The scales/flakes are gone

Back in July, I made an entry showing you how my scalp looked. For a few years I've had a problem with my scalp, not knowing what was causing this itchiness that nothing seemed to resolve.

I've finally realized what caused it... it's the relaxer chemicals I use to straighten my hair. I'm not sure if there something I've become allergic to or if the formula has changed. I've also tried a few different relaxers, so, I'm not too sure about the formula being an issue. Now I know I have to protect my scalp very well when I relax and I have to calm my scalp down after the process is complete.

So, I've created a blend of oils that I use about 8-10 days after I relax and I have to wash my hair about 2-3 times during the 8-10 day period. After this, the itching and scaling subsides tremendously. If I treat my scalp at least once a week when it's time to wash, then it all goes away.

I'm so happy and so relieved that I found a solution and I could share it with you. I recently trimmed my hair after my last relaxer and enclosed images below of my scalp before & after. The image at the top left is what my hair looks like now.

Tell me what you think.

-------------BEFORE: ---------------------------- AFTER:

A Different Look

Hey everybody, it's been quite a while since I've stopped by to make and entry. It's not that I don't want to, it's that I've been extremely busy. Nevertheless, I had another simple summer hair do that I meant to share with you earlier in the summer. Sorry its so late.

I call this a "braid out". It's so easy to do and takes a few minutes to get together. If you have natural hair or your hair is relaxed you can do this.

1. Using a comb, part your hair down the middle. (hint: don't make the part a straight one)

2. French braid (see image below) your hair back before you go to sleep, or for a few hours. I think if it's braided for at least 4 hours, it would set.

3. Loose/unravel the braids in the morning with your fingers. (see image below)

4. Finger comb your hair. Do not use any other combs other than your fingers or you'll have one fuzzy big hair mess.

5. Moisturize your hair and/or apply hair sheen, so your hair is not dull.

6. Style as desired. I put a headband, pull part of it back (see image above) or just leave it out... just all depends on the mood or the occasion.

I've attached some images to see how mine typically comes out...

Thinning Hair?

Have you noticed that for one reason or the other you seem to be loosing more hair than normal? Ponytail feeling smaller? Seeing more of your scalp than you should? Then you are suffering from thinning hair and that is cause for concern. What do you do now?

First, determine what could be causing the loss then figure out how to correct & treat the problem. If you do not notice a difference, do seek professional, medical help.

If you're around the age 40-50, it's natural to see some thinning of the hair. Our hair follicles produce hair for a specific time and then the could stop or slow down hair production. So, what could you do to ease this problem...

1. Get rid of the stressful hairstyles... the braids, the weaves, the tight ponytails, the cornrows.

2. Check your diet. Are you getting your fair share of required vitamins & minerals? Think about supplementing your diet with vitamins for your hair.

3. Do you have a medical condition? Is this causing the thinning or what about the medication you could be taking? Notify your doctor if you suspect this is causing your problem.

4. Are you experiencing hormonal changes? Recently had a hysterectomy? Once your hormones are imbalanced, you will notice changes to the way your hair behaves and you will most likely notice thinning hair. Typically it takes about 1 year after hormonal treatment before you see improvements in your body including your hair.

5. What type of products are you using? Are they organic or claim to be natural? Look at the ingredients and get to know how good or how bad they are for you. Avoid shampoos with harsh ingredients like sulphates.

6. Do not ignore your hair & think the problem will simply "go away". That would be your biggest mistake. Pay extra attention and take extra care of thinning hair. Condition after every wash & deep condition at least once a month. Consider adding sage essential oil to your conditioner and/or shampoo, that helps to reduce falling hair.

7. Toss the no-lye perm, instead, shop for a conditioning lye perm. No-lye perms can be very drying for the hair & could cause hair loss over time. If you've been considering it or think you could live with it, go natural - ditch the chemicals altogether.

8. Brush your hair or massage the scalp to promote stimulation & circulation of the scalp, this is important to help with the hair growth process. You could also make your own stimulating scalp oil to massage the head with. Be sure to include jojoba oil. There are essential oils that will also help to promote hair growth like lemongrass, basil or rosemary.

Keep your hair on your head because it's beautiful!

Ms. Naturesk
Excellence in Beauty!