use. Kinda.

There are many health care experts that will say that if you can’t eat what you’re about to put onto your skin or hair, you shouldn’t use it. They take this approach because our skin and scalp are made up of thousands of pores. And while they probably don’t absorb 60 percent of what we put on (like some internet stories claim”>, they do take in something. Now that I really get that, I’m good for reading the back of labels, making my own hair products or taking the “less is more approach”. Some days, all I’ll do is put a dab of rosemary oil into one of my palms, massage my scalp and hair and put it into a crown braid. The rosemary oil only cost me three bucks max, it’s an oil that a lot of people cook with and it’s holistically beneficial. That’s because rosemary oil increases blood circulation, reduces stress, improves cognitive function and stimulates hair growth. How cool is that?

3. My Hair Is Healthier

Since I’ve let a lot of products go, my hair is definitely healthier. Matter of fact, it wasn’t until I “downsized” that I noticed how much harder and unmanageable my hair was back when I was a product junkie. Not only that but my scalp was itching a lot. In my mind, it just meant that I needed to wash my hair more or — how crazy is this? — add some more product. However, what was really going on is I had too much product build-up and that was irritating my scalp and weighing down my hair. Clogged hair follicles stunt hair growth. Product build-up can eventually lead to hair damage and even hair breakage. So yeah, my hair is definitely much better off without multiple things — things that have lots of chemicals— in them all at once.

4. My Body Is Healthier

Once I started paying more attention to the labels on hair products, I began becoming more aware of the labels on a lot of the foods that I eat too. And that made me opt to go with consuming more produce and avoiding as many preservatives as possible. I’ll be honest — deciding to eat healthier can sometimes be expensive (our country needs to do something about that”>. At the same time, though I look great, I have more energy and I know that I’m doing a service for my body by not being a food junkie (did you catch the play on words there?”>.

5. It’s Helped Me to Take a More Minimalist Approach to Everything

I once read that being a minimalist is all about finding freedom — and I truly couldn’t agree more. Having a lot of stuff, just to have it, can feel…burdensome if you’re not careful. As far as my hair goes, it feels good to walk into my bathroom, know exactly what each bottle or container is for and not have a ton of other ones taking up space, unnecessarily so. And don’t even get me started on what all of that plastic is doing to our environment (did you know that there are 20 million tons of plastic in the ocean right now?”>. You know, a lot of interior designers say that we only wear 20 percent of the clothes that we own. I’d venture to say that most of us only use 20 percent of our hair products too. So…why have things that you don’t need? What’s the point? Across the board.

Telltale Signs That You Are a Product Junkie

You know what they say — the first step towards working through an addiction is admitting to yourself that you actually have one. That said, if you’re not 100 percent sure if you are a product junkie or not, here are some dead ringers that you indeed are:

• You can’t make one trip to a grocery store or drugstore without picking up a bottle of something.
• You have products in basically every room of your house.
• There’s hair stuff that you’ve been holding onto for years that you haven’t used.
• Some of your items haven’t even been opened. Yet.
• You have multiple hair products that serve the same function (shampoo, mousse, edge control, etc.”>.
• Nothing is really making your hair better.
• You’re breaking your budget to get more hair stuff.

If you see yourself in two or more of these points, there’s no time like the present to let some of those products go, get some of your space back and start saving some money. After all, hair products are cool but being a product junkie? At the end of the day, it’s not much more than a…waste.

My hair is naturally dry. I don’t mean the standard kind of dry either. What I’m saying is, it doesn’t matter how long I deep condition my tresses or what kind of oil that I used to seal my ends, my hair is going to drink up all that moisture and still ask for more.

That said, three things have helped me to give my hair the hydration that it seeks — drinking more water, consuming more fatty acids and applying a leave-in conditioner.

If you’re someone who either rarely uses leave-ins or you never have because it just seems like an additional semi-unnecessary step to take in your already hectic hair care routine, I’ve got seven solid reasons why you should consider adding it in. Seven reasons why, after doing so, you’ll wonder what the heck took you so long.

1. It gives your hair an instant moisturizing boost

What’s one way to know, for sure, that your hair needs more moisture? It’s, if when you gently tug on a strand, it snaps. If that happens, adding a dab or two of leave-in conditioner can almost immediately add some elasticity and bring your hair back to life. Just make sure that you go with a product that has water listed as the first ingredient. The more water that’s in your leave-in, the more moisturized your hair will ultimately be.

2. It significantly reduces frizz

Anytime your hair is stripped of the natural oils that it needs, you’re going to encounter at least a little bit of frizz. And since curly hair textures already have challenges with natural oils making it all the way down its hair strands, you can probably see how leave-in conditioners can significantly help in this area. When your hair is conditioned well, that helps to bring more definition to your curls. The more definition you’ve got, the less frizz there will be.

3. It can help to decrease breakage

Very few things are as strong and as fragile as hair is. On one hand, according to science, when hair is stretched out, it’s actually stronger than steel. On the flip side, when there’s too much heat applied, it’s constantly experiencing the wear and tear of styling. Or, it’s dry and brittle and that can result in breakage. Since leave-in conditioners are able to penetrate your hair’s cuticles, you significantly decrease the chance of your hair breaking whenever you apply it.

4. It makes hair styling easier

Hair that’s soft and hydrated is so much easier to style; especially if you’re trying to part or comb through your locks. Leave-in conditioner can definitely help to make this possible. And since it comes in the forms of sprays and creams, you can go one that is light or heavy; it’s totally up to you (and your hair type”>.

5. It protects hair from damaging UV rays

Did you know that too much exposure to the sun can result in your cuticles being damaged? When that happens, it can discolor your hair, make it more brittle and even lead to split or broken ends. None of this is a good thing; however, all of it can be avoided if you apply a leave-in conditioner when you know that you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the sun. There are plenty of products on the market that can help you out in this department. Or, you can go the DIY route by checking out our article, “6 DIY Sunscreen Recipes to Protect Your Hair”.

6. It adds depth to your hair color

Two things that tend to happen whenever we color-treat our hair is 1″> it gets drier and 2″> it becomes more fragile. Because leave-in conditioner hydrates the hair, it can help to remedy both of these issues. Something else that’s cool about leave-ins is, the more moisturized your hair is, the richer your color will appear to be. Not only that but moisture can help to reduce how quickly your hair hue fades. At the end of the day, this means less color touch-ups which means less (new”> hair damage.

7. All hair types can benefit from it

It doesn’t matter if your hair is thick or fine, curly or straight, high or low porosity — there is a leave-in conditioner that’s ideal for every hair type. Since we’ve been focusing on curly hair textures today, Blueberry Bliss Reparative Leave-In Conditioner, Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate & Repair Multi-Action Leave-In and Mizani 25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Treatment are three that you definitely will enjoy seeing the results of.

So, the next time you’re out shopping for some products to pamper your hair with, you now have some really good reasons to put a bottle of leave-in conditioner at the top of your list. From personal experience, you won’t regret it. I can just about promise you that!

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If you’ve got a curly hair texture (and you choose to wear your tresses in their natural state”>, something that you’re always going to want is lots of curl definition. And while there are plenty of commercial products on the market that can help to make this happen, you might be surprised to know that there are also foods that can provide you with what you are looking for too.

Sure, there are some that you can put into your system to make your coils pop (check out our article, “Top 10 Foods for Gorgeous Curly Hair””> but did you know that there are edible items that you can put on your hair to bring out the best in your curls as well?

If you want your curls to stand out on an entirely different level and you’d prefer to use as few chemicals as possible, here are 10 foods that you probably already have in your possession that can definitely help to make that happen.

1. Plain Yogurt

Whether your hair is dull, damaged, dry or you’re simply looking for something that will help to strengthen your hair follicles (so that you can ultimately gain more inches”>, plain yogurt can make that happen for you. And here’s the thing — yogurt is full of nutrients and ingredients that can help to keep moisture in your hair. This is good to know because the more hydrated your strands are, the easier it will be for you to maintain your curls.

Check this YouTube Video Out: Deeply Nourishing Greek Yogurt Hair Mask DIY for Dry Curly Hair

2. Bananas

For starters, bananas have a mineral known as silica in them. This is awesome because it helps your hair to produce more collagen (which can make your strands stronger”>. The properties in bananas also serve as a pretty potent conditioner, so the combo helps to bring more definition to your curls while keeping your hair really healthy in the process.

Check this YouTube Video Out: INSANE HAIR GROWTH: DIY Double Hair Growth Mask with Banana

3. Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil is great because it contains nutrients that help to stop premature greying, it increases blood circulation (so that your hair follicles can get stronger”> and it can even help to prevent hair loss. Your curls will adore this oil because it also helps to increase thickness of your strands which means that your curly locks can get more volume whenever you apply it (check out “8 Essential Oils That Are Great for Curly Hair””>.

Check this YouTube Video Out: DIY Rosemary Hair Oil for Rapid Hair Growth [Easy Method]

4. Pumpkin

Pumpkin is loaded with Vitamin A, zinc, omega fatty acids and amino acids; the combo helps to nourish your hair on a whole ‘nother level. Pumpkin is also pretty rich in sulfur which is good to know if you’ve got some dandruff that you want to keep under control. Also, if you want something that will help to smooth down your cuticles a bit, pumpkin can certainly make that happen too. Check out our article, “Pump Up Your Hair With Pumpkins” for more details on how.

