The Long And The Short Of It

Hair Length Checks

Checking the length of your hair can reassure you that your hair care routine is actually working, but how often do you check how long your hair has grown...weekly, monthly, yearly???I know it can be very encouraging to see the progress of your hair growth, and I'm sure as naturals, we all have length goals, but how much is too much? Some folks can make themselves nuts checking the length of their hair every chance they get.
On average, hair grows about half of an inch a month. Some grow more, some less. If you stop and think about it, that's really not a whole heck of a lot.



Don't obsess so much on the length of your hair. I know slow growth rates can be discouraging, but if you focus mainly on how long your hair is, then you may neglect some important hair maintenance like getting regular trims in order to retain your length. Your hair may pay a crucial price in the end. You also may question the products and routines that you have been using and decide to change a perfectly good hair care regimen, trying to fix something that isn't broken. If you are that discouraged, then maybe you should check less often.

How to Check Your Length

In my opinion, the most thorough way to check your length is by straightening. NOT with chemicals, but with low heat, blow drying and flat iron. I typically do this twice a year or every 6 months, incorporating it into my regular hair trims.

If you prefer to stay away from heat completely, you can always just gently pull your curls to see how far they go. It may work better to do it wet. I recommend doing it once a month so that you can actually see a difference in length. Maybe document it by taking a photo.

One thing I like to do for my own amusement is pull the top of my hair to the roof of my car when I'm driving. When I first started doing that, it went half way to the top. Now, my hair actually touches the roof!!!

All in all, this is your hair journey. If you keep getting discouraged along the way, maybe it's time to take a detour in that journey and find a new path. LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!

Aloe Vera...Nature's Moisturizer

As a child, I remember my mother having an Aloe Vera plant in our kitchen window seal. She would break off a piece and rub the juice from it onto my skin if I had a burn or cut. I always thought that was its only purpose. How pleasantly surprised I was when I discovered Aloe Vera has many different benefits, including hair care. 

I first heard of incorporating Aloe Vera into hair products through the infamous Kimmytube videos on Youtube. After further research here are the benefits I found for Aloe Vera in hair.

• Detangles
• Moisturizes
• Activates Fresh Growth
• Heals and Soothes Damaged Scalp from Scratches, Burns, Dandruff, etc.
• Reduces Dandruff, Itchy, Scaly Scalp and Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Balances pH Level (Porosity) of Hair
• Tames Oily Hair
• Defines Curl
• May Serve as Holding Gel
• Prevents Excessive Hair Loss
• Enhances Cellular Rejuvenation
• Contains Natural Building Enzyme for Proteins
• Anti-Inflammatory

Who knew!??!

Aloe Vera  helps promote new hair growth for some people. You can use either gel or juice. The gel can be applied directly to the scalp, as external use of Aloe Vera has no side effects. If you don't own a plant, you can easily purchase gel or juice at a local supermarket or health food store. I recommend purchasing the product pure with no added preservatives. You'll have to refrigerate it once opened along with any product you use it in to keep it from spoiling.

I personally use the whole leaf juice and I incorporate it into my leave in conditioner. My hair loves it!! My hair is softer and more moisturized after using it. Of course you'll need to seal the moisture in with a butter of your choice...Shea, coconut, olive oil, etc. I'm probably going to start using it in other products as well to see if I can achieve greater effects. I've read that you can also use it by itself.

Mix and match and experiment. Find what works for you and YOUR hair.

As always...LOVE YOUR HAIR!!

The Benefits

I recently discovered a new site called benefitof.net. It gives the benefits of everything from overdraft protection to the benefits of Facebook. In the life style section under fashion and beauty, I found a lot of benefits of products we use regularly in our hair. So, I thought I'd share some of the stuff I read about.

Co-washing

The first thing I read wasn't a product, but something I know a lot of naturals do and that's co-washing. Co-washing is the act of shampooing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo. One of the important benefits is you retain more moisture in your hair, since you wouldn't be stripping your hair of its natural oils with shampoo. This is especially good for overly dry hair. BUT please don't leave out shampooing your hair. The purpose of shampoo is to rid the hair of product build up and excess debris, which can clog the pores. Conditioners were not made to do that. With that being said, co-washing isn't bad, but shouldn't be the ONLY means of cleansing your hair.

