Detangling Tools Review Including the Tangle Teezer!

Dearest Ebony:


I hope you are well! ;O)

I am writing to  compare and review my detangling tools. 1) Fingers; 2) Wide Tooth Comb; 3) Denman D31; and last but certainly not least, 4) Tangle Teezer. Detangling  is one of the main steps of maintaining and perserving hair strands. It is estimated that humans shed 50-100 hairs (from scalp) per day, this varies from person to person. Removing these shed hairs is important in order to avoid tangling/matting of the hairs that still remain on the head. Proper detangling also ensures that hair does not loc if this is not your intention and also that hair does not break from stressful handling.


Fingers: I use my fingers to detangle my hair before using any other tool. I did not always conciously do this, in fact I became aware of the importance of this technique within my first year natural through online research and reading educational books on natural hair care. This is especially important after hair has been in a protective style and has not been detangled for a week or more. I finger detangle on dry or before and after prepoo treatment prior to shampooing. This can also be done in the shower when water is running down the strands or conditioner has been applied.

Hands down the most important detangling tool because you can feel knots whereas a comb cannot. Therefore, finger detangling is the priliminary step to removing shed hair followed by the wide tooth comb then Denman  D31 or Tangle Teezer.




Wide Tooth Combs:  

# 1 (Seams) (3 Stars*).

# 2: Small wide tooth comb. Mine is slighlty bigger from Savers. Great for travelling. 4 stars).

#3 Wide tooth shower Comb (Seams) (3 Stars*).

 

I have 3 Wide Tooth Combs (sizes vary and can be matched with hair length), a staple for many naturals. The spaces between the comb are meant to be kinder on the hair as opposed to a closely spaced comb. You can can buy one with seams or seamless (not currently as accessible). The ones I have are not seamless, however I am unsure of the difference it would make. I have been using wide tooth combs for ages and it works well. However, if not used in conjunction with finger detangling and or with a brush, shed hairs may remain in the hair. Before discovering the importance of finger detangling, this style of comb was not kind to my hair at all as it can rip hair out! Being gentle and finger detangling prior to using a comb should limit breakage and ripping of hair.

Old Denman (0 Stars).

 Denman D31: This denman brush unlike a make-shift or styling version is great for detangling because the teeth are widely spaced. It works a lot better than the closely space one I purchased from the drugstore, which I gave a makeover by removing a few rows to make it widely spaced. I stopped using my make shift Denman because it pulled out too much hair, I binned it when I purchased the Denman D31. Unlike the Tangle Teezer it has a handle for easy use however the TT fits well in the palm of the hand. I will continue to use my Denman D31, it i a good detangling brush and can also be used to remove the shed hairs from the TT. Ofcourse I use the Denman D31 after finger detangling and using a wide tooth comb (ends to roots). The brush was purchased on amazon for under £10.

Denman D31 Detangling Brush (4 Stars).

Tangle Teezer (5stars!).

Tangle Teezer: This is my newest and favourite detangling tool other than my fingers. I purchased it at Boots (UK) for £10.20 in brght pink. It comes with a pamphlet with an explanation of how to use it. After finger detangling, it glides through my tightly coiled  hair with ease. I hold it horizontally because it is comfortable for me- especially if you have smaller hands, however it is meant to fit snuggly in your palm (vertically) as it is ergonimically correct.  You can find many reviews on youtube from: TheNaprika, NotoriousLYnappy1, AFRICANEXPORT and many more vogglers. This brush is impressive! Infact, some use it on dry hair but I have yet to try it for myself.

Tangle Teezer: Flexible Teeth long and short.

 How I Utilize The Above Detangling Tools In Order:

Step 1: Finger Detangle.

Step 2: Use Wide Tooth Comb.

Step 3: Use TT or Denman D31.

Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 if necessary depending on style of choice.

5 DETANGLING TIPS:

Be pateient: Detangle your hair when you have time, do not rush because you may loose more hair thatnnecessary. Remember, hair can only be perserved. The more you keep the layers in place, the healthier the hair.

Shedding or Breakage: Know the difference between the two. Shed hairs are as long (as your length) with white bulb,  while broken hairs are shorter pieces without the bulb of the strand (white bit).

