Afro

Author: admin

  • Straightening your hair with minimal damage

    Sometimes changing up your hairstyle can be exciting. Especially when you have special occasions or celebrations of any nature where you want to look your best. Now this does not mean that straight hair is the only style that makes you look great. Straightening your hair comes with its advantages and disadvantages. I honestly believe that it is a lot safer to have it relaxed if you want it straight than use a hair straightener. The main reason is that straighteners tend to make afro hair more damaged in general. You also have to make sure that you use the right products in order to minimize hair damage. However, there are ways you can straighten your hair without causing a lot of damage. One of the methods you can use is a silk press.

    Silk Press

    A silk press is the process of using specific products to make your hair bone straight like you have a relaxer. It has become quite popular nowadays and is a great way to change up your hair routine if you want. The process of getting a silk press is that initially, you have you wash your hair. Any type of shampoo or conditioner will do, however there are some products that are ideal for silk press such as Keracare and chi. After you wash the hair, make sure that it is detangled with a brush. If you want to get the best results, it’s best to use the range in order to get the result you want. Once the wash and blow dry has been done, you blow dry your hair. You can use any type of blow-dryer but your hair must not be wet at all (always make sure to use heat protectant). After the process of blow drying you have to add the silk press no matter which one it is. Once you complete the process, you will get a straightener your hair will just glide through and get really bone straight. When you pass through the straightener it should only be one or two passes. This process works for mostly afro hair types.

    If you get a well done silk press, you hair should revert back to its original state once it is washed. A silk press can last up to 2 weeks depending on how active you are and how well you look after it. If you are active, then it’s something that will only last a shorter period for you. Is it worth it, I guess it all depends on what type of occasion you are attending.

    Flat Iron

    This is another method of straightening your hair. Again it may seem similar to the silk press, however with the flat iron, you don’t use the products for a silk press, more likely a serum. The process of straightening is exactly the same. Make sure that you wash your hair. Again any shampoo or conditioner will do. Make sure before you blow dry that you detangle your hair with a brush. Then you can put the serum before you blow dry your hair. Once your hair has been blow dryed, then section it into four depending on the thickness of your hair. Then when you straighten, make sure you use the tail comb as that will help with the process of straightening. It does take some time to get this done, however if you want results this is one of the best methods.

    Now it may seem like the silk-press and flat-iron would be exactly the same processes however there are a few differences.

    Straightening – No heat method

    This one can be quite tricky especially if your hair is quite kinky and thick, however it works if you have some type of hair dryer. I have tried the method however I find that because my hair is curly, it dries and still has the curls so the tip is making sure that when you brush it, before you put the rollers, it’s a lot smoother. I would advise that after you wash your hair, just stretch your hair if it’s curly, you can braid it or use the threading method which will help in straightening it without any heat. Make sure that you put moisturizer during this process so that when you have take out your thread or braid it’s straightened as naturally as possible. Once you start the process of the rollers, you can use any oils that work well on your hair. This process is time-consuming however once you get it done, you may have to keep the rollers in your hair for some time. If you have the hair dryer, the process can be shortened.

    Once you take out your rollers, you will find that your hair has a great style and you can comb it to your satisfaction, depending on the style that you want. This is a heat free way of straightening your hair and making sure that it is in good condition.

    Banding method

    Depending on the length of your hair, the banding method is a great way to straighten your hair if you want to straighten it without heat. If you want results like the silk-press or flat-iron type, then you will be disappointed. This will help elongate your hair if you don’t want it in the shrunken state. Make sure that when you part it, that the bottom is not too tight. If you want it to look neater, you can use some edge control if you want, however depending on your hair-type, it may not be necessary.

    Your hair does not have to be dry it’s a good idea to moisturize it as well. This is a more comfortable method if you don’t want to sleep with rollers on your head and it will still straighten your hair with little to no damage at all. You can actually comb out your hair without any struggle.

    At the end of the day you have to make sure that you are not damaging your hair. I would recommend a silk press or flat iron once a year or even every six months and also for use when you want to trim your hair. These should not me methods that you use all the time. If you want a constant silk press look like I mentioned at the beginning, it’s best then to think of relaxing your hair because that would be a better option for you. I have kept my hair relaxer free for more than 10 years now and I know that some individuals cannot do that, however if you want to keep it natural you need to learn how to look after it. If you don’t have time to experiment then try to find something that works for it. It may be braids, weaves or wigs. The options are endless.

    What method of hair straightening have you tried? I tried the silk-press once, it looked great however after a few months I needed to cut most of my hair as I actually got some heats damage. I have not attempted to straighten my hair in a long time, but that was something I had to learn over the process of looking after my hair. If you want maximum growth, you have to really be patient and consistent with your routine. It’s not easy but if you develop a habit, then it becomes as easy as breathing.

  • Natural hair during quarantine in 2020

    The impact of the pandemic had brought about the feeling that things are out of control, including your hair care regimen. During this time when you have more time to prepare yourself, it’s time to learn how to do the basic, such as trimming your own natural hair especially if you cannot visit your hairdresser. Additionally, it’s a time to keep busy although you are confined. It’s been difficult for most individuals, however something I have learnt over the course of the days that have gone by is that when you start looking inward, try and remember those that are around you. If you can help your neighbour next to you, it will make a world of difference in how you feel.

    Hair Ideas

    The beginning of this pandemic, brought about fear and anxiety to many individuals. I know that in some countries, individuals have curfews, while in others people have actually been confined to their houses. At this stage, you have so much time to be creative and come up with ideas on what you can do. During this period, I came up with a little diary where I could stick the type of hairstyles and it is free.

    It’s a time to explore different colours and styles especially now that you have the time.

