Search Results: Shellie Reneé

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When it comes to taking care of your scalp (the “foundation” of your hair”>, if there’s one thing that I think is imperative that we all do, it’s learning the differences between what it means to have a dry scalp, dandruff and — whew — a scalp yeast infection. When it comes to dry scalp vs. dandruff, although both are prone to having issues like flakiness and itchiness, dandruff also often results in an oily buildup caused by a fungus called Malassezia. And, unlike doing things like steaming your hair, sleeping with a humidifier and even oiling your scalp (with a little oil like jojoba or grapeseed”> to ease a dry scalp, dandruff often requires the treatment of a dandruff shampoo, scalp exfoliation, tea tree oil applications, eating less sugar (Malassezia loves carbs”> and even seeing your doctor.

And what about a yeast infection on your scalp? How in the world do you heal it? That’s what we’re going to tackle over the next few minutes. Because while the mere thought of having a scalp yeast infection might sound semi-terrifying, it’s not as uncommon as you might think and there are some proven and effective ways to treat it.

How in the world do you end up with a scalp yeast infection?

So, let’s start here. Because it’s been reported that over 75 percent of women will get at least one yeast infection over the course of their life and eight percent will even end up with four a year, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve had a yeast infection before. And, as you may already know, they happen as the result of when the natural yeast (which is a fungus; generally, it’s one called Candida”> that is on our skin ends up growing out of control. Although it oftentimes happens in warm and moist areas (like our vagina, underneath our breasts and in the folds of our underarms; especially if an all-natural deodorant is used”>, yeast infections can show up, just about anywhere.

What causes a scalp yeast infection?

When it comes to your scalp, specifically, some of the things that can trigger this type of infection include medications, stress, harsh chemicals, living in a warm climate and a diet that consists of more sugar and carbs than anything else. Interestingly enough, health issues like diabetes and even taking antibiotics to get over an ailment can lead to this kind of a yeast infection too.

How do you know if you have a scalp yeast infection?

Some telltale signs of a yeast infection on your scalp include soft and white moist areas, crust on your scalp or around your hairline, greasy scales on your scalp and red or purple patches — not to mention the same incessant itching or irritation that typically occurs when you have a yeast infection anywhere else.

Schedule a doctor’s appointment

If you’ve had a vaginal yeast infection before, you probably recall being advised to see a doctor the first time it occurred, just to make sure that you had one. That’s because everything from an allergy to Bacterial Vaginosis to STDs like trichomoniasis, herpes and genital warts to even just your pH being thrown off (due to a shift in your hormones”> can all “mimic” signs of a yeast infection and it makes no sense to try and treat it yourself without knowing, for sure, that you have one. Same thing applies to a scalp yeast infection. There is no way to be certain what is going on without setting a doctor’s appointment (even if it’s at a local clinic”>, so that they can inspect your scalp and even send off for lab tests, if that’s what’s required.

How do you treat a scalp yeast infection?

If they do end up confirming that a yeast infection is what’s going on, there are a few different approaches that they might recommend. First, it’s not uncommon that they will prescribe you with the same antibiotic that you would take for a vaginal yeast infection (which is Diflucan”>.

Second, they might suggest that you use a prescription strength antifungal shampoo that oftentimes contains somewhere around two percent ketoconazole or they might opt for a corticosteroid shampoo instead. If you want to add to these some home remedies, massaging your scalp with a mixture of organic coconut oil (which has powerful antifungal properties”> and a few drops of either tea tree oil (it’s got potent antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties”> or lavender oil (it helps to kill yeast and soothe your scalp”> or rinsing your scalp with a half distilled water and half apple cider vinegar (it reduces inflammation”> rinse is pretty effective too.

How long does it take to clear up a scalp yeast infection?

While the symptoms should start to subside within a couple of days, it could take up to 2-8 weeks for the infection to clear up completely.

How can you prevent them in the future?

Remember how I said in the intro that it’s quite possible to have recurring yeast infections? I can attest to this because I have a fungal sensitivity (one that sometimes causes me to have recurrent yeast infections”>. That’s why it’s important to be proactive about keeping the yeast that is on your skin and in your system under control. Aside from consuming sugar and carbs in moderation, as it relates to your scalp specifically, there are a few other things that you can (and should”> do:

• Shampoo your scalp on a bi-weekly basis
• Exfoliate your scalp on wash days
• Be intentional about avoiding product buildup
• If you wear wigs, let your scalp breathe at night (to keep your scalp from getting too moist”>
• Take breaks from protective styles
• Don’t constantly cover your head with hats, hoods, etc
• Massage your scalp with antifungal essential oils (like peppermint, lemongrass and clove”> once a week
• Take a daily probiotic (to keep “good bacteria” in your system”>
• Drink lots of water
• Keep your stress levels down

There is nothing pleasant about a yeast infection, I don’t care where it is on your body. But now that you know more about scalp yeast infections, hopefully you know how to tell the difference between it and a dry scalp or dandruff, how to treat it and, most importantly, how to prevent it.

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Photo: Unsplash

There is no way around the fact that it is super important to shampoo your hair. Not only does it help to remove dead skin cells, debris and product buildup, it can also get rid of odors that things like sweat can cause while helping to unclog your hair follicles, so that your tresses are able to truly thrive. While there are a ton of shampoo brands on the market, something that I’ve personally become a big fan of is homemade shampoos; either I will make them myself or I will purchase shampoo bars from merchants who make them. And you know what? My hair and scalp have only become so much healthier as a direct result.

Why? That’s actually what I’m about to share with you in this article. Whether you opt to wash your hair weekly or bi-weekly, here are six pretty good reasons why you definitely should at least consider making some shampoo yourself along with five recipes for you to test out (trust me, it’s not as hard to do as you might think”>.

The benefits of a DIY shampoo

1. You Know Exactly What’s in It

Although companies are legally obligated to share the ingredients that are in their products, let’s be honest — a lot of us don’t even think to read the labels, even though we should. When it comes to shampoo specifically, there are oftentimes all kinds of things in them that aren’t good for our overall health and well-being. Things like what? Parabens (they stop bacteria from growing in products yet also mimic estrogen in your system”>; sulfates (they provide lather and also create mutagenic properties which can literally alter your DNA sequence”>; sodium chloride (it makes shampoo thicker and can also lead to hair loss over time”>; alcohol (it can dry your hair out”> and synthetic fragrances (they can irritate your scalp”> — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

Making your own shampoo means that you’re in control of what goes into it. And when you have that kind of personal assurance, you don’t have to worry about putting things onto your scalp and in your hair that could prove to be detrimental in the long run.

2. You Can Customize It to Suit Your Personal Needs

Another cool thing about DIY shampoos is you can customize them. So, instead of spending 30-plus minutes in drug and grocery stores trying to figure out which commercialized product can get closest to what you’re looking for, you can “design” your own hair wash. For instance, I made one shampoo that has both tea tree oil (for dandruff”> and honey (it’s a humectant”> in it. Since tea tree oil has such powerful antiseptic properties and it also is an oil (so it doesn’t strip my scalp’s natural moisture”>, it’s a win/win. In fact, you can make a few different kinds of shampoos to fit different occasions (for instance, one that reduces frizz, one that deep cleans and one that uber moisturizes”>.

3. It Can Be Much Less Drying

The beauty industry is a billion-dollar business and businesses are all about making money. So, why would brands — brands that are looking to make a mint off of what we buy — actually go out of their way to make more moisturizing shampoos when they can leave the conditioning elements out of them and sell us bottles of conditioner instead? Listen, I will be the first one to say that deep conditioning is an absolute must. At the same time, we wouldn’t have to do that so much if we were making our own shampoo; the kind that has moisturizing ingredients like coconut milk, a few teaspoons of herbal infused oil or some Aloe vera gel in it. (See what I’m saying?”>

4. Less Lather. More Clean.

As it says in the title, I will share a few easy recipes at the end of this. For now, if you’re someone who thinks that extra lather means extra clean, first, that’s not really true. Because a lot of us have been so accustomed to using shampoos that provide lather, we’ve been “programmed” to believe that although it’s more of a “cosmetic ploy” than anything. Still, if you’re someone who feels like you’ve just got to have a ton of suds, while castile soap won’t provide boatloads of bubbles, you will get some. The real bonus is you’ll be able to get what you want from a much healthier approach because castile soap helps to preserve natural oils on your scalp, promotes healthy hair follicles and even has a good reputation of soothing your scalp if you happen to have scalp eczema or psoriasis. In fact, castile soap happens to be a main ingredient in a lot of homemade shampoos. Rightfully so, too.

5. It’s (Typically”> Better for the Environment

A lot of the chemicals that I mentioned earlier? Not only are they not good for your system, they aren’t great for the environment either. And don’t even get me started on what all of those plastic containers are doing to our planet. I recently read that our world currently produces somewhere around 380 million tons of plastic every year and most of it ends up in our oceans or they become pollutants on some level. When you’re making your own shampoo, you can buy a couple of recyclable bottles and just keep using them over and over again. Then when, for whatever the reason, you’re ready to toss them, you can put them in a recycling bin so that they don’t create more trash. Yeah, this DIY shampoo thing just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it?

6. It Can Be Cheaper in the Long Run

There are a lot of cheap bottles of shampoo that are on the market. While some work “OK”, you know how the saying goes — you get what you pay for. And if commercialized brands are ultimately going to pay their own role in brittle hair, split ends, dry scalp and who knows what else, isn’t it actually less expensive to spend a little more to buy pure products that will take better care of your hair overall? Yeah, my sentiments exactly.

5 Easy, Healthy DIY Shampoo Recipes

To make your own DIY shampoo, mix the ingredients together, put them into a flip bottle, and shake well before use. 

Castile Shampoo Recipe

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
• ½ teaspoon of your favorite carrier oil (sweet almond, avocado, jojoba, etc.”>

Aloe Vera Shampoo Recipe

• ¼ cup of Aloe vera gel (contains antioxidant and antibacterial properties and unblocks hair follicles”>
• ¼ cup of castile soap
• ½ teaspoon of Vitamin E oil
• 5-7 drops of orange (soothes dandruff and relieves dry scalp”> or jasmine (reduces frizz”> oil

Coconut Milk Shampoo Recipe

• ½ cup of coconut milk (uber moisturizing”>
• ½ liquid soap
• ½ cup of vegetable glycerin (a humectant”>
• 3 teaspoons of argan oil (awesome for hair growth”>
• 10 drops of lavender oil (kills bacteria and encourages hair growth”>

Maple Shampoo Recipe

• 10 drops of carrot seed oil (soothes texture and tames frizz”>
• 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup (a powerful humectant”>
• ½ cup of castile soap 

Honey Shampoo Recipe

• 3 tablespoons of Manuka honey (nourishes hair and reduces flaky scalp”>
• 2 teaspoons of liquid coconut oil
• 3 drops of lemongrass oil (reduces dry scalp and increases hair shine”>

We just announced the NaturallyCurly Best of the Best awards for 2021, awards voted on entirely by the NaturallyCurly community! And if you’ve been here a while then it will come as no surprise that SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie has won for two categories: Best Styling Cream for All Hair Types and Best Styling Cream for Type 3 Curls. This product has won several of our awards over the years, and if you’re curious about trying it then we have a full review from our writer Shellie Reneé. 

OK, So Let Me Tell You Why I’m All About ‘SheaMoisture’s Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie’

So, here’s my true confession about this particular product. I’ve actually had a jar of SheaMoisture’s Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Coconut & Hibiscus Curling Gel Souffle for close to a year before I even got around to testing them out. It’s mostly because I’m actually not a product junkie (anymore”> and I’ve been wearing my hair as a blowout, in cornrows or in medium-sized box braids, so there was no need.

Oh, but baby, when I took out my latest round of braids earlier this year, saw that my hair was gaining some real inches and so I decided to play around with a braided faux hawk braid-out? Let me just start this off by saying that when my editor asked me if I wanted to shout-out one of the products for this end of year piece, SheaMoisture’s Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie is what I jumped up and down to do! I’ll share a few reasons why (then to be fair, also share some “words to the wise” to be aware of”>.

Photo SheaMoisture 

The Pros & Cons of SheaMoisture’s Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

When it comes to SheaMoisture’s Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, here are its strengths and weaknesses (to me, anyway”>:

The Pros

OK, so there are several things that I like about this product. First, that its first ingredient is water which means that’s what it has the most of in it. You can tell too because while the consistency of the cream is thick, it’s not sticky nor will it dry your hair out and, unless you apply a ton of it to your hair, it doesn’t leave much flaking when it comes to your end results either. If you apply it while your hair is wet (you know, for like a wash ‘n go”>, you will immediately see curl definition without a ton of shrinkage once it dries (one way to elongate a bit is to apply a little bit of Jamaican black castor oil during application process”>.