Detangle when hair is moist with water or conditioner or leave in conditioner. Find which method works for you. Some detangle after hair has been deep conditioned  while others detangle with conditioner and plait hair before shampooing in the shower. I have tried both methods. I combine them. I find that it is best for ME to detangle before shampooing in sections/plaits to avoid re-tangling of my coily strands. However, some  choose to detangle on dry hair. I usually finger detangle on dry hair, I have yet to consistently use other tools on dry hair. 

Use your fingers to feel for knots before using a wide tooth comb/brush. If there is a knot, gently romove individual strands from the larger knot. Add more conditioner or moisture as necessary. This may save your hair!

Prepoo with natural oils such as Extra Virgin/Coconut to loosen tangles and aid in removing shed hairs.

Thanks for reading, I hope this discussion was helpful to you.
Share: What is your detangling technique and what tools do you utilize?x

PS: I watched a movie tonight called '127 hours':  

'A mountain climber becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah and resorts to desperate measures in order to survive.'

It was mind blowing and it really made me think about how lucky I am... to have all that I do! Also, the film made me rethink about my hesitance as a teenager to let my parents know where I was going... This is sooo important incase something happens along the way and you need help. Who will come searching if for you?  If you haven't seen it, I recommend it to you and if you have, what did you think of it/ take from it?? ;O) x

Enjoy the upcoming week!x

Sources:
Shedding

http://www.keratin.com/aa/aa015.shtml


127 Hours

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlhLOWTnVoQ

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1542344/

Natural Hair Inspiration 2011

Originally created on 29.01.11



Dearest Ebony:

I decided to make a Hair Inspiration video to keep me motivated. This is not a tool by which I compare my own hair to others, rather I will use this tool to get over my bad days... while on my journey.
We are all beautifully made. x <3 I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for watching.  Music by: India Arie (Little Things)

Protective Style Challenge December 2010-April 2011 (YT Videos on the matter).

Dearest Flower,

I hope you are blooming despite these cold months. ;O)

I decided to show a few vids I posted on YT late last year re: the PS Challege by 'Growblackhairnet' as it is still relevant and will be until end of April 2011.

 

 

I loved my yarn braids and will definitely revisit! I am also LUVIN' the effortless yarn twists I have in currently. I will write on the subject soon... Great Winter Styles!x

What are your fave PS? ;O)

Take Care! x


-Ebony Coils <3

Easy Homemade Deodorant Experiment.

24.01.11 Homemade deodorant- cotton round to apply.

Originally written on 24.01.11/updated on 27.01.11

Dearest Ebony:

It's been almost a week since I last wrote. Busy busy week, I have been working since last sunday and will not breathe until the end of work on saturday. It's really not that bad at all! :O*promise*

Anywho...

I decided to make homemade deodorant to combat odour caused by bacteria on underarms. Fun right?!
I have been using unatural, store bought 'antiperspirant' for ages! I do not see how anything could stop me from sweating, which is a process that releases toxins out of the body. Based on my research, you can use natural ingredients that are anti-bacterial, soothing and  a fragrance if you so choose to.

I have chosen to use the following ingredients:    

Anti Bacterial Ingredients:

1.Witch Hazel: a gentle anti bacterial, astringent/cleansing (in a previous post, I used WH to cleanse my scalp), anti-flammatory agent.  USE 1/2 CUP BASED ON THE SIZE OF YOUR SPRAY BOTTLE

2. Tea Tree Oil : AKA. melaleuca oil, Anti-fungal, cleansing-odour protection.

USE 3 DROPS OR 6 IF IT IS YOUR SCENT OF CHOICE.

Soothing Ingredients:

3. Aloe vera gel or juice. 2 TBL SPOON  OR A FEW SQUIRTS OF ALOE GEL.

4. Eucalyptus. 3 DROPS OR 6 IF IT IS YOUR SCENT OF CHOICE.

Perservative:

5. Vitamin E Oil. 2 DROPS, DEPENDING ON THE STRENGTH OF THE OIL.

Fragrance: (Optional): Grapefruit Essential Oil. 3 DROPS. Omitted in my experiment due to being misplaced. :(

Method:

*In a 100 ML bottle, doesn't have to have a spray nozzle, you can use cotton ball or makeup rounds to apply on underarm(also lessens drying time.Small bottle works well, and it allows you to experiment without wasting ingredients.