    Maintenance

    This is a great time to moisturize your hair as often as you can. If you want a reference to the type of moisturisers you can use, I have included a link to the moisturisers that I use. This has been a great time for me to learn which moisturisers work well on my hair and which one’s I should avoid buying next time. One thing I have done is that I will not purchase any other products until I finish using the ones that I have. The problem with accumulating many products, something that I do not promote is risking having some expire on you.

    Trims

    I would not advice you to cut your own hair, but if you know how to do it, go for it. However, if you don’t really know what to do, a good trim should help you in minimizing split ends and also having hair that looks healthy at the end of the lockdown.

    You can always book in sometime to see the individual that cuts your hair. I think that it’s important to look after your hair even with this tough time. If there are any new skills you want to try when it comes to doing your hair, there are so many wonderful individuals on Youtube.

    Watching what you eat

    I realised that a lot of my friends have been complaining about the fact that they can’t help themselves but eat a bit too much. I think it’s good to keep yourself busy and you can start by learning a new skill. If you want to start a business, I have a link that you can use to set one up for free. If you have time, don’t hesitate.

    Additionally, when you go shopping, make sure you are picking the right types of foods that will not cause you to overeat. If you are constantly hungry, that means you may not be hydrated. It’s a good idea to be hydrated, it minimizes your hunger. I also find that eating food that keep you fuller for longer is also useful in getting you to be less hungry.

    There are many ways to keep you preoccupied. If you have any children this is a great time to teach them something that they do not know. That means there is no excuse to overeat and you can always keep healthy. 

    Don’t forget that you can exercise even in a confined space, 30 minutes per day is the requirement for adults.

    Conclusion

    This may be a challenging time for everyone, however don’t focus on yourself, seek to serve others and also when you require that moment to be by yourself you can always get it. This is a season to think about all those things that you probably have not done and develop talents and skills that you can use once things get back to some type of normal. As they say “this too shall pass”. If you require any assistance with anything don’t feel afraid to reach out.

    Finally, try and be more positive by the time this period of time will be over you will be able to meet with your friends and they will think that you have been pampered the whole time.

    What tips would you give someone at this time?

  • How to deal with your hair in this unpredictable period and thrive

    It’s been a while since I have posted. The last few weeks have been extremely unpredictable and shocking. Since the announcement of the pandemic worldwide there has been some panic and some people have acted in complete opposite to what you would expect. Kindness and giving should be mandated and if you have the capacity to assist a neighbor in need, most definitely do it.

    I am reaching out to those that maybe cannot see their hairdresser in this period of time. Maybe you were due for a hair-cut but since the impact of the virus, you cannot do anything.

    I have a few videos on YouTube that I enjoy and I think there has never been a better time to learn about your hair in a better way. Get to know your porosity so that you can use the right products, use up the products that you have already and if there are any that don’t work for you, put them aside and give them to someone else who they would suit.

    This is a great time to deal with what is working for you. Spend time with the family and hug them as much as you can. Although this was completely unexpected, you need to stay strong in this perilous time in history.

    Connections

    This is a great idea for those that love to be creative but you could create a whatsup group with your friends that you like to share ideas with. What do you want to do with your hair at this stage? Share a few clips from YouTube and help each other if there are ways in which you can make a suggestion as to the suitable styles that would suit your friend. If you have a dedicated hairdresser, you can still give them a ring and ask questions, I think there’s nothing wrong in reaching out.


    Focus on yourself

    This is a great time to reflect on your life, what goals and dreams do you want to achieve in the next 5- 10 years. What can you do to improve yourself at this stage. What books are you reading at this stage? Do you want to study something that you are passionate about? Have you had a look through some free classes? This is some time you can work on improving yourself and your skills.

    Stay healthy

    It is extremely important to stay healthy at this time. It’s very easy to become discouraged, especially if you just lost your job or if you happen to have any tragic event. If you have the opportunity to keep yourself working out and staying healthy it will help you stay focused. Also, if you have any individuals that you know would be good mentors, it’s great to reach out and speak to them or others who you trust. Make sure that you eat well especially now that quarantine will be expected for a period of time.

    Spring Clean

    If you are working from home, prepare yourself a timetable every day and make sure that you save some time to clean those things out that you already have. I think that in this period of time, where individuals have accumulated so much, we don’t need anymore things, honestly if you have clothes that do not fit you and are in great condition, just wash them well and put them aside in little bags, once the curfew in your area is over, best to give them always. Throw away any items you have been holding on to, if you have not touched something for more than 6 months, there is a high possibility that you will never use it.

    Family Time

    If you have not had a chance to bond with your family, this is the best time to bond with your family. It can be through the various technological tools that we have, or it could be through board games that you have available in your house. If you don’t have any, just look for them online it’s so good to be able to just see how the mind of your family members work and the tricks some of them can try to get up to.

    Prayer

    In this unpredictable time, it’s important to spend time in prayer. I always spend time reading one of the greatest books on earth and spend time in prayer. If you have not had a chance to reconnect there has never been a better time than today. I really think that it’s vital to develop a relationship with God if you don’t have one at this stage. If you are a member of any church, it’s a good idea to join them online if they have any type of meetings online.

    Catch up

    If you would like to catch up with any programs or movies or documentaries, there has never been a better time. For me I have been watching some programs that I have not had a chance to watch but since, I normally have other activities, I don’t really get to watch too many things.

    Music

    Music is medicine to the soul, if you can just get your favorite tracks and listen to them, music can just move you. It’s also fun to check out some newer types of music out there.

    Cooking

    This is a great time to experiment with a recipe that you may not have had a chance to do in a while. It’s also great to share the results with members of the family that love to be your tasters.

    Unfortunately because you cannot meet with others, you may just have to call them through the net and show them what you have done.

