Keeping Natural Hair Moisturized

There are so many products out there that it was very overwelming for me when I was newly natural.  It was a challenge  in the beginning and as I began to grow my natural hair longer, I changed my routine a lot looking for a magic potion.  I went through the "PRODUCT JUNKIE" stage for a while. 

I have to admit now that the one thing that was consistant was water.  I used all these products on wet hair.  Water was really the best moisurizer, but I didn't understand it at first.  Being an African American, it was embedded in me not to get my hair wet.  As a child, getting my hair wet meant trouble.  I remember what a struggle it was for my mom to get my hair back the way she had it if I accidentally got my hair wet in the shower.  I may have been the problem since I didn't like geting my hair pressed with the hot comb.  Braids were a must in the summer, if I wanted to go swimming.  I would have worn them all the time if I had the choice.

What is it about water.  Well, what I have found after 3 years of wearing my hair in its natural state is that I don't have to be afraid of water.  In fact, I have actually grown to love it.  I wet my hair at least once a day, either by misting it, washing it, or co-washing it. 

The trick is to seal the moisture in.  I do that by adding shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, or what ever type of essential oil or butter I have on hand and putting my hair in twists or braids.  The fact that oil and water don't mix is a wonderful thing for natural hair.  Moisture accomplished.
    

Flat ironing with Maxiglide without fear of heat damage

This is not the first time I have straightened my hair since going natural.  In fact, I have done it at least half a dozen times in the 2 1/2 years since my big chop.  This is just the first time I have gone this straight. 
I have really been cautious about applying heat to my hair since beginning my natural journey.  I always make sure I follow these rules when applying heat to my hair.
1.  Work in small sections.  Wash and condition hair and make about 20 small plats.
2.  Let hair air dry completely to stretch.
3.  Use a heat protectant.
4.  Blow dry hair.  This will take less time, since the hair is already stretched, so less heat is needed.
5.  Use a denman type brush to guide the maxi glide flat iron through.  This separates the strands of hair allowing the least number of passes with the flat iron.
6.  Don't put heat in hair again for styling.  Wrap hair and tie up.  When straight style begins to revert, bantu knot out, which involves sectioning the hair with and fastening it into tight knots on the head or do a flexi rod set used to get a spiral or corkscrew curl.

I really love the versatility of natural hair.

Healthy Hair Books

Before I even considered going natural, I didn't realized how much information was available to me.  Cathy Howse's "Ultra Black Hair Growth II" is a great read.  It really makes a lot of sense.  I often find myself referring to it before I do something new or different to my hair.  The more knowledge the better your chance at successful healthy hair growth.  Check them out!

REVIEW: Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Treatment Shampoo

I was in search of a sulfate-free shampoo, since most of the articles I have read online warn consumers about the harsh effects of this detergent.  I was in Whole Foods looking for some hair products and came across the Avalon Organics product line.  I decided to try the Tea Tree Mint Treatment Shampoo.

I was pleasantly surprised by the gentle invigorating sudsing.  This product contains sodium cocoyl sulfate, which is derived from coconut.  This mild cleanser doesn't strip or dry delicate skin and hair and only need a little is needed to get the job done.  It not only has tea tree oil (melaleuca), but peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary to clean and treat the scalp, as well as to help protect against dry, itchy or flaky scalp.  You can't beat that if you want that clean hair without stripping your hair of natural oils.  I use it quite often to clarify and remove styling products.  I give it 4 out of 5 stars.