Naptural Counselor's Product Review: Retain It

Mango Delish 

Purpose:   Nightly Cream to produce hair growth (jar's description)

Overall Product Rating: 9/10

Ingredients:   Mango Butter, Glycerin, Jojoba oil, Aloe Vera Oil, Passion Fruit Fragrance. Naptural Counselor gives a 10/10

Smell:   This product smells deliciously amazing. The scent is light and sweet. Naptural Counselor gives a 10/10.

Appearance/Texture:   This product is a white smooth yogurt-like texture.  The consistency has medium thickness and leaves no residue or film on the scalp. This product was slightly sticky, but did not take away from the product performance.  Naptural Counselor gives 9/10.

Container:   This product is packaged in a jar with a large opening, which allows the product to be easily accessed. Naptural Counselor gives a 10/10.

Quality/Performance:    I used this product on freshly washed/wet hair. I placed the below “Thicken Up Oil” on before applying this product. This product has moderate slip, which allows the hair to detangle effortlessly and absorbed into the hair evenly without leaving buildup or residue.  Naptural Counselor gives a 10/10.

Rosemary Water Spritz

Overall Product Rating: 7/10

Ingredients:   Rosemary oil and distilled water. Naptural Counselor give a 10/10.

Smell:   This product smells earthy and similar to euclaptyus. Naptural Counselor gives a 5/10.

Appearance:   This product is a liquid. The color of the liquid is auburn. Naptural Counselor gives a 10/10.

Container:   This product is packaged in a clear bottle with a spray pump nozzle, which allows the product is be evening disbursed throughout the hair. Naptural Counselor gives a 10/10.  

Quality/Performance:  This product must be refrigerated. I applied this product on dry hair before applying Mango Delish & Re-Moisture Cream. This product hydrated the hair. Naptural Counselor gives a 8/10. 

Thicken UP Oil

Overall Product Rating: 9/10

Ingredients:   Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil,  Tea Tree Oil, Vitamin E and Vanilla Fragrance Oil. Naptural gives a 9/10.

 Smell:   The smell is light and smells like vanilla abstract. Naptural Counselor gives a 9/10.

Appearance/Texture:   This product is an oil and the color is similar to olive oil.  The oil is light and absorbs in the skin evenly without appearing greasy or leaving a film. Napatural Counselor gives a 10/10.

Container:   This product is packaged in a bottle with a narrow opening with a screw top, which allows the product to easily pour onto one’s hands.  For better use; one can add an applicator top with a narrower spout, in order to gage the amount of product used. Naptural Counselor gives a 8/10.

Quality/Performance:   I used the product as a hot oil treatment on dry/unclean hair.  This product softened the hair considerably--which assisted with the detangling process.  In addition, I used this product on freshly washed hair in the LOC method, as my oil base product. The oil glided on the hair evenly and smoothly. This product made my hair shine shine shine without weighting down my natural curl. Naptural Counselor gives a 10/10. 

Re-Moisture Cream

Overall Product Rating 10/10.

Ingredients:   Shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, pumpkin seek oil, honey, tea tree oil, vitamin e oil and vanilla oil. Naptural Counselor gives a 9/10.

Smell:   The smell is light with a slight vanilla scent. Naptural Counselor gives 9/10.

Appearance/Texture:   This product's texture is EVERYTHING—it is creamy, light and whipped to perfection.  Naptural Counselor gives a 10/10.

Container:   This product is packaged in a container with a large opening. The product is easily accessed. Naptural Counselor gives a 10/10.

Quality/Performance:   This product left my hair super soft, shiny and bouncy.  My twists were super defined. My hair was not crunchy or stiff. The product did not leave a residue or build up on my scalp. Naptural Counselor gives a 10/10. 

Naptural Counselor's Thoughts:

A round of applause to the creator of this product line. Felicia Adair has created a Natural Hair product line conducive to all hair types (natural, relaxed, thick or thin). She has engineered some phenomenal products. I look forward to following her creativity as she expands her knowledge and business endeavors! 

The two products from the RETAIN IT line that I would incorporate in my daily routine--would be RE-MOISTURE CREAM and THICKEN UP OIL. I absolutely love these products on my hair.

Retain It products can be purchased on: www.etsy.com Shop Name: Morepoweful. 

Disclaimer: Products were mailed from the creator/distributor with the sole intent to review the products. Naptural Counselor is not an investor or spokesperson for the RETAIN IT product line. 

Young Girls Embracing their Natural Beauty: Redefining the Culture

Naptural Counselor had the opportunity to ask young people about their thoughts and experiences defying the social norms of beauty. 

Meet Laimonyah S., 13, 8th grade 

Naptural Counselor (NC): What city & state do you reside in?