Check this YouTube Video Out: I Put Pumpkin on My Dry Natural Hair and WOW!!

5. Ketchup

Here’s one that will probably catch you totally off guard. Did you know that if you use ketchup as a hair mask, the tomato and vinegar combo can help to strengthen your strands, give you more sheen and even get chlorine out of your hair? A lot of it has to do with the fact that both ingredients are highly acidic which makes it easier for you to remove residue and chemicals from your hair whenever you apply them.

Check this YouTube Video Out: How to Remove Green Tint Using Ketchup (Naturally Curly Hair”>

6. Sugar Water

Sugar is a great exfoliant for your scalp. Believe it or not, adding it to your shampoo or using it as a sugar water spritz can make your hair really soft which also means that you can end up with less frizz. Natural hair YouTuber Sarelly actually shot a video singing its praises that you can check out here.

Check this YouTube Video Out: How to: Sugar Scalp Scrub and Tea| Remove Buildup for Healthy Hair Growth

PICTURED: GIGI USING EGG WHITES FOR CURL EFINITION

7. Egg Whites

Egg whites have a lot of protein and Vitamin B in them. That’s why applying them to your hair is ideal if you’re looking for an all-natural protein treatment or you want your hair to feel a bit softer. Oh, and as far as your curls go, we’re such a fan of this food that we actually wrote an entire article on why you should try them out on your own hair. Check out “Why People Are Using Egg Whites as a Natural Curl Definer” when you get a chance.

Check this YouTube Video Out: DIY Egg White Mask for Curly Hair Volume and Thickness!

8. Champagne

If your hair is color-treated and you’ll looking for a way to bring some highlights out of them, something that you can do is spritz a little champagne to your tresses. The golden tone of the champagne will bring warmth to your color while the bubbles will add some volume to your curls (especially if you spray the champagne on your roots while you’re styling a wash ‘n go”>.

Check this YouTube Video Out: Champagne Rinse for Your Hair

9. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are loaded with vitamins B and E, antioxidants, magnesium, protein and fatty acids; that’s why, it’s no wonder that they top the list of really great things to put on your hair. Matter of fact, there are plenty of articles out in cyberspace that specifically address how applying flaxseed to your locks can turn even the most stubborn curls into ringlets — especially when you turn the seeds into gel. (There’s a video on how it works via hair aficionado ARIEL’s YouTube channel here“>.

Check this YouTube Video Out: DIY Flaxseed Gel for Curly Hair + How to Make It Last Longer (2 Easy Ways”>

10. Honey

Talk about saving the best for last. There are a bevy of reasons why honey is great for your hair. It’s a wonderful conditioner. The protein in it can help to reduce breakage. The properties in it can help to reduce hair loss. And, since it acts as a humectant and an emollient, honey can help to reduce frizz while creating a natural sheen to your locks. If you try nothing else, give honey a shot. It’s as sweet to curly hair as it is to your taste buds!

Check this YouTube Video Out: DIY Honey Hair Mask for Moisture! Homemade Deep Conditioner!

So, if there’s one thing that’s actually more complex than a lot of us would like to give it credit for, it’s probably our scalp. Yes, it’s obvious that it’s the skin that covers your skin and that hair follicles grow out of it. But did you also know that your scalp has five layers (skin, connective tissue, aponeurosis, loose areolar tissue and periosteum”>, that it has a way of revealing things about your health and that, like your face, your scalp has a “type”?

Yep. All of us literally have either normal, dry, oily or combination scalp and knowing what yours is, specifically, is what can help to put you on the road to having a healthy scalp and flourishing hair.

That’s what we’re going to explore today. The four different kinds of scalp characteristics and how you can take better care of your own scalp once you narrow down what yours is.

Normal Scalp

Something that your scalp is supposed to normally produce is sebum; it’s a waxy oily substance that your body naturally produces in order to hydrate and protect your skin/scalp. That said, when you have a “normal” scalp, all this basically means is your scalp produces the right amount of sebum to keep your scalp well-moisturized. Not only that but you don’t usually notice any signs of itching, redness or irritation as far as your scalp is concerned and you don’t have to wash your hair and scalp any more or less than you usually do. If this is you, that’s awesome. Until something changes, keep doing what you’ve been doing!

Dry Scalp

When your scalp doesn’t produce enough of the sebum that it needs, you could end up with what is known as dry scalp. And pretty much like when the rest of your skin is not moisturized enough, dry scalp can lead to itchiness, irritation and flaking; plus, your hair is typically drier and brittle too. It’s not uncommon for people who live in dry climates to battle with dry scalp more than others. It’s also common to confuse dry scalp with dandruff. That’s why it’s important to remember that 1″> dandruff is caused by a fungus called Malassezia and 2″> its flakes are usually stickier, larger and off-white or yellow while people with dry scalp tend to have flakes that are white and smaller.

Treatments for Dry Scalp

Use a moisturizing shampoo

Look for shampoos that are free of sulfates that can dry out your scalp and hair.

Deep condition

Deep condition on every wash day to give your scalp and hair additional moisture.

Soothe your scalp

Use ingredients or treatments with some aloe vera gel or witch hazel.

Massage your scalp

Give yourself a scalp massage with rosemary or bergamot essential oil; both can help to condition your scalp and contain healing properties.

Use a humidifier

Sleep with a humidifier to give your scalp additional moisture throughout the night.

Stay hydrated

Eat hydrating foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, apples, lettuce and peaches and drink plenty of water.

Oily Scalp

Again, it’s perfectly normal (necessary even”> for your scalp to produce sebum. However, when you have an oily scalp, that means that you’re producing an excessive amount of it. Interestingly enough, because sebum is a layer of protection, oftentimes what leads to an oily scalp is dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, forehead acne or skin conditions like eczema because they all are skin irritants that can “trigger” more sebum. It’s also worth noting that when your scalp is oily, typically your hair is oily too which can make it feel dirty and difficult to hold a style.

Treatments for Oily Scalp

Take a daily probiotic 

This can help reduce inflammation that can cause flare ups like eczema and dermatitis.

Clarify your hair with apple cider vinegar

An apple cider vinegar rinse will remove product build-up and help to restore the pH balance of your scalp.

Try menthol

Shampoo your hair with a brand that contains menthol; it cleanses your scalp without over-drying and soothes it with its tingling sensation.

Focus your conditioning

Condition your hair more than your scalp (to keep the additional moisture from making your scalp greasier”>.

Apply tea tree oil

Dilute your tea tree oil (it’s potent”> and then apply it to the acne that you may have on your face.

Consume foods that are high in Vitamin B

They will help to control how much sebum your body produces. Some of those include dark leafy greens, salmon, eggs, green peas and brown rice.

Combination Scalp

Just like some people have combination skin, some people have combination scalp. This kind of scalp can be common in Black women because it can result in sebum not being able to make its way all the way down the hair shaft (which is typical with curly textures”>. As a result, the scalp may be overly oily while the hair is too dry.

Treatments for Combination Scalp

Pre-poo and deep condition your hair

The pre-pooing will give your hair some extra moisture prior to shampooing it and the deep conditioner will deeply hydrate your hair after every wash.

Try a monthly scalp scrub

A scalp scrub can help to slough off dead skin cells and remove excess product that you may be using to compensate for how dry your hair is.

Use a leave-in conditioner

With a leave-in conditioner, your hair can get extra moisture without you applying a ton of more hydration to your scalp.

Minimize the heat

Heat can irritate the oils on your scalp while further drying out your hair in the process.

Eat foods that are high in Vitamin C

The “C” will help your scalp to produce more collagen to keep your hair follicles healthy as it makes your hair stronger.

Dust your ends

As you notice brittle or split ends, dust them so that they don’t run further up your hair shaft.

As you can see, your scalp is not quite as “one type fits all” as you may have initially thought. But learning more about it and what it needs can help to get it (and you”> on the path to having a healthy scalp and even healthier hair — which makes all of the research and added steps totally worth your while!

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No matter what texture your hair may be or how long you want it to get, I’m pretty sure that I’m on the right track when I say that a main hair goal for us all is to have a head full of healthy hair. And when it comes to natural hair in particular, because it can sometimes be difficult for the natural sebum on our scalp to travel all the way down our strands, this means that we have to be super intentional about making sure that our hair is well-moisturized — because when that happens, not only are our tresses really soft but they end up being super stronger and more resilient too.

So, let’s dive in. Here are 10 things that you can — and should — do in order to make your hair softer and stronger…so that your hair can be as healthy as possible from root to tip.

Pre-Poo

Whether you decide to use a non-sulfate shampoo or a clarifying one to remove excess product build-up, it’s always a good idea to pre-poo your hair beforehand. By applying a carrier oil like avocado, jojoba or sweet almond (pretty much any oil you’d like”>, aloe vera gel or even pre-pooing commercial products (check out “8 Best Pre-Poo Treatments for Curly Hair””> before washing your hair, it will make it easier to detangle your locks, it can make your conditioner more effective, it will add moisture, make your hair more manageable and definitely make it so much softer — and all of these things will reduce breakage which will make your hair stronger over time.