As I said earlier, I prefer it on braid-outs because, once my hair is dry (I usually apply mine to dry hair; long story”>, it doesn’t take forever for the cream to dry. Then, once I take my braids out, my hair is soft, it has a hint of sheen to it and it’s really easy to pull the braids apart (for volume”> without losing a lot of the braid-out’s definition. I also like that if you want more definition than your initial application, you can apply more of the product the following night (and braid it again”> and your hair will be curlier and shinier without really any buildup at all. In fact, you’d have to reapply for 4-5 days in a row before you can really start to “feel” the product on your hair. And because it makes my tresses feel so unbelievably soft and manageable, it’s almost like I have to remind my own self that it’s a braid-out and not my hair’s natural texture. Plus, if I wrap my hair up at night, I can easily keep a “fresh” look for about four days before needing to braid it up again. Beautiful.

Oh, it’s also a bonus that when I twist the ends of my hair with the cream (as I’m braiding it”> that it will curl up so that I don’t have to rod or roller set my hair to keep the ends from staying straight. And the price? It just takes things to another level. I’ve actually purchased some extra jars and bypassed the 6 oz. (I can get a good four braid-outs with that jar”> and gotten a couple of 20 oz. instead. No regrets on doing that either. Not one.

The Cons

As far as any downsides, there aren’t a lot of them. I will say that you might need a bit of a learning curve as far as how much your hair requires (based on type and thickness”> because if you go the “less is more” approach, you might not get the definition that you’re looking for and if you apply too much, the cream will not fully absorb into your hair and it could lead to some flaking that is kind of stressful to shake out. Also, even with a braid-out, depending on how much you use, you might not be 100 percent dry the next day. Still, it’s not the big of a deal because your look will still hold; you just might need to braid it again, so that your hair can “set” all of the way. Oh, and if you want more sheen (because it “finishes” on the “drier” side of things”>, you’ll probably need to “seal” your hair with a carrier oil like sweet almond or avocado. Just make sure to keep in mind that it could add to your overall drying time. Yet when you weigh all of this out, how can this be that big of a deal? In my eyes, it’s not. I’d do a commercial for this product if I could. For now, this review will have to do. Try it. It’s well worth it!

Have you tried SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie? What did you think of it? 

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

There is a spot, on the bottom right side of my head, down at the nape, that simply doesn’t want to cooperate with the rest of my hair. For about two years now, my frustration with it has hindered the progress of gaining as many inches as I would like because I’ve been super consumed with making sure my hair was even (which meant I kept trimming the faster side to keep it on par with the shorter parts”> rather than getting to the root of what the problem was, so that I could put the shears down.

Today, I hope that you can reap from some of my personal experience because, the reality is, although it might seem like there are parts of your hair that aren’t growing, the reality is, so long as your hair follicles aren’t dead, your hair is always making progress. However, some hair flourishes more than others and, as you’re about to see, there are five main reasons why certain spots of your own head may be struggling more than you would like.

1. DNA

Basically, there are four stages of hair growth: anagen (growing”>, catagen (transition”>, telogen (resting”>, and exogen (shedding”>. Between the fact that each hair follicle is unique and people’s growing stage (which is what 90 percent of your hair is currently in”> can last anywhere from 3-7 years, this plays a significant role in how long your hair grows. Unfortunately, as far as genetics go (if your growing phase is three years or seven”>, there’s not much you can do to change that. At the same time, it’s important to remember that your hair is always growing so, while some people you know may gain between 6-10” (maybe more”> in a year while you seem to do about half that, things like a healthy diet (which “feeds” your follicles”>, exercise (which increases blood circulation to your scalp”> and drinking plenty of water (because it hydrates your hair from the inside out”> can all play a role in getting that “stuck spot” to thrive.

2. Stress

Heart disease. Asthma. Obesity. Diabetes. Headaches. Depression. Digestion issues. Wanna know something that all of these health issues have in common? They are all triggered by stress. Guess what else stress can do? It can affect your hair’s progress. That’s right. When you’re all stressed out, it can literally push your hair, prematurely so, into the telogen (resting”> phase. And since there’s only one phase after that (shedding”>, I’m pretty sure you can see how stress works against, not for, you. Meditation. Prayer. Journaling. Exercising. Sex. Chewing gum. Reducing your sugar and caffeine intake. Taking a multivitamin. Hanging out and laughing with some of your favorite people. Getting onto a sleep schedule. These are just some of the things that you can do reduce the amount of stress that may currently be at peak levels in your life, so that you can avoid the resting phase, so that the stagnant part of your hair can continue to grow.

3. Sensitivity

Remember how I said earlier that each hair follicle is unique? This means that each one has its own shape, size, level of thickness and oftentimes texture too (which is why you can have multiple textures on your head”>. This was something else that I had to make peace with, when it came to the back of my head, in general, because it doesn’t grow nearly as fast as the front and my sides (especially my left side”> does. The back also isn’t as strong or thick, so I’ve had to learn how to not treat it the same way as I do the other parts of my hair. It’s far more sensitive (i.e., susceptible to breakage”> which means that I’ve had to handle it with extreme care. This includes on wash days, when I’m styling it and when I get it put into a protective style. In fact, when I’m getting braids or twists in my hair, I have to remind my stylist to go a little easier on the back (especially down on the right side, in my nape area”> because of how sensitive that spot is.

4. Sleep Patterns

One day, I just might get around to writing an article about how much sleep affects hair growth. For now, what I will say is there are studies to support the fact that the natural hormone melatonin not only helps you to sleep soundly but influences hair growth in a positive way as well; that’s because it plays a role in extending your anagen (growing”> phase. Another thing that helps your hair to grow? Not constantly sleeping on the same side. I know this from very up close and personal experience because the area of my hair that I keep mentioning? It’s on the side that I constantly sleep on. Between the putting pressure on these blood vessels for hours at a time and the friction that comes from moving around a lot throughout that night, that can also keep your hair from growing as much as you would like. So yeah, if you can, try and at least start to sleep on your least favorite side and definitely make sure you’ve got some satin pillowcases; that will reduce the fiction that that side experiences, significantly so.

5. Manipulation

This point right here, boy. You know what’s interesting about my own “stuck spot”? Even though I know it’s pretty fragile, even though I know that I sleep on its side too much, there was something in my mind that used to think that if I kept messing with it — constantly styling, adding new products, brushing and combing it — somehow, it would grow faster, when all it actually did was weaken it which caused my tresses to keep breaking off. While there is something to be said for giving the parts of your hair that don’t seem to grow (as fast”> scalp massages, hot oil treatments and deep conditioners, other than those things, try and leave that area alone as much as possible. Because again, since hair is constantly growing, there’s a really big chance that one of the reasons why your own spot seems “stuck” is because you are touching on it too much. And like a rose with petals that can’t stand to be constantly touched, your hair is very similar — beautiful and strong…when left alone. Make sense? Exactly.

 

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Photo by Jessica Felicio on Unsplash

Let’s briefly hold a bit of a science class, shall we? When it comes to having hair that truly thrives, it’s important that you take really good care of your hair follicles. Basically, they are the “foundation” of each strand of hair that you have; they are what anchor your hair into your skin. Within each hair follicle, there is a hair bulb and, inside of that, there are tiny blood vessels that help to provide your strands with the nutrients that they need.

It’s hair follicles that cause your hair to grow. And, as far as the stages of hair development go, there are three of them: anagen (birth”>, catagen (death”>, and telogen (rest”> stages. The anagen phase (where hair grows between ½ inch and one-inch each month”> can last for up to six years, the catagen phase (when hair follicles stop producing the protein keratin that hair needs to grow”> typically lasts around 10 days and the telogen phase (which is when your hair sheds and follicles are able to rest”> can last for a whopping 10 years (it should also go on record that approximately 10 percent of your hair is in this phase at all times”>.

Keeping all of this in mind, I’m sure you can see just why it’s so important to be super proactive when it comes to taking good care of your hair follicles. One way to do that is to stay aware of some of the signs that your follicles are either weak or damaged. If you’re curious about what some of those indicators are, I’ve got seven of them for you below.

1. Excessive Root Shedding

Here’s the thing about hair shedding — we all lose somewhere between 50-100 strands a day and that’s totally normal. So, how do you know if something “abnormal” is going on? One, if you can tell that you are losing way more than that. Two, if every time you gently tug at the ends of your hair, a few strands come out, that’s another red flag. And just what can lead to excessive root shedding? Stress, imbalanced hormones, becoming a new mom (because it shifts your hormones”>, heredity and a poor diet are all the leading causes. So, if this is the issue that you’re noticing, go down the list that I just made and see a doctor, if needed. Sometimes, just a shift in your lifestyle can nip this particular hair (follicle”> issue right in the bud.

2. Dry and Brittle Hair

Something that I personally have to stay on top of is dry hair. While I know that my personal issue is I need to drink more water (because dehydration plays a direct role in our locks not receiving all of the moisture that they need”>, some other culprits include medical conditions (including hypothyroidism”>, heat styling (more on that in a bit”>, not eating right — oh, and a biotin deficiency (although many health professionals consider this to be rare”>. Another thing that dry and brittle hair could be alerting you to is your hair follicles are not producing enough oil because they are damaged in some way. If this is the case, the bad news is if they are too damaged, things might be irreparable (a dermatologist can help to confirm”>. But, if it’s just a case of either not receiving enough nutrients or clogged hair follicles, changing your diet towards eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, exfoliating your scalp (check out “3 Easy Ways to Exfoliate Your Scalp This Fall””> and deep conditioning your hair every wash day can help to restore moisture and stimulate your follicles to produce more sebum (natural oils”>.

3. Dry Scalp

When it comes to this particular topic, it’s important to always remember that hair follicles produce hair fibers and when those fibers are growing out of a moisturized space, it’s easier for them to flourish. That’s why it can also be a not-so-good thing if your scalp is dry. Some of the things that lead to this include washing your hair too much (or using a sulfate-based shampoo or applying too much hot water whenever you do”>, not deep conditioning, using hair products that irritate your scalp and not adjusting to the shifts in seasons. When any of these things happen and you don’t make some necessary adjustments, this also can damage your follicles over time. As far as seasonal shifts go, humidity levels oftentimes drop in the fall and winter months. Plus, we tend to spend more time in dry heat via our HVAC systems in order to keep warm. So, definitely make sure to invest in a humidifier (especially at night”>. Also, it doesn’t hurt to massage your scalp with a soothing oil like sweet almond, avocado or grapeseed to give your scalp and hair follicles the extra pampering that they need.

4. Scalp Acne

Like any other kind of acne, scalp acne is what happens when breakouts occur due to 1″> an overproduction of sebum; 2″> an increase of bacteria that causes acne; 3″> a blocked hair follicle and/or 4″> a build-up of dead cells within your hair follicle. And when a hair follicle is irritated on some level, inflammation can occur. If you happen to see or feel tiny bumps on your scalp, if you notice pimples along your hairline or it feels like you’ve got cysts developing somewhere, this is another good reason to make an appointment with a reputable dermatologist. In the meantime, do your own process of elimination to see if any of your hair products are playing a direct role. You also might want to go with an oil-free shampoo. Oh, and while this should be the case for all of us, change your bedding on a weekly basis, wash your scarves, bonnets, turbans, etc. consistently and massage your scalp with some lavender, rosemary or tea tree oil along with a carrier oil like sweet almond or coconut; this process can help to soothe acne and kill the bacteria that causes it.

5. Unmanageable Hair

When I say “unmanageable hair”, what do I mean? Hair that is super frizzy (which usually means you need to condition it”>. Tangled hair (which usually means that you’ve got a lot of fairy knots or it’s time for a trim”>. Split ends (which often means that you’ve applied too much heat”>. Rough texture (which is oftentimes tied to a hormone imbalance of some sort”>. Raised cuticles (which can be the result of your hair’s pH balance being off; applying an apple cider rinse can seal them”>. When things like these are overlooked, it can cause you to constantly pull and tug at your hair follicles which can lead to traction alopecia, if you’re not careful. That’s why you should never get accustomed to being too rough with your hair. If you feel like you have no other choice, that’s a clue that something is up with your stresses that needs to change as soon as possible.

6. Over-styling

Probably the best way to illustrate this point is, saying that you’ve got a long stem rose in your hand. Because you think it’s so beautiful, you keep touching on the petals; so much that eventually some of them start to fall off. This is your hair in a nutshell. While it can take a fair share of manipulation, hair is not designed to constantly undergo that kind of pressure. If it does, that can weaken your hair follicles and possibly damage them, long-term, for sure. As far as your hair follicles go, heat can dehydrate them. Harsh hair product chemicals can irritate or inflame them. The ammonia in a lot of hair dyes can permanently damage them. A constant protective style with no breaks in between can weigh them down and make them weak. Constantly touching your hair can cause your hair follicles to lose their strength as well. Hairstyling is fun and you should enjoy it. At the same time, if you know that you are a bit “high-maintenance” when it comes to how you care for your hair, try easing up a bit. Your hair follicles will be oh so very grateful if/when you do.

