Study on Relaxers and Fibroids

The findings of a study at Boston University "raise the hypothesis that hair relaxer use increases" fibroids in women.  So can relaxers cause fibroids?  Further research is necessary, but the study points to a possibility.


ABSTRACT: http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2012/01/10/aje.kwr351.short

NEWS: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/120217-study-causes-hair-scare-about-tumors#ixzz1mwiRrwTi

Healthy Hair on Youtube: JoStylin

JoStylin is a type 4 natural with healthy waistlength hair (when stretched).  Listen to her hair care routine, which is an easy mix of braids and braidouts.  Keeping it simple is the name of the game!

Friday's Length Retention Tip!

Do you want to reach your goal? Then ...

adopt a low/no comb routine.  Combing the hair is a form of mechanical manipulation and may encourage breakage (Source).  Thus, keep combing to a minimum (e.g., once a month, every few months, or never).  If possible, opt for finger detangling instead.

Other tips:

*Use a wide tooth bone/resin comb instead of a regular comb
*Finger detangle on dry, lubricated, stretched hair
*Comb on damp, conditioner-soaked hair
*Toss out your brushes (denman, tangle teezer, paddle, etc.)

Basic Regimen & Products for HEALTHY Relaxed Hair

For "Basic Regimen & Products for HEALTHY Natural Hair", check this post.

Part of perfecting a regimen is learning what your hair likes and dislikes. But before you reach that point ... before you come to know your hair, where do you begin?

Prior to going natural, I was relaxed for several years.  During that period, I learned what to do and what not to do for my hair to thrive.  In this post, I list the basic "to do's" which I hope can be a good starting point for those who desire healthy relaxed tresses. In time, as you learn your hair, you can tweak these "basics":

*STRETCH YOUR RELAXERS

Damage can occur when the hair is relaxed too frequently.  It is important to allow sufficient new growth to accumulate before your next touch up session; this waiting period is called "stretching".  Another benefit to this technique is less exposure to the chemicals associated with relaxing.  The scalp gets a longer "break" between relaxing sessions.
Many women with healthy relaxed hair "stretch" their relaxers for 3-6 months at a time, and I recommend the same to you.  During that period, do low manipulation styles in order to minimize breakage and tangling.

*CLEANSE THE HAIR WEEKLY

A clean scalp is vital for healthy growth. Cleansing the hair is also a product of good hygiene. Start by washing your hair 1x a week and tweak it from there. In between washes, does your scalp or hair feel extra dirty? If so, increase the frequency of your washes. If your new growth is significant, I highly recommend washing in braided sections.

Choosing a shampoo: It is ideal to invest in a weekly shampoo that lacks Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), which are surfactants that may be too harsh for the hair and scalp. Instead, gravitate towards shampoos containing gentler cleansing agents to be on the safer side.

Product recommendations: Giovanni Tea Tree, Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Shampoo, Desert Essence Shampoos

*DEEP CONDITION & DETANGLE AFTER EACH WASH

Whether you wash 1x a week or 3x a week, follow it up with a deep conditioning session. Why? Because each wash rinses away the benefits of the previous the deep conditioning session. Deep conditioners are important because they temporarily bind to (and sometimes penetrate into) the hair protecting and smoothing the strand until the next wash. Undo each braid, apply the conditioner, and rebraid. Put on a plastic bag and be sure to allow the conditioner to sit for at least 30 minutes.  Then detangle with a wide tooth comb and rinse.

Choosing a deep conditioner: Look for one that contains strengthening ingredients, such as hydrolyzed collagen or hydrolyzed keratin, near the top of the list.  The amount/type of the ingredient depends on how much strengthening your hair requires.  I also recommend finding a deep conditioner that has 'slip' and moisture.  This will ease the detangling process and provide a protein-moisture balance, respectively. Deep conditioners like this usually contain an oil and/or a fatty alcohol (e.g., cetyl alcohol) for slip ... and glycerin and other humectants for moisture.