*You can also choose to play it by hear and not measure your ingredients. I encourage you to play around with ingredients to make the best deodorant suitable to your bodily PH. We all have different a 'recipie' for odour caused by sweat...*

Update: I decided to  choose the last method, and skip the measuring. I added water to the witch hazel and then the oils and aloe gel. I wore it that day and well it did not work well for me. I walk to work and my underarms sweat. Needless to say I was uncomfortable at work because my underarms felt sweaty and smelly because although sweat is odourless, when left on the skin, bacteria forms especially underarms and genitals.  I suggest you ensure that you use deodorant on clean underarms- you can also put some on a cotton ball, clean your underarms with it then reapply it.

In future, I will omit the water in my mix because the witch hazel may have lost some of its' unique powers. haha! I will continue to experiment with the mix I have made and other combinations.

Note: The measurements in the mix are based on a recipie on eHow. The link is below under sources.

For more information on sweating, odour prevention please do your own research. Below are some links to give you a head start. It is important to do research when making a deodorant that is suitable for preventing odour producing bateria after sweating. Sweat itself is sterile. You don't have to be embarrased about a natural bodily function such  as sweating. There are ways to control it along with preventing odour caused by bacteria. You amy also opt to buy natural deodorant at your local health & beauty shop such as Holland & Barret (UK) or Wholefoods (NA). I have seen a range of natural deodorants at Holland & Barret. There is no need to let odour be a source of embarrassement in social situations while experimenting with your own deodorant mix  right in your kitchen!

Interesting Links on the subject:

http://www.ehow.com/list_7417365_types-sweat_eating-bacteria.html 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/physical_health/conditions/bodyodour2.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/sci_tech/highlights/011115_sweat.shtml

Additional Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_tree_oil

http://www.ehow.com/how_2135743_cheap-deodorant-easily.html

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/witch_hazel_extract.php

I hope you find the best alternative for you!

Upcoming Topics:

27.01.11 -Kalpi Tone Mix

*Kalpi Tone Treatment Process/Results

* Protective Style Update: Yarn Twists Protective Style

*Lemon Juice Toner

 *Detangling Tools (POSTED 29.01.11)


................And  MANY  more!x

27.01.11 Back view of Yarn Twists

27.01.11 Side view of PS

Peace & Love! x            


Ebony Coils <3

1st Trial of : Organic Distilled Witch Hazel.

Witch Hazel Blooming (parts used leaves and bark).
source: natures-rite-remedies.com

 Dearest Ebony:

Yesterday (20.01.11) I recieved the Witch Hazel I ordered from eBay. I settled on a brand for £6.99 with free shipping. The bottle appears smaller than I imagined, 250 ML is plenty though. Actually, I found a cheaper brand at 'Wilkinsons' in town for £1.50 for 100ML  of non-alchohol WH. My concern with  other store brands I had previously seen is the alcohol content. This brand (photo to the right) however is purely WH, and contains no alcohol in the ingredient list. However, I will purchase at my local 'Wilkinsons' once my new bottle runs low.

For those in North America,  WH is accessible at most department stores like 'Walmart'. If you are concerned with alcohol content, read the ingredients to ensure that you are purchasing pure distilled WH.

My experience using this powerful yet gentle astringent...1st Time:

I used q-tips and cotton balls to apply directing on my scalp.  I gently dabbed and massaged my scalp in a circular motion. I used clean fingers to further massage scalp (optional). Leave it in, do not rinse.

1st impression: My scalp felt refreshed. I will use this scalp cleansing method inbetween wash day or as needed. It is gentle enough to use a few times a week. You can also do spot treatment when you get the itches in one particular spot.

Witch Hazel Leaves- WH extracted from Leaves and bark.

Source

:

Emadethis.wordpress.com

*Tips*

WH should not be completely substituted for washing hair and scalp. I advise that it be used in conjuncton with washing. A clean scalp is the foundation for healthy strands.

