Roller Set

Products (Natural Hair)

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!