Product recommendations for strength: Aphogee 2 Minute Reconstructor; Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise; Homemade egg conditioner (recipes here)

Product recommendations for strength, moisture, & slip: Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenishing Pak; Lekair Cholesterol (mixed with olive oil); Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Conditioner; Egg/mayonnaise/olive oil (recipe here under "Loo's recipe"); 

*SEAL AFTER EACH WASH & MOISTURIZE AS NEEDED

Water is the best moisturizer out there for our hair. After a good wash and deep conditioning session, you can follow up with an oil or butter to seal in the water. In between washes, if your hair gets dry, you can apply a bit of water or do a full-on spritz and then re-seal. Another option is to use a water-based spritz or moisturizer.

Choosing a moisturizer: Go straight for the water or look for water-based moisturizers (where water will be the first ingredient listed).

Product recommendations: Water, Homemade spritz of rosewater and glycerin (a humectant)

Choosing a sealant: Look for products that contain oils and/or butters.

Product recommendations: Homemade whipped shea butter (recipe here), grapeseed oil, olive oil, avocado oil, castor oil, Jane Carter Nourish & Shine

AIRDRY IN ROLLERS & VOILA!

Get a smooth sleek look while minimizing heat usage by airdrying in a rollerset.  For hair with a lot of new growth, do a ponytail rollerset to avoid puffy roots (video tutorial); just be sure not to apply too much tension via hair ties.  Be sure to wear a silk scarf to bed or use a silk pillow case to protect your cuticles as you sleep.

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Extra steps you may want to include in your regimen:

*CO-WASH IF NEEDED:

If you find that frequent shampooing is drying to your hair, you may want to explore using a conditioner to wash. Just wet your hair, apply conditioner, and massage your scalp and hair as usual. After rinsing the conditioner the out, seal and style.

Choosing a conditioner: Look for a non-heavy inexpensive conditioner. Heavy conditioners will build up on the hair too quickly.  Avoid protein-based and silicone-based conditioners when it comes to co-washing.

Product recommendations: Suave Coconut Conditioner, V05 Champagne Kisses, V05 Honeydew Smoothie, V05 Passionfruit Smoothie, V05 Blackberry Sage Tea

*CLARIFY IF NEEDED:

If you find that regular shampooing does not adequately remove product buildup from your hair, you may want to explore clarifying. Start with doing this once a month and then adjust as needed.

Product recommendations: V05 Kiwi Clarifying Shampoo (not as drying as other clarifying shampoos)

*PRE-POO IF NEEDED:
For more on prepooing, check this post.

**INTERNAL HEALTH:

If your internal health is not on point, work on it. Drink sufficient water, get plenty of rest, exercise, and include the hair foods (click here) in your diet! Internal health as just as crucial to hair care as external care.

Twist Series: Long Lasting Twists

Here are some tips for increasing the wear of your twists:

1) Twist on dry, stretched hair.  
Twists done on wet hair tend to frizz faster than those done on dry, stretched hair.

2) Use a twist pudding.
Use a twist pudding to twist your hair.  This step will help to add hold to your twists.  The pudding can be made from a simple mix of gel, a butter (e.g., shea), and a little oil (optional).  Be sure not to use too much pudding.

3) Refrain from using moisturizers with humectants.
Prior to twisting, do not use a humectant-based moisturizer.  Humectants draw moisture from the air and can cause your twists to frizz faster.  Glycerin, propylene glycol, and honey are just a few examples of humectants.  (If you absolutely cannot do without humectants, then neglect this step because health comes before beauty.)

4) Use the rope/Senegalese twist method.
Take two strands, coil each one upon itself, and then twist.  The coiling makes for smoother, longer-lasting twists.  For a further description and tutorial of the rope/Senegalese twist method, check this post.

5) Wear a silk/satin scarf to bed.
Bonnets are fine, but scarves will lay down any frizzies and keep the style looking fresher longer.  Be sure not to tie the scarf too tight.

6) Wear a silk/satin scarf under your shower cap.
The scarf will reinforce protection of your style from the water and steam.

