Fall Blow Out!

Blow out/Plait n curl

It's been almost a year since I've blown my hair out, and I was very shocked with how full and long its gotten. Below is a comparison Pic of when I blew my hair out last year before styling.

11/2012-10/2012 Blow out & style

My process takes about 2 hours!  I don't believe in using the blow dryer on High its not necessary to stretch out the hair, and it's always on low to medium heat with occasional cool shots. I am also very careful with my ends.  (I deep condition, moisturize and use a heat protectant prior to the session) My hair always feels soft and moisturized when I'm done, and so easy to style..  

Now, I am seriously thinking about blowing my hair out more often because it keeps  my hair stretched and I don't have to worry about  frequent tangles or single strand knots. (Which are enemies to my length retention!)  However, being the healthy hair enthusiast that I am, I will have to compare and contrast the pros and cons of possible blowing out my hair more frequently.   We shall see!   

How often do you blow out your Natural Hair? 

It's a Henna  Party! 

H3 Volunteer (Felisha) assisting with Henna Application

This weekend I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of  Healthy Hair seekers regarding the Benefits of using Henna, Cassia,  and Amla  powder in their hair care regimens!  I just love doing these "informational" parties!  3 Sisters Beauty Supply located near my home town does a great job of staying connected to their customers and their healthy hair journeys.  When the owners asked if I would come and speak to their customers about the benefits of using Henna. You know I jumped at the chance!   

Me with 3 Sister's Beauty Supply Store owner

For a Friday Night  we had a pretty good turn out, the women had many questions about the benefits of using henna, Cassia, Amla, and Indigo..  Many of them just wanted stronger healthier hair..

Our lovely group of women

There I am!

Others had questions about how they could successfully cover their grays using Henna, Amla and or Indigo! Everyone's situation was unique. And I welcomed their various questions.  Those who currently has hair that's been previously colored with chemicals wanted to know if it was safe to use henna over it. And if you've been following me you know the answer to this one.  Absolutely. Yes!  If it's Body Arty Quality Henna(and not a compound Henna) It is safe! 

H3 Volunteer Erica!

She's enjoying her beauty treatment! 

Henna is a messy job, but it is also therapeutic and fun! We did approx 13 Henna & Amla treatments for those who wanted to take a chance right then and their, the other women were content with the wealth of information for future use.   It's always good to do your research, harvest your hair and do test runs if you can.  Seek the advice of others who are experienced with using Henna before jumping in.  You can also schedule your own Henna party with me if your are local, or with friends who are very informed if you are distant.  I've been using these treatments for years and they make me and my hair happy!  : )

Me and My team! I love these ladies!

Well that's a Rap!! Until Next time.. Keep it Healthy and Happy!!! 

My Summer Protective Style Challenge

Mini braids

Greetings Healthy Hair Enthusiasts!  Summer is here, and in Dallas we are really feeling the heat!  We are already in the upper 90’s and I've decided that it is way too hot to leave my hair out.  When it’s this hot  I can feel the heat drying out my hair something fierce so,  I've decided that I want to place myself on a protective style challenge. Not only to keep most of my moisture in, but to also cut down on the minor breakage from my detangling and styling.

My Hair prior to detangling 

My go to protective style using my natural hair is typically Mini twists, but I decided to switch it up this time and try mini braids or plaits.  When I use to wear braid extensions, I use to love how long I could leave those in, and washing and conditioning was a breeze! 

Mini braids with open ends

I installed these on May 27^th.  initially I braided leaving out 2 inches on the ends to define.  I left them this way for less than a day.  I didn’t feel I had the luxury of leaving my ends out so I braided them all the way down.  I want to cut down on single strand knots during this time as well, so keeping the hair as stretched as possible will help me accomplish this.  