    Start a digital business

    There has never been a better time to start your own business, although before going straight into it, it’s wise to have some education on that. If you are interested, I have put a link below where you can get ideas on how to get started for free. There has never been a better time to start.

    Stay Safe

    If you can avoid going outside just don’t go outside unnecessarily. If you don’t have a choice because of work or other valuable things, then stay safe. If we work together, we will defeat this.

  • Hair braiding styles for black afro hair and it’s maintenance

    As mentioned earlier in my blogs, there are various methods of getting protective styling. One of the methods that I mentioned was braiding. Now braiding is a great way to protect especially Afro hair from being exposed to the harsh weather conditions. It’s also a way of maintaining the hair as it is curly and tangles a lot if it is not in a protected style or even properly maintained. I did not realize this but when I was a lot younger, I had my hair cut short for a long time. I must have started getting it done when I was a little older. I did not get a relaxer until I was almost 13 or 14 years old, but I also got rid of chemicals from my hair at 19 years old. Ever since that time, I have only left my hair in its natural state although I used to blow dry it regularly. At the age of 19, I worked on learning how to look after hair so that I was able to maintain my own hair. It was something that started as a passion and to this day still is because I always look after my hair.  Another reason for this was the fact that I stopped blow drying my hair often.

    Braiding Styles

    Braiding styles and patterns come in all different shapes and forms. In certain parts of Africa they signify a certain clan and were a way of identifying specific family members. Therefore, if you go to different parts of the continent, you will find different styles that are authentic to a region. In the cities, people normally just wear whatever style they like or what is considered in fashion. As you can see from the pictures below, here is an example of popular braided styles.

    Braid Maintenance

    I remember one question that individuals often used to ask and that is how to maintain braids. If you braid your hair without adding any extensions, they will only last for up to two weeks. Mainly it’s because your hair grows and it will start to get frizzy. If you use a satin cloth when you go to sleep every day, you can keep it in for longer. The size of the braid will also make a difference to how long it will last. If you have the really large cornrows on your hair say about 2 of them, I tend to last a week, however for some individuals they only last for about 2 to 3 days. If you have smaller cornrows, they can even last for a month depending on how well you take care of them. For others, they can only last 2 weeks, however maintenance is key.

    If your scalp is itchy, I did recommend some products that could be used to help in maintaining it well.

    Washing braids

    Yes braids can be washed, there are a few methods that you can use to help in making sure that they last a little longer on your scalp. Before you braid your hair, it’s important to have a clean scalp. This helps in keeping the scalp cleaner for longer and also in keeping the braids in good condition. Normally before the process of braiding, your hair has to be moisturized and stretched to get the best results. After the installation of the braids or your own hair, I always make sure that a few days after the braiding, if my scalp seems a little dry I will definitely moisturize it. Now the thing with moisturizer for my hair, I tend to use a lighter oil rather than a heavier oil. The main reason is that it minimizes any itching that can take place. After the first week, sometimes, I use a spirit to clean my scalp and minimize any type of itch, but once it dries out, I will put moisturizer immediately to stop any dryness.

    Normally after a week or two I will wash the hair with shampoo and conditioner. The problem I normally find with braids in general, they tend to have build-up after a few weeks. It’s very difficult to avoid buildup and sometimes you just have to remove the braids to avoid your hair getting tangled and minimizing breakage.

    Removal of braids

    When you remove your braids, you have to make sure that you try to detangle each braid as soon as possible. If you remove all the braids in one go and do not detangle bit by bit, if you don’t do that, you will have a sore scalp. Make sure that you have someone assist you with the process as it may take some time. Make sure that you use the detangling shampoo as well to make the process smoother. During the process of removal, it’s wise to have some olive oil at the side and spray your hair each time. It will help with the detangling process.

    Breaks

    It is important to note that you must take a break between braiding. If you can give your scalp some time to breath, it’s vital and important. The main reason is that you need to let your hair breathe. Many individuals do not like to expose their hair, maybe they don’t like the length or it’s difficult to do anything with it in its natural state and that is understandable, but you just have to find what works for you. We are fortunate that more than ever there are many options in this day and age. If you want, you can wrap your hair and not have to expose it to anyone. A break of 2 weeks to a month is sufficient, but the longer the break the better for your hair.

    After Care

    I mention this because I have braided my hair many times. You have to be careful how you look after your scalp. I remember one time I was braiding my hair and I happened to put in the braid a little too tight. On that particular day for some reason, I bumped my poor hair onto a ledge. Afterwards, I felt a tingling sensation that did not go away. On removal of my braid, I found that my hair literally fell out. The fact that I had pulled my hair too hard and the impact of the hit caused me to have a little bold spot on my scalp. I was lucky that it grew back, however I had to change the way I styled my hair significantly. I also had to be careful how I was doing my hair to make sure never to repeat that mistake again. You must always give your hair a break after braiding so that you allow your hair to breath and also grow. You also need to check your scalp to make sure that you don’t have any dandruff and if you do that you get it treated before you braid your scalp again. In terms of hygiene if you have someone that braids you, it’s fine to ensure that the items used on your scalp are also clean. If you must you can even use your own hair tools for your own peace of mind. These are critical things to think about when you do braid your hair.

    What sort of styles do you like to do on your hair? Have you braided your hair without a break?

  • Best clip in hair extensions for 2020

    Some people love hair extensions and others do not. However, in order to make sure that you get the right type of extensions, you need to know what you want to achieve. It’s probably a great idea to look through a lot of the pictures of individuals that have a similar face shape to yours as the style will suit you.

    Why use hair extensions

    Hair extensions are used to add a great deal of volume to hair, for lustrous hair and also for looking great. Extensions are also used for special occasions, performances and to lengthen the hair quickly without waiting for a long time to allow your hair to grow.