Hair Steam

Applying steam to your hair will help to add hydration. It works by opening up your hair’s cuticles, so that it’s easier for moisture to get into them. This option is great if you have low porosity hair, you want to deep condition your locks, you’re looking for a way to increase blood circulation to your scalp and/or you want to add some sheen and softness to your hair. Learn some tips on how to get the most out of steaming by checking out our article, “How to Steam Your Natural Hair the Right Way”.

Microfiber Towel

Not all towels are created equal. Microfiber towels are great for drying your hair because they’re gentle on your strands, they’re super absorbent, they significantly reduce frizz and you don’t have to worry about getting lint or other debris on your hair as you’re drying it. Bottom line, microfiber towels require very little hair manipulation which can help your hair to absorb the products that you put it in it. Plus, these types of towels reduce the chances of damage when it’s in its most fragile state (wet”>.

Ylang Ylang Oil

Over here, we’re such fans of ylang ylang oil that we wrote an article about it several years ago — “How to Use Ylang Ylang Essential Oil For Excessive Hair Fall & Oiliness”. While it touches on the fact that this particular oil is a great conditioner, some other benefits that come from using it on a regular basis is it improves your hair’s natural texture, reduces breakage, soothes dry scalp, smooths your hair’s cuticles and makes it very soft to the touch. Plus, it smells pretty wonderful too.

Vitamin E

Whether you opt to eat foods that are high in Vitamin E like pumpkin, almonds, sunflower seeds, kiwi, avocados and butternut squash, you decide to take a Vitamin E supplement on a daily basis, you prefer to use hair products that are full of Vitamin E or all of the above, you can never go wrong with this nutrient as far as your hair is concerned. The antioxidants in Vitamin E help to reduce oxidative stress that could damage your hair’s follicles. It can also hydrate your scalp, stimulate hair growth, strengthen your hair strands and make your hair oh so very soft. It’s one of the best vitamins for your hair. No doubt about it.

Omega-3

Speaking of nutrients that are really good for your hair, definitely don’t forget about omega-3 fatty acids. Food-wise, you can get your fill via ones like salmon, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, mangos, berries and spinach. You can also take it as a supplement. Or, you can make your own flaxseed hair gel (get some instructions here and below”>.

Henna

It’s no secret that when you make the decision to permanently color-treat your hair, you run the risk of damaging it (especially if you go with a dye that contains ammonia”>. However, henna is a type of hair dye that comes from the plant Lawsonia inermis. It’s great for your hair because it’s a potent conditioner, it can slow down premature greying, it contains astringent and antifungal properties and it’s got Vitamin E in it which you already know can help to make your hair extremely soft. If all of this has piqued your curiosity but you’d like to learn more, you’re in luck. Check out our articles, “Should I Use Henna to Color My Curls?” and “Naturally Brighten & Condition Your Hair with Henna”.

Chamomile Tea

If there’s nothing more soothing to you than enjoying a hot cup of chamomile tea — good for you because you’re doing wonders for your health from head to toe! The properties in chamomile tea help to boost your immunity, soothe a sore throat, relieve migraines, heal acne, reduce eye puffiness, improve your quality of sleep and moisturize your hair and skin. When it comes to your hair specifically, chamomile tea can help to get rid of dandruff flakes, make your hair shiny, thicken your hair and, thanks to the vitamins A, zinc, iron and calcium — drinking the tea and/or applying it as a hair rinse will help to pamper your locks on a myriad of levels.

DIY Hair Mask

Question. When’s the last time you treated your hair to a homemade hair mask? When it comes to deep conditioning your tresses, it’s a “win” every time because it adds even more moisture to your strands, decreases frizz, hydrates your scalp, softens your locks and helps to protect your hair from environmental damage. It can also make your hair stronger and more manageable on the days when you choose to color-treat your hair. Some DIY recipes that can inspire you are also featured on our site. Check out “Best DIY Recipes for Naturally Curly Hair”.

Leave-in Conditioner

Something that I wish I had done YEARS ago — and yes, I am yelling it! — is applied a leave-in conditioner to my hair, even after deep conditioning it. If your hair seems to drink up all of the moisture you give it, your locks are color-treated or you’re simply looking for another way to reduce breakage, control frizz, bring definition to your curls, make your hair feel soft to the touch while pampering your ends at the same time, a leave-in can make all of that possible. If you want some help selecting the right kind of leave-in for your hair texture and porosity level, check out our articles “Top 20 Leave-in Conditioners” and “10 Best Water-Based Leave-in Conditioners”. Here’s to a head of hair that is really soft and extremely strong, y’all!

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April showers bring May flowers. It’s a saying that most of us are pretty familiar with, right? Well, here’s something that actually may surprise you. Actually, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information, April is actually the fifth wettest month of the year with June being the one that tends to drench us the most (the more you know”>. But what is certain is, whether it’s the middle of spring or some other time of the year, when there is moisture in the air, that means humidity isn’t too far away.

That’s because humidity is literally the amount of water vapor that’s in the air. And while it can be great for keeping viruses at bay, reducing snoring and keeping your skin moisturized, when it comes to your hair, humidity comes with some ups and downs, for sure.

For instance, although extra moisture can do wonders when it comes to defining your curls, too much of it can lead to frizz (which is why on rainy days, it probably seems like your hair doesn’t want to cooperate very much”>.

So, what is a woman with a head full of curls to do? The key word is “balance”. It’s all about finding ways to make humidity work in your favor and over the course of the next few minutes, I’m going to show you how to do just that.

Humectants vs. Anti-Humectants

When it comes to making sure that you have more good hair days than not, the main thing to keep in mind is you’re going to have times when you’ll need to use a humectant and then there are going to be days when you’ll need to go with an anti-humectant.

OK, so what exactly is the difference? Let’s go with what humectants can do for you first.

What is a humectant?

At the end of the day, a humectant helps to draw moisture from the air while also maintaining moisture in your hair. Because it’s more difficult for natural sebum to flow all the way down curly hair textures, oftentimes curly hair is drier which usually means that it needs more help with retaining moisture. Humectants can help to make that happen. While there are lots of products that are marketed as being humectants (check out “These Are the Common Humectants Found in Your Hair Products””>, there are also all-natural things that serve as humectants too. Some of those include honey, vegetable glycerin, aloe vera gel, elastin and collagen.

What is an anti-humectant?

Anti-humectants are, well, just the opposite; they help to block moisture from getting into your hair which can also reduce frizz. So, how do you know when you need to go this route instead? Well, if you’ve already applied a moisture-rich product into your hair (like a leave-in conditioner, for instance”> and it’s already humid outside, the last thing you need is more moisture. That’s where an anti-humectant can come in really handy because if your locks have too much water in them, that can cause your strands to swell which could eventually lead to some level of hair damage. Whenever this happens, luckily, there are anti-humectant products that are readily available (check out “20 Anti Humectant Products for Spring””>. As far as natural anti-humectants go, some of those include shea butter, virgin olive oil and coconut oil.

Bottom line here is if your hair needs more moisture or you want to pull moisture from the air into your strands, go with a humectant. On the other hand, if your hair has its fill of moisture, then an anti-humectant is best. The “balance” is what will keep frizz away so that your curls can be at their best.

5 Tips for “Handling” Humidity

Now that you’ve hopefully got a bit more clarity on what humidity is and how you can find the kind of products that will help you to deal with humidity (or the lack of it”> well, here are a few more tips that can help you to bear with it a bit easier.

1. Work WITH humidity; not against it

If there’s one thing that you’re never going to be able to control, it’s the weather. That’s why, if you know that a humid day (or season”> is headed your way, it’s best to go with hairstyles that will complement it. Wash ‘n gos are one example. Putting your hair into braids, twists or Bantu knots are good ideas too. What’s cool about all of these options is they come in a variety of styles, so that you’ll never feel like humidity is “holding your hair hostage”.

2. Pamper your scalp

As far as pampering your scalp goes, there are a couple of different approaches to take. For starters, make it a point to massage your scalp a couple of times a week when humidity is at its peak. Believe it or not, the extra moisture can help to nourish your scalp and hair follicles as your fingers help to increase blood flow to that area (so that your hair can receive more nutrients”>. Another tip is to clarify your scalp more often, especially when it’s hot outdoors. Between the heat, humidity and product build-up, you need to apply a scalp scrub, so that your hair follicles don’t get clogged up and your scalp doesn’t become irritated. For some leads on scalp scrubs that you can buy, check out our article, “10 Masks & Scrubs that Make Your Scalp Feel Amazing”.

3. Invest in a humidifier

If you’ve got dry skin. If you snore a lot. If you’re battling a cold or even COVID. These are just some of the reasons why it’s a good idea to invest in a humidifier. When it comes to your hair, getting one can be a really good idea if you’re trying to restore some moisture into your hair if you happen to live in a climate that’s actually super dry or you want to maintain moisture in your hair overnight.