7. No Multivitamin in Your System

Something that is interesting about the points that I just made is the fact that all of them can point to a sign of poor nutrition at the end of the day (including if your hair is super thin or you happen to be experiencing any premature greying”>. That’s the bad news. The good news is ramping up your healthy eating habits could very well be all that you need to do to get your hair follicles — and ultimately your hair overall — back on track. Your hair needs protein because it’s made of mostly protein. Meat is a great source of this yet if you are a vegetarian or vegan, so are lentils, chickpeas, green peas, quinoa, oatmeal, wild rice and Ezekiel bread. Zinc assists with cell growth and tissue repair and foods that are high in it include legumes, pumpkin seeds, cashews, eggs, cheddar cheese, potatoes and whole grains. B vitamins literally carry oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. Foods that are full of them include beef, salmon, dark leafy greens, black beans, poultry, fortified cereal and yogurt. These are just a few examples of how to get your diet where it needs to be; however, even if you are eating right, it can never hurt to take a multivitamin — just be sure that you’re getting vitamins and minerals that you may be lacking in supplement form. If you do this — and follow all of the other things that I mentioned — you will be effectively protecting your hair follicles which your hair will certainly thank you for, for years to come.

Photo by Juan Manuel Merino on Unsplash

Triggers. They are something that we all have, although, I must say that since I’ve personally being putting forth the concerted effort to get to the root of some of mine so that I can deactivate them (which boils down to figuring out how to find ways to not let them get to me as much”>, life has been so much more peace-filled. It’s great.

That’s what we’re gonna explore today. The reason why is because, I’m pretty sure that I’m not the only one who has days when my hair pisses me all the way off — sometimes to the point where it can shift my focus, in a negative way, all throughout the day, if I’m not careful. If your hair emotionally triggers you and you know it, I just want to take out a moment to offer up a few suggestions on how you can stop that from being a regular occurrence — for your hair’s sake as well as your peace of mind.

1. Get to Know Your Hair Type, Texture and Porosity

I’m here to tell you from very up close and personal experience that if you don’t make the time to understand what your personal hair type, texture and porosity are, you are going to stay frustrated on your hair journey because these three things play a direct role in how you care for your hair in order for you to keep it healthy and retain length. While it’s easy to assume that you know what these things are based on what you may have heard someone else say, please devote a couple of hours to doing some thorough research; especially since it’s not uncommon to have more than one type/texture at the same time. To get you started on your journey, we’ve got an article on our platform entitled, “Seriously. What is Hair Type?!” that can help to give you a few ah-ha moments. Also, YouTube is full of women who can offer up some great insights. Angela C Styles (here“>, lyda Michael (here“> and Breanna Rutter (here“> are just a few curly haired naturalistas who can effectively assist in pointing you into the right direction.

2. Celebrate What You Know

Knowledge is power, right? Know what else? When it comes to getting information on what your hair is all about, that is a call for a true celebration! Hit up YouTube again to search for women in your hair tribe who have a similar type, texture and porosity as yours to see what kind of hair products to invest in (less is more on the product tip, by the way”>. Next, take a picture and post it on your socials to let people know what your type/texture/porosity is and that you are learning how to fall in love with it more and more every day (I guarantee you that some of your followers will join into the conversation which can be the best kind of ego boost and form of affirmation”>. Purchase some hair accessories that will perfectly accentuate your hair. Treat yourself and your hair to a scalp massager, so that you can relax more as your hair and scalp can get the pampering that it needs and deserves. Real talk, sometimes, we get more triggered than we should because we focus more on what we don’t like about something than what we do (hair is not exempt”>. By putting forth the concerted effort to literally praise, revel in and bless your hair — you’ll be amazed how quickly it can put your mind, body and spirit into a much better space.

3. Accept That Envy Is Futile (and a Total Waste of Time”>

My goddaughters are bi-ethnic, so their hair texture basically lands somewhere in “2” world (loose waves”> while my hair is mostly between 3c and 4a and b. Every time my older godchild wants to get some cornrows, she gets frustrated because, due to her hair’s texture, they don’t last very long. Meanwhile, when I was around her age, I remember having moments when I would literally wear a towel on my head in order to look like I had hair like her. Moral to the story — we were blessed with what we were blessed with. There is beauty in all hair types, there is purpose in why we have the kind that we do which means it makes absolutely no sense to wish that your hair was different than what it naturally is. Because I promise you that some of the very things that you are complaining about, someone somewhere is wishing that they could experience. Guaranteed.

4. Take “Some Time Off” from Your Locks

Something that isn’t addressed, nearly enough, is that our “connection” to our hair is much like any other kind of relationship — there are good days and there are bad days. There are times when we’re all about putting a lot of effort in and then there are times when we just need a break. Whether you are transitioning from chemically straightened (or color-treated”> hair to your natural locks, you are trying to grow your hair out or you’re just having a moment when you feel a bit of a “disconnect” as far as your hair is concerned, there is no time like the present to book an appointment with a reputable stylist to put your hair into a protective style. I recently got some twists and when I tell you that they are one of the best things to happen to me because, with all that I have going on, my hair is the last thing that I want to be thinking about right now…whew. Besides, I know me. After a couple of months, I’m going to be more than happy to get them out and focus on styling my hair again. Right now, though, I need a break — so that I can decompress and my hair can get a bit of rest from styling manipulation too. A win/win all the way around.

5. Stop Trying to Control What You Can’t

A wise person once said, “If you try to control everything, and then worry about the things you can’t control, you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of frustration and misery.” That said, if you’re really honest with yourself, it’s easy to see that, at least 7 times out of 10, the cause of your hair “emotionally triggering you” is you wanting to control something about it that you simply cannot. So, whether it’s a bad hair day, you wishing something about your hair was different than it is or you can’t wait until you have the time or money to do something different to it — resolve in your mind to control ONLY what you can control. Believe me when I say that surrendering to this alone is a total gamechanger — and definitely a “hair trigger” deactivator.

Anyone who’s on the journey to gain some real inches as far as their hair goes knows that if the saying “patience is a virtue” ever resonates, it’s in this particular situation. That said, if there’s one thing that I have come to adore about having a head of hair that is flourishing, it’s being able to wear my Afro. And if there is one thing that I especially love about the fall season, it’s that I can wear my ‘fro, in all of its fullness and splendor, so much easier during this time of year.

If you’re curious about why I’m someone who will shout from every rooftop that this is probably the best season of all to put protective styling somewhat to the side so that you can let your Afro shine for the world to see, I’ll share with you six reasons why I absolutely believe this is the case.

Less Humidity

I’ll tell you right now that one of the best things about wearing an Afro in the fall is that there is less humidity than there is in the summertime. You know what that means, right? Less shrinkage. Whew! While it’s kind of a myth that colder seasons have no humidity at all (I mean, inclement wet weather definitely puts moisture into the air”>, between temperatures being all over the place and us being inside more often with the central heat (which is dry”> being on, both of these things definitely results in whatever style we put our hair into lasting longer — even if that means stretching it out via braids, twists or even a blowout first. So, if you’ve been hesitant to “let your soul glow” because you want it to remain big and full for longer than just an hour or so, this autumn season has you and your hairstyle preference written all over it!

You Don’t Have to Worry (as Much”> About UV Damage

Another myth that comes with the fall and winter seasons is that you can’t experience UV damage. Listen, so long as the sun is out, it has the ability to affect your skin and your hair. However, when it’s super bright and really hot, that definitely results in a greater chance of ending up with drier strands, weakened cuticles, loss of color, stiffer hair and photochemical degradation (which means that your tresses will lose some of the protein and melanin that it needs to thrive”>. That’s why it can be a really good idea to keep your hair in a protective style during the summer season. But when the weather is much milder (like the fall”>, you can feel better about wearing your natural locks totally. This brings me to my next point, though.

Leave-In Conditioners Help to Protect Your Hair’s Cuticles

I tend to wear my ‘fro quite a bit yet a big mistake that I used to make, when it came to showing it off, is underestimating the purpose and power of leave-in conditioners. Not only is using one an easy way to maintain and/or restore moisture, it also keeps my hair soft; makes it easier to style; protects it from heat damage via styling tools and, it protects my hair from outer elements like sun damage or, when it’s cooler, brisk winds. Plus, when I wake up and I need to add a bit of “life” to my Afro, a palm of leave-in conditioner does an amazing job of “waking it up” too. I think sometimes, a lot of us are hesitant about applying a leave-in because we think it’s too heavy. To that I say, there are all kinds of “versions” that you can use including foams and sprays. So, if you want to give your Afro a solid pick-me-up, a leave-in conditioner definitely has your back (check out our articles “Top 20 Leave-in Conditioners”, “10 Best Water-Based Leave-in Conditioners” and a list of leave-ins that are featured on our site here“>.

Afros Adore Heavy Hair Butters and Creams

When the weather is cooler, it can be a great time of year to go with thicker moisturizers like butters — you know, shea butter (which strengthens hair strands”>; Muru Muru butter (which is rich in omegas that help to deeply moisturize your hair”>; mango butter (which protects your hair from harsh weather elements”> and Cupuacu butter (which helps to keep your scalp healthy”>. Not only will they provide your hair with some extra special protection, they can deeply penetrate your ends, so that your curls will be stronger and shiner from root to tip. Personally, I’m all about applying a blend of shea and mango butter to my hair. The combo makes my ‘fro super soft, it’s non-greasy and it also gives my hair the kind of “bouncy texture” that I want for this type of signature look. An easy DIY recipe can be found below.

Steaming Your Hair Can Create Beautiful Natural Curls

Even though I mentioned that there is probably less humidity in your home during the fall season due to how much you are relying on your HVAC unit to keep you warm, you don’t want your hair to be totally zapped of all moisture. One way to get around this is to invest in a humidifier that you can turn on at night (by the way, some COVID symptoms can be relieved by high humidity conditions, so an elevated amount of it in your house can be beneficial for you when it comes to viruses like it or even colds or the flu”>. Another way to get more moisture (from water”> into your hair is by steaming it. If you happen to have low porosity hair, it’s great at combating that. Steaming can also increase hair elasticity, lubricate your scalp, unclog your hair follicles and keep your hair moisturized in between wash days. For tips on how to properly steam your hair, check out our article, “How to Steam Your Natural Hair the Right Way”. And how do you keep your Afro stretched while using these moisture-inducing options? Stretching it with braids or twists (and then taking them out the following morning”> should work just fine.

Fall Is the Ideal Protein-Consumption Season

Your hair is mostly made up of a protein called keratin. So, of course it makes sense that you would need to eat protein in order to keep it healthy and strong. Since fall brings Thanksgiving our way and Christmas is a month after that, you’ll probably be eating hearty meals — ones that may have meat in them like turkey, chicken and beef. Or, even if you don’t eat meat, you might consume more bowls of oatmeal in the morning, quinoa as a side for your lunch, nuts like pumpkin or sunflower seeds as a snack or black-eyed peas, spinach, portabella mushrooms, sundried tomatoes or Brussels sprouts for dinner. The more that you eat these kinds of foods, the more you’ll be feeding your hair follicles which will lead to more inches on your Afro in no time.

A Good Trim Creates a Great Shape

Your ends are the oldest parts of your hair; no way around that, and if you want a glorious Afro, it’s going to need to be given a great shape. This comes by making sure that you get a professional trim or cut. Not only will it give you the “rounded look” that you desire, it will also help to remove any of the damaged parts of your hair that the summer season may have caused. While I know that it might seem odd to recommend a cut in order to cultivate a beautiful Afro, the less bad ends you have, the less tangling and fairy knots you will have and the less you will need to put your hands in your hair (which can also damage your strands”> to keep it looking the way that you want it to. Your Afro will be full, even and healthy — just in time for the reason that this fall season has in store for you!

Pictured: Mango butter by Whole Elise

Recently, I was having a discussion with someone about how important it is to follow instructions. I mean, just think about how much time (and frustration”> could be saved if more of us took out, just a few moments, to make sure that we were doing things as they were intended to be done. Sealing is no exception.

I’m pretty sure you’ve got at least a vague idea of what sealing your hair is all about. Long story short, it’s the extra couple of steps that we all need to take, after conditioning/moisturizing our hair, in order to make sure that the moisture stays locked in for more than just a few hours or a couple of days.

I’m a huge fan of sealing. Thing is, though, when I speak of the train wreck that (potentially”> comes from overlooking directions, I am coming from very up close and personal experience. No doubt, there have been times when I’ve just pulled out some shea butter, plopped it onto my head and then got mad when my ends still felt dry.

