Swap These Ingredients for Healthier Ones

For the full article, click here.  Share your own ingredient swaps below.

3in6: Prep Week #2

PREP WEEK #2: December 11-18.  To join the challenge, see this post.

Use this week to adjust your regimen for 3in6:

1. Determine what protective style you'll wear for 3in6
2. Choose whether you'll style for 2, 3, or 4 weeks at a time
3. Purchase products you will need to maintain your hair
4. "Practice" your new regimen
5. Up your water intake gradually

Thursday Tips!

*Check your hair scissors periodically.  Dull scissors can contribute to split ends.

*Mix one part of pure honey with two parts conditioner for an extra punch of moisture.  Use the concoction after a fresh wash, leave it on for 20 minutes, and then rinse.

*Donate unused hair products that you have in overstock, or give them away as gifts this holiday season.  Swap used hair products with friends or family.

The Truth about Probiotics

With the increasing interest in probiotics (bacteria that help maintain the natural balance of organisms in the intestines), it is important to know the facts.  Check out the following overview on WebMD.

3in6: Prep Week #1

PREP WEEK #1: December 4-10.  To join the challenge, see this post.

Use this week to get a fresh trim or cut.  The following reasons are why:

1. The goal of the challenge is to retain length, and there is no better way to do it than with healthy ends from the start.
2. Trimming or cutting throughout the challenge is a no-no.  It will defeat the purpose of retaining length.

How should one trim/cut her hair?  It depends on your preference.  A trim can be done on dry or wet hair, and straight or coily hair.  I prefer to trim in twists.

Read this post about trimming.

3in6 is Back!

Just in time for the New Year!  This challenge will run from January 1 - July 1 2012.  Below are the details.  Are you in?  Mark your spot in the comment section.

Purpose of this challenge: To retain 2-3 inches of growth in 6 months.

Challenge period: January 1 - July 1 2012

Guidelines:

1. Eat fresh vegetables or fruits with each meal.

2. Take a daily multivitamin.

3. Drink sufficient water.

(Amt of water in oz. = Your weight in lbs * 0.5)

4. Wear twists or braids 2-4 weeks at a time.

5. No direct heat.

6. Absolutely no trimming.  (Start with a fresh cut now if need be.)

Allowances:

Each challenger is allowed two 1-week periods of styling her hair as she pleases (e.g., puff, rollerset, etc.).

Tips on wearing twists/braids long term:

- Do not twist/braid too tightly

- Redo the perimeter weekly or biweekly.

- Deep condition & detangle thoroughly prior to twisting or braiding.

- For more tips, check out posts in the twist series

Winterize Your Regimen!

With winter around the corner, here are a couple of ways to "winterize" your hair and skin care regimens:

Hair:
Winterize Your Washes!
Winterize Your Conditioner!
Winterize Your Moisturizer!
Winterize Your Style!

Skin:
Winterize Your Moisturizer!