Just In Case You Missed Natural Hair Rules Live Q & A!!!

Re-Cap of Live Q & A with

Natural Hair Rules!!!

If you missed this very informative Live!!! Interactive Question & Answering Chat, I hope you will be able to participate in the next one. Below is the video from Thursday, Sept. 2nd Question and Answer Session. Vast array of topics were discussed and addressed from Tips for Transitioning, Maintaining your Natural & Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize.

Do you still have questions? Don't worry!!! Natural Hair Rules offers One on One Video or Phone Question & Answer sessions. Email info@naturalhairrules.com for detail. Price May Vary!!!

The video is fifty-nine minutes. Below is outline of the different segments.

Who is Natural Hair Rules!!! (NHR)

• Number one Beauty/Natural Hair Blogger in Texas
• Resident of Houston, Natural for almost 4 yrs in October
• NHR began in Oct 2008 as a resource for those natural or transitioning
• Begin natural hair journey as self discovery to define one's own definition of beauty
• Definition of Natural-chemical free, unaltered but unrestricted to any particular texture or ethnicity
• Simply Advocate of Healthy hair & living. Nurturing from the inside out
• Commonly Asked Question: Hair Color Dark & Lovely Honey Blonde

Tips for Transitioning

• Make-up your mind that this is something your want to do.
• Research the process and products in order to develop a plan of action.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles & products
• To minimize tangles wash your hair in the shower
• Increase your moisture level: incorporate more natural products (sulfate & alcohol free), deep condition weekly or bi weekly, use a great leave in conditioner and all natural moisturizers such as butters and sealer like olive & coconut oil
• Trim your hair regularly at every 2 or months while transitioning or as needed
• Don't compare your hair to others

Maintain Natural Hair

• Make friends with your hair
• Invest in Natural Products as your staples
  
• Detangle Hair Only When Wet
• Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
• Protect Hair tie up at night and protective style in the winter months.

Do you have an upcoming event? Promote your event on Natural Hair Rules!!! for optimal exposure in the Natural Hair and Beauty Community. Contact us for more information.

maneandchic’s: 10 Tips for Preventing One Strand Knots

10 Tips for Preventing One Strand Knots

Trichonodosis also known as One Strand Knots, Single Strand Knots, Fairy Knots, Pixie Knots and Peppercorn Knots are one of the most annoying things about having naturally curly to kinky hair. I've rarely ever heard them referred to as endearing (and only if the person was being sarcastic). Most women either hate or ignore them. They charge them as just a necessary evil of being natural. When I first cut off my relaxed ends, I became all too familiar with these little nasties. Over time, I learned a few ways to manage these vexatious diminutive tangles. So before you sentence yourself to countless hours of your life staring at your strands through a magnifying glass — needle and scissors in tow — here are a couple of ideas on how to prevent single strand knots or reduce their occurrence.

1. Moisturize at least twice a day with a nutritive moisturizer. Look for super moisturizing natural ingredients. Remember that oil is not a moisturizer. Make sure the strands are moisturized before you seal with an oil. Moisturized hair is less likely to knot up.
2. Do not give your hair the opportunity to coil up on it's own: wear protective styles, braids, braid outs, twist outs or roller sets. For extra protection against knots, set the ends on rollers. This may be difficult to swallow if you're a 'wash-n-go' type of girl, but if the knots are really getting on your nerves, you will have to decide whether you love your 'fro more or hate the knots.
3. Protect your hair while you sleep. Wear silk/satin bonnets or scarves to bed. Braid, twist, bun or place your hair so that it's comfortable for you to sleep, but in a way that it won't coil up on it's own ends. Friction from cotton bedding can damage the hair over time if it's not being protected.
4. Deep condition or use deep treatments on your hair weekly and really focus on taking care of those ends. Healthy hair is less likely to tangle, mat and knot.  
5. Employ the use of oiling well-conditioned wet hair (also) known as oil rinsing to seal to make your hair easier to detangle. One way is to deep condition, apply oil and use a heat cap or wear the treatment overnight. Another way is to shampoo, oil, condition and rinse the hair. This makes the hair easier to detangle and prevents knots and matting.
6. Do thorough, but careful detangling. Use a seamless fine tooth comb after detangling with a wide tooth comb or your fingers (and perhaps a Denman brush). Always start and the ends and work your way up. This is not something you'd want to do everyday because using a comb in a hurry is tantamount to using a pair of scissors if you aren't careful. A careful detangling should take A LOT of time. Divide your hair into sections and detangle each section before moving on to another section.
7. If you must shampoo, only apply the shampoo to your scalp. I shampoo once a month or less. I find that applying shampoo to my scalp on dry hair before any water ever touches my hair is a far superior method than the traditional way of shampooing. I section my hair and apply to my scalp as if I'm greasing my scalp and then rinse out in the shower, making sure to really massage all of the shampoo out. Sometimes I also apply shampoo to my scalp , diluted with water, with an applicator bottle. With both methods, my hair never mats up, it's far easier to detangle and that means I loose less hair when I wash. Shampoo can strip old fragile ends — a breeding ground for fairy knots. 
8. Stay away from towels and cotton. I never ever use towels or cotton on my hair. They can snag on curly and kinky hair, causing split ends and those dreaded knots. Would you wipe down a Bentley with a cotton bath towel? Treat your hair the same.
9. Smooth your hair. Before styling or setting your hair, run your fingers down sections of your hair as if you are flat ironing your hair between your fingers. This will reduce frizz, stretch, smooth and lessen the chances of getting knots. 
10. Keep your hands out of your hair. Too much manipulation will scratch the cuticle, wreak havoc and can lead to split or splitting ends and pixie knots. Would you claw at antique cotton drapes or a fabulous silk dress? Think of your hair that way.