Laimonyah S. (LS): Wichita, Kansas

NC: Did your parent(s) influence your decision to stop getting your hair chemically straightened? 

    LS: I wanted too and so did my mom

NC: Why did you choose to no longer get relaxers?

    LS: It was getting annoying :p

NC: Did you grow out your relaxer or did you BIG CHOP?  ( Big Chop=cut off the relaxed ends)? 

    LS: I grew it a little then cut it.. And did that a few times till the relaxed ends were gone Big chop...i think

NC: How long did you transition (from the date of your last relaxer to the date which no relaxer was present)? 
    

    LS: About three years

NC: How many girls do you know at your school that have natural hair? 

    LS: Very few. Most have weeavvee

NC: What type of silly and/or honest questions do you get from others about your hair? 

     LS:How do you get your hair that way? Is that a wig? Is that real?

NC: Do you have a favorite Natural Hair Star or website? 

    LS: No .-. Only meee 

NC: What is your favorite natural hair style? 

    LS: Nappy

NC: What do you dislike about being a curly kid? 

    LS: Nothing

NC: What do you love most about being a curly kid?

    LS: Everythanngg 

NC: What advice would you give young people that want to transition to their natural hair? 

    LS: You can werk it like me  

Thank you Laimonyah for taking the time to chat about Natural Hair. You have truly embraced your style & exerts confidence beyond your years! 

Naptural Counselor's Thoughts: 

Parents/Caregivers-it is vital to begin having conversations about healthy choices including the education about healthy consumption and product use. It can not be stressed enough the short and long term effects of harmful chemicals on the market that we use daily destroying our health--due to the lack of information! 

It's costing our health! 

In addition...speaking to your daughters about the blatant discrimination that they may face at school, due to choosing to embrace one's natural hair. Recently, the media has covered stories of children being humiliated and discouraged to embrace WHO THEY ARE! It starts with us!

Happy Holidays from Naptural Counselor

How will you rock your tresses for the holidays?

Keep in mind of how weathering can affect your Natural Hair as well as, how traveling to different climates over the holidays may alter one's typical hair behavior!

Merry Christmas Napturals!!

Kynxx Castor Oil Challenge UPDATE

CASTOR OIL CHALLENGE UPDATE:

Please note: I trimmed my hair on 12/9/12. Approximately 1/2 to 1 inch.

Hair Regimen

Nightly Routine:
Spray hair with water
Apply Leave-in conditioner (Granier Fructis Intensely Smooth Leave-in Conditioner OR Herbal Essence Totally Twisted Conditioner)
Apply Castor/Coconut Oil Mix
Put hair in Protective Style

Protective Styles:
Single Braids or Twists
Flat Twists
One-Two large head band twists
Buns
Tuck and Pin styles

Daily Routine:
Spritz hair with water
Smooth Castor/Coconut Oil on twists or braids

Weekly:
Shampoos: Dr Bronner's Castile Soap, ACV or Nothing But Shampoo.

Conditioners: As I Am Co-wash, Ren Cleansing Conditioner or Suave Almond & Shea Conditioner

Alternate Weeks:
Deep Conditioner Moisturizer Treatment: Suave Shea Almond Conditioner, Honey, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil mix

OR

Deep Conditioner Protein Treatment:
Suave Shea Almond Conditioner, Honey, Olive Oil Mayo, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil mix


Thank you,

Natural Hair Myths #1

MYTH 1
Natural hair is "stronger" than relaxed or chemically treated hair.

Naptural Counselor's Truths:
Natural hair is weaker, as in more delicate and fragile. It is vital that those with untreated hair--to be mindful when handling and manipulating ones' curls.

Extra time and attention should be placed on the detangling process, harmless products, shampooing process, combing/brushing techniques, and methods of protection, in order to RETAIN length and AVOID breakage of the hair.

Tips to strengthen the hair:
Protein treatments.
Apply Mayo/Egg.

Detangle Processes:
Use Fingers/Wide tooth Comb.
Use product to detangle with "slip".

Shampooing Processes:
Pre-Poo Method-Utilizing oils and/or conditioner to detangle the hair, which soften the hair and coats the hair BEFORE the use of shampoo. Decreases breakage and tearing of the hair.

Protection Methods:
Hiding your ends.
Covering your hair from harsh weathering.
Wrapping hair at night with silk materials.
Sealing your ends w/butters or coconut oil nightly.

Naptural Counselor's Hair Growth TIPS

Naptural Counselor's TOP 13  Natural Hair Growth TIPS:

1. Healthy Scalp
Clear of debris, build-up and scars.  The scalp has to be healthy, in order for the healthy hair to push through the scalp. If the scalp or hair follicles are damaged or blocked with heavy GREASE (blue magic) or scars (chemical burns)-this will prevent the hair from sprouting.

