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Friday, March 21, 2014

Castor Oil for Eyebrows - My Own Personal Challenge...

My eyebrows at their struggly thinnest.
In an earlier post about Castor Oil (In This Corner: Jamaican Black vs. Cold Pressed Castor Oil) I mentioned some of the ways that Castor Oil can be used for hair growth and gave a recipe for a treatment that should significantly improve issue with thinning over the course of 6-8 weeks. I also shared a story about Castor Oil and its ability to grow hair in the aptly titiled post, Castor Oil Really Does Regrow Hair, and now I'm going to test it out on myself.


6th Grade

I'm trying to regrow my eyebrows because I have an affliction that some of us that are 30+ suffer - the skinny brow...A little back story. When I was younger my eyebrows were much, much thicker than they are now. (See above) I thought that they were fine and didn't think about them much until I went to college. There I started tweezing them a little bit so emphasize their arch, and to make myself feel like I was in style. At the time though, the style was really thin eyebrows. I didn't make the full commitment, but I did make my eyebrows thinner. To tell the truth though, it didn't matter much because I had a bang that went just past my eyebrows anyway. A little later, I got hit by a car and I had some facial scarring. One of those scars ended up going through my left eyebrow, and it created a gash. I couldn't take it, so I made my eyebrows thin enough so you couldn't see the effects of the scar. I then had stylishly thin eyebrows.

Now times have changed, and the thick eyebrow is the look du'jour. I spend a little time almost every day trying to pretend my eyebrows are thicker than they actually are - I use a brow pencil, mascara, or dark eyeliner and a brush (sometimes just one method, sometimes two or all three) to make my eyebrows more in the current style. I don't want to - it adds time to my mornings, and I'd like to guaranty that if I touch my face, that my eyebrows won't come off on my hands.

Goal
So although it may not be possible to return to my former full-figured eyebrows, I would like to make them a little thicker than they are now. More like the Lauryn Hill brows that I've shown in this post. To that end, I'm using:

a cotton swab
a mix of 3:1, Castor to Coconut Oil mix

I'll apply same every night before I go to sleep, and I'll let you know how it goes over the next month or two.





Unknown beauty, DIY, maintenance, recipe
Sunday, March 16, 2014

Curlfriends: Tyesha!

Why did you decide to go natural?

I decided to go natural in 2002 because I realized there was no need for me to relax my hair. I only got my hair relaxed every 3-4 months. My new growth would easily straighten when blow dried and pressed and I had been wearing my hair in "big styles" such as twist and braid outs. It made no sense for me to process it. I transitioned with kinky twists and continuing the twist and braid outs. I eventually cut it to a teeny fro. 


What stage of life were you in when you went natural?

I was a freshman in college. I was away at Penn State in Altoona and decided to go natural on my Spring Break. 





What has been the best compliment you've received on your natural hair?

The best compliments I have received are from those family members who say I inspired them to go natural. Not all wear their hair in its natural state but many women in my family stopped relaxing their hair.



What is the one tip you would give a new natural? 

The one tip I would give a new natural is to learn your hair for yourself. There will be so many suggestions and tips and it can be overwhelming. What works for one may not work for you. It is all about trial and error.


Do you feel like you are part of the natural hair community?

On a wide scale, I do not feel I am a part of the natural community. I do follow many blogs and pages of naturals and those prominent in the natural hair community. However, locally, within my group of friends and family, I do feel I am. I am a go-to source for tips and styles.


Has your natural hair has influenced other parts of your life?

Being natural has influenced me mainly in helping me with my self confidence. I am often stopped and questioned or complimented on my hair. My family and friends are always excited to see  the new things I do new or the results of a new routine.  It makes me feel good to be able to share my journey and open up about who I am. 


What are your top three hair products or tools?  

 My top 3: 

- Raw shea butter 
- Olive oil
- Hair combs (the kind used for up dos)


What is your go-to style?

My go to style is a spur of the moment chunky twist out. I love twists in general because of the versatility they bring, like my favorite style of all, a curly mohawk.


If you would like to contact Tyesha, her information is provided below:

IG: acprincess16  & mizryd84
Twitter : acprincess16
YouTube: mizryd84 
Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/acphotography2012

Unknown
Thursday, March 13, 2014

Hairstyle: Today's Hair - 3/12


Early in the week I rocked two huge puffs, but yesterday I was ready for a change. I realized that I've never done a style with flat twisted or braided up sides (like a faux hawk), and I figured that yesterday was as good a time as any to try. 

After 40 minutes, a comb, and about 10 hair pins I ended up with this...



I kind of love it...and all that I imagine it can be. In its current state, I:

1) Parted the hair from about my temples to right behind the ear on each side of my head;

2) Formed four (4) flat twists in each section to just behind the ear, and twisted the hanging pieces to the end;

3) I repeated step 2 on the other side;

4) I pinned up the sides as I decided what to do with the rest of my hair;

5) I decided to do rows of large double-strand or two-strand twists. I ended up with 14 twists (4 rows of 3 twists and one row of 2 twists in the very back);

6) As I completed each row of twists, I took the ends of the twists and twirled them together into a single unit and tucked the unit under. I then pinned the unit in place (it was similar in technique to the non-braider's braid); and

7) Finally I unpinned the sides, and pulled the ends toward the middle of my head. I allowed the twists to criss-cross, then pinned down the ends. 