Sometimes, we go through things in order to spare others the drama. That said, if you want to get into the habit of sealing your tresses more often yet you want to avoid doing it “wrong”, here are some steps that can help to make everything turn out, just as you want it to.

1. Wash with Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Remember, the entire purpose of sealing your hair is to lock-in the moisture that you just put into it. This means that you’ve got to make sure that your hair is well-conditioned ahead of time and one thing that isn’t going to make that happen is a shampoo that contains sulfates. While on one hand, they are good to use from time to time in order to deep clean your hair and get rid of build-up, when you’re looking for a shampoo to add to your consistent hair routine, it’s best to go with a sulfate-free brand. Those are the kinds that are great at keeping natural oils in your hair, locking moisture in, strengthening damaged tresses and even keeping your hair color from fading faster. Personally, I am a fan of all-natural shampoo bars; however, with whatever you decide to go with, just make sure that it says sulfate-free on the packaging. It’s definitely the first step that you should take on the days when you want to go all out when it comes to sealing your hair.

2. Deep Condition for at Least an Hour

It’s gonna be rare that you see an article with my byline on it where I don’t sing the praises of deep conditioning. A big part of the reason is because I used to be someone who also plopped some conditioner on my hair, let it sit for 90 seconds and rinsed it off. Boy, can I tell a real difference, now that I let conditioner sit on my hair for no less than an hour (I try and go 3-4, if I can”>. Deep conditioning is a proactive way to prevent split ends (which comes as the result of dry and brittle hair”>, boost hair elasticity, nourish and strengthen your tresses and maintain the pH balance (which should be between 4.5-5.5″> of your hair too. While a lot of people think that sealing is solely about applying an oil or butter to the hair, you’re not really thoroughly doing the job, if you’re not deep conditioning your hair first. Always remember that.

3. Use a Thick Oil and Butter Blend on Your Ends

OK, once your hair is well-moisturized from washing and deep conditioning, it’s then time to start the official sealing process. When it comes to this part, a hack to keep in mind is oils are oftentimes great to use during the warmer months while butters are awesome when it’s cold outside (or you happen to have really thick hair”>. As far as great hair oils, non-GMO soybean oil helps to prevent split ends; grapeseed oil can penetrate your tresses to keep them soft and shiny; avocado oil is loaded with nutrients; apricot oil helps to prevent hair fall, and Jamaican black castor oil is a rich oil that can provide long-lasting sealing protection. Butters? One of my all-time, from head-to-toe favorite oils is shea butter; it’s got properties to protect your hair from UV damage and heat damage while also moisturizing your tresses. Mango butter is filled with vitamins A and E so that your hair is well-conditioned. Muru Muru butter is a lighter butter that helps to increase hair elasticity. Cupuacu butter is one that locks the moisture that is already in your hair extremely well. Tacuma butter works brilliantly if you happen to have high-porosity hair.

4. Customize Your Sealant, Though

With all of what I just said, please make sure that you customize your oils and butters to suit your personal hair needs. What I mean by that is, one of the main ways that a lot of people totally mess up the sealing process is they watch a YouTube video on hair sealing and then automatically put on their hair whatever the host of the channel put on theirs. That can be super counterproductive because your hair could be finer or thicker or it might not respond as well to the oils that they choose (for instance, my hair can’t stand coconut or argan oil; it tends to irritate my scalp and dry my hair out — go figure”>. So, while it might require a little bit of trial and error, play around with oils and butters (or perhaps using even a little bit of both”> until you figure out what truly works best for you. It took me about three wash days to come up with my own failsafe combo (shea butter and an herb-infused oil blend”>.

5. Allow Your Ends to Dry Completely Before Touching Them

Your hair is actually way more fragile when it’s wet than when it’s dry. That’s why, once you’ve applied the oil or butter to your hair (make sure to use about twice as much to your ends as you do to the rest of your hair because your ends are the oldest part of your hair”>, gently twisted them and applied a bit more oil or butter for extra coverage, leave your hair TOTALLY alone until it dries. Not only will this help to prevent breakage but you also stand a far greater chance of locking even more moisture in if you’re not manipulating your hair while it’s still wet or damp.

Tuck Your Ends As Much As Possible

Another mistake that a lot of people make while sealing their hair is forgetting to tuck their ends away. What I mean by that is, even if your ends have all of the moisture in the world in them, once your hair is dry, if you choose to constantly wear your hair out, it runs the risk of snagging on your clothes, drying out from the environment or experiencing a ton of wear and tear due to constant styling manipulation. So, since sealing is ultimately about protecting your ends more than anything else — a protective style is wise. Or at least make sure to put your hair in a bun and/or tie it up with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet at night. If you do, you’ll be able to retain length because your ends will be less damaged.

Do It on a Weekly Basis

And just how often should you be sealing your hair? I know some people who make it a part of their end-of-the-week ritual which is cool. I personally do it on wash days which is every other week. As far as this goes, my bottom line would be not to go any longer than bi-weekly. What I will say, though, is if in between wash days, your ends feel dry or they are frizzing up, that’s a clear sign that you need to seal them again. Trust me, once you get used to doing it — and you do it while treating yourself to watching a movie, binge-watching a show or listening to a podcast — it’ll become one of your absolute favorite things to do; especially once you start to see the results. And I am certainly a living testament of that!

Shellie R. Warren/2021

Image: doterra

For the past few months now, I’ve been into making my own herb-infused oils (check out “Why You Absolutely Need to Try Some DIY Herb-Infused Oil””>. Since I’ve been learning more about how different herbs and essential oils are able to benefit my scalp and hair, it’s been amazing, the progress that my hair has made (not to mention the money that I’ve saved by making my own hair products”>. And while I never thought that I would become an “herb junkie”, it’s actually been kinda fun learning about herbs and oils that I’ve never heard of before.

That’s what today is all about — sharing with you some of the not-so-commonly-discussed herbs and essential oils that are some of the best-kept secrets when it comes to healing and protecting your scalp and getting your hair to flourish.

Where to buy these herbs and oils

Another best-kept secret is Etsy features many merchants who sell just about all of these at an affordable price. Just go to the site and put the name of the herb or oil in the search field.

4 “Uncommon” Herbs to Try

Shikakai

Let’s start with an herb that goes by the scientific name Acacia concinna and the nickname “hair fruit”. As far as your hair goes, it’s kind of crazy that it’s not mentioned more often in hair-related content. The properties in it can help to cleanse your hair, improve its texture and strengthen your hair follicles. Also, because it contains potent antifungal and anti-microbial, Shikakai is great at helping to prevent dandruff and soothe inflamed scalps. What a lot of people like about it is, it’s even the kind of herb that can slow down premature greying. Yeah, it’s definitely an herb to add to your hair care collection, if you ask me.

Bhringraj

This particular herb is a medicinal one that is pretty big in the Ayurveda because of how it helps to keep your liver healthy and strong. Bhringraj makes this hair list because it’s great at treating dry scalp, fighting the yeast that triggers dandruff (which is Malassezia, by the way”>, feeding hair follicles, reducing stress and, when added to your favorite hair conditioner, it can create a lot of sheen to your hair too.

Gotu Kola

One of the best things about this herb is it’s got antibiotics galore inside of it. Also, if you’re looking for one that is basically a multi-vitamin, Gotu Kola will certainly not disappoint because it has vitamins B and C, magnesium, potassium, zinc and even calcium in it. These nutrients work together to feed your hair follicles, reduce hair fall, strengthen your hair strands, increase blood circulation and increase hair growth. It really is great in so many ways.

Sorrel

Sorrel herb is a flower that flourishes in tropical and subtropical climates. It has vitamins A and C in it as well as amino acids and alpha hydroxyl acids too. If you’re looking for the kind of herb that fights hair frizz, reduces itchy scalp, increases hair volume, boosts hair shine and helps to prevent hair breakage and split ends, you need to look no further than this one.

4 “Uncommon” Essential Oils to Try

Elemi Essential Oil

This particular essential oil has a powerful amount of antiseptic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in it which helps to prevent dandruff and scalp-related eczema flare-ups. Since many people use it to detoxify their system, using it as a scalp massage oil can help to remove hair follicle build-up. Other benefits of this oil are it can help to reduce hair fall and strengthen your hair from the root, so that you can maintain length retention, successfully so.

Hinoki Cypress Essential Oil

This herb comes from a tree that is in Japan. If you’re big on reading hair care labels, you may have seen it on the label of shampoos. This is a wonderful addition to your hair regimen if you happen to be someone who is transitioning from chemically straightened hair to your natural texture because the properties in this oil are beneficial when it comes to healing damaged hair follicles and encouraging healthy hair growth. This is an oil that’s also effective as it relates to increasing blood circulation in your scalp and helping to get rid of any scalp infections that you may have.

Mastrante Essential Oil

If you’re looking for an oil that will promote feelings of extreme calm and relaxation, this is the one for you. It’s also got antibacterial, anti-fungal anti-inflammatory properties in it. And it’s an oil that encourages new cell growth. All of this makes it an oil that reduces dandruff, balances the natural oils on your scalp and, because it’s such a stress-reducing oil, it’s wonderful as a scalp massage oil. And the more your massage your scalp, the healthier your hair can become overtime.

Niaouli Essential Oil

Believe it or not, this herb hails from an Australian evergreen tree. Hair-wise, it will help to increase blood circulation, kill bacteria, promote the absorption of nutrients to your hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. Consider putting a few drops of it into your favorite shampoo and watch the results that you get in a couple of months — all because you decided to give an “uncommon” essential oil a try!

©Shellie R. Warren/2021

Photo by Suad Kamardeen on Unsplash

If there’s one thing that will trigger me (no matter how much I try and deactivate the trigger”>, it’s the fact that the left side of my hair is so much thicker and grows so much faster than the right. It’s pretty much always been that way, so I know that DNA has something to do with it. Plus, as much as I try to rotate, I prefer to sleep on the right side which doesn’t help (basically because I’m compressing my blood vessels which can hinder those hair follicles from getting all of the nutrients that they need”>. I don’t like it — especially now that I’m more intentional about growing my hair out — yet I know that it’s something that “just is” (meaning it’s the way I was born and there’s not much that I can do to change that fact”>. Plus, it’s not like I’m the only person who goes through this. A lot of us do. 

That’s why I thought it would be a good idea to offer up a bit of support if you’re someone who finds yourself constantly frustrated with hair that seems like it wants to give you a late 80s Salt-N-Pepa asymmetrical look whether you want it to that way or not. If you just read that and you’re nodding your head up and down because you can totally relate, I’m hoping that these tips will help you to make peace with your hair’s so-called lopsided reality. 

Accept That It’s Pretty Normal

So, here’s the deal. There are approximately 100,000 different hair follicles on your head and each one comes with its own individualized blood supply. As you probably already know, the left and right side of your body is not identical — your eyes are not the exactly the same, neither are your eyebrows, your hands, feet, breasts, etc. So, off top, that can be a part of the reason why you’re noticing that one side of your hair grows faster than the other. Then you’ve got to factor in things like genetics, your sleeping patterns, your diet, your hair routine and other factors. While I will get into a few things that could help to “even out” your hair, the main thing to keep in mind is if you do notice some lopsidedness, there’s nothing weird about it. It’s very normal. So much that, people who don’t have this issue fall more into the rare category. Real talk.

Is It Shorter or Thinner?

OK, so when it comes to my hair, if the right side would act like the left, I’d probably have hair down my back by now. But between it being about 1 ½” shorter and even a bit thinner than my left and me being suck a stickler that I don’t always know how to leave well enough alone, I’m constantly cutting my hair to “even things up”. Anyway, when it comes to your own hair not being as even as you want it to be, before coming up with strategies that can help, first figure out if one side is shorter, thinner or both. If it’s shorter, your best bet is going to be to leave it totally alone (other than regular trims”> for a season because if you keep cutting the shorter side, you are never going to see any real progress. If it’s thinner, consuming foods that will give your hair more protein and help to thicken it over time (like meat, poultry, quinoa, avocados, berries, dark leafy greens and mangoes”>, using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, and taking a hair supplement that is high in biotin can prove to be super beneficial.

“Baby” the Shorter Side

The side of your hair that appears to be thriving? You definitely shouldn’t neglect it. However, the side that isn’t flourishing as much as you would like for it to be, you definitely need to “baby it” as much as possible. For the record, this doesn’t mean constantly keeping your hands in it. However, it is important to be gentler to that side when using styling tools, to keep heat off of it as much as possible, to exfoliate that side of your scalp (so that its hair follicles don’t become clogged”> and, when you’re deep conditioning your hair, that you apply some pure Aloe vera to the “weaker” side. It’s great for your hair because it’s high in vitamins A, B12, C, E and folic acid. Regular use of Aloe vera is proven to both repair and strengthen hair strands over time. 