If scalp persists to itch after using:

1. make sure you aren't allergic, perfore a patch test before using.

hair.
2. If you are not allergic, you may just need to wash your hair. Try an ACV rinse after washing.

3. You may have dry scalp, apply a non-comedogenic (non-clogging) oil (ie Coconut or Jojoba after using Witch Hazel).

Travelling Tips:

 Pour some WH into a small travel size bottle and bring it with you on holiday and use as needed eapecially when wearing protective styles. This should limit the amount of products you carry along. Simply bring a travel size spray bottle with aloe water or just boiled water and another bottle or small jar of your fave sealeant and you're good to go. For those in the UK, Boots, Primark (£1 set) , Superdrug all sell small travel size bottles to bring along staple products when you are away from home for more than a day. Don't forget a satin bonnet, scarf, pillow-case or even a non-cotton reusuable shopping bag from Poundland (* Creative tip is courtesry of  youtube.com/thenaprika       

Travelling Hair Care Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCfYOgsOIxQ  ) 

Future Uses: Face Toner

(Please refer to the previous intro post on Witch Hazel and do your own research ;O).

Updates: I will provide updates after using WH for sometime.

Close up: Witch Hazel Plant  source: http://blog.landscapestlouis.com/featured/top-10-fall-plants-witch-hazel/

Sharing ;O) : Have you tried  or want to try WH? If you have, how have you used it and what was your experience?

All the best, Happy Friday!!!x

-Ebony Coils <3

1st Time Trial/ Results: Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) Plus Upates.

Dearest Ebony:

I decided to try something new in my skin care routine. I first heared of this method from a fave Tuber, 'TheNaprika' (check out her informative vids) then in a book entitled ' The Afro Hair & Beauty Bible' by Alison Husbands.

This method utilizes natural oils, namely 60% Castor & 40% Jojoba or Olive.TheNaprika also gave me the idea to use Neem Oil which is antibacterial (be warned of the pungent smell!). The OCM is based on the idea that the oils trapped under the skin (for those with oily skin) causes acne. What better way to cleanse oil than to use oil! The steam from the flannel or facecloth acts as a magnet to draw out impurities, dust and grime from the skin, leaving it soft & supple.

How I carried out the method:


My skin had not been washed for the evening, nor had I worn makeup today. But it was oily feeling and very shiny. Pardon the 'shopping bags' under my eyes- could do with more sleep! Actually, Witch Hazel is supposed to reduce bags if not concealer which is a bandaid affect really...helpful as it is for some.

[18.01.11] Before the OCM

18.01.11 Before OCM

Another pic of oil on face.

I massages in the oil.

Step 1: Massage Oil mixture on face and neck for 2-3 minutes in a cirlcular motion covering every crevice.

Step 2: Dampen flannel/facecloth with hot water (from tap or kettle) I opted to boil water in the kettle and poured it in a large measuring bowl.

[18.01.11] submerging of facecloth in hot water. Its hot, you may want to add cool water before ringing out.

18.01.11  Old School Kettle to boil water.

Step 3: Remove the towel (make sure you don't burn yourself) and ring out excess water.

Step 4: Cover your face with the dampened flannel until it begins to cool. Remove excess oil with it.

Step 5: Repeat Steps 3 & 4 twice more or until the oil is removed.

You should be left with clean, soft skin. Splash cold water to close your pores and continue your routine as necessary. I have seen some people tone and moisturise. However, I have been 'sleeeping bareface' to allow my skin to rejuvenate itself. It is weird at first but I am getting used to it. If I feel it is overly dry, I can massage in Coconut oil (jojoba oils work well too) or vitamin E oil or even aloe vera gel.

Tip: Add more EVOO for moisture or more castor oil for cleansing. You can also use vitamin E oil.