    Some hair extensions are used for cultural reasons and they are a good way of changing your looks for some time.

    How to make sure you select the right extensions

    If you want to have hair extensions that look good, you must make sure that they match very well with your hair. As extensions have been used for many years, before individuals started matching them with their hair color, they just had to make do with the extensions that were available. In order to make sure that you select the right type of extensions. Make sure that the extensions matches with your hair type. If it’s Afro, probably ideal to get an Afro type of extension like the one below:

    You can also get it on amazon.

    If you want your hair out, you can use the clips.

    You have the option of braiding your hair at the back and leaving the front section open. Make sure you twist it out so that it can match well with the hair. There are plenty of tutorials online that can assist you in creating the ideal hairstyle.

    Another website that specialises in the specific clip in that you want is https://www.kinkycurlyyaki.com. If you are looking for a specific type of curl they have what you need.

    Straight clip-ins

    If you have straighter hair, there are a few options on the types of extensions you can get for your hair. You can either opt for straighter extensions, and if you don’t have that option, you can use any ordinary extension that you would use for a braid.

    This is a great option if you want to put a ponytail and would like to add some length to your hair. It is an easy option and you can get many colors. Make sure you match your hair color to the extension for a more realistic look. You could also use regular hair from braiding, however you would need to tie that into your hair once you have done the ponytail and put it somehow as a bun as that would be ideal.

    Clip in extensions can also be used for straighter hair in order to help with adding more length or thickness to the hair.

    As I had provided prior information, most of the details here are to assist you in looking after your hair and not having to visit the hair dresser constantly to fix your hair.

    Maintaining your hair extensions

    If you want to maintain your hair extensions, it’s always a good idea to wash them in the shampoo and conditioner you would normally use, before using it. It’s just a way to remove the new smell of the clip-in’s and also make sure that any shedding that happens at that time is minimal.

    Throughout the use of your extensions, make sure that you are always taking it off before you go to bed so that you minimize any type of damage to your hair. You also need to make sure that you have some area where you can store it.Use olive oil hair spray or any other type of hair spray, it’s ideal to use it especially when you wear it. Depending on the texture of the extension, it’s not necessary to moisturize it, however it depends on the feel of the extension.

    Extensions for 2020

    People are still using different extensions in 2020 and there are no styles that are out of bounds for any individual. Creativity is vital when you use them and you can style them to suit you depending on the event that you are attending to.

    I have posted a few ideas below for some styles you can consider with extensions.

    Straight up bun (Instagram source)

    Extension with braid (Instagram source)

    How to remove hair extensions

    When you remove your extensions, make sure that you don’t tag or pull your hair too much. Depending on the style, some may last a week, others have to be redone every day.

    If you must you can get someone to assist you in removing it just you make sure that you don’t have any pins on your hair.

    As you can see from the various pictures, hair extensions are a lot more versatile and easy to use. They can actually be used for everyday wear and all you have to do is make sure that they match your hair color.Use would like to add some flair of creativity, there are many ideas especially on Instagram. Ensure that you keep your hair moisturized to minimize any dryness.

    If you have used hair extensions, what was your favorite style?

  • 5 sulfate and silicone free shampoo’s and conditioners for under $15

    If you have curly hair, using sulfate and silicone free shampoo, helps your hair texture be a lot softer. Additionally, having a silicone free shampoo will also help as it will not cause product build up. If you look at the hair market nowadays, there are plenty of shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate and silicone free.

    Why you should use sulfate free shampoos and conditioners

    1. Sulfates are harsh detergents and strip the hair of natural oils.

    2. Depletes natural hair of its moisture balance and cause the scalp and hair to feel harsh and dry.

     

    Why you should use silicone free shampoos and conditioners

    1. Silicone’s are great to help smooth the hair out, however they can be difficult to wash from your hair as they coat the strands

    2. If you get silicone’s on your hair for a long time, it will be prone to breakage and will also be dry.

    Shampoos and conditioners under $15

    If you are on a budget, but want to make sure that you are looking after your hair, below are 5 shampoos and conditioners that are silicone and sulfate free.

    1. Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Conditioning Shampoo

    Name: Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Conditioning Shampoo

    Price: $6.29 for 1, but amazon is selling in bulk (4)

    Overall Rank: 98 out of 100

    Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Conditioning Shampoo, Product Overview

    Palmers Coconut Oil conditioning shampoo is great for curly hair. It keeps it moisturized and easy to detangle.

    The Good & the Bad

    The Good:

    Palmers Coconut oil formula is a high quality product for a much lower price. It doesn’t contain sulfates leaving your hair softer and more conditioned. Most of the ingredients have been sourced ethically and I think that in this day and age, it’s important to know where your products are coming from

    The ingredients are derived from coconut oil, Tahitian monoi that is infused with tiare flowers. These ingredients are extremely hydrating, repair damage and give the hair a great shine. The scent of the product is not overbearing and works well for Afro hair.

    The Bad:

    I would not say that it’s bad, however if you want it to remove a lot of lather, it will not do that and you may think it’s not effective.

    You have to use it for quite a while to notice the difference in your hair.

    Who is Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Conditioning Shampoo For?

    Palmers Coconut Oil Shampoo is for anyone with dry and curly hair.

    My Final Opinion of Palmers Coconut Oil Formula Conditioning Shampoo

    It is extremely important for individuals’ to know what products are in the shampoo because sometimes there are certain ingredients that you may be allergic to and it does not make sense to use all types of shampoos and conditioners and waste your money. It’s important to educate yourself on what works well for your hair and not being ignorant about what can have an effect on you.

    I think for a product that is under $15 it’s worth the money especially if it will work really well on your hair. If you are allergic to coconut as some individuals’ may not react well to coconut, there are other products that can do the same thing without compromising on quality.