4. Get a good hair dryer and microfiber towel too

Again, in order for your curls to look their best, your hair needs to have a good balance of moisture in it. Whether you’re using a blow dryer to straighten your natural hair out or you opt to put a diffuser attachment on it so that your curls can dry quicker, you definitely need to invest in a quality blow dryer — one that will give you the results that you are looking for without zapping every bit of moisture that you need in the process. Speaking of drying your hair, something else that’s a wise purchase is a microfiber towel. It helps to dry your hair faster without damaging it in the process. It also tends to leave enough moisture in your hair that your tresses will end up with far less frizz on days when you’d prefer to let your locks air dry. If you’re looking for a good hair dryer, check out our article, “Top 10 Hair Dryers for Curly Hair”. For tips on how to use one on curly hair, also check out “7 Rules When Using a Blow Dryer on Curly Hair”.

5. Use the products that work best for you

Even with all that you just read, some of this is going to be more like a test run. For instance, if you have low porosity hair, that means it’s more difficult for your hair to retain moisture, so you’ll need to use more humectants. On the other hand, if you have high porosity hair, it means that there are usually “gaps” in your hair cuticle that can make it easy for your tresses to absorb moisture but can also cause you to apply too much water to your hair, if you’re not careful. In this case, you may need to go with anti-humectants more often. Bottom line here is don’t be afraid to do a little experimenting. Once you find what leads to more curls than frizz, you’ll know you’ve found what is great for your hair texture — something that can help you and your locks to handle whatever humidity (or lack of humidity”> that comes your way.

Pictured: @brandirell

I’m not going to even source the article that stated what I’m about to share. For now, let’s just say that when I saw it stated that flat ironing natural hair should keep hair straight for 3-4 weeks, I let out an audible laugh. Maybe if your curl pattern is super loose. Maybe if you don’t live in any humidity. Maybe if you take cold showers, don’t exercise and never sweat a day in your life. If all of these factors come into play, maybe you can go almost a month with a head full of straight hair that hasn’t been chemically processed. For the rest of us, it takes a bit of finessing to keep our tresses from “shrinking back up” once we’ve gotten them flat ironed, blown them out or threaded or banded them.

That’s what we’re going to explore today. Since the spring and autumn season are pretty ideal for wearing straight(er”> hair (because the temperatures tend to be milder”>, here are some ways that you can keep your hair straight, after straightening it, without relying on a ton of heat in order to make that happen.

1. Avoid humidity as much as possible

One of the best ways to keep your hair straight for as long as possible is avoiding humidity as much as you possibly can. This means using shower caps when you’re bathing. Using an umbrella even when it’s nothing more than misty outside. Opting for low-intensity exercises, so that you sweat as little as possible. Trying to stay indoors on the days when the sun is really blazing — basically taking it easy when it comes to anything that would bring more moisture to your locks.

2. Apply anti-humectant products

Just because the spring and fall may be a time when humidity is lower, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any at all (especially when it’s raining outside”>. This is where an anti-humectant products can make your life so much easier. They’re products that are designed to keep your hair from absorbing moisture that is in the air, so that your hair stays straight longer and you don’t have to encounter a ton of frizz. If this is something you’re interested in, our articles, “20 Anti Humectant Products for Spring” and “20 Humidity-Proof Products to Fight Frizz” can help you to find items that will be just right for you and your hair texture.

3. Wrap your hair

Back when I had a relaxer in my hair, one of my favorite things to do was wrap it up at night. Not only did it make for comfortable sleeping (because my hair was super flat”>, but I could wake up, comb the wrap out and my hair would have a lot of body and movement. There are a few other benefits that come from taking this styling approach. Wrapping helps your hair to retain its natural oils. Wrapping keeps your hair from tangling up or losing its “straightened shape”. Wrapping also reduces friction which, in turn, reduces frizz. So, as far as a hair routine that will keep your straightened hair intact when you’re turning in at night or just relaxing at home, wrapping is definitely one of the best ways to go (a few videos that offer up some hacks are located below, here and here“>.

4. Use a bit of oil

When your hair is straight, you want it to have just a little bit of weight, so that your strands remain elongated. One way to do that is to add a bit of oil to your hair, both in the morning as well as before you turn in at night. As far as commercialized brands go, one that is currently getting a lot of praise is GK’s Serum Argan Oil for Hair. If you’d prefer to go with an all-natural carrier oil, sweet almond is both super moisturizing and also pretty light. Whatever you decide to go with, just remember that dry hair leads to frizzy hair and water-based stuff can cause your curl pattern to come right back. That’s why adding about a half palm of oil on a daily basis is your best bet to keeping your hair straighter for longer.

5. And some edge control

If there’s one area that will try and curl up on you before any other area does, it’s going to be your edges. The answer to that is edge control. Personally, I’ve been on a mission to find the best edge control for a while now — mostly one that will hold for a long time without a lot of caking up. A brand that I like a lot is Ebin New York 24 Hour Edge Tamer. It holds really well, there’s hardly any white stuff that “cakes up” and it keeps my edges right where I want to be whether they are straight or curly for hours on end. Literally.

6. Do some roller setting

So, what if you’re about a week into your hair being straight and, while it’s not exactly curly, it’s not “bone straight” anymore either. No worries. A great compromise is to roller set your hair for about another week. It will help your tresses to remain elongated, retain moisture and still give you a straighter look without you having to apply any (more”> heat. We’ve got two articles that can help you out with this too. One is “12 Tips for a Perfect Roller Set on Natural Hair”. Another is “The Right Rollers for Every Hairstyle & Curl Pattern”. You can watch a video tutorial below and here.

 

7. Twist your hair up at night

Our body temperature typically changes throughout the night which means there is a chance that you will sweat in your sleep. This, on top of the friction that can potentially come from moving in your bed for hours at a time, means that it makes perfect sense that you would need to tie your hair up before heading to bed. Not just with a bonnet either. You need to wrap your hair and then put on a silk or satin scarf that will hold your hair securely in place. If you do this, your hair should stay straight for about 10 days — even longer if you apply all of these other tips too.

How many times have you thought about changing the color of your hair, but you’ve been scared because of the damage that hair dye sometimes causes? It’s the kind of dilemma that most of us have been through at one time or another in our lives.

Typically, hair dye damage happens due to one of three things—the dye that’s used has ammonia in it (which can really dry hair out”>, hair is not consistently deep-conditioned after the dye is applied or hair is colored too often, stripping it down to its literal core—well, cortex.

Does this mean you should skip out on changing the color of your hair? If you want to drastically alter your hair color, go with an ammonia-free dye, get a professional to do it and treat your hair like high-maintenance fine silk in between retouches.

However, if you’re not currently looking for anything too extreme—you just want to intensify the color you already have or add some highlights—there are some natural ways to dye your hair at home; these ways won’t only amplify the hue you want but are actually really good for your hair too!

Coffee Beans

Are you a brunette who wants to add more color depth and sheen to your hair? One of the best ways to do that is to add some coffee beans to your tresses. Not only will the caffeine in coffee stimulate your hair follicles and speed up your hair growth, the coffee itself can also heighten the hue of your hair while covering up greys in the process.

Using coffee to color your hair is easy. Simply get some organic ground coffee beans and pour around a half cup into your favorite conditioner. Apply the combo to your hair, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then rinse it out. You should notice a deeper, darker tone to your hair, almost immediately.

Lemon Juice

If you want to gradually lighten your hair without the harshness of the ammonia that’s in commercial dyes, lemon juice is a good alternative. Because the properties in lemon juice are photosensitive, this is a cool thing to try during the summer season when the sun is at its peak.

Putting one cup of freshly-squeezed lemon juice and ¼ cup of distilled water into a spray bottle and spraying on your hair a couple of times a week is one way to gradually lighten your locks. Or, if you want to keep your hair extra-soft while lightening it, add a tablespoon of almond oil and a teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the bottle. It will still lighten your hair (although it might take just a bit longer”> while keeping it moisturized, too.

Herbal Tea

Herbal teas are also a wonderful route to go. If you have dark hair, black tea contains properties that will stimulate hair growth while darkening your tresses. If you have blond hair, chamomile can remove dandruff, provide lots of shine and also give naturally glowing highlights. If you’re a redhead, take your hair to new heights thanks to the zinc, copper, calcium, and potassium that’s in crimson-colored Rooibos tea; it’s the kind of tea that will brighten your red hair and deep condition it too.

For all of these teas, all you need to do is put four tea bags (based on the color results that you want”> into two cups of boiling water. Let it steep for an hour or so. Then add ½ cup of conditioner to the tea, apply it to your hair and leave it on for an hour (or overnight for even more intense results”>. Your hair will look beautiful and feel amazing.

Carrots and Beets

Carrots and beets are both loaded with antioxidants. Your hair needs those in order to fight off free radicals so that it can stay nice and strong. Using the combination of carrots and beets is another great solution if you want to intensify your already red-colored hair or add some soft red highlights to another hue.

This is another natural dye that provides quick results. Mix ½ cup of pure carrot juice and ½ cup of fresh beet juice together. After shampooing your hair, apply the solution on your hair and cover it up with a plastic bag. Either sit out in direct sunlight for an hour or under a dryer (this will accelerate the process”>. Then rinse, condition, rinse again, and style as usual. Your hair will definitely appear redder in color.

