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

I tried the Curly Girl Method...

I first heard about the Curly Girl Method on the CurlyNikki.com forums. I have always been a shampoo girl so when I read that it eliminated shampoo I didn't give this method a second thought. Plus, I was done with bandwagons by the time I heard of the Curly Girl Method. However, not to long ago I started washing my hair twice a week but I only used shampoo once a week. I liked how soft my hair felt after the co-washes plus I didn't need to DC after co-washes so they are somewhat of a time-saver. To make a long story short - I thought this would be a good time to try a modified Curly Girl Method.

To begin the Curly Girl Method I clarified my hair with a sulfate shampoo, deep conditioned with a -cone free conditioner and rinsed in cool water. After that first wash I followed it with conditioner washing only on wash days for one month.

Click Here for "How to Follow the Curly Girl Method"

My method was modified because I did not leave my hair loose and I still used oils on my hair. After one month of using conditioner only my hair was soft and there was little to no breakage but to be honest I really couldn't tell much difference between my shampooed hair and my no shampoo hair.

When I use shampoo I only use it on my scalp so the shampoo is not applied to the length of my hair anyway. I also steam and deep condition every wash day so shampoo has not had any ill effects on my hair. One benefit from this method would be that I would not have to do as much steaming and conditioning on wash day if I wasn't using shampoo.

I would say if you are curious about the curly girl method, give it a try. What have you got to lose? You may already have the products needed to get started.

Have you tried the Curly Girl Method? How did it work for you?

More from Ashley Alexis McFarlane

More great designs from Ashley Alexis McFarlane.

Go Diva!

One of the great ways to enhance your confidence is to take class that help you embrace and love being a woman. 



"GoDiva
Studio is an exotic dance studio located in Bloomfield, New Jersey that
specializes in pole, belly and erotic fitness dance classes.  Founded
in 2010 by three friends, Ty Smith, Nikki Philip and Sonya Miller,
GoDiva Studio strives to assist women in discovering their sensuality
while simultaneously confronting the negative stereotypes associated
with exotic dancing, and using it for a positive purpose."

 

Not only
have these ladies successfully put a spin on erotic fitness, they
proudly represent the natural hair community while doing so. For more information, visit the GoDiva’s website at Go Diva Studio.