Smooth, healthy, beautiful skin

For more than 50% of the year, we're constantly battling to keep our skin beautiful and moisturized. During the winter everything dries out, but in the summer the heat also poses a similar problem. So, how do you keep your skin really moisturized, but still healthy? I do few things to stay moisturized and healthy at the same time.

1. I try my utmost to use an organic product (not natural), organic. There really is a huge difference. Things like 100% cocoa butter, organic Shea butter, organic olive oil etc...

2. Mix my own products so I know there's nothing harmful in them... and this could be as quick or as lengthy of a process as you want it.

3. I moisturize as soon as I get out the shower before my skin get completely dry from exposure to the air. This helps to seal in the moisture remaining on your skin from your fresh shower.

Simple body oil recipe

What you need:

3 oz Sweet Almond Oil

5 oz Organic Olive Oil

5-10 drops of your favorite fragrance or essential oils.

What to do:

1. Measure & pour sweet almond oil and olive oils into a clean bottle with a spout or a pump.

2. Add the fragrance oil(s)

3. Mix together

4. Indulge your skin in your new body creation.

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...

Get Natural Looking Curls Without Heat/Great Summer Hair Style

Have you ever seen people with the prettiest natural curls and wondered how you could have the same beautiful ringlets without using any heat? You would not believe how simple it is.

I'm currently 10 weeks into my relaxer and still going (although I'm so tempted to run out to get a perm), nevertheless, it's still better for my hair and scalp. As you could imagine, I have to be very creative with my hair at the moment. So, I decided to give my hair some soft natural looking curls/ringlets. Here's how you could get the same look (you could do this with wet or dry hair)...

If your hair is wet-

1. Use your favorite leave in conditioner, setting lotion or a small amount of styling mouse.
2. Part your hair from the front to the back, allowing for about 5-7 braids going to the back of your neck. Braid your hair from the front using only two-strand twists & secure the ends with barrettes.
3. Let it air dry, preferable overnight.
4. In the morning, release the braids one by one & moisturize the hair & scalp.
5. Separate to add more body.
6. Style as desired.

If your hair is dry-

1. Dampen with a mist of purified water or your favorite leave in conditioner or setting lotion.
2. Part your hair from the front to the back, allowing for about 5-7 braids going to the back of your neck.
3. Let it air dry for at least 4-5 hours.
4. Once dry, release the braids one by one & moisturize the hair & scalp if necessary.
5. Separate to add more body.
6. Style as desired.

I've attached photos...

Summer Care for dreadlocks

To answer your request on summer care for locks...

Taking care of your locks in the summer is very similar to that of hair that's not locked, with few variations especially where conditioning is concerned.

Locks are fairly easy to maintain day to day; I know every few weeks you do have the task of locking your new growth and that does take time.

During the summer months while in the sun or part-taking in summer activities, you may be required to wash more often than usual. Make sure that you use a gentle clarifying shampoo to remove any residue or build up that may settle on the scalp from sweat, salt water, or products. Or try to use a shampoo that is designed not to leave any residue behind (this is very important if you have locks).

After ensuring your locks are completely dry by either air drying or sitting under a hair dryer since blow drying will leave frizz. Follow with a light or non-oily based moisturizer created specifically for dreadlocks (like Carol's Daughter Loc Butter); there are many other.

In between washes you could clean your scalp with witch hazel or sea breeze. If you have mature locks, you probably already know that. Remember that you have to keep your scalp moisturized and nourished to maintain healthy locks and a healthy scalp. So, deep condition your hair/locks and scalp using a non-oily based hot oil treatment.

Stay away from alcohol and alcohol based products. Also look out for these ingredients in your hair products, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfates. They will dry out your hair and scalp and/or lead to irritation. Sulfates that are generally found in shampoos will strip your hair of it natural oils.

Locks are usually are thick and heavy and it would be a lot more comfortable if you wear your locks up and away from your neck & face to keep you cool. There are many really creative and attractive styles for locks. Many popular hair style publications do feature a section for natural hair and locks.

Ms. Naturesk

Excellence in Beauty!

Summer care for your hair.

Some like it hot...
Some like it cold...
Many like the summer...

Summer is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year for many reasons: trips to the beach, vacation, time off from school, vacation, time to show off your fabulous summer wardrobe and body, bar-b-ques, family reunions, vacation (did I mention this already). You could probably tell I like to go on vacation.

It's just a 'feel good' time of year and what better way to feel wonderful about yourself, than to have fabulous hair through it all. So, simply prepare your hair to handle the summer weather, as your hair will be exposed to one or many of the following: the wind, the sun, salt water, chlorine, sand, dirt, smoke...

Here are some of my tips for surviving the summer:

1. Give your hair a nice trim to get rid of any damaged, dry, over-processed split ends.
2. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any build up from exposure to salt or chlorinated water.
3. Use a leave in condition prior to a trip to the beach or the pool.
4. Moisture has to be your friend during these drier months, so, recognize when your hair needs moisture & apply.
5. Use a moisture rich shampoo and conditioner.
6. Deep condition at least once a week to replace essential moisture that is easily lost.
7. Use a swim cap.
8. Protect the ends of your hair by tucking them in as often as you could.
9. Really, really try to stay away from blow dryers & hot curlers. I know it's almost cliche', but we all know it's important to avoid heat, much less during the hot season.
10. Use low tension fasteners to hold your hair; if your hair is dry & your fastener is to tight, your hair will break & snap easily.
11. Braid your own hair (avoid synthetic hair additions if you could). Braids & corn rows are still hot, not to mention, you won't have to worry about your hair everyday.
12. If you're a hat person, wear one; they're always stylish.
13. Try a new hair style. It's hair, it will grow back. New season, new you!

Now that you know what you should do to take care of your hair to look completely fabulous, now get your summer shopping & vacation planning moving and ENJOY every single day.

Feel free to share your summer plans or hair regimen.