Product Review: Taliah Waajid: Enhancing Herbal Conditioner

I love, love love this conditioner the scent remind me Now or Later banana chews candy, Yummy!

Name: Taliah Waajid (Black Earth Products)

Brand Used: Enhancing Herbal Conditioner

Size: 8 oz.

Scent: Banana scented?

Color: Yellow

Consistancy: Thick
Price: $8.99

It made my hair soft and de-tangled my hair very well, I used this conditioner on clean damp hair and let air dry, I notice you can't use too much or the end results when my hair was dry was gummy/sticky hair and dry course hair.

I haven't tried the shampoos or any other conditioners, I pick this bottle up at a local beauty supply store for about $8 bucks that's pretty pricey considering its only 8 ounces worth of product. 

The ingredients are mostly oils so be careful not to over use this conditioner; it'll dry out your hair 

Enhancing Herbal Conditioner

Ingredients: Pure distilled Water, Anise, capsicum Oil, Olive Oil, Wheat Germ, Bees Wax, Aloe Vera, Walnut Oil, Cherry bark, Calendula, Thyme, Kiola, Quine seed complex, Vitamin E, Silk protein, Apple extract, lavender Extract, balsam canada, Bay laurel, fruit Bio-flavonoid.

Grade: B-: There is a lot of oils in the ingredient label I'm not too excited about hair care products loaded with oils since oil is not a moisturizer, though it did give me the benefits I wanted: De-tangled, Manageable, Soft hair: what more can a girl ask for?

On the label it doesn't say organic oils, so I might need to check the official website to find out if all products used in her haircare products are organic, at least check to see if the oils itself are organic and pressed in a safe way.


Website: http://www.naturalhair.org/

This conditioner smells like banana Now or Laters!

Try it out for yourself you might just have a NEW favorite product! 

I do not get payment for any products reviewed on RoseColoredShades.

Seriously Dry New Growth: Bring Out The Reinforcements!

Ok as you guys know I have natural 4A\B Slash quad Z's hair, so at times my hair gets stubborn and just plain difficult to moisturize, thats when I bring out "The Reinforcements"

Honey 1 TB

Mayo 2-4 TB

and  Cholestorol  Generous Amount (Whatever amount needed)

I mix these bad boys together, apply to the my whole head: and a little extra on the driest part: New Growth

I leave this on for 30 minutes (with or with out heat, your choice): I dont leave it on longer: since it may over moisturize the hair and cause too much elasticity: which is not a good thing

I rinse out and follow up with sealing my hair: I dont rinse with shampoo (only when my hair has extreme product build-up), but I do risnse with a Vinegar Rinse every now and then if theres is light conditioner build-up.

Results: My wet it is soft, detangled and moisturized, when my hair is completly dry: Soft fluffy texture

Try it: Your hair may thank you

Why Should You Avoid: Alcohols, Silicone's and Sulfates in Hair Products

Q: Why Should You Avoid:  Alcohols,  Silicone's and Sulfates in Hair Products?

A: The quick answer is ingredients are mostly synthetic chemicals that causes dryness of hair and scalp, Also these chemical only provide short term solution while coating the hair with resisdue which is called product build-up this can cause extreme dryness and even causes irritation to the scalp.
These ingredients below are found in most haircare products, unless you purchase haircare products that does not have these ingredients listed the beauty product you have have these and more chemical that cause dry hair,skin, irritation and more: This is not a full list of ingredients that causes hair dryness, these are many of the common ingredients found in haircare products.

What are Alcohols? 

There are many types of alcohols used in hair products below gives info on the types in your hair products:

1. Benzyl alcohol
2. Alcohol Denat
3. Cetearyl Alcohol
4. Cetyl Alcohol  
5. Stearyl Alcohol 
6. Ethanol
7. Isopropyl Alcohol
8. Propanol/Propyl alcohol   
9. SD alcohol,
10. SD alcohol 40

Not all alcohols in beauty products damage hair; but these listed can weight's down hair, creates product build-up, and some causes extreme dryness.

 Alcohol's To Avoid  (Dries Out Hair)

1.Cetearyl Alcohol (Most Drying Alcohol in Hair/Skin Products)  Should be avoided to prevent dryness, frizz, itchy scalp, and split ends.

Keeps liquids and oils in beauty products from separating; though this substance softens hair and skin; it  strips both your hair and skin of natural oil during washing

2. Cetearyl Alcohol   

Should be avoided if you are looking for a product that doesn't dry out your hair/skin or if you have a sensitive scalp.

3. Isopropyl Alcohol Also Labeled as SD-40
Are found in hairspray and styling products: Gels, Leave-In Conditioners ETC, use to quickly dry (set) hair in place.

4. Alcohol Denat
 

Alcohols Made From Fats/Oils (Hair wont be able to absorb moisture if using these product daily)
Weights Down Hair, Product Build-Up, Coats Hair cannot Absorb Moisture

1. Cetyl Alcohol 

Is made from vegetable oils like: coconut oil or palm oil In beauty products, it is used as an emollient, lubricant or surfactant, which allows the products to spread easier.