Walnuts

When it comes to the overall condition of your hair, walnuts contain plenty of potassium and omega-fatty acids. You need both of these to keep your hair healthy and strong. But if you have brown hair and you want it to appear even darker, walnut shell powder will do it.

Making this is simple. All you need to do is put five tablespoons of shell powder into three cups of boiling water; let it boil for about 15 minutes. Let the powder steep for 3-4 hours. Apply the solution to freshly-washed hair, let it sit for 20 minutes and thoroughly rinse the solution out.

Molasses

What if all you want to do is cover up those random strands of grey that seem to be popping up more and more? The remedy is probably the last thing you would’ve ever considered before, but it’s bBlackstrap Mmolasses to the rescue!

What makes molasses a reliable remedy? A lot of us grey prematurely due to the lack of copper that’s in our system. Blackstrap mMolasses contain approximately 14 percent of the recommended daily allowance. If you make a hair mask that consists of ¼ cup of plain yogurt, two teaspoons of molasses, one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and two drops of rosemary oil and apply it as a deep -conditioner for 30 minutes, it will start to gently cover the grey. (You may need to do this 2-3 times to notice a major difference.”>

As you can see, there are ways to dye your hair that are both affordable and convenient. Give these a try. You may realize that the hair color solution you were looking for was in your kitchen the entire time!

Pictured: @westafricanbaby using the threading method

One of the things that I enjoy most about my hair texture (which is mostly 4a and 4b”> is the versatility that comes with it. I can rock the biggest blow-out ever. I can create some of the cutest ringlets with a wash ‘n go. I can wear braids, twists and cornrows at random. And should the mood ever hit me, I can straighten it out too.

As far as straightening goes, I can’t tell you the last time I’ve used a flat iron or straightening comb. No reason, really — I just haven’t. Well, in my subconscious, the reason may be that since I do blow out my hair about once a month, I don’t want to “push it” by applying even more heat.

If you’re someone with lots of natural curls, you’d like to straighten your hair on occasion, but you want to make sure that you avoid heat damage as much as possible, here are some proven ways to do it, so to that you can get back to your curls without worrying about ruining them.

1. Start with a hair straightening shampoo & conditioner

Did you know there were products that can literally help to make your hair straighter? Take shampoos and conditioners that are marketed as being able to straighten your hair, for example. While that is actually a bit of an oversell, because they typically contain more silicone and polymers than standard shampoos and conditioners do, that means they significantly reduce frizz, so that your hair is able to lay straight better. Word on the street is some of the best straightening shampoos include:

• L’Oreal Professional X-tenso Care Straight Shampoo 250ml & Masque 196g Combo Pack
• TIGI Bed Head Styleshots Extreme Straight Shampoo
• Fanola Smooth Care Straightening Shampoo

As far as conditioners go, these are all wonderfully effective complements to your straightening shampoo: 

• CREAMSILK Triple Keratin Rescue
• AVEDA Smooth Infusion Conditioner
• Acure Organics Simply Smoothing Conditioner

2. Apply a hair mask or straightening serum

After shampooing your hair, something else that can straighten your hair out is applying a hair mask. One of the best things about this option is it can help to deep condition your tresses which is great preparation for any styling products that you may apply later on (especially if any of them have alcohol in them”>. A commercial brand that you may want to give a shot is Natural Formula’s Keratin Repair Hair Mask – Keratin-Infused Anti-Frizz Moisturizing Hair Mask. Or, if you’d prefer to make your own, YouTuber Melissa Denise’s channel has a video that features four different DIY hair masks. 

3. Put your hair into cornrows or Bantu knots on wash day 

Whether you absolutely do not want to use a blow dryer at all or you’d prefer to only do a once-over when your hair has air dried at least 70 percent (or more”>, something else that will help to straighten your hair are cornrows or Bantu knots. One of the things that I like about both of these options is they aren’t only great ways to naturally dry your hair, they both are also really cute if you’d prefer to wear them as a protective style for a couple of days before switching over to a straighter look. That said, if you do only want to use them to dry your hair (so that you can head out to run errands or something in the meantime”>, there is a follow-up hack that can get your hair even straighter aftewards. That’s where my next point comes in.

4. Put your hair into plaits or flat twists when it’s partially dry 

Once your cornrows or knots have gotten your hair to the point where they are mostly dry, then switch over to some hair plaits or flat twists. If you apply an oil like argan, sweet almond or macadamia, not only will they help to deep condition your hair, they’ll also smooth down your cuticles which can also help with the hair straightening process. Speaking of oils, a commercial brand that some people really like is Strength ‘n Silk by Silk Elements Thermal Silk Styler.

5. Blow dry your hair on a cooler setting 

Take it from me — blow dryers aren’t evil. They only become problematic if you’re using the wrong kind, if you’re applying the hottest setting or if you’re using them on a daily basis. As far as the kind of dryer you should invest in, check out our article “Top 10 Hair Dryers for Curly Hair”. As far as how often you should use one, that kinda varies but 1-2 times a month is plenty. As far as the setting, the hottest one is sure to singe your hair (at the very least, your ends”> at some point. That’s why it’s best to let your hair air dry as much as possible, to apply a thermal heat protectant and then to go with a low or even cool setting. It may take longer for your hair to dry but at least you know that you significantly decreased your chances of damaging your hair if you opt to go this route.

6. Thread your hair 

Another method that can help to straighten your hair without applying any heat is called African threading. It’s when you take sections of your hair (preferably mildly damp and detangled”> and then wrap it from root to tip with some thread until it’s completely dry. While some people use regular thread, if you want to make sure that you decrease the chances of damaging your hair cuticles, you may want to go with rubber thread or even some leather wax thread. It’s a great way to stretch and straighten your hair without a ton of manipulation (which makes it a good length retention option too!”>. Tips on how to thread your hair can be found below, as well as here and here. You can fluff your hair out and give it a blow-out look after threading.

7. Band your hair 

To tell you the truth, there’s not a huge difference between banding and threading other than technique and tools. With banding, instead of wrapping thread all the way down your hair (which can take a considerable amount of time, although the end results are still worth it!”>, you section your hair into ponytails (how ever big or small you’d like”> and then strategically place hair ties all the way down your hair. Personally, I think banding is good for it if you don’t want your hair “really straight” but you just want to stretch it out some for extra volume.

8. Use some Curlformers 

If you want to straighten out your hair but you’d prefer the end result to look like a roller set, Curlformers can certainly make that happen! So, what makes them different than other hair rollers? For starters, they’re easy to put in, they’re designed to give natural hair curls without applying heat and — perhaps the best thing of all — they are really comfortable to sleep in! If you’d like to give this semi-straightening method a shot, the video below, this video and this video can all help you to learn how to properly install them and remove them, so that you can get the best results possible. Curlformers are definitely one of the best non-heat styling ways to go. No doubt about it!

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If there’s one thing that we curly girls seem to battle with on a regular basis, it’s combating frizz — you know, those hairs that seem to go their own direction instead of conforming to the curls that we have or the hairs that would rather do their own thing than lie flat like we want them to. If you’ve ever wondered what causes frizz to literally rear its ugly head, the leading factors are humidity, hair damage and a lack of moisture.

That’s what’s so cool about today’s topic because the following essential (and carrier”> oils that we are about to discuss have an uncanny way of tackling all three of these issues so that your hair is healthy, your cuticles are smooth and frizz is literally a thing of the past. How awesome is that?

What makes it a great oil for reducing frizz?

Not only can oil deeply penetrate your hair shaft, it contains properties that will repair your hair follicles and make your hair more manageable, so that it doesn’t become frizzy during the styling process.

Essential Oils for Reducing Frizz

Although some essential oils are fine to apply directly out of the bottle, for the most part, it’s a wise rule of thumb to add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil to a carrier oil. Not only will this reduce the chances of any essential oil irritating your skin or scalp, but you can keep those tiny bottles of oil around longer — plus, you can benefit from what various carrier oils have to offer.

1. Lavender Oil

When it comes to essential oils that are great for your hair, a leading one is definitely lavender oil. Although it has a pretty delicate floral scent, the properties in it are actually super potent. So potent, in fact, that lavender has been scientifically proven to encourage the growth of hair that is longer and thicker. Not only that but because this is the kind of oil that falls into the “antimicrobial” category, it helps to fight off scalp infections and dandruff. Lavender oil is also good for decreasing scalp inflammation.

What makes it a top oil as far as frizz is concerned is the fact that lavender oil also helps to seal moisture into your cuticles. This means that your tresses are able to remain hydrated longer. Plus, since its scent cultivates a calming sense, lavender oil can literally benefit you from head to toe, day and night.

2. Rosehip Seed Oil

This is the kind of oil that comes from the wild rose bush. It’s great because it’s loaded with antioxidants and also Vitamin F. Vitamin F is especially good for your skin and hair because it’s the kind of nutrient that literally traps in moisture and helps to protect you from environmental damage. As for your hair, specifically, rosehip seed is effective because it contains fatty acids that can also protect your hair from UV damage and it contains Vitamin E which helps to deep condition your hair. Also, if you’re prone to getting a lot of split ends, applying this oil to your hair before styling with heat can help to reduce those as well.