Give Yourself Regular Scalp Massages

Remember how I just said that it’s a good idea to exfoliate the side of your scalp that needs a little more help getting it to where you want it to be? Well, something that is great for your entire scalp is a scalp massage. It triggers blood flow (the more blood your hair follicles get, the healthier your hair will ultimately be”>. It increases the thickness of your hair by stretching out your hair follicles. It helps to remove any build-up from sweat and hair products that might be on your scalp. It fights dandruff. It also relieves stress (for the record, stress can also play a role in weak hair and hair fall”>. For tips on how to give yourself a proper scalp massage, we wrote an article a few years ago entitled, “How to Give a Scalp Massage”. What I will say here is, if you’d prefer to do give yourself one on a non-wash day, warm up an oil that promotes hair growth (like rosemary, grapeseed, peppermint, lavender, argan or a combination of these”>, part your hair into 4-8 sections, apply some of the oil to your fingertips and rub your scalp in a circular motion for 10 minutes while watching television. It’s the perfect way to relax after a long day and you’ll be doing your hair a favor by massaging it more than just a couple of times a month.

Avoid Being “Scissor Happy”

When it comes to making peace with having uneven hair, something else that really needs to go on record is the fact that sometimes your hair isn’t lopsided so much as you’ve got more than one texture going on which is also extremely common. This is just one of the reasons why — and yes, I’m totally preaching to the choir when I say this — you need to try and leave your shears alone as much as possible because all of that cutting might be actually contributing to even more unevenness. Not only that but take it from me, constantly “evening up” your hair isn’t really helping you out like you might that that it is. You’ll be far better off just leaving it be in between trim times, so that the weaker side can get more time to make some real progress. Oh, and if you need a visual of someone who can totally get where you are coming from Sista With Real Hair posted a video on her YouTube channel some years back that actually may make you feel like, “OK, I’m not the only one out here with this drama.” You can check it out here.

Get into Some Protective Styles

By far, one of the best ways to be less self-conscious about uneven hair while also leaving your hair alone so that it can grow is to put it into a protective style. It could be braids or twists. It could be a sew-in or a wig. Or it could be like what I do a lot during the week — I braid my hair up and rock a turban. What a lot of us don’t realize is all of the effort and energy that we’re putting into trying to make both sides of our hair look the same could be actually weakening our stands even more because if there’s one thing the weaker (or even stronger”> side doesn’t need, it’s a ton of manipulation. A protective style during the week while being super gentle with the takedown process and wearing it out on the weekends can give the weaker side more time to benefit from some of these other tips so that it can get significantly stronger in a matter of a few months.

Be Patient with the Process

Did you just roll your eyes? Yeah, I hear you. It doesn’t change the facts, though. On average, hair grows between ¼” and ½” each month (regardless of ethnicity, by the way“>. This means that you can gain 4-6 inches on an annual basis. If that’s not happening for you, the main reason could be because you’re not properly caring for your ends so that grow can continue to transpire. Still, no matter how proactive you may be, there are some things that only time can do. So yeah — getting your hair to “even out and grow” is something that you’re going to have to be patient with. Yet if you do all of what I shared and add endurance to it, I’m confident that your weaker side will get stronger and you’ll be more at peace with your hair being…just as it is.

©Shellie R. Warren/2021

Photo by Unsplash

For the past several months now, something that I’ve become a superfan of is herb-infused oil. There are a few reasons why. One, I’ve always enjoyed combining carrier oils and essential oils. Two, in my quest to find the right oils for my hair, I’ve discovered that making my own infused oil is the far better bet. And three, there’s no way around the fact that applying some herb-infused oil to my scalp and hair has taken my hair growth journey to an entire new level.

If you’re curious about what this kind of oil is and how you can make it yourself (which can save you a mini mint”>, this is the article that can hopefully address all of your concerns so that you’ll feel inspired to make some of your own oil — sooner than later.

What Exactly Is Infused Oil?

OK, so when it comes to using infused oil for beauty purposes, what exactly is it? Probably the best way to explain it is, it’s when you use a carrier oil as a “base” and then add some herbs to it in order to get the optimal level of benefits from it.

 

How to Make Your Own Infused Oil

Here’s the thing — there are a lot of companies that sell infused oil. My issue is 1″> you don’t always know if you’re getting what you think that you are and 2″> a lot of them are expensive as all get out. That’s why I prefer to actually purchase fresh dried herbs and a carrier oil on my own and make the oil at home. That way, I can control what goes into it and save a few coins in the process. And just how do I make it all come together?

Step 1. Choose your dried herbs

This can either come from the produce section of your grocery store, a health food store or online. I get a lot of my dried herbs from shops on Etsy. Just go there and put “dried herbs” in the search field to choose the ones you would like (there are a ton!”>. I’ll list my favorites down below.

Step 2. Stop by the arts and crafts store

Once you’ve got your herbs, swing by a Walmart or arts and crafts store to get a few mason (also called canning”> jars and some cheesecloth (it helps you to strain your herbs”>. Oh, also get some plastic bottles that you can put the oil in. I like the kind that have an applicator tip because it’s so much easier to apply that way.

Step 3. Combine your herbs and oil

The next step is to put all of the herbs and oil that you want to use into a mason jar. 

Step 4. Decide which method to go with

Once you’ve got everything in your jar, it’s time to decide if you want to use a double boiler, if you want to put the jar directly into a larger pot of hot water or if you want the jar to sit in a dark space for about 30 days, so that the herbs can really penetrate the oil. Personally, I prefer the second method. I will put my mason jar that’s full of herbs and oil into a large pot of water. I’ll bring it to a boil and then let it sit on simmer for most of the day (6-8 hours”>, although I do have one jar that has been sitting on one of my kitchen cabinets for about 20 days now (I just wanna see how much I like that method too”>. Anyway, if you’re more of a visual learner, there’s an easy DIY video that you can check out here.

Step 5. Strain the herbs and you’re all set

Once your herbs have either simmered for several hours or sat for about a month, it’s time to strain the herbs out so that you can use the oil on your hair and scalp. After the pot has cooled (so that you don’t burn yourself”>, get yourself another mason jar, put some cheesecloth over the top of it and slowly pour the infused oil over it so that the cloth catches the herbs. While some people keep the “oily herbs”, I discard them (I prefer to use “fresh” ones every time”>. Then transfer to a bottle and you’re all set. If you refrigerate your oil, it can easily last for about two months.

5 Carrier Oils to Try

I’ll get into the type of herbs that are great for your hair in a minute. For now, as far as the kind of carrier oils that you should try, there are five that get my top vote.

1. Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is awesome because it’s loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, along with biotin and essential fatty acids. If you’re looking for the kind of oil that will help to seal your hair’s cuticles while also not leaving a super greasy feeling behind, this is one that will be super ideal for you.

2. Grapeseed Oil

Personally, I’ve been a fan of grapeseed oil for a hot minute now. It’s also got a ton of antioxidants in it, along with a fatty acid known as linoleic acid which helps to stimulate hair growth and help your hair to retain moisture. Something else that’s great about this oil is it contains properties that effectively fight dandruff while providing your hair with lots of natural sheen.

3. Pumpkin Seed Oil

Goodness, talk about an oil that is literally like a multivitamin for your hair and scalp. Vitamins E and K, zinc, omega-3 and phytosterol (which helps to produce collagen so that your hair has more elasticity”> are all in this oil. And since it’s got a reputation for nourishes hair follicles while strengthening hair, of course, it had to make the list. 

4. Sweet Almond Oil

I also like sweet almond oil a lot. Next to rosemary oil (which is also a pretty good carrier oil; although I’ll be shouting it out in a different way in a second”>, it’s my skin go-to. Anyway, sweet almond makes the list because it’s rich in biotin, has properties that can protect your hair from sun damage and, its antibacterial and fungicidal properties can make it a soothing and healing treatment if you happen to have scalp issues like dandruff or eczema.

5. Olive Oil

Another oil that a lot of infused oil experts are fond of is olive oil. Its antioxidant levels are totally off the charts; plus, thanks to all of the fatty acids that are in it, it’s able to deeply penetrate the shaft of your hair in a way a lot of oils cannot. Another cool thing about olive oil is it can block the production of dihydrotestosterone (DTH”> which is attributed to hair loss. Yeah, olive oil is wonderful on a few levels. My only hesitation is it’s a got a slight smell to it (like olives”>, although, based on the herbs that you choose, that could cease to be as much of an issue.

By the way, if some of y’all are huge coconut oil fans and you’re wondering why I didn’t add it here, it’s because coconut oil usually solidifies at some point and while you can just put the container of your oil into a bowl of hot water to liquify the oil again, the extra step can sometimes be annoying. So, I just go with another kind of oil to avoid the hassle. And now, for the herbs to add to your carrier oil base.

Photo by Tatiana Rodriguez on Unsplash

7 Great Herbs for Your Hair

1. Rosemary

Off the top, did you know that if you massage rosemary into your scalp on a regular basis, it can increase your hair growth when massaged into the scalp? Since it also contains anti-inflammatory properties and it can increase blood flow to your scalp, that’s why it tops the list of herbs that are great for infused oil.

2. Lavender

Lavender can thicken your hair. It’s got antimicrobial properties that can fight dandruff and other forms of fungus and bacteria too. Also, it triggers the growth of hair cells and the scent? There aren’t too many other herbs that are more soft and feminine.

3. Burdock Root

Burdock Root is a great herb because it helps to strengthen the structure of keratin which is the protein that your hair is made of. As if that isn’t awesome enough, it also contains anti-inflammatory properties, is rich in phytosterols, polyphenols and antioxidants and is quite beneficial when it comes to stimulating hair growth.

4. Calendula

Polyphenols are compounds and calendula is an herb that is full of them. This is good to know because, not only can they help to prevent hair fall but they are also great at helping new hair to form where hair fall once occurred. Also, if your hair and scalp happen to be on the drier side, calendula is good for offering up extra moisture, so that your hair is far less dry and brittle.

5. Peppermint

You know how mint gives you that tingling feeling when you brush your teeth with it or apply it to your skin? That’s thanks to the menthol that’s in it and when you apply something like peppermint to your scalp, that sensation gets more blood flowing to your hair follicles which is always a good thing. Word on the street is peppermint can even increase the amount of hair follicles that you have; so, if you’re looking for an herb that can make your hair thicker, this would be the one.

6. Fenugreek

Two of the main nutrients that healthy hair need are iron and protein — fenugreek has plenty of both. It also contains plant compounds like flavonoids and saponins which help to increase hair growth. And, since it also contains vitamins A, K & C, folic acid, calcium and potassium, putting some of this into your infused oil is literally like giving your hair the ultimate multivitamin.

7. Dandelion Root

Speaking of multivitamins for your hair, this herb has vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, choline, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium — and that’s just for starters! As a bonus, if your scalp is sensitive, it contains properties that soothe it. Plus, this herb is really good at helping your scalp to regenerate cells while strengthening the hair that you’ve already got in the process.

So, there’s a mini-tutorial on how to make your own herb-infused oil and now you know how the blend of certain oils and herbs can help your hair. I’d be shocked if after your first bath, you don’t start making it for your hair and skin on a regular basis. It’s one of the best DIY beauty hacks I know and my hair has been looking and feeling amazing because of it!

©Shellie R. Warren/2021

Photo by Marta Filipczyk on Unsplash

 

It all begins with a hair follicle. Around 100,000 of them, to be exact. It’s literally at the bottom of each follicle that each one of your hair strands begin. It’s within the bulb of your follicles that cells divide and blood provides those cells with the vitamins and minerals they need, so that your hair is able to flourish. Yeah, hair follicles are extremely important which is why they need to be handled with extreme care and intention — this includes the foods you eat.

So, let’s dive into nutrition and your hair follicles today. I’m going to share with you eight different foods that provide eight specific nutrients that will keep your hair strong and healthy — thanks to how your follicles are able to get exactly what they need from each one of them.

1. Vitamin A: Collards

Did you know that your hair is one of the fastest growing tissues on your body? And since all of your cells need Vitamin A in order to thrive, I thought it would be a good idea to start here. One of the main benefits that this particular nutrient brings to your locks is it helps your hair follicles and scalp to produce sebum. This, in turn, keeps your hair nice and moisturized. A food that is high in Vitamin A is collard greens. In fact, if you’re looking to basically eat a “multivitamin”, any dark green vegetable has your back, thanks to all of the other vitamins and minerals that are in it. As a bonus, collards are also good for you because they contain fiber to keep you regular. Plus, they can help to lower your cholesterol levels, improve bone health (thanks to the K that’s in them”>, improve the health of your liver, reduce your cancer risk and, due to the choline that’s in them, collards can even help you to sleep better too.