2. Stearyl Alcohol 
Is a softening agent used for hair and body products; it can be made from animal fat or (stearic acid), it can be produce from cocoa or shea butters as well.

Alcohols used as Preservative

Benzyl alcohol

What Are Silicone's?

Silicone's are used in many beauty products; silicone are used to make hair feel smooth and are sometime's used to prevent frizz.

Harsh Silicones That Blocks Out Moisture:

• Amodimethicone
• Cyclomethicone
• Dimethiconol 
• Phenyl Trimethicone

Silicone's That Are Water Soluble (Absorbs Some Moisture & Penetrate's Hair Shaft)

• Dimethicone copolyol
• PEG-modified dimethicone

Products like Hair Polishers and Serums are all Silicone base ingredients.
Hair serums smell good and gives hair quick smooth shine, but quickly dries hair out

Silicone's in Conditioner are use for the following:

Silicone Based Conditioners

• Helps de-tangle Hair
• Prevents Breakage
• Provides Shine
• Reduces Static & Frizz

Silicone Based Shampoos Provides

• Shine
• Slip 

 The Problem with Silicone's in Conditioners & Shampoos

Often when using silicone based products daily or weekly is product build- up, silicone residues builds up quickly and prevent any moisture from entering the hair shaft. Adding any additional moisture to help condition the hair is a problem since it cannot not be absorbed. Silicone blocks moisture causing the hair to become dull, dry, and tangle, which can lead to major breakage.

If using Silicone based hair products using a clarifying shampoo to the right: (V05 Kiwi Clarifying Shampoo) or (Diluted Vinegar mixture) every two weeks can reduce silicone build-up.

A quick list of silicone:

http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=109930&title=all-about-

Silicone & Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoos

Not all clarifying shampoos are silicone and sulfate free (which is ironic), but here's 3 shampoos that are:

• CURLS Pure Curls Clarifying Shampoo, clarifying sulfate free shampoo
• Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo
• EO Clarifying Shampoo

To find more sulfate free clarifying shampoos GOOGLE: Clarifying shampoos sulfate-free


What Are Sulfates?

In shampoos and other beauty products Sulfates are the foaming agent or surfactant.

Sulfates Makes Foam

Sulfates are used in shampoos since they are inexpensive and creates a lot of foam which gives the impression the more bubbles the cleaner the hair.

You know the squeaky clean sound that your hair makes after it's been washed, the foam and sulfates strips the hair's natural oils and moisture.

Why Sulfates Can Cause Damage To Hair

Sulfates causes follicle damage from strong stripping of hair's natural oils, which creates unnatural hair loss, it dries out hair and can cause irritation to the scalp.

How to look for Sulfate Free Shampoos

Reading the back of your bottle is important if the label reads any of the following do not buy that product has sulfates:

How Spot Sulfates on Product Labels

• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate Also labeled as SLS and ALS
• Sodium Laureth (or Lauryl)
• Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is a "milder" sulfate 

Where to Buy Sulfate Free Products

• Natural Food stores
• Whole Food
• Grocery Stores (Natural Food Section)

Check in the hair care aisle of your favorite discount store for organic and all-natural hair care products

Some local hair salon also carry sulfate-free shampoos

And the Internet
 Google Sulfate free

Also check out these websites, both can be use as tools to make better choices for your body:

www.ewg.org/skindeep
 

Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_7_26?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sulfate+free+hair+products&sprefix=sulfate+free+hair+product

Amazon has a large selection of organic and all-natural shampoos available in a variety of sizes.

Coming Soon: Reading Labels: Breaking Down Ingredient Labels.

Top 4 “Go To” Moisturizing Conditioners

Top 4 “Go To” Conditioners that have these Ingredients:

1. Aloe Note: Aloe lightens hair
2. Botanical
3. Glycerin/Glycerin
4. Oils

  

1. Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner
Note: Honeysuckle Rose has a Strong Herbal/Citrus Scented



2. Nature's Gate Aloe Vera Moisturizing Conditioner Note: Light Plain Lotion Scent

3. Jason Aloe Vera 84% Conditioner Note: Aloe can Lighten Hair

All three conditioners are budget friendly ($3-$7)
Have Moisture Ingredients: Aloe, Botanical, Glycerin, and/or Oil's
And Can Replace a Leave-in Conditioner

You can buy these conditioners online at:

Iherb.com
http://www.iherb.com/

Vitacost.com
http://www.vitacost.com/


 4. Suave Tropical Coconut Conditioner: Probably should be number one in my book considering the silk amino acid and honey that in the ingredients, also the scent is very soft and leaves my hair smelling nice through-out a full week.

Or at your local Supermarket in the hair product section, health section Or even your local Whole Foods Market

  

More Information on Moisturizing/Hydrating Conditioners Coming Soon!

