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!

Green Cleansing for your hair - Shampooing

I'm sure many of you would agree that your appearance is very important. Great hair is a sure-fire way to boost your attractiveness and self confidence. We feel great when we look good & your hair contributes to your overall great look. Let's talk about cleansing your hair...

Some people wash there hair everyday, others wash 1-2X a week and if you're not washing your hair at least once a week, then you may have some other issues.

We place great emphasis on keeping our hair clean, some condition & deep condition well. Question is, what are you putting in your hair and on your scalp. Remember the scalp is one of the most absorbent parts of our body. If you're using toxic products, guess what - it's being absorbed into your body. Choosing green/organic/natural products should become a priority of yours. If you use any great natural products, feel free to share them with others reading this blog.

Typically it's the detergent and/or the preservative in your shampoo that is of concern. In most cases sodium lauryl sulfate or, the milder version, sodium laureth sulfate. Some other culprits are cocoamide diethanolamine (DEA), ammonium laureth sulfate or any ethoxylated compounds. Most shampoos also have propylene glycol, which we learned is a no-no. Look for a safer ingredient like lauryl glucoside, which is a soapy blend of coconut oil, cornstarch ad sugar & will gently cleanse without the toxins.

Some shampoos boasts having some really great ingredient (e.g. Aloe Vera), unknown to most of us, there's a fraction of a fraction of "Aloe Vera" in the mixture. So minuscule we may as well say it just had AV. because there isn't enough of the ingredient to give it full credit.

There is special information for taking care of your hair if you went swimming in a pool or at the beach. I'll have a special article on my blog to help you maintain healthy hair after you've swam. Look out for it.

How often should you shampoo?
This would depend on your hair type and the state of your hair:

• If you have fine hair, too much shampooing can cause dryness. So, do not wash daily.


• If you spend a lot of time in the sun or wear a lot of styling products, shampoo more frequently. Remember to use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week. Note that daily shampooing is not recommended for any hair type.


• For Hair type 3 or 4, shampoo at least once a week. You could use a clarifying shampoo followed by a moisturizing shampoo. I will say that I do not use a clarifying shampoo weekly. Understand your hair and know what it responds well to.

Some important tips to remember when shampooing:

• Comb through your hair with a wide teeth comb prior to shampooing.
• Shampoo your hair in the shower. Do not lean over your tub or sink to wash; this would cause more tangles.
• You should not comb your hair while shampooing. First, when your hair is wet it is in its weakest state; combing it will make it break easily. Second, it's much harder to get the tangles out during your shampoo.
• If your scalp is itchy or dry use a milder organic shampoo, like a chelating shampoo.
• If you are hair type 3 or 4, you should not rub the scalp too hard or too vigorously while cleansing; it could cause bruising, irritation or cause the hair to stretch.
• Repeat your shampoo only of you think your hair really needs it.
• Use my pre-shampoo recipe below for hair that's dry or dries out quickly. If your hair is not very dry, you may consider using ever other 1 or 2 shampoos.
• Follow your shampoo with a conditioner and detangle with a wide teeth comb.

Create your own Herbal Shampoo (very simple)

What you need:
- Crush a few dried bay leaves
- Mix in a handful of dried chamomile flowers & 1 rosemary sprig.

What to do:
1. Place in a jug of 3 & 1/2 cups of boiling water. Strain after 2-3 minutes and mix with 1 teaspoon of your gentle shampoo.

2. Apply to your hair, massage well, then rinse.