Beat the Heat with Hassle Free Hair

Its been hot lately, like beyond hot. If your hair is anything like mine, it has been dry, frizzy and down right pissed at the humidity.  Just like every summer, I have been tempted to shave my head Steve Harvey style but then I remember that this heat shall pass. Check out the tips below for learn how to survive the heat with hassle free hair!

Photo Credit

• For styles that are free-flowing such as braid outs or twist outs, use minimal amounts of products that are lightweight. This makes for fluffier, shiner, hair with lots of body. Now you can use a combination of products, however use them sparingly, and choose them wisely. Too much product can make the hair appear weighed down and lacks movement. 

• Get the hair clean before styling, whether you use bentonite clay, sulfate shampoo, herbs, or baking soda, make sure the hair is free from residue before styling. Your hair will be shinier, and have more body if you start with a clean palate.  

• Detangle hair only while loaded with conditioner. Condition for about 15 minutes to let the moisturizing properties penetrate my strands, then detangle, and finally sit back under my dryer for another 15 minutes. 

• If you have tangle-prone hair, try shampooing and conditioning while in four fat braids or twists.  Less hair lost and split while detangling = more retention. 

• When you are shampooing your hair, use your fingertips not your nails to gently cleanse your scalp. 

Do You Embrace Shrinkage?

{This photo was taken a YEAR, 11/2009, after my BC, click here to see my hair growth journey}

They say that naturally curly/kinky hair shrinks between 20-80 percent, well I think mine shrink the entire 80 percent. I'm always shocked at my hair length after a workout or wash. But do I hate it? No. I actually think its quite fly if I can get it look the way I want every time I attempt a wash-n-go but that's another story.

Back when I was relaxed I was obsessed with length, mostly because I felt like I could never obtain the length I wanted. Since 'going natural' length is the far from my mind. I actually like that I can wear a TWA one day, a puff the next, a stretched twist out the following day and end the week straight.

A lot of people experience knotting and tangles when wearing their hair in a wash-n-go or shrunken fro, I don't have extremely dense hair but I do take a few precautionary steps.

~Do not wear this style for more than two days. {I wear my twist-outs or braid-outs for a week or more before washing again}
~Keep hair {super} moisturized.
~Keep fingers out of the hair. {I love touching my hair but I've noticed when wearing this particular style it causes more tangles}

How do you feel about shrinkage? Have you ever worn a shrunken fro? Did you have major tangles/damage afterward?

"Guess What Girl... I'm Going Natural!!!!"

When I was transitioning I heard a 101 reasons why someone felt like they couldn't 'go natural'. I never asked but when I talked to friends or family about my transition they would say "girl, I don't think natural hair would look good on me" or [insert excuse number 2,301,650 here]. It never bothered me because my journey was for me and I'm not one of the those Natural Nazis who think relaxed hair equals self hate. I do advocate for natural hair but I don't judge people who slap on the creamy crack.

About six months to a year after my big chop some of the same friends would randomly expose that they are now transitioning to natural hair. It would come from total left field, something like {pats head} "its been 12 weeks since I had a relaxer and this new growth is bout to kill me... oh yeah I'm going natural. What can I do about this" or "your hair is fly and it grew out really fast. I haven't had a relaxer in four months, I think I'm going to take the plunge!!!!" It always make me chuckle inside because I remember when struggled with whether or not to go natural. I'm glad I'm able to inspire people close to me to do {what I feel} is best for their hair.

Who inspired you to go natural? Was it someone you knew in real life or online forums/blogs/youtube? After you transitioned did anyone ever tell you that you've inspired them to 'go natural'?

[photo source]

Big Fro Randomness

Random video of my picking out my fro before I headed out.

Surviving Hair Loss | The Cause and Effects of Traction Alopecia

If you read my interview with KisforKinky, you'd know I have traction alopecia.  After years of relaxing, braiding, weaving and repeating the cycle over and over again,  my edges started to thin at the temples. I ignored it (or maybe I didn't even notice because I wore weaves and braids so much) that when I finally went to the dermatologist they told me it was nothing I could do to get my hair back.

What is Traction Alopecia: 

Traction alopecia is caused by pulling at the hair over a long period of time.  It most frequently occurs in our (kinky/coarse) hair, and the area most affected is the front and sides.  The use of thermal or chemical hair straightening, and hair braiding or weaving are examples of styling techniques that place kinky/coarse hair types at high risk for various "traumatic" alopecias. Cornrows, too, can cause this as well as thinning all over the scalp. The first signs are thinner and weaker hairs along the front and over the ears.

The key to stopping traction alopecia is detecting it early; if it has been going on for a long time, the hair follicles decrease in size and do not produce any more hairs. Hair styles that put unnecessary strain on the hair root must be changed for a more gentle hair style. If you suspect you may be vulnerable to traction alopecia please please please immediately to change your hair style or practices  and by all means, GO see a dermatologist NOW.