Sulfate free shampoo

Both Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and its close relative Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are commonly found in many household products like soap, shampoo, detergents, toothpaste and other products we expect to "foam up". These products, containing sulfate, have also been frequently reported to be the cause of eye irritation, scalp irritation, tangled hair, swelling of hands and face, and split fuzzy hair. These side effects are a reason in itself to use sulfate free shampoo. Another benefit would be reduced hair loss. Using sulfate causes the hair to be dull and breakable. Sulfate free tames the hair hardness and leaves the hair soft and easy to comb.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I have and will make frequent references to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). It is one of my favorite hair staples. This is a very versatile product, used in everything from cooking to easing the noise of snoring. Packed full of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, EVOO helps to provide the hair with nutrients needed for hair growth and helps to preserve the moisture in the hair. One of the things I do, is when using my leave in conditioner, I seal the moisture into my hair strands with a mixture of shea butter and EVOO. It's very affective.

Black Soap

I've never used this product, but have read numerous things about the benefits. A lot of naturalistas live by black soap. Black soap or African black soap is traditionally hand made in Africa from ingredients found in nature. Research has revealed that black soaps might contain many different ingredients, but majority of black soaps contain various oils, like the coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, shea butter and cocoa butter. They also contain ashes from different plants, like shea tree bark, banana trees, cocoa pods, and plantain leaves.

Black soap can be used for cleansing the hair. After cleaning use your regular conditioner for shiny lustrous beautiful hair.

Black soap contains a very high content of glycerin; it can easily absorb moisture from the air. To prevent it from spoiling due to humidity, black soap must be stored in a sealed plastic bag or dry container.



Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is has antibacterial properties and act as a natural disinfectant. It is obtained by steaming leaves of the tea tree or Melaleuca tree and then compressing them to extract their oil. For hair, mixing tea tree oil into your shampoos and conditioners will  help to get rid of dandruff. By acting as a disinfectant for the scalp, tea tree oil reduces the build up or residues around the follicles allowing for the free flow of sebum, hair's natural oil, into our hair shaft. Also, by reducing the inflammation around the follicles, tea tree oil  promotes regeneration of existing hair while promoting new growth.



MSM

Methylsulfonymethane, or MSM, is a form of sulfur used to maintain healthy cells, organs, tendons, hair, skin and nails. I remember as a child my mother slathered Sulfur 8 and Glover's Mange onto my scalp regularly. I can't recall ever suffering from dandruff as a child. Though it doesn't smell very pleasant there are several benefits for sulfur in the hair.

Regular use of MSN helps your hair grow faster and naturally. It revitalizes hair follicles by increasing circulation in the scalp, thereby eliminating waste and toxins. It also assists essential nutrients like calcium, pantethol, and biotin to build strong hair.Studies suggest that MSM increases production of keratin, the protein found in hair fibers responsible for healthy hair. It not only prevents hair breakage, but is also beneficial for glossy hair as is makes your hair follicles flexible.

Onions

The last one that I want to share with you is the foulest of them all, but beneficial. Not only for eating purposes, onions have antifungal and antibacterial effects that make them useful for hair treatments and skin care. Studies have shown that applying onion juice to the scalp twice a week for a period of time will encourage hair growth. The sulphur contents of the onion regenerates the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.

These are just a select few of many benefical things out there for healthy and happy hair. Check out the site for yourself, benefitof.net.

Relax, Relate, Release!!!!

I'm sure everyone likes a nice relaxing massage every now and then, whether professional or from a loved one. It not only feels good, but a massage can cure what ails you. They increase circulation in the body, relax and soften injured or overused muscles and releases endorphins (the body's natural pain killer) just to name a few. Did you know that this also holds true for your scalp? Just like the skin, the scalp needs to be pampered and massaged. It should be an important part of your natural hair journey. 
One of the first things I learned in cosmetology school are massage techniques when shampooing a clients hair. You want your client to feel at ease and comfortable during the experience, but they also get benefits in the long run.
When the scalp is tight from stress it hinders hair growth and circulation. Massaging will help relax the scalp and increase flexibility. It helps strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening of the current hair. It helps to spread the natural oils of the hair, increasing hair vibrancy. It also conditions the scalp.The "feel good" portion of the massage helps to release those chemicals in the body that work to lower stress levels. Lower stress levels allow your organs to function more efficiently, boosting your hair follicle's ability to grow. Sounds beneficial huh?!??
Try massaging your scalp at least twice day, first thing in the morning and then right before bed. For about 5 to 10 minutes, maybe even while you are watching TV. You can use a natural oil, which have different properties that are good for your hair, such as Olive Oil, Jojoba oil or Almond oil. Using the pads of your fingers, apply the oil little by little to different parts of your scalp. Then work the oil into your scalp using circular motions. Slow movements are relaxing while vigorous movement helps enhance energy and circulation. You can even warm the oil first by pouring it into a bowl and then placing the bowl into a bowl of hot water.
Healthy hair is the result of a healthy scalp. It also requires an ongoing care routine that starts with nourishment. Whether your hair is thinning, shedding, breaking or none of the above, whatever the case may be, regular massages can help prevent any of these ailments and improve the growth of your hair. Don't wait until you start to experience hair issues, start now so that you can reap the benefits for years to come.