The combination of these nutrients is what makes rosehip seed oil so great at taming frizz. So, if you’re looking for an oil that will soften your hair, maintain moisture and heal your scalp in the process, rosehip seed is totally a top contender.

3. Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil comes from the chamomile plant. When it comes to what it can do for you holistically, it’s got quite the reputation for reducing anxiety. So, what makes it so good as it relates to your hair? It provides a great amount of moisture. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce dandruff and scalp irritation. Chamomile oil also has a great reputation when it comes to naturally lightening your hair (with less drying”>, adding sheen and preventing hair loss.

Since it is so effective when it comes to moisturizing your hair, that’s what makes chamomile a leading oil at reducing frizz while making your hair more manageable in the process; especially if color-treated or grey hairs are what seem to be giving you the most problems.

4. Sandalwood Oil

If you’re looking for a new essential oil to wear, you can’t go wrong with sandalwood oil. It’s got a floral scent that is more “sexy” than “dainty” (if that makes sense”>. Hair-wise, it’s the kind of oil that contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that fight off scalp inflammation and dandruff. It also contains ingredients that can promote hair growth (if you’ve recently experienced hair loss”>. And, if you’re looking for some extra sheen without your hair looking oily or greasy, sandalwood can certainly help in that department too.

Since it’s the kind of oil that can bring relief to dry hair in a way that many other oils cannot, that’s what makes it so effective when it comes to eliminating frizz.

5. Rosemary Oil

If someone were to offer me a few bucks to sing the praises of rosemary oil on a commercial, I would do it without hesitating! When it comes to an oil that has slowed down the aging of my skin and the greying of my hair, it is completely unmatched (it’s also really affordable”>. Some other ways that it benefits my hair is rosemary improves blood circulation (so that my hair follicles are able to receive nutrients faster”> and, when I use it as the base oil for a scalp massage, it helps to reduce my chances of hair loss.

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My Favorite Carrier Oils

Here are my personal top three carrier oils that you can blend the essential oils above with.

Sweet Almond Oil

If you’re looking for the kind of oil that will immediately make your hair feel softer in texture without leaving a heavy residue behind, sweet almond oil is perfect for you. Thanks to the high amount of Vitamin E that’s in it, sweet almond oil can also soothe your scalp, strengthen your hair and reduce the amount of breakage that your tresses can experience from lots of heat and styling manipulation.

Grapeseed Oil

Another oil that is loaded with Vitamin E is grapeseed oil. Something else that Vitamin E does is fight off free radicals (things that can damage your hair over time”>. Another nutrient that this oil contains is linolenic acid and flavonoids. The first strengthens your strands while the second is an antioxidant that helps to rejuvenate hair follicles.

Jojoba Oil

This oil is awesome. For starters, it’s rich in vitamins B, C, E, copper (which can slow down premature greying”> and zinc. The combination deeply moisturizes your locks, decreases dry scalp, increases hair thickness and, if your hair is color-treated, it can extend the life cycle of your color too. Just what you need if you want a lot less frizz and a lot more curl!

Photo by Rameez Remy on Unsplash

I don’t know about y’all but one of my favorite things about wash day is how wonderful my hair ends up smelling right after I shampoo, condition and towel-dry it. I liken it to laundry day when I get into the bed after washing my bedding in Gain (whew, that scent lasts a long time!”>. In fact, I’m such a big fan of hair smelling great for as long as possible that I decided I would share a few hacks for how you can keep your own tresses in the scent that you adore the most for well past one or two days — how you can kinda-sorta-literally “Febreze your hair.”

Hack one, make sure that you go easy on the heat because what a lot of people don’t realize is blow dryers and flat irons can play a role in tresses not smelling as fresh as they should (ever smelled burnt hair? Exactly”>. The other tips? You’ll see they are all are easy, affordable and things that will make you think, “Where have you been all of my life?”

So, are you ready for your hair to smell as good as it looks? If so, I’ve totally got you.

1. Exfoliate your scalp

I promise that if there’s one thing that not enough people do yet they absolutely should, it’s exfoliate their scalp. Not only does it remove dead skin cells and help to relieve dandruff, it also removes product build-up and balances out sebum. And just what does all of this have to do with helping your hair to smell better? Well, think about it. When there is a lot of “gunk” on your scalp, that definitely can play a role in your hair not smelling as clean as you want it to. So, on your wash days, before you shampoo your tresses, start off with exfoliating your scalp. You can check out our article, “Don’t Scratch, Scrub: 5 Scalp Scrub Recipes” for DIY exfoliant recipes that will have it feeling great and smelling fresh in no time.

2. Use rosewater on wash days

Another unsung hero when it comes to, not just how your hair can smell, but how it can feel as well is rosewater. Rosewater is great at moisturizing your hair, reducing frizz, adding shine, fighting dandruff and soothing an irritated scalp. A way to make the scent of rosewater last longer is to rinse your hair with warm water, saturate it with rosewater and then let it sit for about 30-45 minutes before washing it out with a mild shampoo. Not only will your hair feel divine, it will carry the gentle scent of roses for days longer than when you “rinsed” with it.

3. Add oil to your leave-in

Put some jasmine, lavender or orange oil into your leave-in conditioner. Honestly, you could put pretty much any essential oil that you wanted into your leave-in conditioner to get the scent that you desire. The reason why I recommend jasmine, lavender or orange oil is because, not only do they smell pretty incredible, they provide some solid hair benefits too. Jasmine (a sweet floral scent that contains antimicrobial properties”> is great at strengthening your hair, taming frizz and preventing dry scalp. Lavender (which has a bit of a woodsy floral smell”> promotes hair growth, reduces the chances of scalp infections and helps to stimulate hair follicles. Orange oil is wonderful because it helps to eliminate dandruff, adds Vitamin C to your strands (which leads to collagen production which leads to hair elasticity”> and it can help to prevent hair loss over time. One of the best ways to get these benefits — along with the scent of these oils — is to put 10-15 drops of them into your leave-in conditioner. You’ll be sure to get compliments everywhere that you go if you do.

4. Apply essential oils directly to your hair

Speaking of essential oils, another “quick hack” is to simply pour a little bit of your favorite-smelling one into the palm of one hand, rub your hands together and then run your hands over your hair. I do this at least a couple of times a week and the scent definitely lasts for the entire day.

5. Soak your styling tools in some “smell goods”

This is one of those tips that’s definitely going to make you be like, “Now that makes total sense, come to think of it”. The reason why I say this is because, if there’s one thing that can make your hair smell all kinds of stale, it’s not washing your combs and brushes as much as you should (so definitely make sure that you do that, no less than once a month”>. And, if there’s something that can help them to smell really good, along with your hair, is to soak them in one of your favorite fragrances. Just clean them like you normally would. Then, after thoroughly rinsing them out, pour some warm water into your basin and then pour a few drops of your favorite perfume, cologne or essential oil and let your combs and brushes soak for 20 minutes or so. Then dry them and use them like you normally would. Just make sure that you don’t do this to wooden styling tools. Soaking them in water can damage them over time.

6. DIY a hair mist

A real game-changer for hair is making your own hair mist; mostly because you can control what goes in it and it’s a portable way to freshen your hair whenever you want to. By putting ¼ cup of distilled water, a teaspoon of glycerin (it’s a humectant”>, a teaspoon of pumpkin seed oil (it helps to stimulate hair growth”> and then 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil (sandalwood, patchouli, vanilla, peppermint, cinnamon, bergamot and ylang ylang all smell pretty darn delightful”>, not only will your hair smell unbelievably amazing with a couple of spritzes, you’ll be doing your part to keep your hair soft and manageable throughout the day as well.

7. Spray your pillowcases and hair wraps

Bedding needs to be changed once a week. A part of the reason why is because we actually shed a whopping 30,000-40,000 dead skin cells, per minute, on a daily basis. Since most of us are lying in our beds for somewhere between 5-9 hours a night, it would make sense to add some fragrance to your pillowcases, bonnets and scarves too, right? It can help to lull you to sleep and give your hair hours to soak up the fragrance of your choice. It’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to “Febreze your hair” by far.

Enjoy! (I know the people around you will!”>

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Welp. If there’s a fact of life that is pretty unavoidable, it’s the reality that, at some point in your life, you will end up with a head full of gray hair. In fact, many studies indicate that once you reach the age of 30, the chances of more gray coming in increases by 10-20 percent for every decade. 

once you reach the age of 30, the chances of more gray coming in increases by 10-20 percent for every decade

What causes gray hair?

The long short of it is, as we get older, the pigment cells that give us our natural hair color begin to die; when that happens — yep, you guessed it, gray hair.

While things like having a Vitamin B12 deficiency, being stressed out and definitely genetics can all play a role in premature graying, there comes a time in all of our lives when either we commit to constantly dyeing our hair (which comes with its own set of health risks“> or making peace with the natural progression of grayness.

If you are considering transitioning to color-free gray hair, here are some tips on how to make the transition so much easier on you.

How to Transition to Gray Hair

Use products that are specifically made for gray hair

First up, one of the best ways to bring out the best in your gray strands is to be intentional about using products that are designed to bring out the best in that particular hue. For instance, shampoos that are branded as a “purple shampoo” is ideal because they help to neutralize the brassiness that can sometimes come with having gray tresses. For example, a really popular brand is OGX’s Blonde Enhance + Purple Toning Shampoo. If organic is the way you’d prefer to go, another great option is Ethical Brand’s Organic Berry Blonde Shampoo.

