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:

No more Itchy Scalp

When I launched this blog, it all came from my quest to find a solution for my itchy scalp I had for a few years and to ensure I always have healthy hair & skin. I had also experienced some issues with my skin and started mixing my own skin moisturizers at home and now my skin is doing so much better. So, I figured I better find some solution for my hair, like I did for my skin.

I tried everything under the sun & listen to advice from tons of people. It's not until, I really started doing some research and ditched my over the counter products, like I said I would, and started using organic products, some of which I put together myself, that I have finally seen some relief. I reverted to using some products and ingredients my mom used on me when I was just a little girl. I realized that I had to experiment & find out what really works and what does not.

So, my vinegar rinse was a big help for me in terms of itch relief. I also have not relaxed my hair in about 10 weeks, so you know I need a perm in the worst way... but I'm hanging on. Because I'm paying caring hair and paying so much attention to it, I can go longer than 8 weeks without a relaxer. I'll show you a pic of what my hair looked like with all the flakes & dryness (you can also see all of my new growth). I can't belive it got this bad, but it's alot better now.

I'm still using my concoction, to ensure that my scalp returns to its normal. I will keep you updated. I'm so elated to finally stop itching... YEAH!!!

Nourishing your hair

Did you know that all the hair on your head that you comb and struggle so desperately to maintain is actually all dead tissue? It's actually the hair follicles from your scalp that is alive and produces hair (hair shaft). The hair shaft is really a dead cylinder of keratin. Believe it or not...

Even though the hair is dead, we must maintain it to ensure that it is healthy (even as dead as it is). What do we need to make sure the hair shaft is healthy? The hair needs moisture and necessary vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, Minerals: Iron & Zinc and others like Biotin and Silica are great ingredients to look for in vitamins for hair.

Why is it important to take supplements specifically for your hair? The fact is, most of us do not receive the nutrients we need to maintain healthy hair from our food we eat daily. Therefore, we must supplement our diet with these vitamins & minerals. The same thing applies for healthy skin (ever wonder why more & more people have skin issues now).

Currently, I have some supplements that I use for my skin by Sanitas, called 'Complexion Clear'. Lucky for me, it also has some of the needed nutrients for my hair. In addition, I also take vitamins specifically for my hair.

If you have dandruff, one supplement you may want to add to your daily supplements is organic Flax Seed capsules. Not only is this great for a healthy heart, after a month of taking these capsules twice daily, you will have some relief from your itchy dandruff condition.

Hope you find a supplement that works for you. You will see a difference - I promise.

Ms. Naturesk

Excellence in Beauty!

Vinegar Rinse (Great for Normal or Itchy Scalp)

I've had quite a few questions about dealing with itchy scalp. I've put together a rinse that has helped me. I used it just this past weekend.

Here is the thing, the base would be the same to help with the various itchy scalp conditions, but based on what the itchy scalp condition actually is, you would need a different essential oil to treat it properly.

It's also important that I let you know that anyone can use the base to help clarify the scalp and better prepare your scalp to absorb nutrients from a deep conditioner or from your oils or pomade that you massage on your scalp. Have you felt that a product that did wonders for your hair seems not to work anymore? That's because product build up and residue blocks the absorption of the beneficial nutrients. So, if you have a healthy scalp then only use the BASE of the recipe. Use this every now and then; I'd say about once every 2-3 months.

What you need:
Base
2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
2-3" of aloe leaf, peeled and scraped
1/4 tsp pure vitamin E oil
1 tsp baking soda (expect some foaming; a fun science project)

For Dandruff
add 3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil (helps tremendously with the itching)
and 3-4 drops of cedarwood essential oil

For Eczema
add 3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil
3-4 drops of lavender essential oil
3-4 drops of geranium essential oil
1 tbsp of andiroba oil (if you could locate)

For Psoriasis (there is no cure for this, but there is relief)
add 3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil
3-4 drops of German chamomile essential oil
1/2 tsp neem oil
1 tbsp of andiroba oil (if you could locate)

What to do:

1. Gently massage this mixture on your scalp and leave it on for 3-5 minutes (max).
2. Wash with a tea tree shampoo or a gentle organic shampoo.
3. Follow with a tea tree conditioner or organic conditioner
4. Style as desired
5. Massage organic oil(s) to the scalp only; use one or a combination of jojoba oil, coconut oil, andiroba oil and add a few drops of the tea tree essential oil to your oil mixture.
6. Repeat this at once a week until you see some relief. You could wash more than once a week, but do not use the vinegar rinse more than once a week

Relief is on the way...

Naturesk
Excellence in Beauty!

Pre-shampoo Hair butter

What you need:

• 3 tablespoons organic virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon organic neem oil
• 1 teaspoon organic spirulina extract
• 10,000 IU Vitamin E
• 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops bergamot essential oil
• 2 drops chamomile essential oil OR 3 drops of German chamomile essential oil for reoccurring itchiness or flakes on the scalp.
• 2-3 inches of an aloe leaf
• Measuring spoons, knife, blender & small container or bowl.

What to do:

1. Cut the aloe leaf & scrape the inside (slimy & bitter part).
2. Add the ingredients into a blender ( use a small blender if you have one). Blend all ingredients until it's well blended & distributed evenly.
3. Massage the treatment onto scalp and distribute evenly along your tresses; ensure your ends are well covered with this butter if they appear or feel dry.
4. Leave on hair for 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to let the oil get on your face. Essential oils could cause breakouts on sensitive skin.
5. Rinse thoroughly in shower and proceed to shampoo as usual. (You will need to clean the shower after you're done because of the oil.)
6. This is a great moisturizer and the chamomile will help if you have severe itchy/flaky scalp. Feel free to use this as often as you like for maximum effectiveness. This recipe yields enough for 1+ uses depending on the length of your hair.
   

I did not blow dry (YEAHHH)... instead I applied a natural blend of organic oils to my scalp & moisturized through the tip. I combed my hair into seven knots (see pic below), uncurled them & styled. The knots give a great curl patter that can yield many great styles. I like to wear my hair in a curly pony tail or pin it up like I was wearing a banana comb.