2. Vitamin B12: Salmon

Oftentimes, when the topic of B vitamins that are good for your hair comes up, it’s biotin that’s mentioned. While that is indeed beneficial, what I’m going to shout-out today is Vitamin B12. Not only can it help to slow down premature greying, it also triggers the production of red blood cells so that your hair follicles are able to get the nutrients that they need. Salmon is high in this vitamin. It’s also rich in omega-3 (more on that in a bit”> and protein (which is what your hair is made of”>. If you’re looking for a way to “feed your follicles” while also being able to reduce your risk of heart disease, fight inflammation, improve your brain health, lose some pounds and regulate your thyroid in the process, salmon is definitely a delicious way to do it.

3. Vitamin C: Citrus Fruit 

I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of free radicals before. Still, if there’s a part of you that’s always wondered what they actually are, long story short, they’re unstable atoms that can ultimately lead to illness and aging. A nutrient that helps to keep free radicals at bay is Vitamin C. This is good to know because, since Vitamin C is such a powerful antioxidant, it’s able to protect against the kind of oxidative stress that can cause your hair to age. Vitamin C is also able to help your body to produce collagen which improves the elasticity of your hair which your follicles definitely need. Citrus fruit is loaded with this vitamin. Oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, lemons and limes are also beneficial because they’re low in calories, high in water and fiber (both can help to flush out toxins”>, can help to protect your brain from neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s disease”>, will boost your immunity and, since they’ve got a pretty low glycemic index, citrus fruit can keep your blood sugar levels regulated as well.

4. Vitamin D: Mushrooms

If you want healthy hair follicles, Vitamin D is an absolute must because it’s a vitamin that directly attributes to the production of them. In fact, there are many studies that connect hair loss to a Vitamin D deficiency. While a very popular way to get some natural Vitamin D into your system is spending time in the sun, a food that is rich in this nutrient are mushrooms. This is really cool to know because mushrooms can also help to strengthen your bones, muscles and teeth, treat hypertension, fight depression-related symptoms, reduce the risk of breast cancer and help your body to better absorb calcium, so that you can easily receive all of these benefits.

5. Copper: Dark Chocolate

Remember how I said earlier that Vitamin B12 helps with premature greying? So does copper. It’s a mineral that is also really good for your hair follicles because it helps to stimulate them, so that they’re better equipped to receive the blood and oxygen that they need in order to remain healthy. The really wonderful thing about this particular point is a food that’s loaded with copper is dark chocolate. Some other benefits of copper include the fact that it helps your system to produce red blood cells and collagen. Copper also makes it easier for your body to absorb iron (something else that’s really great for your follicles that I’ll get into next”>, turns the sugar that you consume into energy, assists in keeping your nerves in top condition and, it’s another nutrient that is awesome as it directly relates to keeping your immune system in peak condition.

6. Iron: Quinoa

Another nutrient that’s required if you want to avoid hair loss is iron. Iron is super beneficial as it relates to your hair follicles (and your hair overall”> because it helps to increase blood circulation to your scalp so that your follicles can get the vitamins and minerals that it needs in order to thrive. Other benefits of iron include it keeps your blood in good condition, assists with the production of certain hormones, strengthens your heart, improves your muscle function and it helps to significantly reduce the risk of anemia in women. A food that’s a good source of iron is the whole grain (that’s also gluten-free”> quinoa. Honestly, this particular food is one that could get its own article considering that it’s also rich in protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, manganese, magnesium and so much more.

7. Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Chia Seeds and Avocados

In an article on our site entitled, “4 Things You Should Know About Fatty Acids”, it features some of the reasons why your hair definitely needs “omegas”. Two of the reasons why I like them so much is they’re proven to improve hair’s density and diameter. Plus, they can significantly reduce hair fall by playing a role in preventing hair follicle inflammation. Some other reasons to get some omega-3s into your body is they help to maintain eye health, reduce mood swings, increase joint and bone strength, can help you to sleep more soundly and they’re effective when it comes to reducing breakouts and evening out your skin tone. Omega-6s are also good because they help to regulate your metabolism, maintain your reproductive system, boost your immunity, assist with healthy blood clothing and heal skin disorders like dermatitis. Chia seeds can get you your fill of omega-3 while avocados are loaded with omega-6.

8. Zinc: Cashews

When it comes to getting your hair follicles to flourish, zinc is the ultimate nutrient and a food that is loaded with zinc is cashews. Since zinc plays such a significant role in tissue growth and repair and because that is very important when it comes to getting your hair to grow and retain length, you need to get zinc into your system on a daily basis. While we’re here, some other health benefits of zinc are it boosts immunity, decreases inflammation, helps to keep your blood sugar levels balanced, supports a healthy heart and blood vessels and it’s great at reducing breakouts too. So, if you like to snack on nuts, think about all that you’re doing for your hair follicles, the next time you’ve got some cashews in your hand. Enjoy!

 

©Shellie R. Warren/2021

 

PICTURED: @ASHLYDANIELAAA

When you’re on the quest to grow and maintain a head full of healthy hair, there may be no larger culprit than split ends. The ends of your hair are the oldest part of the strand, and split ends happen when they become so dry and brittle that they fray into separate parts. As a result, your hair ends up looking frizzy and becomes unmanageable. That’s why it’s always a good idea to do all that you can to prevent split ends from wreaking havoc in your hair routine.

Today, we’ll be tackling healthy hair practices that you can do to keep split ends from occurring. For starters, I think it’s important to know that there are multiple ways that your ends can actually, well, split. So, what are some practical things that you can do to keep all of the split end varieties from messing with your mane? Here are seven tips that have totally helped me out.

Trim your ends regularly

When you’re in the process of trying to gain some real inches, the last thing you want to do is get a haircut. But the reality is that your ends are the oldest part of your hair and they are most likely to rub against your clothes and pillow, so we simply cannot avoid a trim forever. What’s worse is, if you leave them alone, the split could run up the shaft of your hair and result in all kinds of frizz and overall unhealthiness. Plus, no matter how much hair commercials try and say otherwise, you can’t really mend a split end. Once they are there, they’re there to stay. That’s why, it’s really important to trim them. How often? While a lot of stylists say every 4-6 weeks, depending on how well you take care of your hair, that may not be necessary. Just make sure that, each wash day, you look to see if your ends are frayed. If so, it’s time for a trim—or at least for you to dust your ends. While trimming your ends won’t speed up the growth process, what it will do is make sure that your hair remains in good condition so that you can grow (and keep”> strong hair from root to tip.

Read more: 5 Signs to Know Your Curly Hair Needs a Trim

Deep condition your hair

I’ve said before on this platform that it’s hard to do any type of hair care article and leave the importance of deep conditioning out of it. Deep conditioning is one of the best ways to “baby your ends” because it helps to keep them moisturized which protects them from all of the wear and tear that comes from daily styling and maintenance. In fact, make sure that when you do deep condition your hair that you’re intentional about deeply saturating your ends with your deep conditioner of choice and that you leave the product on for no less than 30 minutes in order to get the most optimal results. If you do this faithfully, you should notice less split ends, every time you wash (and condition”> your hair.

Seal your ends

After you moisturize your hair, it’s really important to seal that moisture in too. Sealing is simply about locking in the moisture that your hair has already obtained with an oil like Jamaican black castor oil or a butter like shea butter. Just make sure that once you’ve applied your “sealant”, that you leave your ends completely alone until your hair has totally dried. Otherwise, some of the product could rub off on your hands and your ends could miss out on the extra moisture that you were trying to give it. While some people only seal their ends on wash day, I sometimes do it once or twice again in between; just to make sure my ends get the extra protection that they need.

Lay off of the heat

While on the quest for length retention, I’m actually someone who has seen better results when I blow dry my hair on wash days than when I don’t. I think it’s because the extra “stretch” makes my hair easier to manage while helping to prevent fairy knots in the process. At the same time, I have to be really delicate when it comes to how I handle my hair during the blow-drying process. I make sure to let my hair air dry at least 50-60 percent first to significantly reduces the chances of it “frying” from the dryer. I definitely make sure to apply a cream-based thermal protectant (cream is thicker”>. I’m also intentional about not going above medium heat. While going hotter might make your hair straighter, what it also does is zap the moisture out of your hair which then makes it so much more vulnerable to becoming super brittle and ultimately fraying. The moral of the story is that with any heating tool, proceed with caution and use as little as possible. The reality is that any time you apply heat, you are subjecting yourself to potential damage. Split ends included.

Keep your ends off of your clothes

One major cause of split ends that I believe doesn’t get enough attention, is that we like to wear our hair out (or down, depending on the length”>. While it’s cute and all, the constant rubbing against the fabric of our clothing can lead to split ends and/or fairy knots (especially when you’re wearing a more “rugged” fabric like wool”>. Aside from the fact that protective styling is a great way to keep your hands out of your hair (more on that in a sec”> and protect your tresses from harsh weather elements (more on this in a sec too”>, it’s also really great at keeping your ends from incurring a lot of friction. So when possible try to keep your hair up off of your shoulders, especially when you’re wearing a fabric that is prone to drying your ends out. A pineapple like @ashlydanielaaa’s above is one cute option to keep your ends tucked up and away. 

Keep your hands out of your hair

There once was a time when I couldn’t stop fairy knots from occurring, and it used to drive me absolutely up the wall. Then I noticed something—whenever my hair was up in box braids, I hardly ever had any. That is because constantly touching and messing with our hair can cause split ends – and let’s be real, we do that more than we should. I don’t know if it’s a stress releaser or we subconsciously think that the more we touch our hair, the faster we’ll feel growth results. But one of the best things that you can do to keep split ends from occurring, is to keep your hands totally out other than when you’re styling your locks. Even then, make sure to use combs and brushes that won’t snag your ends (by the way, if a lot of snagging is happening, that’s another sign that it’s time to trim your ends”>. So opt for a stress ball rather than tugging on your hair if you want to keep your ends intact for as long as possible and avoid the shears. 

Watch the weather

There’s no way around the fact that the weather can lead to split ends too. The summer sun can dry out your hair and there is typically less humidity during the winter which means that your tresses can dry out then as well. So, when you know that you’re going to be outdoors in the sun for a long period of time, consider covering up your hair with a hat. During the winter season, consider sleeping on a satin pillowcase and turning a humidifier on so that moisture won’t get zapped from your hair and your precious ends will remain strong and healthy.

Image Source: @jewejewebee

A YouTube channel that I actually enjoy is nappyheadedjojoba. There are dozens of reasons why, but the reason why I’m bringing the channel up today is because the host of it has a gorgeous head of hair. At the same time, something that she admittedly accepts is her edges are not as full as the rest of her locks are. Sometimes this happens due to genetics (which is what I think she said is the case with her”>. Other times, it’s because we’re not treating our edges and nape (of our neck”> like we should; like they are the most fragile parts of our hair.

If you know that fall into Column B and you’re ready to be more proactive in helping those areas of your head to flourish, I’ve got some tips that, I believe, will totally help you out.

1. Be careful with your protecting styling.

When I’ve got box braids in my hair, you honestly can’t tell me nothin’. I know I’m cute, so just move outta my way. And, while I actually do have a really great braider who is gentle with my ends (which is key”>, I do try and give my hair a break after I’ve worn my braids for 6-8 weeks. While, on one hand, protective styles like braids and twists (and even wigs”> will give your hair a break when it comes to daily styling and manipulation, there’s kind of no way around the fact that they also can add extra tension on the most fragile parts of your hair—your edges and your nape. So, just make sure that when you’re wearing a protective styling that your edges aren’t “snatched” so far back that you look like you’ve gotten a facelift. Even though your edges (and nape”> will look nice for a while, it could result in your hair follicles becoming really weak and you ending up with bald spots. I’m pretty sure you don’t want that.

2. Be careful with “laying your edges” too.

Laid edges. It’s a right of passage for so many of us, but it’s also something that can wear our edges out. Between the pressure that comes from the incessant brushing and the alcohol that is in the edge control product that a lot of us tend to use (and the clogging of the pores that edge control can sometimes cause”>—it’s just not worth it to have your edges totally slicked down 24/7. Styling your edges that way on special occasions or a couple of times a week (preferably not back to back”> is fine. Other than that, be OK with your edges looking…shoot, normal. Baby hairs are called that for a reason. You’re a grown woman now. It’s totally fine for your edges to not be gelled to death. Literally.

3. Oil your edges and nape.

While some naturalistas frown at oiling your scalp (which is where the hair from your edges and nape grow out of, right?”>, I’m a huge fan of it! Not only does oiling (and massaging“> your scalp help it to maintain the natural sebum that is produced from it, but it can also serve as a protective layer when it comes to debris and inclement weather issues (like extreme heat or wintertime snow”> that might try to damage your hair follicles. Just make sure that you go with an oil that doesn’t clog your hair follicles. Some that top the list include jojoba (it soothes an inflamed scalp”>; sweet almond (it moisturizes your scalp”>; clary sage (it stimulates your scalp”>; virgin olive (it nourishes your scalp”>, and grapeseed oil (it relieves an itchy scalp”>.