Natural Small Business Highlight-Mahogany Queen

Mahogany Queen is new to the natural scene but hit the ground running.  The owner of the site is an inspiration to those natural or transitioning to natural.  As a college student she understand getting the most bang for your buck.

Mahogany Queen’s Honey Coconut Shea is the cure for dry brittle curls. With moisturizing ingredients and natural SPF it can be used in both winter and summer. Great for styling, moisturizing, reducing frizz and enhancing shine with 100% natural ingredients. Apply liberally to wet hair after a shampoo or co-wash. This cream can also be used on your skin. A little bit can really go a long way. Visit website here

Ingredients:
• Shea
• Coconut oil
• Coconut Cream
• Honey
• Avocado oil

*Among other natural ingredients

Just in Time for the Summer

The Original Fragrance has a wide array of all-natural, light hair moisturizers for the summer. These products are infused with essential oils which add to the beneficial qualities of the natural shea butter and provide invigorating fragrances. These products will energize and awaken your senses with every summer breeze. You can’t beat these prices many of the items are less than $20 and even some for less than $5. You know I’m a frugalista even when it comes to my product jones. For a complete list of products, please visit The Original Fragrance Shop.

Read more about protecting your hair in the summer months.

Battling Frizz

Summer Must Have

Summer Summertime

Leave It In & Let It Be 8 oz $8.00
This leave in conditioner can be used in daily grooming. It is very light and helps to stop breakage!
Ingredients: spring water, kosher glycerin, precious oils and mango lime fragrance
* Shake before application to evenly distribute*

Curl Souffle' 2 oz $4.00 8 oz $15.00.
Our Curl Souffle' is rich and creamy! Just what your thirsty curls need! It adds moisture and enhances your natural curl pattern. This product is best when applied to wet hair. Contains emulsified butters, almond oil, avocado oil, glycerin, hair pudding, and essential oils.

2 oz - $4.008 oz - $15.00

Gloss Effects Frizz Control 2 oz $4.00 8 oz $15.00.
This finishing products will give your hair that "WOW!" factor. It softens hair that has been hardened to the point of "Crunchy" by styling products and gives your hair "Eye Popping Gloss" without feeling heavy with oil. Tames frizzy ends and helps to prevent breakage due to dryness. Contains avocado oil, almond oil, shea oil, coconut oil, glycerin, and essential oils

Hair & Scalp Moisturizer 2 oz $5.00 8 oz $15.00
Oh My God! This feels so good on the scalp! It's like a cool drink of water on a hot summer day when your body feels so parched from the heat of the sun. It's as light and refreshing as an ice cold sorbet. Your scalp will be immediately replenished with moisture. Unlike most moisturizers, ours does not leave an unsightly residue on the hair or scalp. It is immediately absorbed. For young mothers who are too impatient for their children's hair to OBEY and are ready to resort to Texturizers, please try this product before permanently ruining your baby's hair!
Ingredients: emulsion of spring water, natural humectants, precious oils & fragrance oils

