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!

Silk Peptide Powder

It was time for me to deep condition and trim. I trimmed about 2" from my ends because it's been a little while since I've gotten around to trimming. I tried a new ingredient in my deep conditioner... silk peptide powder. I've heard of it, but never did purchase it before now. I will say that I loved the results. while my hair was masked with the deep conditioner, it felt so silky soft... I instantly fell in love. I purchased the silk peptide powder from the site: http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/.

Silk peptide powder is rich in amino acids protein which is easily absorbed by your hair and your skin and gives it a silky feel. In fact, it contains 18 amino acids that provide a great balance of moisture, shine and elasticity for your hair. The powder has a very silky feel to it and it is an offwhite colored powder. It also has a wonderful feeling in skin care products.

This product is perfect for your bi-weekly to montly protein fix for your hair. Add it to your deep conditioner mask and leave on your hair for 20-30 minutes under heat or 45 mins-1 hour + without heat. Over time it will help to strengthen hair, help with moisture retention and aid in stopping breakage because it helps with elasticity.

Make time to deep condition... your hair will thank you.

Ms. Naturesk

Excellence in Beauty!

A Quick Hello

Hello my Naturesk Friends,

It's been a few days since I've made a post. I do have some great information to share with you, but have to dedicate some quality time to posting the details.

I'm currently planning a wedding and I'm sure you could imagine how busy I am. Please hang in there with me, I promise, I'll have some additional information for you in the very very near future.

In the mean time, please continue to send me your questions and comments. I always appreciate those.

Thanks!
Ms. Naturesk
Excellence in Beauty!

Yogurt Treatment Hair Mask

I know it's been a while since I've put up one of my recipes and I've heard from a few people that have tried some of the recipes I published on the blog and wanted to see some more. So, here's another one that I like because I love yogurt for my hair and my skin. I like to eat it too :)

What you need:
1 egg yolk,
1 tablespoon of plain yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 tablespoon almond oil

What to do:
Whip ingredients together well. Apply to hair and leave for at least 20-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.

Benefits of the ingredients:
Yogurt is rich in zinc, calcium, lactic acid, protein, Vitamins B-1, B-2, B-6 and B-12 and yeast. The nutrients will work wonders for your hair especially because of the protein, zinc and Vitamin B complex which are all nutrients that our hair needs to remain healthy. It also helps to calm frizz and soften dull looking hair.

The almond oil and coconut oils are great emollients.

Honey is a humectant that will help keep & attract moisture to your hair.

The egg yolk is a naturally filled with cholesterol.

Ms. Naturesk

Excellence in Beauty!

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...

What's Your Hair Type?

I remember the first time I saw 3a, 2c or 4b describing the type of hair someone has? My thoughts were... what in the world could that mean?!?! I'm sure there are many of you that are thinking the very same thing right now. So, I thought I would share with you what these number and letter combinations mean.

First the number... Typically describes the texture of your hair in it's natural state.
1 - Straight hair
2 - Wavy hair
3 - Curly hair
4 - Kinky hair

Then the letter... Typically describes thickness of your strands
a - Fine
b - Medium
c - Thick

Sometimes trying to figure out your thickness of your strands may be easier for some, but not for others... or you think it's one thing when it's the next. Here's a simple test you could try... Hold your hair and make a pony tail, now wrap all the hair around one finger. How many times did it go around that finger?

1 time: thick
2-3 times: medium
4+ times: fine

Hope this helps. Until next time...

Ms. Naturesk
Excellence in Beauty!

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!!!

RIP Michael Jackson

We lost a true musical hero. There never was, neither would there ever be another like him... NEVER! He was unique, his music was captivating, his videos were simply outstanding and his style of dance - I don't even have a word that would describe it, but it certainly was out of this world. He was a pioneer and a trendsetter. I'm a huge fan of his music... then again, how many people weren't?!?! I personally don't know of any.

He's gone... but his legacy will live on for generations.

Ms. Naturesk!

Excellence in Beauty!