4. Get regular protein treatments.

Your hair is made up of protein, so it would make sense that you should get protein treatments from time to time, right? This is especially the case when it comes to your edges and nape because they both need protein on a consistent basis. So, how can you know, without question, that your hair could use some extra protein in it? If it feels extra dry, if there’s a lack of elasticity and/or you’re noticing more breakage or shedding than usual. For the record, waiting until these signs pop up isn’t the best approach. You can be proactive about keeping your hair protein-balanced by giving yourself a treatment every six weeks or so. Just make sure to not overdo it. That can also make your hair super dry and literally cause your ends to snap off like twigs.

5. Take a multivitamin.

Did you know that around 31 percent of Americans are deficient when it comes to at least one vitamin that their system regularly needs? That’s problematic, on a few levels. When it comes to your hair specifically, when you’re not getting the nutrients that it needs, not only can it hinder hair retention, it can also cause your edges and the nape of your hair to weaken over time. As far as the vitamins that your hair definitely needs in order to thrive, the list includes vitamins A, B, C, D and E, along with iron (something that a lot of Black women are particularly deficient in”>, calcium, magnesium and zinc. While it’s important to be intentional about eating foods that are high in all of these things, something that can serve as a “back up” is taking a multivitamin. If you need a little help selecting the best one, Prevention has a list that can help you out here.

6. Move your hats and scarves around.

I adore me some scarves and hats. So much, in fact that, other than on a couple of days a week, you’re probably gonna see me with one or the other on my head. I must admit that too much of a good thing can do a real number on your edges and nape, though. For instance, when it came to my scarves, having a knot tied in the same place resulted in some breakage that I didn’t see coming because the knot was putting pressure in the same place, day after day. As far as hats go, the tension from those can rub your edges and nape to death, if you’re not careful too. That’s why, it’s a good idea to take off your scarves, turbans and hats as soon as you get home and, that you try and not position them to be in the exact same spot every time you wear them. The less stress your edges and nape receive from your hair accessories, the better.

7. Wrap your hair up at night.

Friction isn’t our hair’s friend and I doubt there’s a time when our hair experiences more friction than when we’re tossing and turning all night. That’s why it’s so important to “baby” your edges and nape with a little of that oil we already talked about and then to wrap your hair up with a satin scarf at night. Just try and make sure that you don’t tie it on too tight (so that there isn’t too much pressure on your hair follicles”> and that you sleep on a satin pillowcase in case your scarf falls off. If you do all of these things, you should see fuller results with your edges and nape over the course of six weeks or so. Good luck!

How do you protect your edges? Share with us in the comments!

Image Source: @himenatural

If one of the hair goals that you currently have is that you want it to become considerably longer over the next several months, then I definitely wrote this with you in mind. While companies literally spend millions of dollars, trying to convince us that what we put on our hair is the key to health and length, the reality is if wour diet sucks, the products we use aren’t going to matter all that much.

That’s why I thought I would take out a couple of minutes to share with you some of the foods that can actually help to play a pivotal role in how strong and long your hair gets. Are you ready to see what to add to your grocery list? Let’s do it.

1. Eggs

Since our hair is made up of somewhere between 80-90 percent protein (the specific kind is keratin”>, that’s why I thought it would be a good idea to start this off with a food that is loaded with protein—eggs. On the overall health tip, eggs are good for you because they are a good source of most Vitamin Bs, selenium and choline. Eggs are also able to raise your good cholesterol levels; can reduce your risk of heart disease; contains the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that will keep your vision strong, and it is loaded with amino acids too.

When it comes to your hair, eggs are great because the protein that’s in it will help to support healthy hair growth. Plus, the nutrients in eggs will help to improve your hair’s elasticity, improve the texture of your hair, and also help to repair the weakened spots in your hair’s cuticle by supplying it with more protein.

2. Dark Leafy Greens

There honestly aren’t too many things that are healthier for you than dark leafy greens. They’re basically like eating a multivitamin rather than taking a capsule or pill. Kale is loaded with vitamins A, C and K. Collards are an awesome source of calcium and folate. Spinach is also packed with Vitamin K and folate. Romaine is a good source of vitamins A and K. Arugula’s got carotenoids, and turnips are filled with manganese, calcium and folate—not to mention all of these greens have a good amount of iron in them.

Since a lot of Black women are low in iron, and iron plays a real role in hair growth and overall hair health, I’m sure you can see why enjoying a big bowl of greens, at least a couple of times a week, is something that your hair will truly love you for.

3. Sweet Potatoes

C’mon. Is there anything better than a fresh batch of homemade sweet potato fries? Something that consistently tops the list of being a superfood are sweet potatoes because they’ve got plenty of Vitamin A (per serving”> in them, along with vitamins C, manganese and potassium. Sweet potatoes also contain a good amount of copper (which can help to slow down premature greying, by the way”> and antioxidants that help to fight off free radicals. If you’re looking for a food that will keep your gut (where 80 percent of your immunity is”> in good shape, sweet potatoes can do that. Want to maintain your vision? Sweet potatoes can assist with that as well. Also, the anthocyanins (a type of antioxidant”> in sweet potatoes will help to improve your cognitive health, as the beta-carotene in sweet potatoes will work to strengthen your immunity.

Since beta-carotene is also great for cell renewal, consuming sweet potatoes is a wonderfully delicious way to keep your hair healthy while reducing the chances for thinning and breakage in the process.

Image Source: @fris.ee

4. Oatmeal

Did you know that oatmeal is one of the healthiest grains around? A part of the reason why that’s the case is because it’s filled with fiber to keep you regular. Adding to that, oatmeal’s got an unbelievable amount of manganese in it, along with phosphorus, copper, magnesium, iron, thiamin and zinc. The antioxidants in it, known as avenanthramides, will help to keep your blood pressure low. And, as an added bonus, oatmeal can help to control your blood sugar levels.

Due to all of the nutrients in oatmeal, it can help to keep your hair soft and manageable. The lipids and proteins in oatmeal can keep dandruff and other scalp irritants at bay. Plus, thanks to the Vitamin B that oatmeal has, if excessively dry hair is something that you struggle with, eating more oatmeal can reduce moisture loss which can ultimately reduce breakage potential in the long run.

5. Blueberries

If you like to snack on blueberries, good for you. They’re also considered to be a superfood, thanks to them being a good source of vitamins C and K, and manganese, antioxidants and fiber. Blueberries are actually so powerful that they can fight off free radicals; reduce the chances of cancer cells developing; fight DNA cellular damage; protect the cholesterol levels in your blood from being damaged; lower your blood pressure, and help to prevent heart disease.

The reason why you should add them to your diet, as far as your hair is concerned, is because blueberries are also able to improve the oxygenation of your blood so that blood circulation is increased to your scalp. The more blood that flows to your hair follicles, the more nutrients they are able to receive and the stronger your hair will become over time.

6. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are great snacks, for a few reasons. For starters, they are both really high in vitamins B and E, along with protein, potassium, calcium, copper, plant iron and zinc. Some other cool things about nuts and seeds is they’re able to help your body to burn energy, they can protect you from getting heart disease and they are super rich in phytochemicals which are a form of antioxidants.

Because many nuts and seeds also contain the amino acid arginine and it is what helps to keep blood vessels in good condition, nuts and seeds are great at increasing blood circulation to your scalp. Also, the zinc in them is essential when it comes to hair tissue repair and growth—which is paramount for gaining inches. So, what nuts and seeds are the healthiest? As far as nuts go, almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans and Brazil nuts are right on up there. On the seeds tip, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds and sunflower seeds are awesome.

Image Source: @wavycurly

7. Red Bell Peppers

Do you like to add red bell peppers to your dishes? If so, whether you realize it or not, this is just one more way that you’re being proactive about your overall health and well-being. Although red peppers consist of 92 percent water, believe it or not, they contain a considerable amount of nutrients too. Red bell peppers have loads of vitamins A, C, B6, E, K, folate and potassium in them. They’ve also got plant compounds which all work together to prevent anemia, improve the condition of your eyes and, thanks to the capsaicin (another plant component”> that’s in red bell peppers, eating them can increase your metabolism as well.

How can red bell peppers help with length retention? The high amount of Vitamin C can produce collagen to support your hair and prevent it from drying out. The Vitamin E can keep your locks moisturized and, there are properties in red bell peppers that can also help to protect you from experiencing hair loss. How cool is that?

8. Fish

If nothing makes you happier than some grilled salmon, good for you because fish is another food that is great for you. It’s definitely high in protein and Vitamin D and is also a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Because of this, the benefits that come from eating fish are numerous. Fish helps to boost brain health. The fatty acids in fish can help to curb depression-related symptoms. Fish can help to reduce your risk of being diagnosed with any autoimmune diseases too. Fish can also help to reduce bodily inflammation and, thanks to the Vitamin D that is in it, it’s been known to improve sleep quality too.

Why it also makes the list of foods that are great for hair growth and retention to become fatty acids lower inflammation of your scalp so that your hair follicles are able to open up and your hair can grow more fully and freely. Plus, since omega-3 is a healthy fat, it can help to keep your scalp from feeling dry, itchy or irritated. So, the next time you go to the grocery store, at the very least, get the ingredients to make a salmon salad. Your taste buds, your hair and every other part of you will be truly grateful if you do.

Know of any foods we might have missed? Share with us in the comments!

Image Source: @joybeforeher

If there’s one thing that our hair naturally does, on a daily basis, it’s shed hair; it’s when you lose strands of hair from the root (if you look closely, you should actually see a tiny bulb from where your hair came out of its hair follicle”>. When it comes to what’s “normal”, most health professionals would say that 50-100 strands of hair would fall into that category.

There are two times when there’s an exception to this, though. One is if you’ve had your hair up in a protective style like braids. That’s because, if you haven’t been able to comb or brush your hair, it hasn’t been able to properly shed. As a result, taking your hair down will mean that you will see more hair shed/loss than usual. The other is when you are going through something that has the medical term of telogen effluvium. It’s basically the term for excessive shedding and, as you’re about to see in just a couple of seconds, there are several things that can cause it.

If you happen to be someone who is losing more hair than normal, before freaking out, take a moment to see why it could be the case. That way, you can know what to do to get your tresses back on track again.

1. You’re stressed out.

Although all of us have moments when we’re more stressed out than normal, when the cortisol (the stress hormone that is naturally produced in our body”> is peaking, it can definitely cause our hair to shed more than it usually does. For example, although giving birth to a child is one of the greatest moments in a woman’s life, it can also be one of the most stress-filled; this explains why a lot of new moms end up losing a significant amount of hair for the several months following going into labor. If you know that you’ve been feeling more worried, anxious and/or you’ve been getting a lot less sleep than you usually do, oftentimes all you need to do is alter your lifestyle a bit. Get into an exercise routine. Strive for no less than 6-8 hours of sleep. Set some boundaries if the cause of your stress is a particular person or environment. Sometimes, very simple modifications can be all that you need to feel better and to see your hair return back to normal.

2. Your hormones are all over the place.

Something else that stress can do is cause your hormones to go on a major emotional roller coaster ride that can also affect how much your hair sheds. But so can going through normal life transitions like perimenopause and menopause due to the shifts in estrogen that your system will experience. A natural thing that you can do to level out your hormones a bit is to eat more foods like avocados, flaxseeds, broccoli, meat (to get more protein”> and healthy fats like coconut oil and palm oil—all of these are proven to bring a balance back to hormone levels that may be a little out of wack. If after a few weeks, you don’t notice any signs of improvement, you might want to make an appointment with your doctor so that they can do some extensive testing to see if there is a hormonal issue that may require medication or if an alternative form of therapy is required to resolve the matter.

3. You could stand to eat better.

When you really let it sink in that food is the fuel that our bodies need to get throughout the day, and that food also plays a significant role in our overall health and well-being, it makes perfect sense that a poor diet can also lead to excessive hair shedding. In fact, there are many studies to support that if you’re not getting enough zinc, vitamins A, B12, C and D and also copper and biotin, you could end up within a noticeably weak head of hair. That’s why it’s important to lighten up on any junk food that you might be consuming and to also up your intake of oatmeal (zinc”>, orange and yellow veggies (Vitamin A”>, salmon (Vitamin B12″>, citrus fruits and berries (Vitamin C”>, Greek yogurt (Vitamin D”>, dark chocolate (copper”> and sweet potatoes and spinach (biotin”>. Make sure to drink lots of water too; the more moisturized your hair follicles are, the better the health of your hair will be overall.