2 oz - $5.008 oz - $15.00

Hair Butter 2 oz $5.00 8 oz $15.00
The Hair & Scalp Moisturizer felt so good, I took it to another level! This product moisturizers and softens the hair leaving a silking texture and sheen you will not believe! It works well for twist. shingling, braiding and loc maintenance. Some customers who sport natural crowns use it to create spiral and corkscrew curls.
Ingredients: emulsion of water, natural humectants, precious oils, butters and fragrance oils

2 oz - $5.008 oz - $15.00

Whipped Shea Butter 12 oz $14.00
This winter has been very dry! I wanted to make a product that I could use from head to toe. This is it! I use this product to add moisture and oil to my scalp and hair, and moiturize my skin after I shower. I noticed that it softens the cuticles on my hands and feet as well as moisturize and soothe my tired feet. It is an "All In One Jar" of happiness! Try it and you will be astonished!
Ingredients: raw shea butter, borage oil, jojoba oil, meadowfoam oil, glycerin, jasmine and gardenia fragrance oil

Shealoe - Shea Butter + Aloe Vera Gel

As promised my basic recipe for Shealoe. I know there are many recipes avaliable online but this is probably the most simple with only three ingredients. Shea Butter alone is a great all natural moisturizer. Combined with aloe vera gel it is softer and easier to work with. It can serve as a creamy moisturizer and/or styling product. Feel free to improvise and add your favorite essential oils. I suggest that your use a glass mixing bowl for easier clean up. I use my Shealoe from head to toe, literally. I use it as a hair moisturizer/ styling product and an after shower body cream.  Apply Shealoe to wet clean hair or skin. For hair after application style as desired.

  Ok here we go.

You'll need:

1/2 cup of unrefined white or yellow shea butter

1/4 cup of aloe vera gel

2 tbs of coconut oil and/or olive oil depending on your preference.

Soften the shea butter by microwaving for about 30 secs or warming over a water bath. Its ok if it melts completely. Once it's soft add the aloe vera gel and coconunt oil. Mix by hand or with a hand mixer on low speed. Pour in a container with a lid and let settle. Store in a cool dry place.



More Information: http://www.naturalhairrules.com/
Shea Butter puchased at D & B African Village in Houston, TX
Aloe Vera Gel can be found at most stores. I purchased this one at Wal-mart. Can also be found at CVS, Walgreens, Target, etc...

Disadvantage of Being Natural II-Frizz

Frizz

As mentioned in the first part of this post, Disadvantages of Being Natural- What Products to Use. Many agree there are no real disadvantages of naturality just challenges. One very big one that plagues us all is frizz especially in humid H-Town. Frizz can be a result of hair lacking moisture that may or may not be damaged. Here we will discuss tips to avoid frizzy hair that is lacking the adequate amount of moisture. As a result you will see smoother, softer and healthier hair.

No Poo Please

As discussed previously your cleanser or cleansing agent is your foundations and the following product and/or techniques build upon it. If you are a regular reader, you know my rant about the benefits of Noo Poo. I won't go into detail. Co-wash or shampoo with sulfate, silicone and alcohol FREE products. Or cleansing alternatives such as baking soda or castile soap. When it comes to all your product try to keep it all natural...

Condition Those Curls

Your conditioner is equally if not more important than your cleansing agent. It can be used as a cleanser and conditioner or conditioner and leave in or conditioner and styling product. Don't EVER skip your Hair Conditioner. Opt for all natural conditioners and not just the ones that say all natural but read the ingredients. Your conditioner is usually the inital source of moisture added to your hair so choose wisely. Your moisturizing conditions should be water based.

Leave In and Moisturize

Really, do I need to say more. One of the best ways to combat frizz caused by dryness is to use a good leave in conditioner. I use either Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioner or Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner but it really depends on the style. Cantu tends to flake or leave a residue if used with a styling product or heavy moisturizer. When it comes to moisturizers one of my fellower bloggers says the kinkier the hair the creamy the moisturizers needs to be and I agree. I recommend unrefined shea butter. I know it can be hard to rub in the hair so you can soften it breaking a piece off and microwaving for about 5-10 sec depending on the size of the piece. You can also whip shea butter with a hand mixer and add an oil or aloe vera gel to maintain the whipped consistence. (My personal recipe for Shealoe)

Drip Dry

I've said it before I will say it again, NEVER towel dry your hair. This only causes frizzness. Drip dry or t-shirt dry. If you have not invest in a hood dryer and you live in cold climates, please do. Drying your hair under a hood dryer is less damaging than blow drying with a diffuser and minimizes shrinkage as well. Partially or completely dry your hair before you step outside or go to sleep allows the style to set in place with smooth defined curls.

