Hair Care Regimen

Finding a weekly or monthly routine that allows you to maintain the overall health and length retention of your hair can be done in three easy steps.

1. Start out by removing processes and products that don't agree with your hair and add those that do
2. Find a regimen that is most suited for your lifestyle.  As your hair and lifestyle changes your regimen should as well
3. Stick with it. Black hair is fragile, which means it tends to be dry and prone to breakage. So it's important to nourish the hair so it retains it's overall health.

Here's an example of a basic hair care regimen.

• Co-wash once a week or two weeks. If you feel the need to shampoo then be sure to use a sulfate free shampoo (rotate shampoos and conditioners so that the hair doesn't totally acclimate and stop responding)
• Deep condition after each wash for 30-40 minutes
• Rinse hair with cool or warm water (rinsing hair with hot water can dry it out)
• Hot oil treatments provide added moisture
• Seal in moisture with a butter (during the winter) or a light oil (during the summer)
• Protein treatment once every six weeks (this is especially recommended for damaged hair)
• Wear protective styles such as twists, braids, wigs, etc.

Healthy Skin Benefits of Honey

Honey acts a natural moisturizer and helps your skin maintain its softness, suppleness and elasticity. Honey is also a humectant that attracts and retains water thus naturally moisturizing your skin and lending it a natural glow. This is what makes honey a popular ingredient for hair, body and face products. Honey has been known to help rid the skin of blemishes and aid in flushing out toxins. It's also an effective treatment for minor abrasions, burns and is an anti-irritant so it's beneficial for people with sensitive skin.


Honey Facial Exfoliant

1 Tbsp Honey
1 tsp Sugar (for a gentler exfoliant use ground cinnamon)
1-2 tsp Lemon juice
1/2 tsp of coconut oil

Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl. Dampen face with a warm wash cloth and apply mixture to face.  Work the mixture in circular motions. Rinse face off with warm water. Don't forget to tone and moisturize afterward.

Black Hair History

Here's an excellent video on the History of Black Hair done by the lovely YouTuber Chisellecouture



Also be sure to check out these books on the history of black hair. They make for an informative and interesting read.

Healthy Hair Benefits of Honey

 

Not only is honey rich in vitamins and minerals it's also an excellent humectant (attracts and holds on to water molecules) and emollient. Therefore it serves as a wonderful, all natural moisturizer and conditioner making it a great treatment for dry and/or damaged hair.  Honey lends the hair extra softness and sheen just by applying it to damp hair and letting it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.  After shampooing or co-washing your hair should feel softer and more manageable.

Honey Deep Conditioner
1 Tbsp Honey
1 Tbsp Olive Oil, Sweet Almond (or the oil of your choice)
1-1 1/2 cup Conditioner (depends on the length and volume of your hair)

Mix together and apply to hair from root to end. Put on plastic cap/bag and let sit for 20-30 minutes. Rinse out thoroughly with warm water.  You can adjust the amount of the ingredients depending on the length and volume of your hair. Remember to use equal parts honey and oil.


NOTE: Over time honey can lighten the hair.  If you're looking to darken your hair then use molasses in place of honey.

Forgotten Feet?

Now that the weather has changed, you've forgotten about your beloved feet that you've so lovingly spent the last six months pampering by getting pedicures with beautifully bright colors on your toe nails. The build up of dead skin on our feet can get so thick that it looks like an extra sole and that's not cute.

By giving your feet the same attention all year round lessens the stress when you want to wear those cute little sandals and sling backs this spring and summer.

Remember that regular pedicures and the use of a pumice stone between visits helps to keep those feet soft and smooth.

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