Hair transplants (or hair grafts) are an option for treating  traction alopecia. This is a surgical procedure that move individual hair follicles from one part of the body (the donor site) to bald or balding parts (the recipient site). Its said to take up to a year for the bald areas to completely fill in and the follicles work like brand new allowing hair to grow the way it does throughout the rest of your head.

As for me and my alopecia:
Contrary to what dermatologists told me, I believe I am making progress... slow, very slow... but progress none the less. I have stopped abusing my hair and now practice healthy hair care. I also massage my temples with Vitamin E oil daily to increase blood circulation in those areas. Since I know better, I do better and I will continue to teach my anyone who will listen to do better so they won't have to experience the lost of their crown and glory at such a young age.

My Natural Hair Journey

Tutorial | Another Natural Hair Updo

Herbs That Stimulate Hair Growth + Winner of MAC Giveaway!

There are several products lining beauty supply shelves that promise hair growth, but all in all, hair growth is not achieved by a ‘magic’ or ‘miracle’ product. Age and genetics are both factors in hair length, but, on average, our hair grows about a quarter to a half an inch a month. Although there is not one product that can make hair grow faster, there are several natural ingredients that stimulate the scalp and aid in hair growth.

Aloe

Aloe can be applied directly onto your scalp and promotes hair growth. It stimulates blood circulation in the scalp and also fights against alopecia.

Horsetail

Horsetail, contains high concentrations of silicic acid and other silicates. It also contains potassium, aluminum, and manganese, all of which aid in the prevention of hair loss.

Evening Primrose

Evening primrose increases blood circulation in the hair follicle and is high in the essential fatty acid known as gamma-linolenic acid which stimulates hair growth.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle disinfects the scalp and increases blood circulation. It blocks the enzymes that cause hair loss and promotes hair re-growth.

Rosemary

Rosemary stimulates the scalp and helps prevent dry scalp and dandruff. It is also a natural hair conditioner.

Rosemary Hair Rinse

Boil rosemary leaves in one cup of water and let steep for 5 to 7 minutes. After cooling, use the liquid as a final rinse after washing, or pour into a spray bottle as a daily leave-in. Keep the mixture refrigerated and add a few drops of sage as a preservative if you are planning to keep the mixture longer than one week.

Sage

Sage is a stimulant and is anti-bacterial. Sage essential oil and can be combined with rosemary and lavender and used on your scalp to balance the oils in your scalp and help stimulate hair growth.

Sage Tea and Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has a very high natural pH and gets rid of product build-up by dissolving minerals, toxins, and dirt particles as well as fights dry scalp and dandruff .

Scalp Treatment

Mix four ounces of apple cider vinegar (ACV) with four ounces of cooled sage tea or ten drops of sage essential oil. Pour the mixture on your scalp, then wrap your hair with a towel or put on a plastic cap for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo as usual.

After wash rinse

Add about 5 drops of sage oil, or 2 cups of cooled sage tea, with 1 capful of ACV and use as a final rinse after washing. The mixture does not have to be washed out.

ehow.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO  KIIANAH for winning the MAC Lipstick Giveaway!!!!!! Please email your five choices and mailing address to tamara@facesbytamara.com.

Thank you to everyone who participated. There will be another giveaway soon! 

Six Different Styles to Transition to Natural Hair

One of the hardest things about transitioning to natural hair is styling the two very different textures. Below are some options for those of you who want a little variety during your transition.


I know the BC isn't for everyone but it is an easy way to avoid dealing with two textures and it looks great on everyone, to me. 

Wear braids until your natural hair grows to your desired length.

Braid-outs and twist-outs blend the different two textures well. Braid or twist your hair while its wet and take them out when the hair is dry.

Funky up-dos are always cute.

Roller sets are fabulous and they usually blend the two textures seamlessly.

Weaves are also an option, you can even play around with different kinky textures to spice them up.

Photo Credits: here and here

The Bentonite Clay Mask and Me

I've been using the bentonite clay mask on my face sporadically for a couple years now. Little did I know, it has great effects on the hair as well. Bloggers and youtubers have been raving about how clean, moisturized and defined it leaves their curls so I decided to give it a try.



On the hair bentonite clay is said to clarify by removing dirt, oil and product build-up, give sheen, detangle and enhance natural curl pattern. On the skin it is said to draw out toxins, improve skin tone, shrink pores and give a healthy glow. Sounds like a win-win product.

Bentonite clay is commonly used externally in mud baths, facial masks, various skin applications and is thought to promote clear skin. Bentonite clay has been used successfully as a treatment for a variety of skin infections and in arresting the spread of certain types of skin diseases.



My mixture consists of about 1/3 bentonite clay, 1/3 apple cider vinegar and 1/3 water. I mix these three contents until I get a thick clay like consistency. I applied the mask to my dry, unwashed hair and skin, left it on for about 20-30 minutes then rinsed it out. My hair did not require any additional moisture so I just followed up with a leave-in conditioner.