Carry a Spray Bottle

When I first heard this I thought it was a little silly but then I tried it. The benefits of regular misting with water are undeniable. Add your fav conditioner or oil and these benefits increase infinitely. Don't believe me try it. Not only will your hair look and feel better but your scalp will as well. In cool climates I only recommend misting if your going to be indoor it can have adverse effects in the cold.

Minimize Gel Use

When it comes to styling products if you use the previous tips you won't depend on gel to keep frizz at bay. Limit your use of gel because even the alcohol free can make hard and dry if used in excess. I encourage styling products such as Miss Jessies's and Kinky Curly Curling Custard. Only a small amount is needed to achieve desired style. These products work with your conditioners and moisturizers to maintain soft and smooth hair. Also don't be afraid to try Hair mousse for curling hair.

Re-Twist and Tie That Head Up

Regardless of how you are currently styling your hair it is imperative that you cover your hair while you sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet. If you don't like to cover your hair invest in a satin pillow case. The satin is smooth and will not pull at the hair or absorb the moister in the hair. If you are wearing a twist or braid out, re-twisting your hair will help to keep your style longer and keep frizz at bay. For more info on re-twisting see here

Let me know if these tips were helpful. http://www.naturalhairrules.com/

Disadvantages of Being Natural- Which Products to Use

Last week I posed the question "What are the disadvantages of being natural?". The fans of Natural Hair Rules Facebook page almost unanimously stated that there are few disadvantages but challenges. Many naturalistas struggle with finding the right products to fit their hair needs with the overwhelming amount of available hair care products. I too struggle with this. Here are some of my tips for identifying your individual hair care needs and to set you on the road of recovering as a product junkie.

Start With The Basics

I'm sure you've noticed the wonderful effect that water has on your hair. The key is to maintain the integrity of your wet hair, the optimal moisturized state. From here you will notice how much moisture is needed to maintain the health of your hair. Kinkier hair or hair with a small curl pattern is more porous and retain and needs more water than hair that is less curly and more wavy. For my science majors, you know this provides you with a control to base all your product experiments on.

Identify Needs

Your very basic natural hair regimen includes a cleanser, conditioner and moisturizer. This combination of products builds your foundation for the perfect do. Pay particular attention to ingredients, not just the claims of the product. Once you have found these basic products that optimize your wet hair; make observations. Do you notice tangles, breakage, frizz, unmanageable, dullness and/or dryness? What are you noticing about your hair that needs improvements? Now you can build on the regimen by adding a leave-in conditioner, moisturizer, hair oil and styling product to combat those observe challenges. Keep in mind these types of products are interchangeable and multifunctional. This is why it is important to know the products function. For example your conditioner can serve as your cleanse, leave-in conditioner in addition to conditioner. Everyone's hair is different so your regimen will vary.

Know the Products Function

This is one of the best ways to determine whether there's a need or not. What does the product claim to do? Do you have a product in your existing regimen that does the same thing? Does it have more than one use? Ask yourself these questions before for making a purchases.

I also want to bring to your attention. That every one of your products in your regimen should moisturizers. So consider products with a water base. Stay away from alcohols and cones. Know that oils are not moisturizers but they do seal in existing moisture. The best natural moisturizer is shea butter or coco butter.

Summer Must Have - Spray Bottle

If you do not have a spray bottle, get one! It is one of the best investments you can make. It sounds so simple. I know. Spritzing the hair with water is the best way to refresh those curls. Its great for 2nd-day hair too.

What do you put in your spray bottle?

The spray bottle is used to rehydrate which revitalizes dull curls. Ideal for bed hair because misting allows you to shape, moisturize, and stretch hair without soaking or re wetting the whole head. Depending on the balm or emollient agent used in addition to your main component water, you can create your own special blend of moisturizing/protecting hair mist for little money. In addition to aqua you can use aloe vera, glycerin, oil and/or your favorite conditioner.

Spritzing is good for most natural styles including afros, curly puffs, braid/twist outs and etc. Its almost essential in the hot and humid summer months. The mist assist in smoothing fly aways. too for that perfect afro puff.

Specific amounts of each ingredient depends on 1.) the size of the bottle 2.) your hair needs 3.) desired style and 4.) your additional ingredients or combination of ingredients. Generally only a small amount is needed of moisturizing component. If you add too much of the secondary ingredient it can weigh your hair down and increase your drying time.

You try! Give me some feedback of your favorite spritz mixture.

You can Find Vegetable Glycerine and other essential oils in the Natural Hair Rules!!! Store