Natural Remedies to Repair Damaged Hair

For most people, hair is a central way to feel attractive. Yet, when the hair has become damaged, due to a styling accident or health related causes, your hair can become thin, brittle, and dull. African American hair is especially susceptible to damage, due to the extra styling it requires. Natural hair always needs a little extra attention to help it look the best.  

If this is the case with your hair, did you know that there are actually some natural ways to repair and restore your damaged hair to its former glory? Here are some helpful tips for bringing life back into your tresses, with a little help from Mother Nature herself.

If your hair is dry or brittle

Having dry hair that breaks easily is very frustrating indeed. Yet, you can use some simple natural treatments to repair your damaged hair fast. Start by taking a trip to the local supermarket to pick up a few elements. Start with honey or molasses, a tablespoon of which can be added to your regular conditioner to give it a boost.

If your hair is frizzy

Anytime your mane gets unruly, especially in the summer months, try this natural trick for restoring balance and beauty to hair. Mix 1 teaspoon of olive oil with fresh water in a spray bottle. After washing your hair your normal way, spritz some of this tincture on your hair and let it air dry. You’ll add shine and ease away the frizzies in no time at all.

If your hair has split ends

Split ends can be a major problem, especially if you have slow growing natural hair. Mash up half of a fresh avocado and smooth it onto the ends of your hair for a deep moisturizing treatment. Let it set on your hair wrapped under a hot towel while you shower or give yourself a manicure. Repeat this at least once a week for the best results.

If your hair or scalp is oily

Oily hair and scalps can leave you itching and your hair looking weighed down. To treat this problem in between washings rub some cornstarch into your scalp and comb out. You’ll remove some of the oils in the process. When you do wash your hair, use coconut water as a rinse to reduce your itchy and oily scalp.

If your hair lacks shine

Shiny hair is the hallmark of healthy hair, so you want to pay attention if your hair looks dull. To add shine to your natural black hair, use a rinse of apple cider vinegar after you shampoo. Rinse well with water afterwards to reduce the smell.

If you are losing hair

All women and men experience hair loss at different times in their lives, brought on by health changes and stress. First rule out any health issues with your physician and then try the natural hair restorative properties of tea tree oil. Mix a teaspoon into your shampoo and shake well, then wash as normal. While it does take a few days to help, you will notice less hair loss with regular use of tea tree oil. This is also great for clearing up scalp breakouts.

Having healthy and radiant hair can make you feel like a million bucks. Take the time to evaluate how and when you style your hair to find less stressful ways of managing it. Try to give it a day off once in a while from excessive heat and styling products.

About the Author:Debbie Sweet is a board-certified dermatologist and Chicago laser hair removal specialist. When she’s not working, she enjoys yoga retreats and organic gardening.

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Newly Natural? Don’t be Afraid of Scissors!

I would like to give a big thanks to Sunshine Abuwi of Natural Sun Shine. She wrote a great article on rocking a TWA (tiny weeny afro), and agreed to letting me share the article on my blog. Read below to see her great variety of style and recommendations.  

Newly Natural? Rocking a TWA? Don’t be Afraid of Scissors! 
Posted by Sunshine Abuwi on September 19, 2011 at 9:00m

"For many a natural, the TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) phase can be the hardest one to get through. The short length and lack of style options leaves many running for the closest wig store, regretting their decision to go natural (so soon), or just down in the dumps feeling not as attractive as they once felt.  I wish to encourage those of you who have found yourself in that position to not be afraid of scissors. For many, the reason they feel so bad with their TWA is because it is just a mound of shapeless, styleless hair sitting on top of your head. I don’t care what texture your hair is, if it is just sitting there with no personality or style, it is bound to get you down. I recommend getting the sides and back tapered to create a style. Transform your blah TWA into a cute cut by shaping it. You would be amazed at how much better your TWA would look of your sides and back were a little faded.

Remember, even as you are growing your hair out, you are still alive! You still have places to go and people to see. Today! You can’t just allow your hair to sit on top of your head shapeless and lifeless while you look forward to that day when you reach a longer length and then are able to style it. Is your life on hold until that day? Didn’t think so! Enjoy each step of the way . Don’t be on some fast paced race to bra strap length. Because even if you stand at the mirror, tapping your foot, pointing at your watch demanding your hair to grow, it is going to take time. Why not enjoy it and your life even while your hair is growing? Getting a little shape up is a great way to do that! When I grew out my hair in 2009, I always either went to a stylist and got my hair shaped or I manipulated it to look like it was in a shape. Have a look!

 

I recommend going to barber (because it is less expensive than a salon and they are less likely to try to talk you into relaxing) and asking them to give your hair a little shape. Tell them you do not want a line in the front (unless you do) and that you want the sides and back tapered so your hair has more of a style while you are growing it out. I recommend you go on a week day if possible or first thing on a Saturday morning (to avoid all the men). All of you who have used this method while growing your hair please post pictures or your two cents on this!" - Sunshine Abuwi, Source

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Loctician Hair Tips from Nyesha Samuel

Natural Black Hair Care Tips

When it comes to the gentle care of African American skin and hair, there are various ingredients that well-made products contain. These ingredients will help to rejuvenate your skin and hair and replace the nutrients that are lost in day to day living.