Do's n Dont's of Hair Care: {Part 3 }of Care for Your Natural Hair A Better Way

 Do's of Hair Care:

Do stay away from hair products that contains mostly: alcohols, silicone, & sulfates

Whats are Alcohols, Silicone's, and Sulfates

Click this link to learn more: http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1008690994535154135&postID=9069819338243188990

Do De-tangle in Sections

Do Lightly Spray your hair with water or wet your hair till damp: Before combing, brushing, or styling your hair

Do sleep with a head covering (at least in extremely cold/hot weather nights) use preferably a Silk Scarf

Do Deep condition (Without Protein) at least once a week if not more
(Especially if your hair is extra DRY)

Do braid your hair up at night: less work in the morning (its less damage/stress on hair)





Don't s of Hair Care:

 Don't comb hair or de-tangle hair when dry

(At least dampen your hair before brushing or combing)

Don't Over Use Conditioner 
Use enough conditioner to coat your hair, any extra conditioner is a waste

Don't leave conditioner in your hair for more than 15-30 minutes, it does not create moisturized hair, it does over moisturizes which:

Makes hair too stretchy (elastic) and hair will snap and break off

Don't Over Use Proteins
Too much Protein makes hair brittle

Protein Conditioners can Cause MAJOR BREAKAGE

Don't Over Use Shampoo 
Shampooing to back-to-back or more than twice in a week

Dries hair and scalp of your hair natural hair oil called Sebum and strips of necessary moisture.


Shampooing too often will  make hair Brittle and Dry which leads to Breakage Yikes!

Don't Over-Use Oils

Using too much oils to seal hair of moisture can leave your hair greasy/oily your hair will not be moisturized: 

Remember Oil is not moisture Water is Moisture 

How to Quickly Soften Brittle Dry Hair

1. Section hair into four or more parts
2. Use water to soften hard brittle DRY hair 
3. Massage a moisturizing conditioner with NO PROTEIN, into hair
4. Seal with a penetrating oil (dime size amount), into sectioned hair

This post is Part 3 of Care for Your Natural Hair: A Better Way

Part 4 Segment: Replacing Conditioners & Shampoos with Food!

Coming Soon!

Replacing Conditioners & Shampoos: {Part 4} of Care for Your Natural Hair: A Better Way

All Natural Hair Treatments

I'm sure you heard of or seen hair masks made out of a mixture of foods like: mayonnaise, avocado, olive oil, or eggs, well using food instead of expensive hair products to Condition, Moisturize and Strengthen hair isn't so wacky after all, these foods below can replace three hair products:

Conditioner

Deep Conditioner/Protein Conditioner

Moisturizing Conditioner

You can test these recipes as see if these hair treatment works for your hair.

These recipes provided are easy 2 or 1 ingredients recipes, you can tweak the recipes to your liking just remember each food have its own properties like: honey naturally lightens hair and egg is a protein and can harden hair fast

If you tried it and it just doesn't work for your natural hair go back to using Conditioners and Shampoos, just look for natural, organic, and chemical free ingredients.

This post is to motivate anyone who is looking for new ideas for their hair care the more natural products in your Hair Care Regimen the better.

Remember: JUST BECAUSE IT'S NATURAL DOESN'T MEAN IT CAN'T DO DAMAGE

Always remember to take precaution when adding a new hair care treatment

Do your own research and see what you can learn about these foods, the list of foods that can be a great hair mask can be many so test out these few below:

Banana as a Conditioner

*Buy Baby Food Puree Instead of mashing up a ripe banana,  fresh banana cannot be fully washed out of natural curly hair*

Ingredients Fully Ripened Bananas, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Banana Mask Recipe (1 Ingrdient: Banana Puree)

1 or 2 bottles of Puree Bananas

Add mixture to section hair

Let sit for 10-30 minutes with shower cap

Rinse out with cool luke warm water

Honey as a Moisturizing Treatment  

*Honey Lightens Hair

Be careful not to heat up the honey and do not use honey if you do not want your hair to be lighten.

Honey can strip the color from your hair:

If your hair is dyed dark dyes like black/brown will be stripped and color will not be a vibrant.

Regular table honey is fine

Honey Mask Recipe (2 Ingredients)

Mix together olive oil and honey

Apply to hair

Wrap your hair in a warm, damp towel or shower cap.

Leave the hair mask on for 30 minutes

Shampoo and rinse well.





Egg as a Protein Mask Treatment (Deep Conditioner)

Natural hair has enough protein most conditioners have protein, so be sure to read your conditioners and shampoos ingredient label to know if your hair products has protein.
If you are looking to strengthen your hair then protein will make your hair stronger, quickly.

If you are interested in using animal protein that comes from using egg then here are some tips to remember:

*1 egg is enough for a Protein Treatment

1 egg treatment can harden hair (make hair brittle) please be sure to condition your hair before using a protein treatment for at least 5 minutes to prevent protein overoad:

Egg & Olive Oil Hair Mask Recipe (2 Ingredients)

Mix 1 whole eggs with four tablespoons of olive oil.

Section hair into four 

Apply egg mixture on ends, close to roots, and the rest of your hair.

Let mixture sit for 5-10 minutes

After a protein treatment, rinse hair in cool water

Follow up with a moisturizing condititoner to make sure your hair gets enough moisture

 If you are conditioning your hair twice

Once before a protein treatment

And Once after the protein treatment only keep the conditioner in your hair 5 minutes or less to prevent elastic/stretchy hair (Over Moisturizing).