Apply a leave-in conditioner

I’ve got a few gray hairs running around on my head and something that I’ve noticed is they are a bit more “rebellious” than my other hair. This is the case because gray hair tends to be much drier. That’s why it’s important to apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair. Oh, and if you’re someone who likes to seal your hair on wash days, try and give apricot oil a shot. It’s loaded with omega-3 and 9 fatty acids along with Vitamin E which can help to make your gray hair super soft.

Stay away from mineral oil

Speaking of oils, one that is not the best for your hair, no matter what hue, is mineral oil. Not only is it so heavy that it weighs your hair down, it can also cause lots of build-up and even make your hair pretty stiff over time. As far as gray hair goes, because it needs to absorb as much moisture as possible, you want to avoid anything that will prevent your cuticles from being penetrated with the moisture that it needs. On the top of the list, that would be mineral oil, so make sure that you avoid any product that contains it at all costs.

Consider taking the highlight approach

One of the best hacks for easing into having a head full of gray hair is to add some highlights to your hair. It’s a great way to blend your grays into the rest of your locks; especially if you’ve got grays that are “chunky” (several in one place”> instead of evenly dispersed throughout your hair. A bonus to taking this route is it can also give your hair the appearance of having more volume. Yep, highlights can be a win/win on a lot of levels.

Get some layers

“Flat hair” can age you, no matter what color your hair may be. That said, something that can make it look more youthful is to get your hair professionally cut into layers. It doesn’t have to be anything super dramatic — just a look that will give your hair more flow and movement (grays included”>.

Eat more copper (to slow down graying”>

Copper helps to slow down the graying process because it helps to boost melanin and collagen levels in your system. Foods that are high in copper include dark chocolate, dark leafy greens, shiitake mushrooms, almonds and cashews and liver.

Try a couple of essential oils too

While we’re on the topic of slowing down the graying process the natural way, there are some essential oils that can work in your favor too. One is tea tree oil (it’s antiseptic properties help to keep your hair follicles really healthy”>. Another is orange essential oil thanks to the Vitamin C in it that also strengthens your hair follicles in the process.

Stop plucking so much

When it comes to this final point, please believe that I’m preaching to the choir when I say that you should stop plucking out your gray strands. For one thing, it’s not going to stop your gray hair from coming back. However, what it can do is damage your follicles to the point where no hair comes back at all — and trust me, it’s better to adjust to having gray hair than to having no hair at all. I believe you totally get where I’m coming from with this too, y’all.

Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash

When I’m not sitting in front of a laptop (which is a lot”>, something else that I do is provide birthing assistance; in other words, I’m a doula. And when I’m working in this lane, something that I try and prepare mothers for (especially when they are either trying to conceive or within the first trimester of their pregnancy”> is the changes that their body will go through — this includes when it comes to their hair.

How does pregnancy affect hair?

You know, it really is unpredictable, what can happen to your locks during this stage of your life because, while some pregnant women end up seeing their hair looking longer and fuller than ever before, others experience a vast amount of shedding and thinning. Why? Because when your hormones are kind all over the place, one of the areas where you’re going to see proof of this is on top of your head.

That’s why, if you happen to be someone who is considering getting pregnant in the upcoming weeks or months or you currently are and you’re wondering what you can specifically do to keep your hair in great condition, here are some tips that can help to give you the results that you are looking for.

1. Take prenatal vitamins beforehand

At the end of the day, prenatal vitamins are kind of like vitamins on steroids because they contain an extra dose of what your system needs when you’re carrying a baby. While some women take them, even when they aren’t pregnant (or trying to get pregnant”>, that isn’t always the best idea because the extra doses could prove to do more harm than good over time. However, if you are trying to conceive, the extra choline, folic acid and Vitamin D (more on that in a sec”> that you need in order to boost your fertility and make your pregnancy easier are definitely in most prenatal vitamins. This means taking them (even a year before getting pregnant”> can certainly work in your favor — not just when it comes to your health but the condition of your hair too because as your body is taking in extra nutrients to protect your pregnancy, the prenatals will prevent your hair from being zapped of what it so desperately needs to thrive.

2. Up your Vitamin D intake

Here’s the thing about Vitamin D — somewhere around 42 percent of our population is deficient. This is pretty problematic because when you don’t have enough of this nutrient in your system, it can result in muscle weakness, bone discomfort, extreme fatigue and depression. That’s why it’s really important to get sun exposure, to eat foods like salmon, egg yolks and mushrooms and to consider taking a Vitamin D supplement. This is even more imperative when you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant because a lack of this vitamin can result in developmental challenges (while in the womb”> for your child or a bout of preeclampsia (high blood pressure that can occur around the 20th week of your pregnancy”>. As far as your hair goes, Vitamin D deficiencies are directly linked to alopecia and, because the nutrient is attributed to building strong hair follicles, a lack of it in your system could ultimately lead to lots of shedding . As far as how much you should take, this is a somewhat debatable topic, so make sure to consult with your doctor first.

3. Eat foods that will keep your hormones balanced

In order to conceive, your hormones are going to need to be balanced. Then, after getting pregnant, you’re going to need to be intentional about making sure that your progesterone levels aren’t low. Drinking lots of water, eating foods that are high in protein (like meat, beans, almonds, Greek yogurt and lentils”>, consuming cruciferous veggies (like broccoli and cauliflower”> and taking a probiotic can definitely help you on the balancing front. As far as your progesterone levels go, foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as chia seeds, Brussels sprouts, avocados and navy beans”> can raise these levels in an all-natural way. And since omega-3s can get nutrients to your hair follicles, moisturize your hair strands and reduce scalp inflammation, they are definitely beneficial when it comes to maintaining healthy hair — before, during and after your pregnancy.

4. Give yourself consistent oil-based scalp massages

Aside from the fact that scalp massages are proven to reduce stress levels (which is always helpful when you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant”>, they are really good for your hair as well. Because they’re able to literally stretch out the cells of your hair follicles, scalp massages are an effective way to thicken your hair over time, if thinning is something that you’re concerned about. And, if you apply a little oil to your fingertips, sweet almond can strengthen your hair, avocado can stimulate blood circulation to your scalp and sesame is wonderful when it comes to soothing your scalp and moisturizing your hair, so that you can reduce your chances of ending up with split ends.

5. Drink lots (and lots”> of water

When you’re trying to get pregnant, you definitely need to up your intake of water because dehydration can throw your cycles off (which makes it more challenging to get pregnant”>, reduce the amount of cervical mucus that you produce (which makes it difficult for sperm to get transported to your fallopian tubes”> and for cell division to transpire once the sperm does reach your egg. And your hair? Not only can a lack of water hinder your hair growth, it can cause it to become dry and brittle which can ultimately lead to breakage. So, if you’re serious about getting pregnant (and carrying a child to term”>, water should definitely become one of your absolute best friends. Hands down.

6. Let the chemicals go

Here’s the thing about this particular point — there are impassioned opinions, on both sides of the fence, about whether or not chemical-based hair treatments like relaxers and permanent dyes are good or bad for you during your pregnancy. As a doula, my two cents would be to err on the side of caution and go without them. If the thought of that totally freaks you out, look at the months leading into preparing to get pregnant and then seeing a positive sign on your pregnancy test as a time to get a protective style, to wear blow-outs, to flat iron your hair and/or, as color goes, to experiment with a semi-permanent dye or to try some henna or color wax. That said, if you absolutely MUST, at least try and ride the first trimester out. Because it is such a fragile time for anyone’s pregnancy, you want to make sure that you don’t take any unnecessary risks during that time.

7. Get more rest

Finally, get more rest. The reason why is because, when you are sleep-deprived, it can reduce your levels of progesterone, estrogen, Leptin, and Follicle-Stimulating Hormones (FSH”> — and you need all of these in order to conceive. Plus, a lack of rest/sleep can cause your melatonin levels to tank which can cause your cortisol (natural stress hormone”> levels to rise and that can ultimately cause hair loss as well. So, for the sake of your baby and your locks, no less than 7-8 hours, consistently so, is wise. This point is guaranteed. Happy baby-making!

Alcohol Affects Your Hair” alt=”Have You Ever Wondered How (Drinking”> Alcohol Affects Your Hair” src=”https://images.ctfassets.net/naq2t3kc7ito/4oxzEReB45yD63U6G4j3SK/ab8b1be0290828d0b74b0013559e5050/wine-700.jpg”>

Photo by AESOP. Wines© on Unsplash

Today, I’m going to share with you how consuming alcohol can affect your hair — and not in a good way. Now before I get into the “downsides” of alcohol when it comes to your tresses, I think it should go on record that consuming it moderately does have some perks. There are studies to support that drinking alcohol can help reduce stress, boost your libido, decrease the chances of cognitive decline, prevent kidney stones and help to fend of heart disease too.

What does “moderate consumption” consist of?