Results:

My skin really smooth and moisturized but this feeling somewhat lessened when it was fully dry. Still, my face looks and feels clean. I ran to my partner who was in bed, and said 'feel how soft my face is' lol. ;O)

I will continue to use the OCM every night. For days when I wear makeup, I may tone with ACV/water mix then sleep barefaced, no moisturizer

18.01.11 Fresh & Clean.

18.01.11 Feels oh so smooth.

18.01.11 Smaller looking pores.

Updates on OCM : 21.01.11

-I have been using the OCM for 3 night in a row now and its working wonders.  I choose to do the OCM at night because I wear make-up most days and require deep cleaning. I use an exfoliating cleanser (by Simple) in the mornings and splash cold water on my face. 

-Tips* Warm or hot water opens up the pores (and so treatments/ face masks should begin with steamed towel/fannel) and cold water closes the pores (treatments should end with a splash of cold water).

-For days when I've been wearing makeup especially, I apply ACV/water mix to clean off leftover dirt/makeup but even so there hasn't been much left. The OCM is great for removing my facial/eye makeup.

-I am still sleeping 'bareface' and I love it! It felt drying at first but I am getting used to it. I still manage to wake up with a moisturized face... my skins just just doing it's 'thang!'

-Why  do I sleep 'barefaced' meaning with nothing on my face, no moisturizer after washing and toning? It allows my skin to breathe repair,renuw and lubricate itself where necessary. 

-I read in 'The Afro Hair & Beauty Bibl'e that sleeping with heavy night cream on ( which I used to do with my sheabutter whip and a waterbased moisturiser) can hinder the skin's rejuvenation process.

-Mind you, shea butter is great for those with dry facial skin but with my predominantly oily skin type, it is a disservice to my goal of preventing pimples overnight.

-This method does not mean you will not wake up with spots. In fact, I woke up with one yesterday (20.01.11). I can attrbute this to not drinking my 8 glasses of water a day, I do however drink at least 3 pints (water) a day... ok maybe with a bit of cardial. haha

-Also, I've been taking Biotin since November 2010 which is meant to improve the health of hair and skin. However, if one does not drink enough fluids, pimples may appear.

-Pimples (not keen on the word), ok 'spots' (sounds better??) mean that oil was clogged under the pores and your skin sufaced it overnight during the repair and renew process.

End of 21.01.11 Updates!

Guess What's At The Door?? : Long Awaited Goodies From SpicesofIndia.co.uk

Dearest Ebony:

I am off  from work today and so I have not felt the need to get off the sofa, yet along get dressed. I decided to go check the mail and saw a package address to yours truly by the post. I don't know why I bother putting instructions to the courier to ring the door bell... because it never happens.

Anywho, I had previsouly ordered my SpicesofIndia.co.uk and I was starting to feel bamboozled because it wa staking so long. I ordered on 7th January and the invoice says It shipped on the same day... not possible because I am a night owl and placed the order in the wee hours of the night. I tend to order things at a late hour when no one is sterring, not even a mouse. eek I hate mice.. ): A friend once told me to watch Ratatouie (attempted spelling) to get over rmy fear and it made it WORSE. lol

And I digress, so today is 18th Jan and I have finally received the parcel! YAY! ;O)
 

It contains:
-4  boxes of Kalpi Tone (100 gr each) by Hesh;
-2 boxesbof Amla Powder by Hesh (100gr each);
-1 box od Rose Petal Powder by Hesh (50 gr);
-and last but not least, a 5.07 fl. oz of Vatika (Vateeka) oil ( I thought it's be a bigger bottle!).

You might wonder why I ordered ayurvedic powders? Well I will be using Kalpi Tone to condition my hair, I prefer it because It has many ayurvedic powders in one box! NappyNFree, a fellow Tuber put me on this when she shared a video of her experience as a longterm user.

Here's the link to that video, just Copy & Paste it to your browser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLimJlLbyhg

Uses of Ayurvedic Powder:

- Natural Conditioner, KT is meant to give hair a nice rich dark colour and rid scalp of dandruff.
-Moisturizing Spritz by steeping the powders.-Face mask wiyh the Amla/ Scalp treatment; Rose petal powder as a face mask.

      

I am sure there are many more uses, the above showcase how I plan to use the powders.


*Tip*  The KT powder can be mixed with tea ( I persume black tea) for richer colour and stored in an iron bowl overnight.  


