It's shea butter! Actually...PSYCH: It's petrolatum.

Now, we've all done it. Gone into the beauty supply store and gravitated towards the prettiest container or to the one that captures our attention:

".....Contains Shea Butter!....."

"....with Natural Oils!"

"....with added Argan Oil!..."

Excited by promises of natural oils and butters, that will promote healthy hair growth....well...PSYCH!! Many companies promise the world in order to get you to purchase their product, but when you read the ingredient list, there are next to no natural ingredients listed. The words are there to grab your attention...it's called Marketing.

It's important to read beyond the label, and look at the ingredients. You may be surprised at what you find...

Things to Avoid:

1. Lanolim, Petrolatum and Mineral Oil - these are cheap fillers that are commonly used in many hair products and offer no true moisturizing benefits. I repeat, they DO NOT moisturize the hair. They form a barrier on the hair shaft (contributing to product build up), and seal moisture out. Not to mention it clogs your pores and can contribute to dandruff and scalp issues.

2. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS) - used in products that have foaming qualities (i.e., shampoo). It strips the hair of natural oils leaving it dry and brittle. It can also irritate the scalp.

3. Alcohol (i.e., ethonol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol)- Products with alcohol can dry out your hair. 

I could go on about all the bad ingredients found in many "natural" hair products, but the list could go on for a while. I've listed some major ones. Generally, my rule of thumb is that if I can't pronounce, or don't know what it is then it's probably not good for my hair.


What to Look For?

Look for natural ingredients like oils and butters (i.e., coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba, castor) and do your research before you purchase. Understand what's in your favourite products and what you're putting on your hair. It's important to be a smart shopper :)



Until next time!


J -

Peace. Love. Summer.

(Yes, summer....please come back soon!)

My 5 Fav Things This Week!

1. TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner

This has actually been my favourite thing for the past 3 weeks. I la-la-la-love it! I use it for my co-washes, and will leave a little in my hair as a leave-in. Smells gorgeous too!

2. Natural Shea Butter

TRESemme Naturals and Shea butter has been my ISH recently. Mainly because I haven't had time to do much else to my hair (work and dance). The Shea butter has been working miracles for me in this bitter cold. I use it to sell in all the goodness from my co-washes with the TRESemme conditioner.

3. Prairie Girl Cupcakes

My client is right across the street from their store and that's a peanut butter jelly cupcake. Enough said. I have a cupcake problem.

Check them out at: http://www.prairiegirlbakery.com/



4. On my ipod:  "Misteriosa - Atim" (Kizomba)

I have been on a Kizomba high for the past few months and I have been listening to this song non-stop all week. Can't wait to get on the dance floor this weekend! In case you guys don't know what Kizomba is, check out one of my fav couples who will be in Toronto in February for the Bachata Festival:

YouTube: Freestyle Tarraxinha with Albir and

5. NAKED - Urban Decay

Love!

xoxo

J

Peace.Love.& all of the above.

5 Non-Hair Related Uses For Your Afro

Click for Pic Link

1. Pillow

My most favourite use! I use my afro as a pillow on the train, or at my desk (shhh don't tell my Manager!). It's so soft, it's lovely. Other people (your boyfriend/girlfriend/significant other) can use it as a pillow too! Sharing is caring, I was told.

What's awkward is when people you don't know try and use your hair as a pillow. Don't ask but it happens all the time lol

2. Helmet

This is definitely not legal...but sometimes when my hair is mad with product build up...I feel like this is possible.

3. Bee catcher

Bee's flying into your hair and getting stuck? Not fun. It's a true story. But if you're in the Bee-business, it's a great tool.

4. Conversation Starter

It's a great conversation starter....most often times people are very intrigued and I hear "How do you get your hair like that?" a lot.
Check out the post:

Sh*t People Ask Black People About Black Hair

5. Height

Comb your hair out really big, and you'll add like 4-5 inches on your height. If you weren't blessed vertically, use your hair!





xo - J

Peace. Love. Afros.

Product Review: Twist N Locs

Name: Twist n Locs Herbal Conditioning Spray
Size? 8oz
Where to find? http://twistnlocs.com/

Product Highlights:

"Non-greasy, itch free herbal spray protects and adds moisture to twists, locs, braids and all natural hair styles. Provides maximum shine and alleviates dry and itchy scalp."

Key Ingredients Include:

Water, Wheat Germ, Indian Hemp, Olive Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamin A, D & E, Nano Multivatims A, D,E &F

How I Used It

The lovely folks from Twist N Locs sent me a sample of their products to try!

Wet Hair
I don't normally shampoo, but I wanted to try out all the products in conjuction. So I shampooed with the Natural Oil Shampoo, and then applied the Organic Leave-In Conditioner. I then sealed with my regular mixture of coconut oil and shea butter.

Damp Hair
Any type of product application works best for me on damp hair. When I applied the leave-in, it was to semi-damp hair.