7) Keep moisturizing to a minimum.
If you are spritzing your twists daily, then your style will not last long.  Find a moisturizer or sealant that can allow you to go days, or even a week, without reapplication.

8) Keep washes to a minimum.
A good twist style can usually survive 1-2 washes before it is time for a redo.  If you are washing more times than that during the week, your twists will not last long.

9) Braid your twists before washing.
Doing this will help to keep your twists intact and minimize frizzing.

10) Airdry in braids.
Not only will this minimize frizzies, but it has the added benefit of minimizing shrinkage.

11) Redo the perimeter only.
Re-twisting the twists on the perimeter (particularly after a wash) will give your overall twist look a fresher appearance.

12) Wear smaller twists.
The smaller the twists, the longer lasting the style.  Bigger twists tend to unravel and frizz faster.

For other posts in the Twist Series, check this label.
If you have questions you would like to be answered in the Twist Series, comment below.

Valentine Day Treats … Lower in fat but still so YUMMY!

By Stephanie of Infinite Life Fitness


Valentine’s Day is a day about love…a day of appreciation…a day of caring…but most importantly a day of indulging in some of your favorite sweet treats! It is OK to allow yourself to splurge every once in a while if you are trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle. But be careful of how much you are splurging and don’t forget to limit how often you allow yourself to do so!

So, to all those love birds that are scrambling to try to plan a romantic evening filled with dinner and tasty treats, why not consider some of the healthier options for your Valentine’s Day desserts?

Here are just a few treats which are healthier than the original recipes, but taste just as good! You can still have tasty treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth while trying to stick to your healthy diet!

Strawberry Cheesecake Minis
{Photo by TASTE OF HOME}

• Prep: 15 min. Bake: 15 min. + cooling
• Yield: 12 Servings

Ingredients

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) reduced-fat cream cheese
• Sugar substitute equivalent to 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup egg substitute
• 12 reduced-fat vanilla wafers
• 1 can (12 ounces) strawberry cake and pastry filling

Read more »

REVIEW #13: Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk

NOTE:  I am not paid to review this product.

Purpose: Detangles, conditions, and controls curl; Restore moisture, body and shine

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut)*, Sugar Starch, Silk Protein, Essential Oil Blend, Melia Azadirachta Seed Oil (Neem), Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitol Esters, Algae Extract, Hlyssopus Officinalis Extract, Salvia Officinalis Leaf and Equisetum Arvense Extract (Sage), Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil (Carrot), Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Honeysuckle and Japanese Honeysuckle), Tocopherol (Vitamin E).

*Certified Organic Ingredient

Number of trials: 1/4 of the bottle (several uses)

How I used it:

Method #1: Applied on freshly washed and conditioned hair.

Method #2: Applied on dry hair in need of moisture.

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THE REVIEW:

Though this product is called a "curl & style milk", it boasts "moisture, body, and shine" for "thick, curly hair".  I used it for the sole purpose of moisturizing my "thick, kinky" hair and not for styling curls.  The ingredients of shea butter and coconut oil - two substances my hair loves - gave me hope in the product's claim of moisture.  However, I was left disappointed after a two-month trial.  I had to reapply the product about 2-3 times over the course of a few days for my hair to feel soft and moisturized.  The three positives I will say about the milk are that it 1) smells extremely pleasant, 2) it is mostly natural and 3) it is light enough (water-based) for hair that needs just a touch of moisture.  

For an alternate review (a natural woman with curly hair):  VIDEO REVIEW

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PROS: smells pleasant, mostly natural ingredients (no propylene glycol, paraffin, mineral oil, etc.), reasonable price

CONS: too light (ideal for those who prefer light products)

RATING: Overall, I give the Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk 2 out of 5 stars for moisture.  No rating is given for curl control (since I do not have curls).  Check out the video review above for a curly girl's perspective. 

This product may work well for those with:

- curly hair

- fine hair
- and/or hair easily weighed down by heavier products