Natural Hair: The Stigma

Too often do I hear, “natural hair isn’t for everybody,” and I always find myself explaining why it can be. We are born with our hair in its natural state and our parents, mostly mothers, choose to apply chemicals to make our hair “manageable”—I use that word very loosely. My biggest concern is why we as African American, Black, Mixed, and Caribbean don’t feel comfortable in our own skin? We allow the term “good hair” to permeate our existence and steer us clear of how we were born. So many cultures have made billions of dollars off this very insecurity, and for me that’s a problem. Capitalization from our pain, but we can embrace who we are and cultivate others on the journey.

We criticize Karen for wearing weave, we talk about Jenny for wearing a fro and chastise Kim for dying her hair platinum blonde. Hardly ever do we take a step back and look in the mirror and ask are we happy with self. Let's break the stigma, natural hair is not a style choice, it's a lifestyle. Encourage your friends and family that seek the journey back to where it all began - don't deter them with frowns and talk of how their hair is not made for that "style". Be a beacon of hope and not a cloud of darkness. Natural hair is socially acceptable because that's the way God made us!

Naptural or Natural: The Lifestyle

Being natural for me, is not about hairstyles as much as it is about a lifestyle. A life of naturalism, from food to hair care. That old cliche rings true, "you are what you eat", I'm striving everyday to evolve other areas of my life to be more natural.

Green living through and through. From the inside out and within, but I can say that I started with the outside. This year I already have began to challenge myself to be a better naptural hautee and earlier this year I challenged myself to change my lifestyle to one that is more conducive with natural food and green practices.

This is only the beginning of my catalog for this journey to a totally natural lifestyle. Join me on the voyage....what have you done green today?

Happy New Year 2011

Hola Naptural Hautees!

I haven't wrote in a while, shame on me! I wanted to share my 2011 Hair Goals with you all. This year I really want my hair to grow and be healthier.

Hair Goals:
-I want it to grow WL (waist length)
-More protective styles
-No hair neglect (I tend to do this when I get really busy)
-Less month of heat on hair for the year (a bit optimistic, lol)

When setting goals, they should always be realistic and obtainable in the time frame in which you set forth. In observing my own goals, the goal to minimize using heat on my hair is obtainable but it will take a lot of discipline and planning.

I challenge you all to set goals for your hair, whether you're natural or relaxed. I'm going to strive to reach all of mine and reach beyond them into greatness. JOIN ME! Hold me accountable ladies!

Ciao Naptural Hautees!

BTW - I dyed my hair, you like?

DIY Avocado Conditioner

Hola Natpural Hautees!



I tried this Avocado Conditioner and it left my hair very soft and moisturized. I have attached the video below along with the recipe. Enjoy! Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and subtract or add anything you like or that works for you.



Ingredients:

1 small ripe Avocado

1/2 tablespoon of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

1/2 tablespoon of Unrefined Shea Butter (solid)

1/2 tablespoon of Honey



Tools:

applicator brush

small bowl

shower cap

towel



Process:

Part your damp clean hair in four sections, for even coverage. In the bowl, mash the ripe avocado up as much as possible into a paste and discard the seed. Then add the other ingredients: shea butter, honey, and EVOO. Mix all together until they are blended well. Then microwave for 30 seconds, stir it up and allow to cool for 10 seconds before application. Apply the mixture to the ends of your hair first while working your way up to the roots. Your bowl should be empty when you complete all four sections. Note: If your hair is longer than 14 inches you may want to double the ingredients.



Next, place the shower cap over your saturated hair and sit under the dryer for 15 to 20 minutes (30 for a deep condition). Then rinse with warm water all of the mixure out of your hair. The water will run from green to clear. If you have pieces of avocado in your hair use a soft bristle brush to remove the pieces, then rinse again. Once you have removed all particles you can style as usual.

I hope this helped. This is excellent right after a color process or treatment!

The Verdict: Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-in-Conditioner

Carol's Daughter has evolved from a local brand in 1993 to this household brand name among African Americans, especially women. However, the products must be reviewed on a individual basis, as any product will vary in results. My first experience was with the Hair Milk...I spent $10 on a 6oz jar only to try it and give it away. That was in 2006, now four years later I said "hey I maybe I should try something else". I had a partial sew-in for a protective style and needed a conditioner to keep my natural tresses underneath moisturized. I review a couple of YouTube videos and several ladies recommended Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-in-Conditioner.

I purchased it from Sephora (in which I adore) for $12. I put the product into action immediately after washing my sew-in.

1. The smell did not mix well with my hair's natural scent. I could get over this as long as the product is effective.

2. It dried out my weave, which makes me believe there may be some type of alcohol in the ingredients. (I did not spray the weave, I only sprayed the parts in my natural hair)

3. The itchiness was minimized. A definite plus

4. My hair was not as soft as usual after applying the Black Vanilla. NEGATIVE

5. Price - $12 Not too bad, I've spent more (Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding $60)

Overall, I would not try anymore Carol's Daughter products. I'm a Product Junkie (PJ) but even PJs have limits. Her trials are over and beyond my limits. Maybe this product just is not right for my hair type. I hope this helped you and maybe you've had better luck with CD products.