Flinstones kids...10 million strong and growing!!

Do you remember when you were a kid and your mom always laid out your vitamins with your breakfast? I grew up a flinstones kid, I also had long thick hair. Vitamins are an essential part of healthy hair growth.  If you don't take care of the insides, then it's not going to show on the outside, hair included...simple geography. The lack of vitamins can actually slow down your hair growth and can be the cause of thinning. Here are a list of vitamins good for healthy hair:

1.      Vitamin A – This vitamin is an antioxidant that helps produce healthy sebum in the scalp. Food sources: Fish liver oil, meat, milk, cheese, eggs, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, apricots and peaches.   Daily dosage should be 5,000 IU. More than 25,000 IU is toxic and can cause hair loss and other serious health problems.

2.      Vitamin C – It is an antioxidant that helps maintain skin & hair health. It aids in improving scalp circulation. It is important to maintain capillaries that carry blood to the follicles. Food sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green vegetables. Daily Dose: 60 mg.

3.      Vitamin E – This vitamin is an antioxidant that enhances scalp circulation. Since hair health is tied to the immune health, vitamin E is believed to stimulate hair growth by enhancing the immune function. Food sources: Cold-pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds and nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables. Daily dose: Up to 400 IU. Intake of this vitamin can raise blood pressure and reduce blood clotting.  Those under high blood pressure medication would need clearance from their doctors.

4.      Biotin – This vitamin produces keratin and works as an anti aging agent that prevents hair loss and hair graying.  Food sources: Brewer's yeast, whole grains, egg yolks, liver, rice, green peas, lentils, oats, soybeans, sunflower seeds,walnuts and milk. Daily dose: 150-300 mcg.

5.      Inositol – This vitamin keeps hair follicles healthy at the cellular level. Food sources: Whole grains, brewer's yeast, liver and citrus fruits. Daily Dose: Up to 600 mg.

6.      Niacin (Vitamin B3) – This vitamin allows scalp blood circulation. Food sources: Brewer's yeast, wheat germ, fish, chicken, turkey and meat. Daily dose: 15 mg.

7.      Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - This prevents graying and hair loss. Food sources: Whole grain cereals, brewer's yeast, organ meats and egg yolks. Daily dose: 4-7 mg.

8.      Vitamin B6 – It prevents hair loss and helps create melanin that gives hair its color. Food sources: Brewer's yeast, liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats and egg yolk. Daily dose: 1.6 mg. High dosage of this vitamin can cause numbness in hands and feet.

9.      Vitamin B12 - It prevents hair loss. Food sources: Chicken, fish, eggs and milk. Daily dose: 2 mg.

Finding a good multivitamin is essential in maintaining healthy hair and over all health. How do I know what good vitamin to take? I'm glad you asked....Here is information I found to be helpful.

                 5 TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SUPPLEMENT THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU!

• Does the supplement provide sufficient quantities of each vitamin? For example - 50mg. to 100mg. of the B vitamins, 500mg. of vitamin C, 1000mg. of calcium. Remember, 100mg. of a B vitamin is needed to provide your body with about 10mg. of actual, useable nutrition. This is usually plenty. Use the 10% rule to know exactly what you're getting. The one or two per day supplements only start with about 3mg. or less of the B vitamins. 10% of this amount is like taking nothing at all.
• Look for the USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) or BP (British Pharmacopoeia) designation on the label. This means that the vitamin isolates are the highest quality you can buy, and are the most easily dissolved in the digestion process. Each vitamin that is USP or BP will have those initials next to that vitamin.
• Look for "chelate" or "chelated" in relation to the minerals. This means the minerals are attached to protein before they are added to the supplement. This increases absorption both in the bloodstream and cells by an amazing 400% to 800%.
• Look for enzymes in the formulation. These are, among other things, essential for attaching protein molecules to the vitamins in digestion. Cooking food destroys these enzymes.
• Look for a supplement that has a "food base". A food base is concentrated plant material to which the vitamins and minerals are added. These will contain the enzymes and nutrients to greatly boost the absorption and utilization of the vitamins and minerals. This makes a GREAT supplement package. But it does make them more bulky. Expect larger tablets, and more quantity needed per day.

So, listen to your body! What's right for others may not be right for you. You definitely should FEEL a measurable difference in your health and energy within a few days with the right supplement. If you don't, try a different vitamin supplement.

10.   Essential fatty acids (flaxseed oil, primrose oil, and salmon oil) - improves hair texture. Prevents dry, brittle hair.

11.  Zinc -  Stimulates hair growth by enhancing immune function. Dosage: 50-100 mg daily.