1 egg treatment a month is enough protein for natural hair, maybe once every two months is safer:

Remember this advice is suppose to be added to your own research

This information varies from each natural, these recipes all Depends on your own

Hair, Diet, and Lifestyle

This post is Part 4 of Care for Your Natural Hair, A Better Way

Part 5 Segment:

Washing Natural Hair: The Quick n Easier Way

Coming Soon!

Washing Natural Hair: Care for Your Hair {Part 5} The Quick n Easier Way

A quick way to wash your hair without leaving your hair dry is to 

• Conditioner Wash your hair  
•  Or dilute your shampoo before shampooing, to prevent the shampoo from stripping your hair completely of moisture

What is Conditioner Wash (Also called Co-Wash)

Conditioner wash is when you use conditioner in place of shampoo to wash your hair, please be sure to rinse the conditioner out of your hair completely. 

Do's of Conditioner Washing (Co-Wash)

DO Use a Moisturizing/Hydrating conditioner without any types of protein, protein will make your hair dry, brittle, and hard.

How do you know if your conditioner have protein, check your hair product ingredients label 

Read this post to understand different types of proteins: http://rosecolourshades.blogspot.com/2010/11/protein-conditioners-part-4-of-care-for.html


DO Make sure to Rinse conditioner fully out of your hair

DO Always wash your hair with cool water instead of hot water, hot water dries out your hair and scalp also irritating your scalp.

If you decide to use shampoo for a quick way to clean your hair remember one lather is enough, make sure to concentrate on your scalp smoothing the diluted shampoo down your hair and to the ends gently.

Diluting Your Shampoo

When diluting your shampoo 1 cap full, or 3 squeezes to 1 gallon of water  is a good mixture, you can test out diluted shampoo mixture till you find the result you are looking for : Hair and scalp that is clean just not squeaky clean or dry.

411 Alert:
Shampoo can last a long time, be sure water is not entering your shampoos; mold can grow, make sure you portion your shampoo into a bottle instead of adding water to the entire shampoo bottle 

You can purchase inexpensive bottles to store shampoo for diluting:

1. Diluting Your Shampoo

Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of shampoo into a large bowl

Add 4 cups of water (Enough for it to still be soapy)

Do not shake this soap/water mixture, shaking cause this mixture to foam up

Foam is not your Friend, it strips your hair of Oils and Moisture

Stir diluted shampoo gently mixing both shampoo and water

2. Washing Your Scalp and Hair

Pour mixture over your head

Use your fingers to massage scalp to loosen any product build-up or debris in hair

Smooth distilled mixture gently through ends for your hair

Repeat this step once or twice if needed

Feeling around your scalp, see if your scalp and hair is clean  now it's time to rinse the shampoo out of your hair

3. Rinsing your Hair Clean 

Put entire head under cool luke -warm or cool running water and massage mixture out of hair

Though this shampoo is dilute make sure all soap residue is out of your hair, rinsing your hair twice for good measure.

Drying Your Hair

Pat dry your hair using a light weight (thin but absorbent) turban or cotton T shirt , cover your head  and pat gently till your hair is lightly damp

Before Air Drying/Blow Drying Hair


Now's the time to condition your hair before air drying or blow drying

Section your hair is four of more parts

Use a good quality Moisturizing Leave-in/ or Moisturizing conditioner (free of any hair Protein) any creamy condition that hydrates or conditions hair well

How do you know your conditioner have protein? Read this post that discuss Proteins in conditioners: http://rosecolourshades.blogspot.com/2010/11/protein-conditioners-part-4-of-care-for.html

The next step if you would like to hold on to softer hair longer is to "seal" your hair with a small amount of Oil (less than a dime size for each section of hair) remember to smooth oil through-out each part and the ends.

Sealing your hair with  oil is when you used oil on damp hair that has been moisturized to retain softness and hydration.


What Oils are good for Sealing? This post discuss some of the popular hair oils many women like to use as a seal: http://rosecolourshades.blogspot.com/2009/09/oils-for-natural-hair-care.html

Here's a popular Youtube video by a hair and scalp expert on how to properly wash and condition hair:

Conditioning & Shampooing Method Shown in this Youtube Tutorial Video

The Hair Doctor, Trichologist Lisa Akbari demonstrates how to properly shampoo and condition natural hair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYlpOxUOVZM

This post is Part 5 of Care for Your Natural Hair, A Better Way

Top 4 Ingredients To Look for when Choosing a Moisturizing Conditioner UPDATED!

ORIGINAL POSTING
September 24 2009

The title says it all, if you don't have a "go to" moisturizing conditioner to make your hair easier to de-tangle, moisturizes; while also staying soft to the touch, then these are the top four ingredients I look for when choosing a daily conditioner/Moisturizing Conditioner.

But First:

What should ingredients should you AVOID When choosing a Daily Conditioner (Moisturizing Conditioner) to put in your hair when it gets a dry ?