Good question. Many health experts say that men who drink two glasses and women who drink one, on a daily basis, are typically just fine. However, when it comes to hair health, if you happen to be someone to partakes of more than this or, you’re currently on a mission to grow out your hair and you’re noticing that you’re experiencing a few challenges, I’ve got some solid (and proven”> reasons behind why alcohol may be doing you more harm than good — as it directly relates to you reaching your hair goals in the long run.

1. Alcohol Can Increase Your Blood Sugar Levels

While drinks like rum, gin, whiskey and vodka do not have any sugar added to them, wine contains its fair share (about a gram per serving”>. Not only that but alcohol also contains ethanol; this is a type of alcohol that is made from grains and fruits which have sugars in them. This is why it makes sense that drinking alcohol could cause your blood sugar levels to rise. This isn’t a good thing because having high blood sugar levels can ultimately lead to heart disease, strokes, nerve problems, vision issues, type 2 diabetes and yes, hair loss.

2. Alcohol Affects Your Sleep Patterns

While some of you might want to give me some pushback on this one, hear me out first. Yes, like most people (I would think”>, I have had moments when, an hour or so after having a drink, I am ready to turn in and call it a night (even if it’s daytime”>. Still, peep that I didn’t say that alcohol won’t make you drowsy; I say that it could affect your sleep patterns. And here’s the thing — the reality is, because alcohol has the ability to alter your quality of rest; and sleep-deprivation can increase your stress levels and that can lead to hair dryness, hair breakage and hair loss. Not only should you not rely on alcohol to help you fall asleep, you should always keep in mind that anything that shifts your sleep schedule can ultimately be pretty bad for your hair too.

3. Alcohol Drains Hair of Nutrients

Your hair isn’t going to be healthy if it doesn’t have any nutrients in it and something that alcohol does is hinder vitamins and minerals from being properly absorbed into your system. In fact, according to some studies, alcohol has the ability to cause deficiencies as it directly relates to vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K.

 

4. Alcohol Can Throw Off Your Thyroid

The main purpose of your thyroid is it helps to properly regulate your metabolism. This is important because your metabolism is responsible for turning food into energy. That said, something that alcohol has a tendency of doing is throwing your thyroid off. This is problematic because when your metabolism isn’t working as it should, that can lead to massive hair shedding and even long-term hair loss.

5. Alcohol Can Shift Your Estrogen

While this particular point can affect all women, it’s actually something that postmenopausal ones should be the most concerned about. The reason why I say that is because, something else that alcohol consumption is able to do, is kick up your estrogen levels. This isn’t good because high levels of this natural hormone can lead to fatigue, weight gain, fertility issues and irregular periods (if you haven’t gone through menopause yet”> and yes, you guessed it, hair loss.

 

6. Alcohol Dehydrates You

One more. Something that you may or may not know is alcohol is considered to be a diuretic; this means that it actually removes fluids from your system. There is absolutely no way that your hair is going to be healthy if you are dehydrated. So, if you must have more than an occasional drink, please make sure to drink a cup of water for every serving of alcohol. Your hair will be thankful. The rest of your health will be as well.

Photo by Neha Deshmukh on Unsplash

Did you know curlies and naturals are using okra to condition, define, and even detangle their hair? When you stop and think about it, okra is a little slimy, and curly girls love their slip.

Out of all of the veggies that are out here, I’m not sure if there’s one that gets more extreme responses and reactions than okra. Either people truly love it or they absolutely hate it. Then, if they do like it, there’s the debate about whether it’s better boiled, fried or merely something that should be added to dishes like gumbo and Mediterranean-style meals.

Personally, I can go my entire life without having anymore okra (my great-grandmother used to make me eat it when I would visit her during the summer when I was a child”>; however, I can’t knock the fact that it’s beneficial when it comes to being full of fiber, antioxidants, protein, vitamins C and K. Plus, okra is also great because it contains anti-cancer properties, helps to lower heart disease risks and, thanks to the folate that is also in it, okra can help pregnant women to remain in healthy until they give birth too.

For all of these reasons and more, I thought it would be a good idea to share that, even if you’re like me and you aren’t exactly thrilled about the thought of eating okra, you should at least consider using it for your hair. Because anything that could be that valuable to your insides, it has got to be beneficial to your outer beauty too. Right? Exactly.

5 Reasons Why Okra Is Great for Curly Hair

When you think about the fact that okra is readily accessible (and affordable”> in grocery stores and — as you’re about to see in a bit — it’s pretty easy to create your own DIY hair-related recipes, how could you not want to give it a shot?

1. Okra is loaded with nutrients

If okra isn’t a part of your diet, here are a few reasons to try it. As far as your hair goes, antioxidants are good for it because they help to fight off free radicals. Vitamin C is good for your hair because it helps it to produce more collagen which increases elasticity and reduces hair loss. Two other nutrients in okra are magnesium and iron. Magnesium works to dissolve calcium deposits that can occur from hard water. Iron helps to increase blood circulation, so that your hair follicles are able to receive the vitamins and minerals that they need. 

2. Okra is a profound moisturizer

It can never be said enough that something hair needs in order to thrive is moisture. Since okra is made up of close to 93 percent water, that along with the protein that’s in it, can serve as a great addition to any conditioner or hair mask that you decide to make at home. No doubt about it.

3. Okra helps to keep your scalp healthy

Your scalp is the foundation of your hair so, of course, it needs to be well taken care of; this is just one more way that okra is super useful. Because it is indeed so nutrient-rich, applying this vegetable to your scalp can help to reduce itchiness and irritation which is always a good thing.

4. Okra provides more “slip”

Something that I really like is when my hair has “slip” to it which basically means that it feels really smooth and sleek after applying a particular product. That said, it shouldn’t be surprising at all that okra is able to give your hair slip since its texture is kind of on the slimy side. Hey, that might not seem super appealing to your palate but when it comes to giving your hair manageability and sheen, trust me when I say that your tresses will be all for you introducing some okra to it!

5. Okra defines curls naturally

Between the conditioning properties and slip that okra provides, it’s definitely something that can help to give your curls a good amount of definition. And honestly, how awesome is that when you stop to think about the fact that there are things in Mother Nature that can give you what commercial brands do, only without all of the harsh chemicals and high price tag?

Easy DIY Okra Hair Recipes to Try ASAP

OK, so now that you know some of the ways that okra can help your hair to flourish, here are some really easy-to-make recipes that I definitely recommend that you try on your next wash day.

DIY Okra Hair Conditioner

Healthy hair needs deep conditioning and, as you’ve already read, okra can give your tresses just that. Add some grapeseed oil to it to add loads of antioxidants and rosemary oil to increase blood circulation, slow down premature greying and soothe dry scalp — and you’ll be all set.

Ingredients

• 5 Pieces of Okra
• ¼ Cup of Grapeseed Oil
• 10 Drops of Rosemary Essential Oil

Directions

Slice open the okra and try to remove as many seeds as possible. Then cut it into small pieces and put them into a pot of water that has 1 ½ cups of water in it. Bring everything to a boil and let the okra cool. Once it turns into a gel-like consistency, add the other ingredients and store them in a glass jar. Use immediately and keep the rest in a cool dark place. Also, feel free to add lavender or some other essential oil if you want to create a delightful scent.

By the way, YouTuber Adedè also has a video – and recipe – if you’ve got thin hair and you’re looking for a homemade okra hair conditioner that can give your locks more volume. Feel free to check it out here.

DIY Okra Hair Mask

If there’s ever a time when your hair feels like it needs some extra moisture added to it, you can never go wrong with a hair mask. This one is awesome because not only are you able to get the properties of okra but the benefit of bananas (it adds shine and improves hair elasticity”>, coconut milk (it’s loaded with protein, lauric acid which is a fatty acid and B vitamins”> and manuka honey (it seals in moisture”>.

Ingredients

• 3 Pieces of Okra
• Half a Banana
• 1/8 Cup of Coconut Milk
• 1 Tablespoon of Manuka Honey

Directions

Cut the okra into pieces and put them into 1 ½ cup of water. Bring them to a boil. Strain the okra with a cheesecloth and allow the gel to cool before adding the other ingredients. Put everything into a mason jar and use immediately. If there is anything remaining, store it in the refrigerator. You should be able to get one more use out of it.

DIY Okra Hair Gel

When it comes to achieving the slip and definition that I was talking about, you can’t go wrong with okra hair gel; especially if you add some Aloe vera gel to it. The recipe is super easy too.

Ingredients

• 5-7 Pieces of Okra
• ¼ Cup of 100 Pure Aloe Vera Gel
• Your Favorite Essential Oil Scent

Directions

Slice your okra into horizontal pieces. Put the pieces into a pot that contains 8-10 ounces of water and boil the okra until it turns into a gel-like consistency. Allow the gel to cool and add the Aloe vera (it helps to condition your hair, prevent UV damage and relieve scalp irritation, plus it also has a gel consistency to it”>. Then put in 7-10 drops of your favorite essential oil in order to mask the scent of the okra. Some of the best ones are lavender (it de-stresses you”>, jasmine (it moisturizes your hair and scalp”> and citrus (it has antiseptic properties in it that keeps your scalp healthy”>. Then store it in a glass jar. Then use it like you would any other kind of hair gel and watch how amazing okra gel looks and feels on your curls!

Have you ever tried using okra