4. Your thyroid is a little off.

A lot of us are fully aware of the fact that we’ve got a thyroid, but if you’ve ever wondered exactly what your thyroid is, it’s a butterfly-shaped gland that is located underneath your Adam’s apple. Basically, your thyroid releases hormones that play a significant role in determining your metabolism, development and even your body temperature. When your thyroid isn’t functioning as well as it should be, it could result in you experiencing extreme levels of fatigue, muscle aches and cramps (that isn’t related to things like exercise or dehydration”>, noticeable weight loss and gain (that tends to go up and down a lot”>, intolerance to cold and yes, hair shedding. If you’ve had a combination of these things going on for more than a few weeks, definitely reach out to your physician. A thyroid issue is typically something that you need a professional to assist you with.

5. Your iron levels are low.

Did you know that roughly 25 percent of the world’s population struggles with some level of anemia? Anemia is when your iron levels are dangerously low. Some symptoms of anemia include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, chest pains, brittle nails, an inflamed tongue and excessive hair shedding. If you are borderline anemic, oftentimes adding more iron to your diet can get you back on track. Foods high in iron include baked potatoes, dark leafy greens, whole grains, molasses, cashews, red meat, legumes, quinoa, pumpkin seeds and 100 pure red grape juice. However, it should go on record that if you’ve got a combination of the symptoms that I mentioned, this is another reason to see your doctor sooner than later. While they might recommend something as simple as you taking an iron supplement, they also might need to put you on an antibiotic, give you some form of oxygen therapy or, in extreme cases, you might even need a blood transfusion.

6. You’ve got a health issue (that you may be unaware of”>.

Let’s wrap this up with another, very important, reason why you might be shedding hair more than usual—an underlying health concern. What you might not realize is everything from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS”> and diabetes to lupus and liver disease, to even skin/scalp conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis, can all play a role in you shedding large amounts of hair. So, if after making some of the health adjustments that I recommended in this article, you don’t notice any major changes when it comes to your hair (when it comes to experiencing less shedding”>, please see your doctor as soon as you possibly can. Excessive hair shedding rarely happens “just because”.

Get the peace of mind that you need to figure out why it’s happening to you by speaking with a medical professional, OK? Cool.

Image Source: @protectivestyles

Listen, I will be the first to say that I am a card-carrying member of the box braid fan club. Whenever I get to a point and place where I don’t feel like doing anything to my hair and/or I want some extra length and/or I would like to keep my own hands out of my natural hair (which can be hard for me to do, at times”>, medium-sized box braids are my immediate go-to. However, I must admit that there have been times when, after taking my braids down, my hair wasn’t as healthy as it should’ve been. That’s because I didn’t take some preventative measures before getting my braids; it’s also because I wasn’t diligent in caring for my hair while I had my braids either.

Again, box braids are dope. You’ll get no argument from me there. But there’s absolutely no point in getting them if your hair is going to be totally jacked up once you take them down. In order to avoid having that be your testimony, check out the rest of this article.

Deep condition your hair before getting your hair braided.

Again, I’ll say from very personal experience that one of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to properly caring for your hair while they are in box braids is not prepping your tresses beforehand. And a big part of this includes deep conditioning your hair. Even though some of your strands will be protected via the extensions that you’ll probably be using with your box braids, some of your hair will be exposed as well (because your real hair is braided in with your faux hair”>. This means that it will be exposed to outside elements and will need to be as moisturized as possible to decrease the chances of breakage. So, within 48 hours of your braiding appointment, make sure to not only shampoo your hair (preferably with a non-sulfate brand unless you’ve got a lot of build-up”> followed by a deep conditioning treatment. Oh, and if you’re someone who color-treats your hair, go with a color rinse rather than something permanent. That will also reduce your chances of brittleness and breakage once your braids are put in.

Don’t worry about trimming your ends; do seal them, though.

While it might sound weird at first, one of the worst things that you can do to your hair, prior to a braid appointment, is trim your ends. When you do that, it can cause your hair to not lay down as smoothly into your extensions as you would probably like. If your ends are horrific, trim them and then wait another 2-3 weeks before getting your hair braided. If they’re not, leave the shears alone. However, what you absolutely should do is seal your ends. Sealing is simply a process that helps your hair to lock in moisture in between wash days. You can learn more about the sealing process by checking out our article, “How to Use Oils to Penetrate, Seal and Grow Your Hair”. You can also check out a video on how to properly seal your ends here.

Know the red flags of a bad braid job.

OK, something that I think needs to be talked about, a lot more than it tends to be, is knowing what the signs of a bad braid job are before you go to see a braider. Your edges shouldn’t be so tight that your skin is pulling an inch back. The hair extension quality shouldn’t be poor (the website Product Blockbuster has a review on great hair for braided styles here“>. If you don’t know the person (and their work”> personally, you shouldn’t go to someone who doesn’t have a site with good reviews and pictures on them. Caring for your own hair consists of getting a good stylist to put your braids in to begin with. Do your do justice on researching at least 2-3 people out beforehand. Go to their place of business to watch how they braid. Then make your decision. It’s the best way to know that you’ll get the kind of results that you’re actually looking for.

Watch those shears.

It’s pretty common that, right after you get your hair braided, some of your natural hair is going to “frizz up” (if your hair is natural”> or stick out (if it’s relaxed”> some. If your braider dips your hair into hot water (in order to seal your extensions”>, that will take care of some of this. However, they will probably also use some shears to do a little trimming. That is fine because, if they know what they are doing (and they should”>, a lot of your natural hair will not be removed. But be very careful about attempting to do the same thing at home. Hopefully, a part of your goal in getting box braids in the first place is you want to again a little length. That’s not going to happen if you’re so busy cutting on your natural hair that you end up removing more than you would like and will have to end up with a full trim—if not an all-out haircut—once your braids are removed. Bottom line, use some water-based hair mousse (like Creme of Nature Style & Shine Foaming Mousse orThe Mane Choice Peach Black Tea & Vitamin Fusion Anti-Shedding & Intense Volume Therapy Mousse“> to lay those fly-aways down more than your hair shears. You’ll be so glad you did once your natural hair is back out.

Pamper your scalp.

Some people like to wash their hair, every couple of weeks, while their braids are in. I don’t because it can make them look kind of messy. Instead, I put a lot of the focus on taking care of my scalp. For instance, if you want to clarify your scalp or you’re someone who struggles with itchiness and/or dandruff, something that you can do is apply an apple cider vinegar rinse to your scalp (learn how to do that here“>. Cantu also has an Apple Cider Vinegar Root Rinse infused with ingredients like peppermint oil, tea tree oil, saw palmetto, burdock, nettle, green tea and Vitamin E, that I’ve used that works really well too (especially since it comes with an easy-to-apply nozzle”>. Also, since your scalp will be more exposed than usual (due to all of the smaller parts that are throughout your entire head”>, make sure to moisturize it. Some oils that work really well include jasmine (due to its antiseptic properties that can help to remove bacteria and build-up”>, Moroccan (that is able to help to relieve dry scalp”> and rosemary oil (that can help to health scalp irritation”>. If you want to clear more about oils that are great for your scalp, check out our article “These are the Best Oils for Scalp Health” such as the Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil  or the Taliah Waajid Protective Styles Healthy Hair Under There Bamboo, Avocado And Peppermint Conditioning & Restoring Serum.

Create a moisturizing spray.

While the extensions for your box braids will protect a lot of your hair from drying out, 6-8 weeks (which is the average amount of times that box braids are able to stay in without damaging your hair”> is a long time. Something else that you might want to do is create a moisturizing spray that you can lightly spritz your hair and scalp with. For tips on how to do just that, watch this video and this video.

Don’t let your braids wear out their welcome.

I don’t care how cute your hair looks in your braided style or even how much money you spent, if after you take them out, you’ve got to cut your hair 2-4 inches due to all of the breakage and damage, you kinda defeated the purpose of having them in your hair in the first place. Box braids are a low-maintenance style, no doubt, but since you won’t be messing with your own hair while they are in, you should be able to see at least an inch or two of growth once you take them out. One way to insure this happens is to not try and keep your braids in for forever and a day. Real talk? Six weeks is a good amount. Eight should be your limit. More than that and the pressure of the braids could cause breakage. Besides, if you try that “I’ll just wrap the new growth around itself” approach, it could result in matting or locking. To me, it’s not worth the risk.

Wait before getting another set.

The Greek philosopher Aristotle once said something along the lines of, “The excess of a virtue is a vice.” Translation? Anything, in the extreme, can prove to be a bad thing. Protective styles included. That’s why, it really is a good idea to give your hair a 2-3 week break in between braiding appointments. That gives your hair time to break, you have the opportunity to trim your ends and give your hair a protein treatment and your edges to get a break from the strain that box braids sometimes provide. If you follow all of these steps though, your natural hair should be in peak condition while it’s in box braids. That’s for sure!

Have any secrets of your own for long-lasting box braids? Share them in the comments! 

Image Source: @curlycandi

Rihanna. Janet Jackson. Yara Shahidi. Jada Pinkett Smith. Marsai Martin. Tracee Ellis Ross. Ciara. Erykah Badu. Lauryn Hill. SZA. These are just a handful of Black celebrities who’ve proudly sported a headful of bantu knots. And you know what? The one thing that all of them had in common is, no matter what their hair texture may be, they all looked absolutely fabulous in them! While I’ll be the first to say that it takes a lot of self-confidence—and a dash of boldness—to pull this particular style off, as you’re about to see in just a moment, there is something that’s truly beautiful—majestic even—about this hip-yet-always-classic hairstyle.

What Are Bantu Knots?

Let’s start with what bantu knots actually are. They are simply knots that are created with your hair and/or the assistance of extensions to create knots all over your hair. Sometimes your hair is simply twisted into a knot and secured with hair bands or bobby pins or sometimes your hair is put into single braids and then twisted up. How many knots you end up with is totally up to you, but if it’s more than two knots, that technically qualifies as a bantu knot hairstyle.

Where Does the Name “Bantu” Come From?

If you’re on the fence about getting bantu knots, this point right here may be all of the confirmation that you need to give bantu knots a try. The reason why I say that is because another name for bantu knots is Zulu knots. Zulu is a tribe in Africa that loosely translates into “from the heavens”. So, you know what that means, right? If you do decide to rock a head full of bantu knots, you are also wearing a hairstyle that is from the heavens. How amazing is that?

How to Make Your Bantu Knots Last

Keep some oil sheen on hand. Your hairstyle is automatically “from the heavens”, right? Make sure your bantu knots keep their glow by having a little oil sheen on tap. Oil sheen is dope because you can get the shine that you want without having to put your hands all up in your head in the process. As a bonus, oil sheen is a great way to soothe the parts in your scalp as well.

Secure them at night with bobby pins and a scarf. I won’t lie to you, figuring out how to sleep comfortably with a head full of bantu knots requires some finessing that’s on a whole ‘nother level (a naturalista totally has your back on how to do it on this video here“>. Two things that can help you to sleep more comfortably, all the while knowing that your knots will remain intact, is if you secure your knots a little more with the help of some bobby pins (or additional bobby pins”>; make sure the tiny balls on the bottom of the pins are secure. Otherwise, you could end up snagging and pulling on your hair which could lead to damage. Also, make sure to tie your hair up on a silk or satin scarf (or that you put on a silk or satin bonnet”>. Then, when you wake up, you can remove the extra pins and use a little hair mousse or edge control gel to lay down the fly-aways. You’ll be all set.

Use extensions as needed. While some people only use their natural hair in order to create their bantu knots, if your tresses are currently on the shorter side or you want to create a more dramatic height effect while also protecting your natural hair and insuring that your knots will last a bit longer, you can always add extensions. The key is to make sure that the hair is quality. A website called My Hair Care Couch has a feature article entitled, “Top 13 Best Hair for Box Braids” that can also be used for bantu knots as well. Check it out when you get a chance.

Refresh knots as needed too. One of my favorite things about bantu knots, hands down, is the fact that the maintenance and upkeep of them tends to be easier than a lot of other hairstyles. For instance, if you happen to notice that one of the knots is frizzy or messier than you would like, you can always take the knot down and redo it. With the help of some gel, pomade or setting lotion, you can smooth down your hair and then create two-strand twists or you can braid your hair and then put it back up into a knot. If you’re more of a visual learner, this video here will show you how to do it (if you’ve got shorter hair, click here“>.

Turn them into a bantu knot-out once they get old.

Once your knots have been in for a week or so and either they’re looking old or you’re ready to do something new, how about turning your knots into a knot-out? That’s basically when you take your hair down so that you can rock out the ringlets that the knots created. When it comes to what a knot-out looks like (and how to maintain it”>, I can show you better than I can tell you. Check out the videos here, here and here for tips on how to smoothly transition out of one gorgeous hairstyle to another with very little drama or even effort on your point.

Here’s to a heavenly hair look, sis. Enjoy, and share your Bantu knot tips and tricks with us in the comments!