My hair absolutely loved the bentonite clay mask. As promised it left my hair soft and my coils were very defined. I will definitely add this to my regimen. As for my skin, it was soft and tight as usual.

Tutorial | Easy Protective Style

No More Frizz | Five Tips to Enhance Your Kinks

Source

1. Use cold water when rinsing your hair. Cold water makes the hair more shiny and manageable by sealing the cuticle. 

2. Do not dry your hair with a towel. Gently squeeze the hair from root to end to alleviate excess water. Rubbing you hair with a towel will only manipulate your kinks more causing frizz.

3. Never use a thin toothed or narrow comb on your hair. Because the teeth are narrow and close together, combing/detangling can cause the hair to tear which results in excess breakage. Instead use a large wide tooth comb or paddle brush to detangle when the hair is wet. 

4. Avoid excess manipulation, especially when the hair is damp. This is disrupt the curly pattern and leave you frizzy. Style hair when wet or dry. 

5. Invest in a good curl defining product. My faves are Carol's Daughter Hair Milk and Bee Mine Curly Butter.

My HairStory

I get a lot of questions about my haircare regimen so I decided to dedicate a post to it. Let me start off by saying I am pretty low maintenance when it comes to my hair. I don't really try a lot of new things, after I find what works I tend to stick to it.

I transitioned after a horrible, horrible {one of many} salon experience back in April of 2008. I had only been in Charlotte about six months and I was ending one of my many failed attempts to transition. I had about six months of good new growth which ended up in the drain as the stylist decided {without my permission} to take my {finally} shoulder length hair to neck length. Being that I had struggled to get and keep my hair at shoulder length for the majority of my life, I was devastated. So from that moment on I decided to take my hair into my own hands and follow my heart which was to go natural!

I transitioned for a very long and hot six months {the plan was to go 18 months). After a night of hanging out with my girlfriends {I'm pretty sure there were some type of spirit involved} I decided to take a pair of scissors and go to work. At first glance I hated it, out of all the impulsive decisions I made throughout my life this had to be the far worst. The next morning I got up, washed it, let it dry then went to buy some new earrings because I figured I may as well give it a shot. When I went shopping I paid very close attention to the way {I thought} people were reacting to my hair. Were they giving me the WTF face? Or smiling? Neither. I was totally out of my mind, I didn't care what people thought when I had a weave down to my ass or what people thought when I had a million and two braids in my hair or what people thought about my relaxed hair so why should I care why people thought about me just being me. From that moment on I have embraced every minute of the journey and there is no turning back for me. I had been delivered!

So onto my regimen:

• Shampoo about every 2 weeks with Giovanni Golden Wheat Shampoo
• Deep Condition with Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner or Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose
• Leave-In Conditioner with Giovanni Direct Leave-In
• Twist my hair using Carol's Daughter Hair Milk
• Moisturize with Raw Organic Shea Butter and Coconut Oil
• After a workout I condition wash with a cheap V05 conditioner and twist as usual

The Ten Natural Hair Commandments

I – Thou shalt be thankful for the hair that adorns thy head. Your hair is your ‘crown of glory’ treat it as such.

II – Thou shalt not idolize the hair that adorns another’s head. The hair on your head is unique, it’s what makes you you.

III – Thou shalt not take the hair that adorns thy head in vain. Be aware of the damage that chemicals and heat can cause, some of the damage is irreversible.

IV – Remember to take the necessary time to pamper thy hair. Create a routine, set aside specific days for sealing your ends, massaging, trimming, washing, conditioning and styling your hair. A healthy head of hair will be your reward.

V – Honor thy mother, father and ancestors for the beautiful traits that they have bestowed upon thee, one of which is your natural crown of glory. Wear your natural hair with pride.

VI – Thou shalt not attempt to use a fine-tooth comb to detangle thy hair. Even before using a wide-tooth comb, use your fingers to detangle, and when detangling always start from the ends and work your way up towards your scalp.

VII – Thou shalt not be ashamed to wear your natural hair in public. Wigs, weaves, braid extensions etc. are all wonderful temporary ‘protective’ and ‘transition’ styles, but they don’t compare to the beauty of your natural hair.

VIII – Thou shalt not kill the hair follicles on thy head – with high heat, harsh chemicals or tight styles. Stay away from pore clogging, dry scalp causing petroleum based products; use natural essential oil based ones instead. Be gentle with your hair, seek out professional stylists who have experience in styling your hair type.

IX – Thou shalt not bad mouth thy neighbor’s hair. Be respectful and encouraging to those who have not yet chosen to wear their hair natural. Negative comments will only turn them away from the natural hair community.

X – Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s hair; thou shalt not covet it’s texture, nor it’s curl pattern, nor it’s length etc. Appreciate the hair that you were blessed with. Try different styles and accessories that accentuate your very own personality and style.

Source: Clutch Magazine. To view article click here

FIERCENESS!!!!!!

I LOVE BEING NATURAL!!!