Until next time Naptural Hautees!

Flat Iron Press

The Verdict: Umberto Blow Dry Lotion Vs. Paul Mitchell SS Relaxing Balm

This week's product review will cover Umberto Blow Dry Lotion vs. Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Relaxing Balm. These products are recommended for straight hairstyles as a heat protectants and to aid in the drying/straightening process. Both will be rated based on texture, lifespan, cost, durability, effectiveness, the process and final results.

Umberto Blow Dry Lotion
Texture: It is very silky and coats well (good heat protectant)
Durability: Straight hair last for about 2 weeks or longer depending on how often you need to wash your hair.
Lifespan: One bottle can last several months depending on how often you straighten your hair. 1-2 dime size drops based on length and thickness of hair. It coats the hair very well.
Effectiveness: When I first tried Umberto, I was in love, my hair was more manageable during the drying process versus just using Shea butter and curl moisturizer.
Process: I have to part my hair in four parts, then each part must be broken down to at least 4-5 parts to make sure I can detangle thoroughly. 1 hour until completion.
Final Results: Once I use the flat iron, after the hair is dry, it leaves my hair silky smooth and shiny.
Cost: $10, Target

Con: There's a build-up on my hands and brush when I'm done, which could be from applying to hair. Takes about an hour to finish the complete process of drying with this product.
Pro: No build-up on my hair. It doesn't weigh my hair down or leave it oily. My hair is full of body and shine.

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Balm
Texture: It is silky and coats well (good heat protectant)
Durability: Straight hair last for about 2 weeks or longer depending on how often you need to wash your hair.
Lifespan: One bottle can last several months to a year depending on how often you straighten your hair. 1 dime size drop coats the hair very well.
Effectiveness: I was skeptic because I do not like his shampoo but love his other styling aid (Foaming Pommade) but I love it, my hair was even more manageable during the drying process versus Umberto. As soon I apply the small amount to my hair, it is detangled within in seconds. The Denman glides through with ease.
Process: I have to part my hair in four parts, then each part must be broken down to 3 parts but the detangling was quicker. It 2 times faster, spending approx. 7 minutes on each section, instead of 15. My hair did not get caught in the brush as it sometimes did with Humberto.
Final Results: Once I use the flat iron, after the hair is dry, it leaves my hair silky smooth and shiny.
Cost: $16, Ulta or Super Cuts

Con: There's a build-up on my hands but not my brush when I'm done. A little pricey but a lot goes a long way.
Pro: No build-up on my hair. It doesn't weigh my hair down or leave it oily. My hair is full of body and shine. During actually drying or blowout process my hair gets straighter before I even go through it with flat iron.

They both are really good heat protectants and have good & similar results in the end but I will discontinue my use of Umberto and switch totally over to Paul Mitchell.

I will post pictures of the difference later today. You may not be able to tell the difference, lol.

Ciao Naptural Hautees!

Product Junkies Anonymous

Hey my fellow PJs (product junkies),

I wanted to do a post that identified my favorite hair products. They aren't all produced with natural hair in mind....hmmm, I say that then I think most Black women are the females who are not rocking their natural hair. Caucasian, Asian, Indian, Lebanese, Latin...you get the idea, aren't walking around saying, "oh I'm natural". That's because most of them always have been, they don't grow usually and their mom slaps a perm or relaxer on their hair; grant it some of them do get perms for curly hair or relaxers for straight hair but they don't make refer to naturalness when they do have either process. So, I said all that to say some of these products may not be specifically for African American hair as they do not make a distinction between our texture and other nations.

SHAMPOO (I will list my review of some No Poos later)

• Redken (all) but my fave is Fresh Curls (Teal colored bottle) - This doesn't dry my hair out, it lathers a lot so a small amount can be used.

CONDITIONERS

• Redken Fresh Curls Conditioner (creamy)


• Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner (great for deep conditioning under dryer hood)
• Herbal Essence Hello Hydration (very thick and creamy --LOVE IT!)

MOISTURIZERS

• Shea Butter (natural, unprocessed - you cannot generally buy this in a store) This usually last me for years. I just ordered another container of Shea butter for $6 - 8oz but there is so much in that small container. I ordered it from http://www.sheaessentials.com/ Great Deal!
• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner (I have used twice but I'm going to do a review on my YouTube vlog)** ($12 - Sephora)

HEAT PROTECTANT

• Shea Butter
• Umberto Blow Dry Lotion (you can get this at Target fro $10)
• Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Relaxing Balm (Haven't tried yet)** ($16)

STYLING

• Shea Butter ( I know I use this everywhere, lol)
• Paul Mitchell Foaming Pommade (LOVE IT! $13-20 depending on bottle size)
• Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade (great for slicking hair back or even twists, their really shiny after using this)

So that's all I use right now. I have those ** by the items I am going to do a review and show on my vlog. Every one's hair is different so things that work for me, possibly will not work for you but at least you see what I utilize for my hair.

P.s. I'll upload the video later of my different styles.

Ciao Naptural Hotties!