UnderNaps is Afro Textured

Flat ironing with Maxiglide without fear of heat damage

2012-01-15T10:48:00.001-08:00

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

2010-07-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

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.