I'm planning several variations on this style - including roller-setting the twists and wearing it as a faux hawk. Later this should end up as a cute twistout as well (possibly with one side remaining twisted and the rest worn loose). 

Let me know what you think - and if you plan to try it.
Unknown hairstyle, instructions, protective style, today's hair
Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Vitamin Challenge - What are the benefits of Prenatal Vitamins?

Image via curlydeviants.com
Remember that prenatal/fish oil challenge I started about a month ago? Well I've been taking my prenatals as my daily vitamins faithfully, and I'm seeing results. While my hair seems to have grown at its normal rate this month, it does seem stronger, and was surprisingly resilient after my dye experiment. My skin and nails have also seen some improvement - my skin seems healthier (less prone to pimples and definitely more radiant), my nails are stronger, and I feel more energized.

Typically prenatals contain: Vitamin A, D, E, C, Folic Acid, B1, B2, Niacin, B6, B12, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Thiamin, Riboflavin, and WARNING - they may contain stool softeners that can cause cramping and diarrhea. These vitamins, retinoids and antioxidants are generally found in daily mutlti-vitamins, but often in different ratios. Some of the benefits are as follows: 


Vitamin A - this retinoid is good for our vision, our immune system (particularly by keeping our skin and mucous membranes healthy) and cell growth; 

Source: www.webmd.com/vitamins 

Vitamin D - its most important function is regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorous, and facilitating normal immune system function in our bodies. It aids in the growth and development if our teeth and bones, and without sufficient amount they may develop abnormally. In addition Vitamin D aids in fighting certain diseases;
Source: www.healthline.com

Vitamin E - it is an antioxidant that helps boost immunity levels, and it is good for ones skin and hair. Vitamin E promotes the circulation of blood to the scalp and helps nourish the cells. It also speeds up cell regeneration and can help adults with such problems as wrinkles, scars and acne;

Source: www.newsmax.com

Vitamin C - it is another antioxidant. It's needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. It is used to form proteins that build skin, ligaments, blood vessels and tendons. It assists in healing tears to the skin (including the scalp) and maintaining ones bones, teeth and cartilage;

Source: www.nytimes.com

B Vitamins - as a group they include Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Folate/Folic Acid (B9), Biotin (B7) and Niacin (B3) and help with cell metabolism (meaning that they speed up the growth cycle), work together to form healthy nerves, improve muscle function, and help prevent certain cancers and heart disease. 
  • B1 and B2 are important for healthy functioning of the muscles, nerves, and heart
  • B3 helps regulate the nervous and digestive systems
  • B5 and B12 are required for normal growth and development
  • B6 supports the immune system and aids the body in breaking down protein
  • B7 is involved in the production of hormones
  • B9 helps cells make and maintain DNA, and lowers the chances of birth defects and certain cancers; 
Sources: Dr. Oz show, altmedicine.about.com

Biotin - additionally, B7 is the hair powerhouse! Supplements have been found to be effective for healthy hair, shine, increased growth rate, reduced hair loss (alopecia). Biotin also promotes healthier looking skin and strong nails. If you are happy with your current multi-vitamin, but are interested in speeding the growth of your hair and nails - a biotin supplement may serve you as well or better than taking prenatals;

For the complete article see: http://m.voices.yahoo.com/a-biotin-hair-growth-supplement-benefits-more-than-9085243.html

Thiamin - B1, helps convert glucose into energy;

Riboflavin - B2, is important for skin health;

Source: www.stylecraze.com

Calcium - as everyone knows it is vital for the development of strong and healthy bones and teeth. And for the maintenance of those bones later on in life. Increasingly researchers are also finding that it helps with healthy weight loss, apparently higher levels of calcium help promote fat burn instead of fat storage;

Source: www.sheknows.com

Iron - without sufficient iron in the system, hair can and will become thin, dull, dry and prone to breakage and loss. Sufficient levels are essential to the nutrition and oxygenization of the hair's roots; and 

Source: www.stylecraze.com

Zinc - also provides hair health benefits. Insufficient zinc levels may result in loss of hair, hair that looks thin and dull and that goes grey early. There are also a number of shampoos which contain zinc to help prevent dandruff.

Source: Zinc.org

Go to any of the sources listed above to find out more about the benefits of each of these vitamins. I've got about 55 days to go. Please join me! Have you taken prenatals? Biotin supplements? What were your results?

And if you'd like to eat your way to better hair, read these two posts:

5 FANTASTIC Foods for Your Hair

and

Eating for a Healthy Scalp (& Hair)
Unknown 90 day challenge, hair, health, maintenance, nutrition, vitamins
Friday, March 7, 2014

This Smoothie is Perfect - Recipe for Hair or Hunger...

I've been making smoothies almost every day for the past six months now, and I've used all kinds of fruits, veggies, herbs and seeds in the mix. But I had been hesitant to use a fruit that I know and knew had tons of health benefits...the avocado.