    Palmers Coconut Oil formula can be found on amazon, iherb and priceline pharmacy.

    2. Noughty Wave Hello Defining Shampoo


     

    Name: Noughty Wave Hello

    Price: $7.50 on ry.com.au

    Overall Rank: 98 out of 100

    Noughty Wave Hello, Product Overview

    Noughty Wave Hello is a great shampoo as it does not have silicons or sulfate. It’s also happens to work well on curly hair.

    The Good & the Bad

    The Good:

    This product cleanses, nourishes and defines the natural curl and has gentle cleaning qualities that make the hair soft and supple after it is used. The ingredients in this product are vegan friendly and a little goes a long way when you use it to wash your hair.

    It is mostly a natural product and has a unique blend of oils that will help strengthen the hair. It improves the smoothness and shine and minimizes breakage and damage.

    It does not have a strong smell and it lathers quite lightly. What you may like about it is that it does not have any petrochemicals which tend to build up on your hair strand making it smooth and therefore causing build-up.

    It does not leave the hair frizzy which is quite important if your hair is extremely curly.

    The Bad:

    May not hold your hair as strong as you expect.

    It has perfume which some individuals’ may be allergic to.

    I feel like it’s too little in the bottle.

    Who is Noughty Wave Hello For?

    If you are allergic to coconut this will work very well for you as it mainly uses sea kelp and avocado oil.

    My Final Opinion of Noughty Wave Hello

    Noughty Wave Hello for me is great. It made my hair very moisturized. I really like that it has natural ingredients that are unique. I would use it again.

    The product can also be found on amazon and oz hair and beauty.

    3. Giovanni Direct Leave-In Weightless Moisture Conditioner

     

    Name: Giovanni Leave in weightless conditioner

    Price: $10.99 on amazon

    Overall Rank: 99 out of 100

    Giovanni Leave in weightless conditioner, Product Overview

    As I have mentioned shampoos, I thought I should mention a conditioner that works wonders for all hair types. If you have curly hair and have not tried Giovanni, you are in for a pleasant surprise.

    The Good & the Bad

    The Good:

    You will like that this product does not have any sulfates and it quite light on the hair.

    Once you shampoo your hair, depending on what you do afterwards, you can use the conditioner and let it air-dry or blow-dry it.

    When I first used Giovanni, I was not sure how it would work on my hair, however I have never looked back as how soft it made my curls feel.

    The good thing about it product is that a little goes a long way, you don’t need too much of it for your hair.

    The Bad:

    It settles at the bottom of the bottle and you have to shake it each time you use it.

    It contains protein which some individuals’ cannot have on their hair, therefore if you have problems with protein you may not be able to use this.

    Who is Giovanni For?

    Giovanni works for any individuals’ hair, it can be straight, it can be curly.

    My Final Opinion of Giovanni

    I actually underestimated Giovanni, I did not realize how moisturizing it is and how easy it is to use. I tend to go for products that I am familiar with, however this was a great product for me.

    You can get Giovanni on amazon and iherb.

    4. Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Sulfate-Free Cleansing Cream Shampoo

     

     

     

    Name: Cantu Shea Butter

    Price: $ 14.99 on amazon this includes the conditioner

    Overall Rank: 98 out of 100

    Cantu Shea Butter, Product Overview

    Cantu Shea Butter for natural hair , is a sulfate free shampoo that works well on most types of hairs. It’s especially good for curly hair that is dry. It is a clarifying shampoo, which means that it’s great for removing buildup. Therefore, if you have just removed any type of braiding style on your hair, it would work best.

    The Good & the Bad

    The Good:

    If you receive a lot of breakages on your hair, this product is good as it will minimize breakage.

    It certainly tames the curls and makes your hair less frizzy.

    It smells really great.

    It cleans your hair gently and does not strip it too much.

    The Bad:

    You cannot use this shampoo constantly because it clarifies, you can only tend to use it once a month or it will dry your hair.

     

    Who is Cantu Shea Butter For?

    Cantu Shea butter is for anyone with curly or wavy hair. It is also good for anyone with hair color.

    My Final Opinion of Cantu Shea Butter

    Cantu Shea Butter is one of my favorite brands to use because my hair feels really soft once I use it. I also tend to use it after I braid out my hair because it will gently clarify my hair without stripping it off a lot of oils.

    You can find Cantu Shea Butter on Amazon and ASOS.

     

     

    5. Zotos All about Curls Lo Lather Cleanser

     

     

    Name: Zotos

     

    Price: $ 9.98

    Overall Rank: 97 out of 100

    Zotos, Product Overview

     

    Zotos is a fairly new product for me. I have not used it for too long, however it has impressed me quite a lot because it’s silicone, sulfate and paraben free. Now that is not unique to natural hair products, but they are not easy to find. I love it because it does not dry out the hair and if you use conditioner especially on curly hair, it just makes it seem so soft.

    The Good & the Bad

    The Good:

    It minimizes the tangles in your hair and I am not sure if it’s because of the ingredients in it.

    Very little of this goes a long way.

    Minimizes frizz in the hair, which is great.

    It smells great like wild flowers. It’s not too strong and leaves a nice smell overall.

    It’s quite creamy, which I like about it.

    The Bad:

    Does not lather, therefore if you use it on your hair, you may think that its not as effective or has not spread through your hair.

    Who is Zotos For?

    Zotos is for any individual with any type of curls and colored hair.

    My Final Opinion of Zotos

    I think Zotos is a great brand. I tend not to use conventional brands in general and it’s great when you find something that works. I would recommend anyone with curly hair to use it.

    You can find it on amazon.

    Please note this was done back in 2020 and prices may not be the same.