2. Maintain Moisture 
The #1 liquid that will moisturize your hair is WATER/H2O/STEAM! It is important to hydrate your hair with water DAILY! Even if it is a light mist to your curls. Other ways to moisturize the hair is with butters or essential oils such as, jojoba, coconut, olive, castor, vitamin e, shea butter, etc.

MOISTURE MOISTURE MOISTURE

Products that will draw in moisture from the environments: Humectants have great benefits.

Formula: Water + Oil + Leave-in Conditioner+ Butters/Coconut Oil = Retains Moisture

3. Maintain Protein
It is important to balance moisture and protein. How do you know what your hair needs?

Dry Hair= NEEDS Moisture.
Hair with limited Elasticity (snaps easily)= NEEDS Protein.

Natural Hair Protein: Mayo, Eggs or Aphogee products.

4. Maintains PH balance.
Scalp and Hair produces a natural oil called SEBUM. It is important not to "disturb" the natural oil process that our hair produces, which carries a PH between 4.5 to 5.5. It is vital to look carefully at the products that you used because MOST products either increases the acidity or decreases the acidity of the hair.

5. Conditioning
This method helps keep the hair hydrated, as well as trains the hair to retain MOISTURE.
Invest in a QUALITY leave-in conditioner, that you use daily. Good Natural Hair Practices: Using a DEEP conditioning treatment weekly or bi-weekly to help maintain moisture. It is important to focus this method on the NEWEST part of the hair. Co-wash is a method, which you use CONDITIONER only.

6. Wash Routine
Shampoo should be focused on the scalp to clear the build-up or debris. Use shampoos that have healthy, non-altering (stripping) or toxic chemicals. It is best practice to part the hair in 4-6 sections (loose braids) to expose the scalp, in order to penetrate the shampoo onto the scalp. Then gently squeeze the shampoo into the braids. This wash routine will be certain that you cleanse the scalp and decrease tangles.

7. Being mindful of Harmful Products
Parabens, Sulfates, Minerals, Petroleum, Petrolatum, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate, Lauramide DEA, Cocamide DEA, Diazolidinyl UREA, Triethanolamine, Lanolin, Propylene Glycol, Butyl Acetate, Ethyl Acetate, Formaldehyde, Phthlalates, Talc, Toluene,  Butylated Hydroxytoluene, and Coal Tar. 

The body absorbs 60% of everything!! 

8. Manipulation of the Natural Hair
Be gently with your hair, in order to decrease tangles and breakage. DO NOT comb or brush the hair DRY. Part the hair damp and with your fingers from scalp to end-gently spreading the hair apart. Be mindful of your mood when manipulating your hair. If you are in a poor mood or in a hurry--this may reflect how you manage/manipulate your hair.  Natural Hair is weak.

9. Detangling Process
Detangle with a generous amount of product (conditioner or oil) on the hair. Detangle with your fingers first. Please be sure your nails are manicured, in order to prevent snags. Then if needed-use a wide tooth come and ALWAYS comb upwards from tip to root. Be gentle. Many napturals have adopted poor detangling methods, which can cause pulling the hair out from the root and /or significant breakage. Hair will shed 100 hairs a day.

10. Protective Styling
Less manipulation of your curls will increase hair retention. More specifically, incorporating hair styles that will HIDE your ends. For example: extension braids, weaves, wigs, buns. Or styles using your natural hair such as braids or twists up dos or tuck/pin styles.

11. Trims
Trimming your Natural Hair when it is necessary. Split ends must be CUT off, in order to have healthy hair growth.

12. Drink Water
Hydrating your body means hydrating your curls.

13. Healthy Eating
Eating healthy foods will directly affect the health of your curls. Increasing your fruit and vegetable intake will lead to a healthier LIFE and beautiful ringlets.

Naptural Counselor's DEEP PROTEIN Conditioner Recipe

Deep Conditioner PROTEIN Recipe

1. Suave Almond & Shea Butter Conditioner (moisture/conditions) 3TB
2. Castor Oil (retains moisture/hair thickening agent) 3-4Tsp
3. Coconut Oil (moisture/shine/sealant) 3-4Tsp
4. Honey (shine) 3TB
5. Mayonnaise with Olive Oil (protein/strengthens) 2TB

Apply mixture in sections. Part the hair in rows and apply mixture from root to tip. Cover hair with plastic cap. Sit under dryer for 15 minutes or without dryer for 60-90 minutes.

Natural Hair Growth Tip:
Balance between PROTEIN and MOISTURE-essential for optimum hair growth .

After this treatment your curls will feel hydrated, soft, revived, moisturized & strengthened. My hair absolutely love this treatment!!!