Cetearyl Alcohol

Silicone's
Steralkonium Chloride

Sulfates 

These ingredients will make your hair Brittle, Dry, Itch,  Flake, and Frizz

click here:Ingredient to Avoid in Hair Products

If you are using a conditioner that claims to "Moisturize", "Condition", or "Hydrates Dry Hair" when all it does is smell nice and makes your hair feel smooth when your hair is wet

Then it's time to seek out a conditioner that does the following when hair is Air Dried or Blown Dried after using a Moisturizing Conditioner hair should feel:

• Soft (Softer than before conditioning)
• De-tangled

If your conditioner doesn't make your hair feel manageable then its time to shop for a new Moisturizing Conditioner:

Theses four ingredients below should be at the very top of your conditioner ingredients label

WAIT

Do The Conditioners I Purchase Have To Have to have all four Moisturizing Ingredients Listed

Aloe, Botanical,Glycerin, and Oils, to be consider a Good Moisturizing Conditioner?

No, your conditioner doesn’t need all four Ingredients to work as a moisturizing/hydrating conditioner

  

I consider a good moisturizing conditioner to have these factors:

• De-tangles 
• Softens
• Doesn't Dry Out Hair (Once your hair is dried completely it should not be hard, tangled, or dry)

1. Aloe Barbadnesis or Aloe Vera Extract, Aloe Gel

411 ALERT Aloe Vera can Lighten Your Hair( If your hair is dyed or naturally a dark color it will lighten it to a Brown)!

Also too much Aloe gel or extract can leave hair Sticky

Benefits of Aloe

Increases circulation, conditions the scalp, and is a natural moisturizer that can soften and hydrate dry hair

2. Glycerin \Glycerine

411 ALERT

Glycerin can Dry out Your Hair (Use Glycerin based Hair Products in Moderation if hair is Especially prone to Dryness)

Be sure to use Glycerin products in humid environments like a rainy day or days where there's humidity in the air: Using Glycerin based products during Hot Dry Summer days or Cold Temperature Months dries hair out extremely quick. The Glycerin that you use in hot\cold months will seek out moisture, Glycerin will absorb your hair's own moisture leaving your hair bone DRY! Brittle, and easily cause breakage!!

Benefits of Glycerin

Glycerin is a natural humectant's, meaning it draws out moisture out of the hair, if temperatures are hot and lack moisture glycerin will absorb your hairs natural sebum and moisture out your own hair.

TIP: If your hair is prone to dryness Use glycerin products on more humid days and limit usage:use Glycerin products that have Glycerin low on the ingredient list (like Glycerin shouldn't be the top 5 ingredients).

3. Natural Oils Listed Below are Penetrating Oils

Sweet Almond Oil

Apricot Kernel Oil

Avocado Oil

Camellia Oil

Jojoba Also called Simmondsia Chinensis

Wheat Germ Oil

Vitamin E Oil Also called Tocopherol

There are levels in which these different oils absorb into hair some of these oils listed absorb deeper than other oils.

Penetrating Oil (Oil that Absorbs Deep into Hair)

Oils that penetrate the hair shaft makes hair stronger 

• Coconut Oil (Though It Can Be Very Drying to Hair)
• Shea (Butter) Oil

Oil that Partially Penetrates (Oils that Penetrate not as Deep)

• Avocado Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Olive Oil
• Meadow Foam Seed Oil

Oil that Do Not Penetrate Very Well (Oils that Penetrate but Barely)

• Jojoba
• Safflower
• Sunflower

Benefits of Natural Oils:

Natural oils that penetrate the hair shaft allows the oils to strengthen hair shaft or stimulating hair growth, these oils do not block out moisture, which allows your hair to be hydrated by any water or  leave-in conditioner you put in your hair. These oil listed not only absorb into the hair,but also have nutrients which give hair extra nutrition to grow stronger and healthier.

The main purpose of using oil in hair is to help your hair retain moisture, after using a moisturizer a dime size amount of oil smoothed through-out your hair will allow your moisturizer to last longer, the oil seals in the moisture by holding on to hydration longer than just using a leave-in alone:

411 ALERT!!!

 Castor, Coconut and Olive oil is not on my list of "The Best Oils to use in your hair":

Don't get me wrong all three of these oils have nutrients for the body and hair alike, but these oils are also what is called:

NATURAL MOISTURE BARRIERS these oil seals out moisture very well which can leave hair brittle, dry, and cause major breakage.

Castor, Coconut and Olive Oil is used in many beauty products especially hair products

Coconut Oil itself is used in many soaps and shampoos for it cleansing effects, while castor oil  and olive oil is drying to the touch and must be used in a certain order in a hair regimen to maintain moisture. Hair that is naturally drier should use these oils in moderation and with close attention. If using any one of these threes oil make sure that these oils are not stripping hair of natural sebum or causing dryness by the oils sealing out moisture.

Many women on popular hair websites say they have no negative effects when using Castor, Coconut, or Olive Oil in their hair or in their hair routines, other ladies Like ME have had bad effects when using these oil (as a seal) or using hair products that have these oils in the ingredient label.

 If you decide to use hair products that has Castor, Coconut or Olive Oil in them

Always look for Organic or Purified Oils

Example (the ingredients should state): Purified or Organic Oil

Why Organic/Purified?

Well many hair products uses oils that have not been purified, non-purified oils have chemicals and other bad things in them, so its best to stay away from hair products that does not say Organic or Purified Oil.