  • What type of hair do I have? Let me help you find out with this information

    About 20 years ago, the natural hair movement was started and people started trying to understand their own hair. Before that time, most people resolved to using relaxers which made hair more manageable. For those that are wondering what natural hair is, its just when your hair does not have any chemicals and you don’t use anything to manipulate it.

    How it used to be

    Before people started finding out what type of hair they had or how to look after it around that time, there were not many options for curly hair. Most people even individuals with curly hair used to straighten it. It’s actually interesting at that time that there were no products that people with curly hair could use. It seemed that straightening your hair was the answer to everything.

    It’s interesting how times have changed, so many individuals have learned to embrace their hair the way it is.

    My journey

    I remember my journey like it was yesterday. At that time, I did not know what to do with my hair. I would constantly blow dry it every time I washed it and I did not realize that it causes damage. Apart from the fact that I resolved not to use a relaxer on my hair at that time, should I ever consider it in the future, I will get it done professionally.

    I was addicted to blow drying my hair, I did not know anything else. The first time I left my hair as it was, I was extremely frustrated. At that time, there were not too many silk bonnets or pillow cases and you just used what you had. Frizz free was non-existent so you just had your hair as it was. I remember walking around at that time with may hair and the comments I received, were quite hurtful.

    I was fortunate that nobody in the family really said much, however whenever I went to the hairdresser at that time, I was never a priority, because my hair was deemed too difficult.

    I persevered for the next 10 years and went to do a hairdressing course where I learned how to manage my hair. However, there was nothing on natural hair at that time.

    20 years later, and now people understand and are more knowledgeable about their hair type. There are so many options when it comes to products that its difficult to miss out on anything.

    Now this obviously leads to the questions, what is your hair type?

    When I started discovering the various hair strands at that time, I considered my hair 4c, I did not even think much about it. I managed to convince my sister somehow to keep her hair natural and its a lot coarser than mine is. I helped her during the transition but like I said, we both did not have any product options.

    Definition of hair types

    Oprah Winfery’s stylist Andre Walker, came up with the definition of hair types in the 1990s and that started being used as a measure on the type of hair individuals had. (source: Wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair )

    As you can see from the list below, there were various other hair types that were discovered, because individuals started realizing that some descriptions mentioned were not accurate about their hair, therefore 3c and 4c were included in the list.

    Andre Walker hair types
    Type 1: Straight
    1a Straight (Fine/Thin) Hair tends to be very soft, thin, shiny, oily, poor at holding curls, difficult to damage.
    1b Straight (Medium) Hair characterized by volume and body.
    1c Straight (Coarse) Hair tends to be bone-straight, coarse, difficult to curl.
    Type 2: Wavy
    2a Wavy (Fine/Thin) Hair has definite “S” pattern, can easily be straightened or curled, usually receptive to a variety of styles.
    2b Wavy (Medium) Can tend to be frizzy and a little resistant to styling.
    2c Wavy (Coarse) Fairly coarse, frizzy or very frizzy with thicker waves, often more resistant to styling.
    Type 3: Curly
    3a Curly (Loose) Presents a definite “S” pattern, tends to combine thickness, volume, and/or frizziness.
    3b Curly (Tight) Presents a definite “S” pattern, curls ranging from spirals to spiral-shaped corkscrew
    Type 4: Kinky
    4a Kinky (Soft) Hair tends to be very wiry and fragile, tightly coiled and can feature curly patterning.
    4b Kinky (Wiry) As 4a but with less defined pattern of curls, looks more like a “Z” with sharp angles

    Source: Wikipedia

    It was around this time that various brands and some individuals decided to start experimenting with various products to help their hair look presentable with less frizz and more coils.

    If you look at the list below its easy to identify what your hair type is. It’s also good to use it for selecting products that are good for you rather than just selecting any type of shampoo and conditioner.

    Looking back

    If anyone at that time had asked me why I had my hair natural, I always had a response but I did not know the advantages of keeping it in its natural state. The main reason was due to the fact that it was more convenient to have relaxed hair.

    Now, that I know my hair type and I am aware what products I should use, I find that its a lot easier to look after my hair and I don’t have to worry about the tangles as I know how to deal with it. I remember spending a whole day looking after my hair every single week, now I can spend up to 30 minutes and go about what I need to do.

    There is no hair that is too difficult to look after, the main thing is that you need to understand your hair type and once you do, it will be a lot easier to find the right products to help in maintaining your hair.

    Do you know your hair type from the list above? are you using that to help you when you select product. Stop wasting time on the wrong products and start using what is best for your hair.

    Have a look through the various pages and see some activities you can do.

     

  • 3 of the best hair and scalp products for dry hair

    In this article, I will be speaking of specific products that I have used for my hair and dry scalp. Why would an individual get a dry scalp, there are many reasons, it could hereditary, sometimes if you shampoo too often your scalp can get dry. If you are not washing your hair often, that could be another reason for you to get a dry scalp. However this is another amazing article that will help you in finding products that may potentially be great for your dry scalp. I looked for products that can be used by any individual and I have compiled a list of all the benefits and challenges of using the products. I will not be recommending any particular brand because I think sometimes it’s up to you which you think would work well on your scalp. As written in other blogs, I did mention that it’s good to have an idea what type of hair you have if you have high porosity or low porosity hair. It’s good to know what type of hair you have in order to avoid using the wrong type of products on your hair.

    1. Avlon Keracare dry and itchy scalp shampoo

    I will not put the price of Avlon Keracare on this as it ranges from $15.95 AUD – $ 25.12 AUD. Therefore, one bottle on it’s own is quite pricey.