Dry Hair

I didn't really use any of the products on dry hair. As a refresher for my twists during the week, I would mist with water and then mist my hair with the Herbal Conditioning Spray.

 

My Opinion:

So I guess first thing to mention, is no my hair is not locked. I normally twist hair during the week for work, and I used the Herbal Conditioning Spray to help seal and moisturize my twists. I noted it also provided a slight hold (almost a slight waxy feeling), which helped to tame some of the mid week frizz and provided a nice twist out (w/no gel). My scalp is very sensitive, so I didn't apply any of the spray to my scalp. I normally try and avoid product application on my scalp and the only product I use on it is jojoba oil.

The shampoo worked well, it didn't leave my hair hella-dry, which I appreciated. I'm not a big shampoo person, as I normally co-wash.

I'm very particular about smell, and I wasn't too fond of the smell of the products. It wasn't horrible, but it was a little too much for me.

I found the leave-in worked okay on my hair, it left it moisturized. My hair was not as soft as usual, but then again it's been in a mood of it's own lately (winter...).

I'll definitely keep the Herbal Conditioning Spray in my rotation, but I'll likely stick with my regular leave-in.


Ta-ta-for-now-folks!

:)


xx
J

Check Out Dem Curls: Sydney!

"You have all the weapons you need. Now fight."

What’s your name? Sydney

How old are you? 16 going on 17!

What do you do? I'm a saxophone playing high school student by day and an Olive Garden hostess by night.

Where are you? Winston-Salem, NC

How did we met? Instagram! ^_^

Describe your style. My "style".....is really hard to describe. I wear whatever I think is cute and comfortable. I guess I'm a weird mix of artsy, classy, and simple. I don't even wear jewlery! Maybe a watch or a bracelet once in a while, but I just can't keep up with it, lmbo.

Now Playing: Currently, my favorite song is "The A Team" by Ed Sheeran

Quote you live by: "You have all the weapons you need. Now fight." - Sucker Punch

Describe your hair type? Curly, kinky, and thick!

Tell us a little about your hair history and what made you decide to go natural?

I started my natural journey in 8th grade. I was tired of getting burned by relaxers, sitting under the dryer for hours, and seeing how flat my hair was against my head. My Mom and many of my other family members were also natural, so I wondered if I could do the same thing. When I told my Mom what I wanted to do, she had mixed feelings. Would I stick with my natural hair or would I just beg her for a relaxers 2 weeks later? Well, 3 years later, I am glad to say that I stuck with it, and am very proud of my kinky, thick hair!

Describe your hair regime.

Every night before I put my silk scarf on, I spray oil sheen on my hair, and when I wake up in the morning, I spray it again. I also make sure to grease my scalp at least 2-3 times a week. I also use sweet almond oil and a little honey once in a while.

Before shampooing, I try to detangle my hair with my fingers as much as I can. This makes it easier for me to comb through it when I'm done. 

Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo, Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist, and Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibisucs Curl & Style Milk, also Cantu Shea Butter Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment, and Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Conditioner

I always wash my hair by sections. Other than that, pretty normal.

Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner has worked wonders for me!

I try to detangle as much as I can with my fingers before I put on my scarf.

How do you normally style your hair?

On special occasions, I'll get blowouts, or I'll wear my hair in very little twists, to give it a less wild look.

I prefer the get-up-and-go style, mostly because I just don't have time to mess with my hair every morning! Most of the time, it will be in a big (or little depending on humidity) afro with a band (or not) around it.

I always need it up and out of the way! My conditioning milk helps me to do this very much. :)

Who is your hair icon? I've always admired Chaka Khan's big hair!

What was your Momma’s best kept hair secret? I don't think she has one....I actually have all the secrets!

The one hair product you couldn’t live without. CONDITIONER!!

Mistakes that you’ve learned from? Over twisting! It's not necessary! It's good once in a while, but certainly not every day. I had to learn the hard way after realizing that my hair was breaking off more than it should.

What’s the best thing about being curly? People looking in awe and admiration. ;)

Any advice for ‘dem curls out there? Do not, I repeat do NOT get your hair trimmed if you don't need it! Also, don't over twist or get your hair soaking wet every day.

Social Media

You can find me on Twitter, Face Book, and Instagram!

Twitter & Instagram : @_Akemi_95

Face Book : Sydney E. Lark

 

Sh*t People Ask Black People About Black Hair

Disclaimer: This post is meant to be humorous..don't take it personal ;)

1. If you don’t wash your hair every day...do you shower?

It's called a shower cap! Or a plastic bag...Apparently it’s inconceivable how we can shower and not wash our hair at the same time! The answer is YES, I shower...and daily too! :P

Unlike straight hair, our hair doesn’t get oily as quickly. Therefore, we don’t need to wash our hair everyday. I shampoo my hair once a month, if that much. And I'll co-wash during the week.