If it doesn't say ORGANIC OR PURIFIED Oil before the actual word then it has not been purified

If you are planing to use Castor Oil, Coconut Oil or Olive Oil straight from the bottle and into your hair:

Natural Oils Labels Should Read

Organic Cold Pressed and Hexane Free Castor Oil

Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra Info on using Castor Oil

You've probably seen Castor Oil in your drug store you know, the one in the small dark brown bottle, the color of the bottle protects the nutrients of the oils. I like to use the Castor oil that is in the clear bottle, I just make sure I get a small bottle.

If using Castor Oil in your hair (or general usage) it should be

Cold Pressed and Hexane Free

The Ingredient label should say: Organic or Cold Pressed for Castor Oil

Why Hexane Free and Cold Pressed Castor Oil?

Hexane Free means the process of making Castor oil no chemicals or added.

Cold Pressed is the process of pressing the Castor oil beans without heat, heat destroys the special qualities that are in the Castor oil itself.

Example of Castor to purchase for Hair

Castor Oil (Home Health Brand: Hexane Free/Cold Pressed)

4. Plant/Botanical Extracts

Chamomile Extract, Lavender Extract, etc (The list is LONG)

411 ALERT

Plant Extracts listed in hair products are also herbs too, please be sure to read your hair products carefully, some plant extracts (herbs) can be too harsh for your scalp and may be
counter-productive.Herbs that can cause irritation to your scalp isn't worth the "moisturizing"" benefits.

Benefits of Plant Extracts/Botanical Extracts

Natural Plant and Botanical extracts gives hair nutrients, vitamins, and can even give your scalp added moisture. Plant extracts which are also herbs (rose hip,rosemary, sage) to name a few can help stimulate hair growth, increase blood circulation, and even condition the scalp; which helps reduce irritation that comes with having a dry scalp, less irritation to a dry scalp reduces the problem of thinning hair or breakage at the root of your hair.

Hair Tool for Naturals: {Part 1} Care for Your Natural Hair: A Better Way {Updated February 12, 2011}

{Updated February 12, 2011}

Is there such a way of caring for natural hair “the right way", well I'd say yes.


Let discuss a few hair care tips and tools every natural should invest in: You can add or enhance these tips in your own Natural Hair Care Regimen

HAIR TOOLS  

Bone Comb Also Called: Bakelite, Resin, Or Seamless Comb

Are made of resin; this type of combs are said to be very beneficial to hair:

1. Anti Static 
2. De-tangles
3. Helps prevent split ends
4. Seamless- combs prevent breakages and split ends to hair

REMINDER

Bone Combs (Resin Combs) can crack (develop small chips) over time: 

Cause by friction, heat, or shock to the comb, using a cracked comb can cause hair snags or can pull hair out.

Resin is not plastic; they are not as flexible as plastic combs are more fragile.

Please be sure if you buy a Bone Comb to inspect your comb on a monthly basis to make sure your comb does not have any chips, cracks, or hairline fractures.

WHERE TO BUY BONE COMBS? 

Be-aware there are beauty supply stores and some manufacturers are making plastic combs of the same color and calling them "bone" combs. 

Fake Bone combs is low priced: $1.00-$3.00 there cheap and have seams

 Whats are "Seams": Seams are the line running through the teeth of the comb, this plastic line causes damage to hair all combs have seams unless it is created without this manufacturer detail.

Bone Combs are seamless and provide better protection against breakage and split ends then regular combs.

 When buying bone combs online contacting the seller is always a good idea

Ask the seller if the bone comb they are selling are 100% Organic Resin, make sure to specify which comb you are referring to and want to buy

Links to Website Selling Bone Combs are Below:

EBay Bone Combs

HairSense Bone Combs (also known as bakelite combs)

Honey Fig 100% Organic Resin Combs

Wide Tooth Comb (Shower Combs)

You can buy a wide tooth (or a shower comb) at your local Beauty Supply Store, Drugstore, or Supermarket.

Wide tooth combs (in my opinion) is a good way to ensure less breakage  
(when it comes to combing natural hair)

• Less Stress on Natural Hair

• Less Headache (Literally)

• No Broken Comb handles (Ha ha ha). No really just last week I broke my comb handle, no I wasnt using the correct comb: I shoulda used my shower comb (also called a wide tooth comb).


Brush (Boar Brush)

Honestly I tried to ban my boar brush hard bristle brushes causes split ends and damage to the hair.
 I couldn't throw mines away, I purchase a softer brush instead my boar brush slicks my hard to tame areas: nape, foreline etc

Get a boar brush (you'll need it to create cute sleek styles with your natural tresses), just don’t abuse your hair, be gentle when brushing with a boar brush (any hard bristle brush). A couple of strokes is all it takes: if not, and theres still a few stray hair standing: Put Down The Brush and  Keep it Moving: Don't over do it with the brushing!

This professional salon type Boar Brush is used for styling hair with heat and distributing oils through-out hair, not for regular hair styling.

A small hand size boar brush is a perfect to hair in your Hair Tools          I have a boar brush like these there easier to hold and just right for regular hair brushing

Elastic Scrunchies (No Metal ) "Ouchless" Hair Scrunchies

Yea I know everyone says "buy the NO METAL ouch-less scrunchies", there popular and for good reason:

The no metal scrunchies may prevent less stress on the hair and these come in handy when it's time to de-tangle your hair.

