Categorizing Food for Homemade Hair Masks

Every food is going to fall into the category of moisture or protein.  Try to keep it balanced when mixing homemade masks!

Raw Honey = Moisture

Olive Oil = Moisture

Jojoba Oil = Moisture

Kukui Nut Oil = Protein

Avocado = Protein

Coconut Oil = Protein

Mayonnaise = Protein

Quinoa = Protein

Egg = Protein

Introduction: ColorProof Evolved Color Care line

Well, the rumor is that the original developers of the Pureology line (one of my favorites) has launched another product line called "ColorProof."  I finally got to try the SuperRich Moisture component of the line.  The Moisture Shampoo sudsed up nicely to be sulfate free.  The Moisture conditioner also delivers a scalp tingling sensation similar to the Pureology Hydrate conditioner.

As I run out of my Pureology supply, I will probably convert to this new evolved color care line.  I was impressed with the concentration of the product.  A little goes a long way.  I also had one client complain that the Pureology Hydrate shampoo smells like a "patchouli" plant which reminded her of her grandmother.  Apparently, that was not a good memory.  Smile.  Anyway, the Colorproof SuperRich Moisture shampoo smells like "cinnamon."  Hopefully, by the fall, I will gradually phase into Colorproof product line.

Silica Gel Talk

You can find Silica Gel packets in everything from commercial hair extensions packages to beef jerky.  It is used to absorb moisture or keep things dry.  In a previous article on this blog, I mentioned how spiders are attracted to water in the shampoo bowls.  So these Silica Gel packets make sense to prevent moisture from getting into commercial hair packages which therefore should keep bugs from being attracted to the hair.

So you may want to start saving these silica packets for other uses such as drying out wet cell phones and preventing camera lenses from fogging up.  Other uses can be found at  http://thesecretyumiverse.wonderhowto.com/how-to/11-unexpected-uses-for-silica-gel-packets-0140239/

I was amazed to read how people use it for dried flower decorations and more.  You are not supposed to eat the silica in these packets, but apparently there are some forms of silica that people consume for health purposes.

If it says "DO NOT EAT" then obviously that silica may not the non-toxic version.  This is an eco-friendly article.  Please help save the planet by recycling.

Product Review: BBD King Stretch Growth Creme

The flier says "This is the models real hair. No weave added . ." BBD (Big Badd D) Stretch Growth Creme is a penetrating water base, water soluble reconstructor. I love it on my SisterLocks. It absorbs into my SisterLocks immediately and hydrates my scalp. It feels like a splash of water when I run it through my SisterLocks. Even after a few days, it does not feel heavy nor sticky. It does not seem to build up.

You can see the moisture in the product. I have to admit that I recently pulled this jar out of my arsenal because the S'curl moisture spray seemed to eventually become sticky after daily use. So far this Stretch Growth Creme is not building up and is not sticky. It seems to allow me to manipulate my Sisterlocks and they seems to stay in place. That means the product is very lightweight.

I purchased this Moisture creme from the Bronner Brothers hair show over a year ago. Their packaging has gotten more sophisticated and mainstream over the years. I first learned about them about four years ago.

Now, for the not so good news, this product ended up in my product arsenal of "standbys" because for relaxed hair, I felt it was a little too wet. I never really could get a feel for its benefits. Also, pictured is the $55.00 retail jar. Yes, it is expensive compared to those on a tight budget. So in the past, I found it hard to retail a $55 jar of "wetness" to relaxed hair clients. There is no ingredient list on the jar either. I have run into quite a few professional ethnic haircare lines that omit ingredients for fear of product duplication.
Anyway, I am going to assume that the models on this Stretch Growth Creme ad have a looser curl pattern than I do since they are double processed with color and probably relaxer. I do not know their regimen, but as for me, every day or every other day, the Stretch Growth Creme is a fulfilling hydration boost.
By the way, I have my SisterLocks tucked behind my ears. They are getting easier to style now. The freedom from having to wake up and grab a scarf, wig, hairpiece, or a cap has been unreal. I really foresee swimming next year and getting out of the water without wondering what my hair looks like. It will simply look wet, long, and beautiful.

DevaCurl has Four Curl Categories

DevaCurl curl care line has categorized curls into four categories: S'wavy, wavy, botticelli, and corkscrew. Please see the attached picture for examples of each category. Most ethnic hair is considered curly or overcurly and would most likely fall into DevaCurl's "corkscrew" category.

If you are interested in other curl pattern pictures, please review our curl pattern review article on this blog: Curl Pattern Review

According to January 2011 Modern Salon magazine, 65% or more of all people have some curl or wave in their hair. When managing curly hair, remember some people need moisture only and others need moisture and control.

Those who need control should seek out curl care products with more weight to them in order to seal. Yes, you may feel some film on the hair or some firmness, but it should not look hard. You should see shine and curls that are set into place.

If you are not worried about control then moisturize and go! Leave-in conditioners such as Mixed Chicks is all you would need.

On a separate, note, according to Naturally Curly Network 2011, 48% of curly-haired consumers wear their hair curly 100% of the time.

Paul Mitchell Products now has added a Curl Care line. Honestly, all major product lines are adding "curl care" components to their existing line. I think that curly hair is here to stay until the economy gets better. Natural hair is less fuss and less styling time when you get a good regimen down.

Titanium Flat Irons versus Ceramic Flat Irons

Can you see the reflection of the ceramic flat iron in the plates of the titanium plated flat iron?

According to my research, the advantages of the titanium flat iron over the traditional ceramic iron is that there are "no uneven hot spots," and it helps control static electricity in the hair.

I was told that running a wire clothes hanger along your clothes will eliminate static electricity in clothes. So passing the titanium(metal) plated flat iron through your hair should help eliminate static electricity and flyaways. A moisturizing flat iron protection spray such as Alfa Parf's Pure Veil should also help with static electricity.

The titanium flat iron pictured is by Croc. Babyliss has a very popular titanium flat iron. It is "sky blue" in color. The ceramic iron pictured is FHI Heat's Runway iron.

When to choose the Roller Set over the Blow-dry!

If you have extremely curly hair (i.e. like a Type 4c), then Roller set service is the healthiest option at all times. Why? The curlier the hair is naturally means that there is more opportunity for the cuticle to open and makes it easier to break.

Even if you relax this extremely curly hair straight, you have permanently altered the strand which means it is weaker than the original natural chemical free strand. So it's likelihood of breaking is still greater!

Relaxer services using a conditioning lye relaxer between 7 weeks and 6 months (for looser curl patterns) is ideal.

Blow-dry services can be choosen if 1) you are four or five weeks out from your last relaxer service and desire a straight look or 2) your natural curl pattern is a type 1, type 2, or type 3. (curly but not kinky).

If you are a double processed, relaxed and colored, then roller set service is the best service option unless you have a lot of new growth.

For those diehard straight styling clients, you have to maintain the moisture level in the hair to avoid breakage. It is hard for natural oils to run down curly-proned hair. So you are responsible for moisturizing the ends so that they do not break.

Save the "blow in the wind" styling for photo shoots, church, job interviews and other red carpet or black tie events . . .

Moisture product options: Oil sheen, light pommades, butters, natural oils.