When I went on my Middle Eastern Adventure I tried an avocado and banana smoothie and fell in love! It was creamy, rich and delicious. At home I've made this smoothie with variations (with ripe mango or strawberries and adding coconut milk, chia seeds and leafy greens) and its been delicious every time. And every time I drink it, I think - if I added honey, this would taste even better and BE THE BEST DEEP CONDITIONER ever!

So drink this smoothie or use this as a deep conditioner:

1/2 a ripe avocado
1 banana
1 tablespoon of honey
1/2 cup coconut milk (I use unsweetened Almond Breeze or Silk) 

Blend thoroughly....feel free to add strawberries or mango to the drinkable mix. 

As a deep conditioner, use it after shampooing, apply liberally to the hair, cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes or 15 if using a steamer or other source of heat, and rinse thoroughly.   

Image via droz.com

Here are some links to other, avocado rich recipes (most for hair, one for food):

- DIY: Avocado Masque Recipe

- Recipe: Soften My Strands Hair Masque

- Recipe: Hydrating Hair Masque

- 5 FANTASTIC Fodds for Your Hair Plus Recipes
Unknown avocado, conditioner, DIY, maintenance, recipe, Smoothie
Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Update....Today's Hair 3/5

I've updated the style since my first post on this style. I took out the yaky hair and re-twisted the back to get a looser, fuller twist.  I pinned up the end of the ponytail, and I redid the bang as just a tucked under piece of loose hair that I pinned down. I still used the other half of the first ponytail to connect the back with the rest of the hair. Here are my results:

I really like it. And you can even sort of see the color in the last pic...I'm not opposed to trying the original style again (with kinkier extension hair), but I liked this for going into the office. I might try to do it as a more of a convertible style in the next go around. As in, with extension hair and a ponytail for the weekend, and tucked under for the weekdays. Click here for the original instructions and style. And remember, if you are looking for easy, cute and sophisticated styles - check out my book, One Hairstyle, Thirty-one Ways! Both editions are available on Amazon.com, and you can find the links from the home page.
Unknown hairstyle, New Day. New 'do, newdaynewdo, today's hair, updo
Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Hair Inspiration - Today's Hair 3/4

I saw this look on Instagram and decided that it would be a cute, simple protective style to try. It looked like I could wear for a week or so, so it seemed like a winner. 

Source: Unknown but via Ladyinfluence on Instagram

I thought I would need:
3 or 4 elastic bands
4 hair clips
comb
brush
gel of choice
Bobby pins
Blow dryer
A bag of kanekolon or Marley extension hair

Am I the only woman around with bundles of hair at home? I went to my hair drawer to complete this look and found four different types of hair for extensions, and a wig. But no kanekolon or Marley hair, so I used the yaky hair that I had. Unfortunately, it was very straight and a 1b with cranberry highlights. I was feeling dubious, but I pushed ahead anyway.

Directions - as I imagined them:

1. Separate the hair into four sections, with the first section to become a bang. Clip each section until needed.

2. Lightly blow dry each of the three sections of hair that are to be ponytailed - if the hair has not been stretched previously. 

3. If it has been stretched, or after it's been blown out, comb the hair into 3 fairly tight ponytails using your gel of choice.

4. Lightly blow dry the front section of hair until it is fairly straight, and form a bang. 

5. Take the extension hair and incorporate it into the hair hanging from the ponytails. You should be forming a large two-strand twist that runs from the first ponytail to the end of the extension hair. 

The easiest way to incorporate the extension hair is to use it at its full length. Wrap the hair around the base of the first ponytail and use the two pieces of extension hair and one unit of your own hair to begin braiding. Do two or three rotations for a braid, then switch to a two strand twist that incorporates both your hair and the extension hair.

5. Be prepared to cut, burn or ponytail the ends of your two-strand twist. 

This style can be completed without extension hair, but you will likely have more fullness with the added hair.

Here are my results with the yaky hair:

I got really close to the original style - and I'm kind of proud of myself. I did end up using the straight yaky hair and I was right, I didn't love it. The texture and the color felt very different, a little too different, than my own. Also my blow dryer died while blowing out my second ponytail, so I had to revamp the style a little. I put all of my hair into 3 sections instead of 4. I split the first ponytail. I put half of the ends of my ponytail towards the back and added hair as described above. The other half I put forward and braided with yaky hair to form a braided bang. I swirled it up and pinned it down. I put the end of the two-strand twist into a ponytail holder and let it hang. Oh and I used straight aloe vera as my gel of choice.  

Overall - I wouldn't use this hair for this style again. If I had used hair with more texture, I wouldn't have felt the need to blow dry my own hair. In the future, I would also likely form a bang with one large twist pinned up instead of using so much extension hair.

I have an idea on some changes, so check back tomorrow for an update!  Here is the link to the new look! 

If you are looking for easy, cute and sophisticated styles - check out my book, One Hairstyle, Thirty-one Ways! Both editions are available on Amazon.com, and you can find the links from the home page.

Unknown hair inspiration, hairstyle, Instagram
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