 

Shea Butter Cream

Shea butter cream has long been known for its effectiveness as an emulsifier and a moisturizing cream. It is especially valuable in treating wrinkles, skin discolorations, dark spots, blemishes, dry skin, acne, burns and for fading scars. Shea butter also helps to provide natural protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is easily absorbed into your skin, and it won't leave your skin feeling greasy, as some other types of products can.

Shea butter cream helps to soften your skin, and may sometimes

be found in hair conditioners in its butter form. It helps to revitalize and rehydrate brittle or dry hair. It will also keep hair from breaking as easily, and make it softer to the touch.

Shea butter aids in evening skin tone, and gives your skin back its natural luster. Since it absorbs quickly, it can penetrate deeply to promote the growth of healthy skin cells.

Herbal Shampoo Conditioner

African American women often tell me that they have a difficult time finding hair products to satisfy the natural needs of their hair. Many of the products you see in magazines or commercials cater to women who have colored or relaxed hair. This isn't helpful for those with unmanageable, curly, thick hair. An herbal shampoo, conditioner or rinse can help to revive dry and brittle hair. It usually has a clean smell, which makes it easier to use. It helps to promote a healthy shine, and aids in getting rid of frizzies.

There are other products that combine herbal shampoo conditioner and nut oils, which can be very helpful for dry, dehydrated hair. Your hair will drink in the moisture, and the proteins in the conditioner will add shine and a final luster to your hair. They will also leave it soft and manageable.

Organic Hair Oil

Many African American women have found that organic hair oil can help to leave their hair nourished and revitalized, and more protected from aging's effects. They may have experienced some level of hair loss, due to microbial effects on the roots of the hair and on their scalp. An antimicrobial oil will break the glycerol bonds that leave your hair weak and more susceptible to thinning.

Most types of organic hair oil will also contain vitamin E, which will help to keep your hair and scalp healthy and rejuvenated. Natural oils help your hair to retain moisture, since they don't break down easily, nor do they evaporate. Natural oils will keep moisture within your hair, leaving it soft and manageable. Hair can also benefit from organic hair oil that will melt when it is heated, and then condense on your hair as it cools. You can apply it to your hair and it will evenly spread throughout all areas of your scalp. African American women will benefit from the combination of Shea butter cream for their skin, and shampoos and conditioners, along with natural oils, that leave their hair full and healthy.

Healthy Scalp, Healthy Locs

Nyesha Samuel, Publisher/Master Loctician, healthylocsblog.com

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Natural Hair Inspiration - Chime

Name: Chime Edwards ( my first name is pronounced the same way wind chime is :))

Q: When and why did you decide to start wearing your hair naturally?
A: I realized the actual reasons why I was relaxing my hair. I did not think kinky hair was as appealing as straight hair, because this is what I had been taught my entire life. Being natural was never an option for kinky-haired girls. Something just clicked; I would never live up to the European standards of beauty. I was longing for this bone straight hair that was not meant for African Americans to have. My hair was breaking off rapidly because I was using a chemical to force my hair to do something that it was never meant to do. One day I just had an "Aha moment" and I decided that I had to go natural.

Q: Did you have any big fears about going back to your natural texture?
A: Yes. In the beginning I was scared that my hair would be too nappy. Then I realized that it was okay if it was. Nappy hair is not bad hair. I had to reprogram the way I thought and everything I was taught about good hair and bad hair. I stopped hoping to have a not so kinky grade of hair and I began to pray to except and love my hair for whatever it was.

Q: What are three products you can't live without for nurturing/styling your hair?
A: Giovanni's Leave-On Conditioner, Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner, and Jason's Biotin Shampoo.

Q: What would you say to someone who's thinking about embracing their natural hair, but scared about being rejected in various parts of their lives?
A: You have to go into it knowing that many people have never seen stylish natural hair and they are going to go off of what they think your hair is going to look like. Just realize that they don't understand now but most will eventually get it. And many people who may dislike your hair when you do the big chop will love it later on. Keep the reasons why you are going natural at the front of your mind. You did it for yourself and no one else. You should have a "I don't care what anyone thinks" kind of attitude:)

Q: How can we keep up with you and your journey i.e. blog, twitter, facebook, fotki, tumblr, personal or professional website?
A: I have a YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/HairCrush

 

You can follow me on twitter: @ManeChick10

And I have a fotki page: http://members.fotki.com/lifesacatwalk/about/

 

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Kids Corner – Make your Conditioner!

Natural Ingredients Hair Conditioner

By Ms. NB

One of my lovely daughters (age 12) has recently discovered a passion for trying out homemade conditioners, shampoos and even face mask!  This past weekend, she made her own conditioner, with a natural ingredient recipe that she found online.  She used if after shampooing her hair and loved it.  I asked if she wanted to share it on my blog and she said yes. 

Here is the recipe she tried:

1/4 cup water

1 egg

1/8 cup baby oil

1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil

"Mix these ingredients until smooth. It may be watery, but that is ok. After you shampoo your hair, rinse it out well. Then part your hair into 3 to 4 sections.  Work the condition mixture into each section by rubbing it in all the way."   Leave the conditioner in and style while wet or when dry.  I have not tried this recipe myself, but her hair was very soft after using the conditioner that she made using the ingredients above.  Here is what she had to say after using the conditioner. "Your hair will feel soft and will make people behind you want to touch your hair. It is especially good for ladies with curly or wavy hair.” –  Ms. NB

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