General Mixture: Mix with water ( I suggest warm H2O) and stir until lumps disappear and you are left with a smooth thick paste (the more runny the mixture, the messier the application can be).

-Leave the KT powder in for an hour  ( If I have time, I leave it on as long as I can but not overnight).

-The box instructions on the Amla says to leave in for  30-45 mins before washing with water but I prefer to leave it longer If I can.

These same directions are applicable to Henna.


Uses of Vatika Oil (Enriched Coconut Hair Oil- with Henna, Amla & lemon):

-Prepoo treatment (coconut oil work well as a prepoo on my hair).
-May also use a bit in henna treatment.
-May add a tbl sp hair oil blend.


Look out for reviews of the products discussed.



Have you tried or interesed in the products of discussion?x


Take Care ;oO) x


<3 Ebony Coils

Learning To Cane/Cornrow My Coils...

 Dearest Ebony:                                                                             

Since starting my 'wig regime' in December 2010 ( Protective styling challenge till April 31st), I have been wanting to learn how to cane/cornrow my hair. On previous wash days, I would flat twist or 2 strand twist my hair because I find 2 strands easier to work with than 3. However, I decided to continue trying and improving.

With this in mind, after undoing my small two strand twists and going though wash day routine-  my partner & I popped on 'Desperte Housewives'-we enjoy the program. Distraction and entertainment is helpful when   attempting time consuming/tedious tasks because it keeps you going... (ie. Genie Locs (GL's).

[17.01.11 Back view]

      

Prior to  corn/canerowing, I misted my hair with a water based leave in after squeezing out excess ACV rinse.

[17.01.11] Right Side View.

I then applied my oil blend (Emu base) to my scalp and hair. Next, I lightly detangled (already done so with condish before washing) and applied Sheamoisture leave in. I used this leave in as a styling aid because it has a thick sheabutter texture and it's easily applied. I smoothed it down my length, focusing on the ends of my fragile strands. I say fragile to show that my hair should be treated like fine silk because it is fragile and somewhat fine. To remedy fragile strands prone to breakage, I did a protein treatment using an egg yolk in my conditioner mix (as part of wash day). 

[17.01.11] Side View.

Tools Used:

-Fingers to part- I am not particulary good at parting. Remember to part thickker at the front of your head and gradually smaller toward the nape because it is not as wide as the front. I made a mistake in this sense and had to braid in all sorts of directions instead of all back.   

-Water or leave in spritz to make you hair malliable so it can be manipulated.

-Widetooth come to detangle for easier braiding.

[17.01.11] Front View- To get sharp parts, youe a rat tail comb. I will be wearing a wigon top so I don't mind invisi-parts.

Pictures of the Process

[17.01.11] Applying protein conditioner then detangling.

[ 17.01.11] Condish has been applied, hair detangled fingers, widetoothcomb then Tangle teaser. Then put into plaits.

[17.01.11] Freashly washed and conditoned. Time for Moisture condish while working out.

 

[17.01.11] Moisture Condish with Naked Detox conditoner, EVOO/Castor Oil.

[17.11.01] Wraped hair with plastic back and Satin Bandana on top. I applied heat with Hair Therapy Wrap for 20 min because rinsing. Final rinse- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). If I were going out I would then pop on a beanie type gar or headscarf.

I hope this post encourages you to improve/learn a new skill. Do you! x


<3 Ebony Coils

Wash Day: Small Two Strand Twists

Written on 16.01.11

Dearest Ebony:

I decided to wash my hair while in twists on Friday January 14th (installed on my Birthday on the 11th). I had previously been looking to purchase Witch Hazel to cleanse my scalp in between wash day but what is most accessbiblt to me is drug store brands which contail alcohol. I have learned this past year and a half of my healthy hair journey to avoid products containg alcohol  such as hair gel. And so, naturally, I tunred my nose up at the Witch Hazel at Savers & Superdrug (UK). Instead, I looked online and will be purchasing a purer brand soon.


I have itchy scalp although I cleanse my scalp weekly, ideally every 3-4 days would be best. To relieve my scalp conditon, I decided to prep the products I needed then hoped into the shower. There are four steps to my hair routine on wash day: 1) Wash; 2) Condition 3) Moisturize 4) Style (unless already in a Protective Style (PS).