I plan to keep these in for at least 4 weeks.  I will cleanse, take them down, Henna, deep condition and will put them back into mini braids or mini twists through Sept 27^th...My 3 Year Anniversary!! (Will leave my hair out no more than 2 days in between sets)   While my PS is in, I will Co wash and deep condition alternating with AO GPB and Dessert Essence Coconut conditioner. I will also be using Hydratherma Natural’s Follicle invigorator spray on my scalp, and hair.  I will also use their Hair growth oil for sealing..   Vatika Oil will also be used,  because of the lemon that’s infused into this oil it prevents my scalp from itching.  There’s also Amla and traces of Henna in this oil which should help strengthen my roots and hair as well.  I’m excited about this challenge, I never make it on other people’s PS challenges I do better when I have my own conviction for doing them.  My goal is to minimize halo breakage from detangling, reduce single strand knots, and of course to retain length!   What will your Summer Healthy Hair Regimen Be?

Until Next Time! Keep it healthy and happy! 

Choosing to Color Your Natural Hair: Part 1

After 2.5 years of being  natural, I've suddenly become interested in hair color?! Never thought this would happen, but there is something about seeing natural curly,coily, cottony hair texture in color! It's beauty in color can not be denied.  But, I haven't  considered a chemical color for my own textured crown until now. Yes, you read right, I've been considering "chemically" coloring my natural hair.  Now me being the healthy hair enthusiast that I am, this sudden interest in color has put me in major research mode.  Of course we don't have to be hair scientists to understand that once you chemically treat your hair that you are putting your hair at risk for damage. But, if you  are curious about coloring your natural hair you should definitely take time to research  your options. Also consider the amount of  maintenance your processing choice will need to keep your hair as healthy as possible. 

Below I have listed coloring processes/options that many undergo. This can be used  as a guide to make the best decision ....

  

Henna/Henna and Indigo: A natural option for coloring your hair. Henna is a plant derived from Eastern countries. This plant naturally releases a low red-orange dye content when mixed with an acidic liquid. The color deposits on the surface of the hair, and is permanent. The color that each person receives from henna varies based on your current hair color.  When covering henna with Indigo, you can achieve a rich black color. Because this coloring process is natural and safe you can do it as often as you like, but must be sure to use a deep moisturizing conditioner immediately following.  For more information visit hennaforhair.com

Permanent Coloring:   Is needed if you want a drastic color change. This process involves using a hydrogen peroxide and or ammonia as its base. These ingredients lift the cuticle layers to allow color deposits that can not be washed out. This process strips away some of the protein from your hair, making it weaker and more vulnerable to breakage. Frequent deep conditioning with protein and moisturizing conditioners is recommended.  (If you are at all concerned about the overall health of your hair, you should see a professional Colorist for a consult before undergoing this process.)

Semi/Demi Permanent Coloring: This includes partial penetration hair color as well as a deposit-only color.  The color from this process does not last as long as the permanent, because the molecules are too large to enter deep into your hair shaft.  Semi- perms are not effective at lifting or lightening  hair color.  Also with Demi coloring, there are no visible color line as the hair begins to grow out, your natural hair color and the color from your demi blends, and color appears more natural. There is no hard color line.      

Temporary-Color Rinses:  This process of all the "chemicals" have been  labeled as the safest because similar to semi/demi the molecules are too large to enter the hair's cortex.  Instead this color or glaze only coats the outside of the cuticle layer(similar to Henna) but this will only last for 10 to 15 washes.  This will only enhance your natural color by making it darker, richer, or glossier, it will not lighten... 

*Benefits of coloring: A wonderful change in our cosmetic appearance, and depending on which process you choose, color can protect your hair from sun damage(primarily the darker colors). Coloring with Henna will also thicken and strengthen your hair.

  

*Disadvantages of coloring: With permanent coloring,  cuticles are lifted and hair is more prone to damage. If not properly cared for hair can become dry and experience breakage. Vibrant colors can become dull and lack luster tempting one to use color too frequently. If choosing Henna, the process can be messy and time consuming.

*Helpful pre-coloring tips: Be sure the current state of your hair is as healthy as it can be. Seek a consult with a professional colorists before undergoing a chemical process. Have him/her do test patches before committing to color your entire head of hair. If you are interested in a permanent color but afraid of a full commitment you could opt for a few highlights to see how those areas will react to being colored.

*Hopefully this post provided you with some helpful information in making a decision to color, if you were contemplating it.   In Part 2,  I will  highlight a few naturals who have undergone coloring their natural hair, and their experiences. They will also offer advice to those who are curious about coloring their natural hair.  