    How to use it

    Make sure that you rinse your hair with water, apply the shampoo like you would an ordinary shampoo, however for more effect, leave the shampoo on your scalp for about 2 mins as that will help in cleansing your scalp. Once you rinse it off, apply the conditioner which you can leave for about 5 mins before your rinse it out. Once you have rinsed your hair, it’s best to apply the glossifer which will help keep your scalp and hair moisturised.

    Ingredients

    In terms of the ingredients, Avlon Keracare dry and itchy scalp would be considered a more cleansing shampoo due to the fact that it does strip your hair of all the oils or buildup. If you have problems with sulfate, then this would not be right shampoo for you. The shampoo does not contain silicones though which is great for individuals that cannot use products with silione. If your hair is relaxed keracare works really well on it. Once you use it, it’s ideal to use the Avalon keracare glossifer or if you have any light oils that may be suitable then it would be great to use.

    The great thing about keracare, it is suitable for all hairtypes therefore it works for most individuals. This would be considered one of the better treatments for a dry and itchy scalp. Now when I say treatment, that means that it will not cure the condition, it will just make it more manageable.

    2. Moroccan dry scalp treatment

    Moroccan oil has been trending in the past few years, through commercialism, however it has been used for decades. The cost of Moroccan oil ranges from $ 35.16  AUD – $ 43.95 AUD. Now depending on how well you do your research you will find various prices.

    How to use it

    As this is an oil, it’s best to apply it in sections. If you can part your hair into four different sections, each part can get 3-6 drops of oil and rubbed into the scalp for maximum impact. Once you apply it leave it on your scalp for 5- 10 minutes and rinse it off. Follow up using the Moroccan shampoo and conditioner. It’s best to use it weekly so that you can see if you have any improvement before you minimise using it. If you want, you can use the oil overnight and wash your hair the next morning.

    Ingredients

    This is a lightweight oil that contains argan-oil, lavendar and geranium oils. The benefit of the product is that it moisturises your scalp and minimizes the flaking. It works well on all hair types. It absorbs easily into the scalp and it has a little applicator that makes it easy for you to target any dryer areas. Moroccan oil can last up to six months depending on how often you are using it for your scalp.

    If price is a factor for you them, it may be quite expensive and something that you use sparingly depending on your budget. However I would recommend this in a heart beat because it works extremely well.

    3. Petal fresh pure scalp treatment (tea tree) conditioner

    Petal Fresh pure scalp treatment shampoo, is quite new to me, however the price range for this is from $15.52 AUD to $49.95 AUD. This is just for one bottle therefore it would be wise to make a selection depending on what your budget allows.

    How do you use it

    It works as a typical shampoo and conditioner if you had a specific one that you were using. You will need the shampoo and conditioner in order to get the best outcome. The consistency of the product is quite thick, therefore you just have to be careful when getting it out of the bottle that you don’t get too much of it. It really cleanses, soothes and invigorates the scalp after use, therefore it’s advisable to massage your scalp when you are using it. It has a pleasant smell even after you rinse it out of your hair.

    Ingredients

    It does not contain sulfates or silicones making it suitable for individuals that do get reactions to those ingredients. It can be used on coloured hair. Everything has been sourced sustainablly, therefore if that is important to you, then this would be a great product to select. As it contains tea-tree oil it will nourish and restore hair that is dry and damaged and it is also great for replenishing the scalp.

    Most individuals complain that for the price they pay, the product comes in a rather small bottle. Others complain that the product may not be as effective. This can also be used on all hair types. By this I mean from curly to straight.

    One of the main things that I discovered as I was going through these shampoos, conditioners and treatments is that the market seems to have a lot of products with tea tree oil in it. The best thing to minimize any dissapointments is to ensure that you understand what works for your hair. Save yourself time and money by being strategic about what is best for you.

    Have you tried any of the following shampoos and if you did, can you inform me how they worked for you?  If you have any suggestions as to the best products for dry scalp it would be great to hear from you as well.

  • Ways to minimize hair-breakage on afro hair

    The best way to wash your hair especially with curls is to make sure that it’s washed as it should be at the salon. Now as a normal individual washing your hair everytime at a hairdressers may not necessarity be possible. However, there are techniques that you can use to ensure that when you wash your hair you have less tangles.

    Washing with braids

    Most individuals that I have met are always curious how hair with braids can be washed. It’s very simple, however if you have curls in your hair and are doing your own hair, it’s best to section it into four and loosely braid each part. The main reason is that it will help you in keeping your hair together and reducing the friction that you lead to breakage between your hair strands. When you are in the process of washing it, when it’s all braided together, the tangling process is reduced. This is the reason why braided hair can still be washed without any trouble. If you have longer hair, it’s one of the best techniques as you will struggle less with tangles and breakage. Now imagine you utilise the deep conditioning method mentioned earlier with this technique, you will be pleasantly surprised. I challenge anyone with 4c hair type to try this technique and see how much better for your hair it will be.

    Now in order to make sure that you rinse out the shampoo and conditioner, I normally tend to undo one section at a time and just make sure that all the shampoo and conditioner has been removed, then I will braid it up again. You can use a loose twist or a three strand braid method.

    Washing shorter hair

    If you hair is shorter and you still do not want it to get tangled, ensure that you use a hair tie or clips if that is possible. If your hair is too short to put in sections, wash it as it is but use a treatment such as hot oil or even conditioner. When you wash use the pads of your fingers to massage your scalp. When you first apply your shampoo, give it a minute to penetrate into the hair shaft and remove any dirt or debris before your wash it off and rinse it. If you feel that your scalp is not clean enough you can repeat the process until you are done.

    Finally, apply the conditioner. Now sometimes I normally want to make sure that when I apply the conditioner my hair get’s really moisturised, therefore sometimes I leave it on my scalp for about 5-10 minutes.You can also do other chores and then rinse it out if you want. Always rinse your scalp with warm-cool water but not hot water.