I can't tell how many times my hair has snag, snap, and been pulled out by metal secured scrunchies: I also think these ouch-less last longer than the metal ones too.

Silk Scarf

I cant stress this enough: Silk scarves saves strands! Please buy at least one silk scarf, not only does it retains your natural hair moisture, less fly away's (lays your hair down quick), and keeps your hair from rubbing and breaking off:
Satin and Cotton scarves do not have the benefits that a 100% Silk Scarves has:
Buy at least one to cover your hair at night


Types of Silk Scarf
 Now here's the fun part, there are different type of scarf to buy and wear:


The Headband Scarf 
 If your tired of your silky scarf for slipping off especially when you sleep

"Paisley Dream"
"Bohemian Groovy Chick' Easy Tie Scarf





"Flower Child" Easy Tie Scarf

TIP: Type In Headband Scarf GOOGLE image search you'll find websites where you can purchase these pretty and functional head scarfs.

Heres's a shortcut google link to pictures and websites that sell silk scarfs:
 http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1024&bih=573&gbv=2&tbs=isch:1&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&q=Headband%20Scarf%20elastic

Tips on Purchasing a Good Silk Scarf

Seems easy to do (buying a silk scarf) but there's so many types of silk and sizes of scarves
Silk Satin is a good choice

Here's how to spot a Silk Satin Scarf:

Shiny on one side dull on the other: Soft to the touch

Choose the right size scarf

You don't want to be drowning in a head scarf (Maybe You Do) I Don't Know BUT:

(Measurements Are in Inches)

Sizes Breakdown

"21" x 21"  (Small Bandanna Type)


"35x35" (Bigger Shawl size, ends of scarves can be wrap around head once and tied in the front)

Make sure you know whether the scarf measurements are in Inches and or Centimeters:
The wrong sized scarf can be too big or small for your head.

If the seller has the measurements in CM: Centimeters, you can print out a small list of Measurements to take with you while shopping, if your buying online, you can Google Conversions inches to centimeters, to make sure they have the size scarf your looking for.

Mist/Spray Bottle 

Naturals, I'm sure you have an old leave-in conditioner with a spray attachment cap Reuse! Fill that old spray bottle with purified filtered water (distilled bottled water is gentle on hair, rather than tap water with heavy minerals and sediments).

Spritz you hair every now and then keeps your hair well hydrated.
If you don't have a spray bottle pick one up at your local Drugstore, 99 Cents store, Wal-mart: or you can buy a sets of spray bottles containing 2 or up to 12 bottles that comes with the spray nozzle as well.

Moisturizing Conditioner and\or Leave-In's
 

Have a thick conditioner on hand? You can you a good quality moisturizing conditioner as a leave-in for your hair.

Some ladies on hair website suggest using a Leave-In Conditioner made for that exact purpose

I believe a regular conditioner without protein or heavy synthetic ingredients can be perfect for Leave-In Conditioner:

When using regular hair conditioners as a Leave-In's 

Dilute 2-4 ounces of a moisturizing conditioner to a liquid consistency and massage directly into parted hair or put into a spray bottle and spray throughout hair.

Remember to use only small amount (no more than a quarter size) if using straight from the bottle.

When using regular hair conditioners as a Leave-In's it's important to use as little as possible to soften the hair.

REMEMBER: Most conditioners are meant to be used as a 5-30 minute hair treatment and should be washed out of the hair:

Never Use Protein Conditioners as a Leave-In 

Never Use a Deep Conditioner as a Leave-In

Protein Conditioners and Deep Conditioners are not meant to be use on a every day basis or left in your hair.

Terrible results can happen if you put a Deep Conditioner or Protein Conditioner in your hair and leave it in as a Leave-In Conditioner:

• Brittle Hair (Prone to Breakage)
• Product  Build-Up
• Elastic/Stretchy Hair
• Sticky/Gummy Hair

So instead of using ANY conditioner to moisturize your hair, pick a conditioner (leave-in) that has NO protein, heavy synthetics, silicone, or alcohols in the ingredient label. Use a conditioner with moisturizing ingredients

This (link below) talks about How To Choose a Moisturizing Conditioner

Top 4 Ingredients To Look for when Choosing a Moisturizing Conditioner UPDATED! 

Care for Your Natural Hair: A Better Way {Part 2}: 

Coming Soon:

Types of Proteins, Do Natural Hair Need a Protein Conditioner?

Oils for Natural Hair Care UPDATED!

Original Post 
September 29, 2009

When I first started to truly learn about my natural hair, I continue to find threads discussing various types of oils on websites like LHCF: Longhaircareforum, of BHM: Black Hair Media, Nappturality, and NC naturallycurly

Each website discussed  there favorite oils to used for there hair, how some oils had the same or different qualities, and their method on how to "seal" with certain oils.

I had no clue what "Sealing meant" or how anyone could have a favorite oil. I mean besides Olive Oil and Coconut Oil, I didn't know there are so many different types of wonderful oils that can be used on hair; and with so many oils to choose from, everyone seem to have there favorite.