Kynxx: Castor Oil Healthy Hair (90 Day) Challenge

Kynxx Natural Stylez by Amber is hosting the Castor Oil Challenge!!

This will be my very first Natural Hair Care Challenge that I have entered/participated in! There are many Natural Hair Challenges that promote healthy hair growth, which can be easily found on YouTube. Typically, Natural Hair Challenges will choose a product and/or styling method for participants to use over a course of 90 days to a year to see if these methods has increased hair growth or overall health.

Transitioners are encouraged to take part in similar challenges, in order to be introduced to healthy hair care and growth techniques.

Castor Oil Challenge Rules:
Dates: 12/1/12 to 2/1/13
1. Post hair photos every 2 weeks. Side by Side Photos of the current and previous 2 weeks.
2. Use CASTOR OIL or JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL, as the ONLY styler product.
3. Can mix carrier oils with the Castor Oil such as Olive or Coconut (optional).
4. Utilize your normal shampoo & conditioning regimen.
5. Protective Styles ONLY
6. Post Hair Natural Regimen.

I will track my progress for all of you:

My Regimen

Nightly Routine:
Spray hair with water
Apply Leave-in conditioner (Granier Fructis Intensely Smooth Leave-in Conditioner OR Herbal Essence Totally Twisted Conditioner)
Apply Castor/Coconut Oil Mix
Put hair in Protective Style

Protective Styles:
Single Braids or Twists
Flat Twists
One-Two large head band twists

Daily Routine:
Spritz hair with water
Smooth Castor/Coconut Oil on twists or braids

Weekly:
Shampoos: Dr Bronner's Castile Soap, ACV or Nothing But Shampoo.

Conditioners: As I Am Co-wash, Ren Cleansing Conditioner or Suave Almond & Shea Conditioner

Alternate Weeks:
Deep Conditioner Moisturizer Treatment: Suave Shea Almond Conditioner, Honey, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil mix

OR

Deep Conditioner Protein Treatment:
Suave Shea Almond Conditioner, Honey, Olive Oil Mayo, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil mix

11/28/12

Natural Hair Stages of Hair Growth

Natural Hair Growth

Naptural Counselor Story: Approximately 23-24 months after my BC, I discovered significant breakage of the hair. I panicked because it appeared that my hair was breaking at the root.  I was utterly discouraged and confused--because I FINALLY perfected my healthy hair regimen, as evidence by frequent trims and healthy growth methods (protective styling, moisture, stretching the hair, etc).  I began researching online Natural Hair Breakage. I pleasantly discovered many women were experiencing the same type of ‘breakage’.

3 stages of Natural Hair Growth: 
1. Rapid Hair Growth stage  
2. No Hair Growth (dormant stage) 
3. Rapid shedding stage (new hair growing in- pushes out the old hair out)!

YES! MY HAIR WAS NOT BREAKING!!!

Here is a little test to discover if your hair is breaking or shedding. Look closely at the hairs that arecloose. If the hairs are short pieces—it is breakage. If the hairs are long with little white bulbs at the end—then the natural hair is shedding.

In my opinion, it is healthy for your hair to shed. Why? Your hair will shed approximately 100 strands of hair a day. It is typical for those that have natural hair, not to comb or brush their hair on a daily basis—thus it appears that we have SIGNIFICANT shedding when we detangle. Please remember that your hair sheds 100 strands of hair a day, thus if you only detangle once a week or every two weeks, please expect more loose hairs. It is vital to detangle your often, in order to get rid of loose hairs and prevent tangles or hair loss.  

This picture captures the THIRD stage. As you can observe in the picture: The short hairs appears to be fuzzy. In this stage, it is difficult to pull back the hair in puffs, wear braids or pony tails—due to the amount of fuzz the short hairs produce. The fuzz hairs are actually the new hair growing in to replace the old hair that was pushed out (shedded hairs). What I once thought was ‘breakage’ was fresh new hair coming in. I noticed the new hair grew pretty fast and after a few months, I did not notice the new hairs began to blend with my other hair. 

Natural Hair Protective Style

Would you rock this natural hair protective style? 

This is a tuck and pin go-to style.  I rolled the back upwards and pinned it with straight bobby pins. The front is styled in a side pompadour (Janelle Monae influenced). Quick and Easy Natural Hair Style. 

                                                        24 November 2012

Steaming Your Ringlets

Many of us do not have a steam device at home, due to economical reasons.  Steaming the hair is a glamours method to hydrate your curls. The outcome is amazing--it leaves the hair moisturized, easy to manipulate and seals the cuticle shaft of the hair.  One method that I have incorporated in my natural hair routine: To allow the steam from the shower to hydrate my hair, which results in soft to touch pillow curls.  

Click on the video tutorial: how to create your very own HOME BASE steam treatment.