    This method is very effective for helping you have less breakage and easier way to detangle your hair.

    Deep conditioning process

    Deep conditioning is a method that you can use to soften your hair depending on the texture. If your hair is a lot tougher, it’s best to leave the deep conditioner a little longer on  your hair so that it can help in the process of softening. A good indicator of times is from 5 – 15 minutes. If you can add heat,  it’s a lot easier if not, then ensure that you put it on your hair for atleast 10 minutes.

    Drying your hair

    The process of drying your hair also plays a part in minimising breakage. Microfiber towels or old cotton t-shirts work best in minimising breakage. Your hair will dry faster, it will also be beneficial to blot the hair instead of scrunching it as that will form tension and tanlges once more. If you have a diffuser, it can be a great way to dry your curls as well without manipulating them. If you don’t have a diffuser, you can use string and wind it down either in the four sections or by dividing into smaller sections.

    Moisturising process

    Before you apply the string, make sure that you moisturise your hair, you can use a water-based cream moisturiser or lighter oil depending on your hair type. always oil the ends of your hair and move towards the root. You don’t have to put too much, just make sure it’s enough to keep the hair in good condition. I always use shea butter or coconut oil on my hair as that works well, however when I have braided hair, I use the ligher oils because I normally use a stray to condition my scalp.

    These are some ways in making sure that the process of washing and moisturising your hair are done in the best way without causing unecessary breakage. Note that if you are in a hurry, it’s advisable not to wash your hair as you will definintely do a poor job. The more you repeat this process, the easier and faster you will get.

    What is your wash routine, and how do you ensure that you minimise breakage?

  • Best detangling hair products for afro hair

    This article is for all the individuals that know how life used to be before detanglers came into the picture. Do you remember the days when you knew that if your hair was brushed you would be in pain because you had a lot of tangles with your hair. Your scalp would sometimes be sore for days and you would not want anyone to touch it. Well those days are long gone and if you are still suffering in silence, then pay attention as this article could be life-changing for those that are not using these products.

    If you want to ensure that your course and tightly coiled hair experience after a braid-out is smoother, then you want to use a pre-shampoo treatment to detangle your hair. If you are still confused about this and have no idea what I am saying. Test this little theory out. If you have not purchased any pre-shampoo treatment, get some olive oil if you have some, mix it with a little bit of water and as you remove the tangles from your hair, provide some feedback on your experience.

    I will be writing about detangling products from the cheapest ones to the most costly ones. If you would like to try out detangling products, I have a list of a few that I have used which are great, however there are so many in the market nowadays. If you have not mastered the type of hair that you have please feel free to go back to my hair type article as it will assist you in selecting the right type for your hair.

    1. Mane ‘n Tail detangler spray

    Cost: $8.07

    I only came across this detangler last year and did not know much about it. What I like about it is that this product is pH balanced, it’s more alkaline than acidic. It’s great for tangled hair and great for conditioning hair.

    This product was originally used for horses, to help them have less split ends and thick lucious silky hair. They expanded their range and started including individuals products as well.

    As mentioned in my previous blog, I have low-porosity hair and it also tends to be a little dryer, so it’s great to have Mane ‘n tail as it helps keep it well conditioned.

    The process of detangling involves parting hair into sections in order to make sure that the product is evenly distributed. Wet your hair with water and add the product and start the process of detangling.

    Disadvantage is that you have to use quite a lot of it to make sure that you get it through the section which you want to detangle.

    2. Noughty, Thirst Aid Conditioning & Detangling Spray

    Cost: $ 16.15

    This one is light weight, it’s not as creamy as the other detanglers which may be suitable for individuals with thick hair, however it is quite greasy, which is perfect for me. Some individuals may find that it’s too much.

    The trick with detangler, you have to check the consistency first before placing it on your head, therefore always take a small sample and add it to a little section of your head which you have added some water. If you find that it’s a little too heavy, you may have put too much products, you just have to use your discretion depending on how tangled your hair may be.

    The process of putting Thirst aid on your hair is exactly the same as using mane ‘n tail. This one is a little different as it’s quite greasy, but with my low porosity hair it works just well as it stays moisturised after I use it and even when I wash and condition, my hair stays quite healthy.

    3. As I Am Coconut Cowash cleansing conditioner

    Cost: $18.38

    Don’t let the name fool you that it’s only used as a conditioner. This product is one of the best when it comes to detangling your hair. It helps with product build-up if you have had your hair braided and it’s just amazing.

    The first thing you do before you comb out your hair is to apply the cleansing conditioner. Section the hair into four parts or more, depending on the length and thickness of your hair. Make sure you wet your sectioned hair first with a spray of water. Once your hair is wet enough, you put a blob of the As I Am Coconut Cowash cleansing conditioner. You can start detangling that section and what would normally take you hours to do will be cut down to less time. This depends on the length and thickness of hair. It will be pain free and once the individual goes to wash the hair, it will be a quick process.

    Some individuals may have reaction to Coconut and therefore if this is not the type of product for you, then it’s best to check around for other detanglers with different ingredients.


    4. Coconut and Argan Leave-in Conditioner + shine

    Cost: $23.50

    This was also a new one for me as I only thought that it was a leave in conditioner. The process of detangling has to be the same as the detangler above.

    The great benefit of the Coconut and Argan is that it will work for any hair type and will also leave your hair soft and shiny without frizz. The good thing about it is that if you constantly use a detangler everytime you are doing your hair, it will have less knots and that means that your hair will grow healthy and stronger.

    Again it may not be suitable for an individual that cannot use coconut on their hair.

    If you have never used detangler, and this is the first time that you have tried it, you will not regret it.