Do You Have Some Coconut Oil? If not, you might want to check out the benefits....

 

Coconut oil has numerous benefits for both hair and skin. It is nutritious for all hair types, helping hair to shine, softening hair, remedying damaged hair by helping to preserve the hair's natural proteins[1] and can even provide relief f...rom dandruff.[2] For the skin, coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for all skin types, and especially for dry and older skin. Coconut oil is so good at smoothing out the appearance of wrinkles and helping with skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis that it's often added to commercial skin care products.[3] And there's more––the lauric acid in coconut oil has both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.[4]

If you're not already using coconut oil in your beauty routine, it's worth trying it––it's inexpensive and you'll most likely love the results.

Beautiful!

Aloe Vera Gel for Natural Hair

Aloe Vera gel for natural hair is a wonderful alternative for many products that are advertised in a local store for moisturizing your thirsty roots. It’s a GOD given miracle plant that produces juices which have some AMAZING qualities for natural black hair as well as skincare.

Aloe Vera Gel Hair Benefits:
Detangles
Moisturizes
Activates Fresh Growth
Heals and Soothes Damaged Scalp from Scratches, Burns, Dandruff, etc.
Reduces Dandruff, Itchy, Scaly Scalp and Seborrheic Dermatitis
Balances pH Level (Porosity) of Hair
Tames Oily Hair
Defines Curl
May Serve as a Holding Gel
Prevents Excessive Hair Loss
Enhances Cellular Rejuvenation
Contains Natural Building Enzyme for Proteins
Anti-Inflammatory

4 Most Common Uses In Hair

Dandruff – It’s the enzymes in aloe vera that reduce dandruff by helping soothe and moisturize the scalp which helps to eliminate the scaly dryness that contributes to dandruff. It also helps promote blood circulation in the scalp, which works to stimulate the production of moisturizing oils. Your hair produces natural oils and aloe vera helps to balance them reducing an excess of dry or oily scalps. Similar to peppermint there is also a slight cooling sensation provided by the juices.
Shampoo – The restoration of strength to your hair is acquired by the essential vitamins and minerals aloe vera is naturally packed with. For women and men looking to prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth aloe vera can be mixed with coconut milk and oils to produce a nourishing shampoo. The two most common of oils used in conjunction with this miracle plant is Jojoba and Wheat Germ. When combined with herbs, essential oils, and plant extracts, the nutritive benefits of aloe vera are multiplied exponentially.
Hair Growth – Alopecia and the thinning of hair can be prevented with aloe vera due to the stimulation it provides with it’s natural enzymes that stave off hair loss.
Conditioner – If your hair or scalp is too oily or too dry aloe vera will help restore the proper balance. Your hair’s shine and natural sheen is restored by aloe vera’s natural conditioning capabilities. Natural hair will be softer and experience the benefit of being stronger with more suppleness when using this product.

source: thirsty roots

DIY Balancing Facial Mask With Avocado

 

Thirsty, irritated winter skin clamors for extra attention. To give it the care it deserves, try this facial mask made with natural ingredients. The recipe includes moisturizing avocado, inflammation-...fighting cucumber, and mineral-rich green clay, which helps to deep clean pores. A splash of lemon juice adds alpha-hydroxy acids to break down dead cells, and a quick chill in the fridge ensures that the mask will reduce redness and irritation. Even if the forecast holds nothing but cold, blustery days ahead, your skin’s outlook will be perfectly clear.

Balancing Facial Mask

1 small avocado, mashed (about 2/3 cup)

1/2 small cucumber, finely grated (about 1/3 cup)

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons green clay powder (sold at natural-foods stores)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, using a fork to blend. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Apply a thick layer of the mixture to clean, dry skin on your face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Keep fairly still for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the mask to dry in place. Wipe skin clean with a damp cloth; splash with cool water, and pat dry.


Source: Whole living

Steps to Healthy Hair

While going natural is arguably a much healthier choice for Black hair than using harsh chemical relaxers, it is still important to take good care of your tresses to keep them looking and feeling good. Whether you’re a high maintenance gal who doesn’t mind taking the time to do complicated twist-outs and other creative styles, or a ‘wash and go’- type of sister, make sure that you adopt these important rituals for keeping natural hair on point.

Comb Correct
Putting a dry comb in natural hair is almost as bad as running a knife through your tresses. Only comb your hair while wet, preferably with shampoo or conditioner (which will make the comb run through the hair much easier and protect you from unnecessary breakage). Also, fine combs are no good for natural hair; select a wide tooth comb to detangle without tearing your hair to pieces.

Sleep Smart
While you may have been looking forward to dropping the notorious ‘bed scarf’ when you decided to go natural, it’s actually wise for Black women with both natural AND permed hair to wrap their hair up at night. Cotton sheets absorb moisture and leave your hair dry and can cause breakage as well. Protect your hair with a satin scarf, bonnet or pillowcase. Also, sleep with your hair in braids or a bun to prevent tangling; braids are particularly helpful for those with curly hair and will leave your ‘do looking much neater and manageable in the morning. Apply a bit of your preferred moisturizer on your natural hair before heading to bed as well.

Wear Protective Styles
If you wear your natural hair in an Afro or in wild curls, give it a break a few times a week with protective styles, such as buns and braids. Protective styles prevent damage to the edges, while allowing the hair to rest; wearing natural hair out constantly puts you at the risk for breakage, which inhibits hair growth.

How to Bantu Knot- Natural Hair Styles

                by Evelyn Ngugi via NaturallyCurly
Bantu knots and the resulting bantu knot out are my favorite hairstyle! Any hair type or texture can do bantu knots – for some, it’ll create looser waves, and for others it will have a cute “curly q” effect with a head of tight, springy curls. Since it totally changes the look and curl of your hair, it’s perfect to do on multiple day hair to change up your look mid-week. To do this style, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Setting the style

• Divide into manageable sections. Those with longer hair need fewer sections. Also, the curlier you want the bantu knot out to be, the more sections you want. It’ll take some trial and error, but to start, use the same number of sections you usually use to apply gels or do twist outs.

• Moisturize. Whether it’s a simple spritz of water and yummy oils or a complete co-wash, hydrate your coils! It makes it more pliable and it will hold the shape of the bantu knot better.

• Detangle or smooth out your hair. This is optional, as some naturally curlies don’t use hair tools, or your hair may simple be very stretched or tangle-free already. This step is just to ensure you get a smooth, shiny curl and that your ends look neat. Hair should just be damp, not sopping wet. Otherwise, it will take forever to dry!

• Apply a styler or curl cream. I suggest something with medium hold, because crunchy bantu knots are a pain to fluff out the next day! Here are some styler suggestions. Smooth the product down from root to tip.

• Roll-twist each section of hair and wind it on top of itself. The goal is to create tiny buns (they’re not really “knots”) on top of your head a la Lauryn Hill or Scary Spice from the Spice Girls. Once you get to the end of the rolled section, you can tuck it under the bantu knot and the pressure should keep it in place. If not, use a bobby pin or hair pin to keep it from unraveling.

The take down

• Lightly lubricate your hands with your favorite oil or anti-humidity serum. This will prevent frizz if you’re a bit rough taking down the bantu knots.

• Gently unravel each bantu knot.

• Gently separate each section and fluff. Try not to cause frizz by constantly pulling apart each section, but manipulate the hair enough to cover the parts in your hair. Some people use an afro pick to lift the roots and hide the parts. If you have a looser texture, just run your hands through your roots and stop when you get to the curl formation.

Black Beauty!