Step 1: Washing Hair & Scalp

-Before applying shampoo, stand under the shower and allow the force of the water to rinse and loosen debris from hair and scalp. I do this for 2-3 minutes using warm-hot water and it feels great!, especially for my crown which  tends to be the itchiest.

-Make sure you don't burn your self, use the water temperature you were comfortable with. I learned the above technique from Lisa Akbari's ' A Black Woman's Guide to Beautiful Hair. A positive A Positive Approach to Managing  Any Hair Type'.  Very informative book, great to have in my home- library.

- Dilute shampoo with kettle water using an old hair colour bottler with a spout to make contact with my scalp for easy coverage.

- Massage shampoo in my scalp using finger pads, no scartching with nails or sharp object such as rat tail comb. I always wash  my hair in secctions of 4, 6 or more. I washted the twists in 4 sections.

-Smooth shampoo  in a downward motion through my strands (wether loose or in plaited sections). I think I will continue washing my hair in sections because it is way too coily to do it loose with clips, though I have tried this method (it doesn't work for all).

-Rinse out shampoo thoroughly from one section at a time and apply conditioner immediately. Before rinsing shampoo, you opt to apply conditoner first. I have tried this method and it is especially good when using a sulfate conditioner.

Step 2: Conditioning in the shower with a cheapie silicone free. I used Tressemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture. It is light and does a good job smoothing down my strands. I have also tried it for detangling and it works fine. I then washed it out of my hair.

-After washing out all traces of conditioner, I obsorb excess water out of my hair using a cotton Tshirt. It doesnt not snag my hair a regular towel or even microfibre one.

I but my hair back into for sections to apply my deep conditioner mixture which consisted of:

-Naked Detox Intensive
- Henna conditioner
-Castor Oil
-Neem Oil (has a very pongiant smell but works wonders to relieve itchies
-Tea Tree Oil (also great for itch releif)

I often just use a thick conditioner and add oils to make it penetrating. I wat to try DPR-11 Deep Penetrarting Remoisturizser.

Moisturizing: I use a waterbased leave in (spritz of kettle water, cream leave in (Giovanni- not loyal to one brand so I use what I have- currently also have a bit of sheamoisture leave in and Care Free Curl Instant moisturiser- I sometimes mix it with water and use as leave in).

-I seal the moisture with an oil blend I made with an Emu oil base (50 ML) and other stimulating oils.

Styling: I skip this step because my hair was in twists while washing/conditioning. But I used 'World of Curls' activator gel. And it made my hair soft however I may use shea butter with it next time.


Update: After having washed the twists,a few unravelled and it looks messy and the individual strands of the twists had formed coils so I undid them- detangled with  egg yolk conditioner mix in my hair as a prepoo. Then used a noisturizing condish. My hair felt nice. I will in future use Elasta QP DPR-11 (when I am out of other condish and add egg yolk for protein when my hair requires it).

Stay Blessed this New Year!x

17.01.11 - separated 2 strand twists

17.01.11 washin them make them look stringy, wasn't seeking twist out.

17.01.11 seperating before adding condish to detangle

Searching for Witch Hazel...

Searching for Witch Hazel:

Dearest Flower:

Dickinsons brand on Amazon (£6.40 + £6.15 shipping).

Have you heard the wind whistle the name Witch Hazel? 'Naw'. I hadn't until earlier this week.Actually a few months ago, I was reusing the spray bottle of an old loc (not mine) product and  stumbled across this ingredient.


WH is a herb-like shrub native to North America and has been cultivated in Europe due its various uses ranging from cosmetic to medicine.The plant has four species, scientifically referd to as 'genus hammaemilis'.

Another popular name for this herb is 'snapping hazel' due to the behaviour of ripened  fruit from WH which snaps open releasing the seeds in its enviroment. In case you're curious, the name Witch Hazel has actually been modified from 'Wych' an Angle/Saxon word meaning 'flexible.'

So no, you will not turn into a witch after using this product nor will you be hunted  like in the olden and sometimes ignorant days. This is all in good humour.