When I permed my hair, I would wash it once a week, and when I pressed it....every 2 weeks. I use to catch myself lying and saying that I washed my hair every couple days just so people wouldn’t think I didn't wash myself lol.

2. Why don’t you grow your hair?

I use to get this so much in high school...it's like, I’m trying here! [Boss face]

Hair grows on average a half an inch a month and some people’s hair grows above average.

Personally, I’ve battled with breakage which prevents length retention. Some hair types, especially kinky curly hair are more fragile and susceptible to breakage which can hinder length retention.

My hair may not grow as fast as yours, but does yours grow as bold as mine? :)

3. OMG....It’s so soft!!

It’s like really, what were you expecting? A bristle pad?

4. Why don’t you like to get your hair wet?

Now that I'm natural, I don't care.

But having had permed hair..if you spent 5 hours in a salon on a Saturday morning and upwards of $100 to straighten your hair...you wouldn’t want to get it wet either. Just saying :)

5. Can I touch it?

Sadly, most of the time that answer will be a NO. LOL

Comic Relief

6. How do you get it to stick to your head like that? [cornrows]

7. Does it just grow from your head like that? [braids and cornrows]

8. Wait...where does your hair end and the fake hair start?

9. Do you wash your scalp with a tooth brush? [When I had braids or extensions]

10. OMG, your hair grew over night!

11. Is it real?

12. You can do so much with your hair!

13. How does it do that?!?

14. OMG, you actually sew fake hair in your head? How does that work, do you sew it to your scalp?

What are some crazy questions you've gotten from others? And how have you responded?

J

Peace. Love. and BIG Afros (Like a BOSS).

;)

Check Out Dem Curls: Whitney!

"Be the person that God created you to be! Embrace your natural beauty with full confidence and most importantly, BE YOU!!" - Whitney

What’s your name? Hey!! Whitney is name ;)

How old are you? I’m 21 years of age

What do you do? Right now i’m holding down 2 full time jobs as a CNA and cashier trying to save up for college.

Where are you? I’m currently in the southern part of Louisiana

How did we met? Instagram!!

Describe your style. I would describe my style as hippie casual/tomboy

Now Playing: Currently listening to beautiful flower by India Arie

Quote you live by: I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

Describe your hair type? My hair definitely has a mind of it’s own!! It’s thick, curly, wavy, frizzy, and long!!

Tell us a little about your hair history and what made you decide to go natural?

Growing up as a kid my hair was always extremely long and really curly! I remember sitting between my mom’s legs screaming and crying while she combed out the tangles and styled it into cute ponytails with little bows and ribbons. I was about 8 years old when I begged my mom to cut and relax my hair because I was sick and tired of other little kids pulling my hair. So from age 8 to age 12 I’ve recieved about 4 relaxers. I had my very last relaxer and went natural age 12 when I started the 7th grade and told my mom that I was old enough to take care of my own hair. From age 12 to age 18 my hair suffered from heat damge, color damage, and I’ve also gotten a few bald spots from hairstyles that was a little too stressful for my scalp. At age 18 I discovered Youtube and that’s when I finally learned how to care for my hair! At age 19 (2011) I decided to cut off 14inches of hair to donote to locks of love. That moment was my fresh start to healthy natural hair!!

Describe your hair regime.

My regimen is pretty simple due to the lack of time that I have. Once a week I wash my hair using WEN Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner and then I let it air dry. After air drying I apply organic coconut oil for moisture and then I style my hair in 2 strand twists. I rinse, air dry, and remoisturize my hair about 3 times a week between washes because I exercise daily. Sometimes I might substitute my 2 strand twists for a messy bun, braids, or a wash & go (depending on the day). Combs and brushes plays no part in my regime at all and I ALWAYS sleep with a satin scarf or satin pillow case.

How do you normally style your hair?

I always wear my hair up in 2 strand twists or a messy bun during the week because I work so much!! The only time I’ll wear my hair down in my curly fro is on the weekends for church or going out to eat. My “special occasion” style of choice is always my wash & go!!

Who is your hair icon? I would have to say my hair icon is myself because there’s no one else like me ;) 

What was your Momma’s best kept hair secret? Protective styling and moisture!!

The one hair product you couldn’t live without.  Ummmm I have about 3, but the main product I could not live without is my organic coconut oil.

Mistakes that you’ve learned from. HEAT DAMAGE!  My hair  has suffered from so much heat damge over the years just from flat ironing. I’ve also learned that rubber bands are EVIL! Those little suckers have been the cause of many bald spots that I’ve recieved in past years.

What’s the best thing about being curly? It makes you stand out!! Heads will turn when a curly girl walks in the room. Also the many different hairstyles you can acheive.

Any advice for ‘dem curls out there? Be the person that God created you to be! Embrace your natural beauty with full confidence and most importantly, BE YOU!! 

Social Media

Instagram @Witters91