*Primary source used: The Science of Black Hair 

Until Next Time.... 



Amla Powder in the spotlight!

I love using Ayurvedic powders in my healthy hair care regimen. I started my experiment with these wonder herbs almost 3 years ago and have not looked back! I've found that there are so many wonderful healing, conditioning, and strengthen  properties in these eastern herbs that they are must in my healthy hair care regimen.  There's so much information out there about Henna, and a tad  bit about Cassia, but you rarely hear people raving about the benefits of Amla Powder. So I wanted to do my part and rave about it, because I think it deserves a lot more praise in the world of natural hair care. The benefits are amazing, and I can't see not adding it to all my other herbal treatments for optimum results!  So here's a very brief rundown of it's benefits... 

                                                             

Amla powder is created from a gooseberry plant. With this powder you can make a paste that makes hair glossy, dark and Luxuriant! (Just add warm water to make the paste.)

Amla Paste

 (Post rinse: very dark and lush, my hair is not naturally black)

  Amla controls hair loss, stops hair fall, and prevents scalp infections. It also enhances waves and curl patterns in naturally curly or coily hair. (This is a plus for coily-curly haired naturals, and especially to those who have experienced  heat damage and loss of curl) 

Noticeable curl enhancement after 1 treatment, after years of flat ironing & heat damage

 Amla strengthens the roots of your hair and promote healthy hair growth.   Amla also prevents premature graying of the hair.  This is an amazing herb, for women or men with fine or medium density hair looking for more bulk,  because it keeps the hair strong at the roots,  the hair is resistant to unhealthy shedding.  

Fine to medium density( heat/color treated hair) post Cassia & Amla treatment

Fine to Medium Density hair..Post Amla

(The women in the above photos have very fine  to medium density hair, and often use Amla powder in their regimens. They enjoy fuller hair with more density and textured hair.) 

Most of my clients say they can see a noticeable difference after one treatment. You can use  Amla  as often as you like(however pay attention to how your hair responds of course and judge based on that) I use it once a month, along with my Cassia Obavota treatment.  Because the paste is pretty thick I always mix it in with my Cassia Obavota treatments since I do those monthly as well. (If you find the paste is too thick add more water and your favorite oil to loosen it up some.)   So that's my 2 cents!  If you can benefit from any of these properties, I'd suggest you give it a try. : )

For more information on Amla  powder visit Hennaforhair.com

Until Next time, keep it Healthy and happy!

  

Cassia Obovata: Herbal Wonder

Cassia Obovata: Makes Hair Stronger, Fuller, Healthier

Post Cassa & Amla Treatment

Cassia Powder

Please Contact Me at healthyhpyhair@gmail.com or 817-504-9321 if you are interested in this Natural Hair Treatment for yourself!  

Cassia Obovata It is derived from a flowering desert plant, also known as "senna." It  has been referred to as neutral henna; however, cassia is not true henna. Cassia does not typically add color to the hair.

Like henna, Cassia Obovata strengthens the hair shaft, improves overall health, and adds lots of shine. Cassia Obovata will make damaged hair silky thick, and lustrous. It will also keep your scalp healthy, improving dandruff. 

Cassia Applied to Natural Hair

   

I typically will do a Cassia and Amla treatment once a month.  For me, when I neglect to do this treatment my hair can tell!  Cassia, like Henna deposits a coating on the hair strand which coats  the hair cuticle making it smoother,fuller, and stronger.  Hair that is chemically processed, or  naturally curly/kinky can greatly benefit from Herbal hair treatments like Cassia, because these hair types are more prone to breakage. 

 Colored Treated 

 Natural Kinky-Curly Hair

By adding Cassia Obovata to my monthly hair regimen, I give my hair and advantage in growth retention in that, my hair is more resistant to breakage and excessive shedding. Also with Amla as an added benefit it creates a healthier scalp for my hair to grow out of! It also defines my hair's natural texture keeping it Thick, Healthy, and Strong!

Pinned Sides

                                              Pony Puff

                                 

 Cassia Obovata treatments should be applied every 3 to 4 weeks to enjoy the maximum benefits.