There are many uses of Witch Hazel, however the three that I am currently interested in are as follows:

Toner: use cotton ball or cosmetic pad to remove excess oil, dirt after cleansing  face.
Alternative toners: Rosewater (esp. for sensitive to dry skin- smells lovely!) Apple Cide Vinegar & H20 (half & half)

Astringent, Cleanses the Scalp: This is the main reason why I am searching for this natural product. I plan to use it in between washing and cleansing my scalp.
*Note* Many drugsstore brands contain Alcohol, which may irritate and dry out the skin.

Acne, pimple and blemish treatment: WH is said to aid in reducing pimple inflammation.

Where to Purchase: Whole Food shops, herb shops, Ebay, Amazon. Look for natural, oure or organic distilled Witch Hazel. There are also products that contain Witch Hazel extract if you prefer that.



After searching for WH, I will most likely purchase from Ebay as it is cheaper and gives me more prodyct for my money. £6.99 for 250 ml. Amazon sells the Dickinsons brand  for £6.40 but charfes £6 ish for shipping for 16OZ (almost 500 ML). That's almost $24. Yes it is overpriced for UK residents. ):

If you are interested in other uses for WH, please follow the link below. Also, I encourage you to do your own reserach. I will do a review once I use it for sometime.

 Sources:

http://www.wisebread.com/15-wonderful-uses-for-witch-hazel
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-witch-hazel.htm


Your Input: Have you tried Witch Hazel Before? Which is your best use of the product?


Take Care!x

SIX Hair Goals in 2011

 Originally written on 12.01.11/ 20:01 PM


Dearest Flower:

back view: 20/09/10

20/09/10

 The new year brings new challenging, beginnings and a blue print for growth in a number of areas. The goals that I plan to acheive in regards to my coily tresses are as follows:

1.  Practice good scalp care by ensuring scalp is cleansed at least once weekly. In between weekly washes, witch hazen may be used to clean the scalp (ie. if a protective style is in). However, protective styles will never prioritize healthy scalp. Good scalp care also means avoiding scratching itchy areas of my head because this will cause scalp damage which will hinder hair growth. Also, keep in mind that itchies may also occur when scalp is healing itself. Tea tree is a good oil to use to releive dry, itchy scalp. Good scalp practices is the foundtaion of healthy strands. I also want to incorporate scalp exfoliating scrubs (ie. with brown sugar and olive oil). Regular and purposeful scalp massages when oiling my scalp after washing and conditioning is a must.

2. Love my hair even when it is misbehaving. Learn to understand exactly what it needs always. I am my own hair guru/expert of my tresses. How I feel about my hair influences how I treat it.

3. Document hair experiements, styles, techniques that work for me and those that do not.Doing so will help me to replicate good hair days, product mixes and more. As my hair grows, these things may not always work.

3. It is winter now, so my goal is to continue with the protective hair challenge until the end of April. I will not wear loose styles as it will cause matting and more single strand knots.

4.Trim my ends as needed to prevent tangling and further damage. I will not compromise the health of my hair for length.

5. Retain 5 inches of hair. Although hair grows about 6inches (half and inch per month), trimming episodes may arise which will take some about half an inch to 1 inch off. If I trim twice in 2011, I should be left with 5 inches. This goal is based on how much I trim this year. I want to keep my ends in the best condition to prevent unecessary trims due to improper handling. I will use the measurements I took in December 2010 from sevens areas of my hair (front middle, front left, front right, crown, back middle, back left, back right) to see how well I retained length in 2011. #
*Note* I especially want to retain length at the crown of my head, which is currently the shortest and  most trouble area for me.*

6. Observe  wash day and keep it 'holy.' This basically means wash day involves cleansing, conditioning, detangling and styling. Detangling is challenges for me at times because my hair is extremely tighly coiled and fragile. I need to take my time on washday to make sure my hair doesn't suffer.
Note: * I will not go more than 2 weeks without cleansing my hair & scalp*



The above are the main goals. Some of them are not new to me but there is always room for growth and improvement.!

Your input is valued: What are your hair goals for the year? Do you identify with any of the above and have you any tips for success?

Take Care x

Wash day- 05.01.11

01.08.10