Whatever oil you plan on using in your hair make sure all oils you buy says: Unrefined and or Cold Pressed: these two forms of pressed oil are believed to be the safest and purest form of oils.

I wouldn't suggest anything but the cleanest form of oils since your scalp does absorbs theses oils. There is a lot of research that you should personally look into before settling on Unrefined or Cold Press Oils: Some companies Lie and say their oils are the purest: So please do all the research you can before deciding on how your oil is being processed.

A quick research on wiki and Google.com on these Terms

Cold Pressed, Hexane Free, Refined, and Unrefined Oils: Each is a different process of creating oil. Learning these terms will help you better understand which oil is the best for the overall health and wellness of not only your hair but body.

Oils Commonly Used for Hair

Camellia Oil Also called Tea Seed Oil

Color: Clear Yellow

Consistency: N/A

Scent: N/A

Benefits for Hair: Penetrates 10x deeper and quicker than other oils, natural sunscreen, great for skin also: helps prevent stretch marks.

 

Coconut Oil

Color: Soil white, clear (see through) oil when melted

Consistency: Thin, Light Smooth

Scent: Virgin Coconut oil has a light to strong coconut scent (depends on the brand you buy and how it is pressed Cold pressed Expeller Pressed), its pleasant smell if you like that way coconut smells: I love the way coconut oil smells!

Benefits for Hair: Natural Antioxidant, prevent dandruff, adds shine to hair

Jojoba Oil Jojoba Oil (pronounced "ho-HO-bah": Technically a liquid wax

Color: Stays a clear golden liquid

Consistency: Thicker than Coconut oil, silky smooth feel

Scent: Odorless?

Benefits for Hair: Similar to your Scalps own Sebum:

Castor Oil (Hexane Free Castor Oil, it's the safest form of Castor Oil)

Color: Clear very light yellow

Consistency: Extremely Sticky, Thick

Scent: Medicine like smell (in my opinion)

Benefits for Hair: Thickens hair, retains moisture

Jamaican Black Castor (JBCO)

Color: Dark Brown

Consistency: Extremely Sticky, Thick

Scent:  Black Castor Oil has a light smoky smell, others black castor oils have a heavy smoky scent.

Benefits for Hair: Thickens hair, retains moisture, stimulate hair growth

       

                 Avocado Oil   

Color: Light Green/Yellowish

Consistency: Stays a liquid, thicker than jojoba oil,  feels very oily

Scent: Odorless/ Light "Oil" scent

Benefits for Hair: It contains many nutrients including vitamins A, D and E. Also

some chlorophyll, avocado oil is great for nourishing and moisturize dry or mature skin.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Best Quality\Purest Form of Olive Oil)

Color: Ranging from Light yellow to dark green, Stays a liquid

Consistency: Light, thin oil, oily

Scent: Light to strong olive scent: Extra virgin has a lite scent, the darker the olive oil the stronger the smell.

Benefits for Hair: Olive oil is very useful for dry, damaged hair, and has the ability to strengthens hair

Sweet Almond Oil: 

Color: Light Yellow

Consistency (Thickness): n/a for the moment

Scent: Lightly scented oil smell

Benefits: Makes hair soft,  Helps hair retain it's natural moisture, rich in protein, contains many B vitamins which are known to not only stimulate hair growth but prevent hair loss. 

Heritage Products, Grape Seed Oil 16 fl oz

Grape Seed Oil: 

Color: Light Yellow/Green

Consistency (Thickness): Thin

Scent: Lightly scented oil smell

Benefits: Antioxidants nutrients for hair, and helps promote hair growth.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil: 

Color: Light Yellow/Light Green

Consistency (Thickness): n/a for the moment

Scent: Lightly scented oil smell

Benefits: Maintains hair's natural moisture. Natural Sunscreen is perfect for dyed hair (protect color)

Where to buy these Organic oils and oils online?

Organic Oils, Oils, Beauty Ingredients and Supplies

http://fromnaturewithlove.com/searchus.asp

Great Selections of Oils, Essential Oils, Powders and More:

Mountain Rose Herb

www.mountainroseherbs.com

Jamaican Foods, Beauty Care, and More: Delivered!

Black Castor Oil

http://www.sams24-7.com/jamaican-black-castor-oil.aspx

Coastal Scents (Oils aren't organic or cold pressed unless stated)

http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/category/13/carrier-oils.cfm

How To Use Oils to Retain Moisture in Your Hair

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=261337

"Sealing" is a term used applying oil to hair after using a leave-in conditioner/ moisturizer

Using oils as a seal; will help your hair retain moisture longer, of whatever conditioning or moisturizing products you use. Adding oil to your hair slows down water evaporating quickly out of your hair.

Steps on Sealing Hair:

1. Section your hair in four or more parts
2. Spray or Rub in a Leave-In Conditioner/Moisturizer
3. Pour a dime size amount of oil into the palm of your hand, rub into section parts

Don't forget the ends of your hair

Style hair as you like

More info about oils coming soon! 


Next Up Butters: 


What ???? 


Yup Butters, but not the kind you put on your English Muffin in the Morning!