HOW IMPORTANT IS SHAMPOO???

Shampooing hair, the one thing most black women avoid doing for as long or often as possible. Most of us have heard that washing our hair too much will cause it to dry out, without once thinking that it might be the shampoo we use that is drying out our hair and not the water! Water is actually the best moisturizer yet we avoid it!

African American hair is naturally dry and brittle and requires careful consideration when choosing a shampoo. Finding a good quality all natural moisturizing shampoo is the first step in maintaining strong, healthy hair. When choosing a shampoo for African American hair (of all types) it is best to use all natural hair care products that contain natural oils, that don’t contain harsh chemicals.

You will notice that the natural or organic shampoos do not foam much, very foamy shampoos are the most drying and should be avoided. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and other sulphates are common foaming ingredients found in majority of the shampoos. Sulphates certainly do their job well as they clean the hair out completely but they leave it extremely dry as all the natural hair oils go down the drain too! It is important to consider using a natural shampoo that is sulphate free.

As an African American you must protect against dry hair, but you also have to protect against an unhealthy, clogged, and dirty scalp, which is why you should try to wash your hair at least once per week.

                       How to shampoo & Condition hair

· Wash weekly with a gentle shampoo, only wash and rinse once. Over washing can cause a dry scalp, which will ultimately lead to breakage.

· If you engage in daily activities that cause you to sweat, it is recommended that you rinse your hair out with water and only use shampoo on occasion.

· Carefully massaging the shampoo into your scalp instead of vigorously rubbing it in stimulation blood flow in your scalp. This will reawaken sleeping follicles and promote thicker, healthier hair.

· After rinsing hair of all shampoo, use a natural or organic conditioner to soften and moisturize, then rinse.
· After you shampoo and condition your hair gently ring your hair to remove excess water. Towel blot your hair dry, do not rub the towel up and down your hair. This will result in breakage and splitting.

THE ESSENTIALS

Many organic hair products contain Coconut oil, Aloe Vera, Shea butter, Olive oil and other plant-based extracts. These ingredients have different effects and benefits, so you can choose the product to use for your specific hair concern.

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, vitamin E and minerals and so using a hair product with coconut oil will surely amp your hair’s strength and vitality. Lauric acid and capric acid present in coconut oil acts as antimicrobial agents and provide protection to the hair. It is rich in vitamin E which makes the scalps skin healthy and promote hair growth. Regular head massage with coconut oil will keep the scalp free from dandruff and head lice, etc. Its protein content and moisturizing properties can nourish damaged hair. Thus it acts as an excellent hair conditioner. 

Aloe Vera has been said to be beneficial in curbing excessive hair loss caused by seborrhea. At the same time, it helps in renewing the follicular cycle, which helps the scalp return back to its physiological balance. It is said to be very effective as soon as you notice the first sign of hair loss. If the scalp is massaged with aloe Vera oil, it increases the blood circulation to the scalp and it also brings relief. A person can feel  fresh as the stress and anxiety vanishes after a rejuvenating head massage.

Shea Butter, as it is full of minerals, vitamins, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, has many benefits. Its anti-inflammatory properties heal damaged scalp and help clear any infections. It works well against dandruff too. It can do wonders for hair that has been damaged by excessive coloring and blow-drying. It also helps to de-stress hair that has been affected for too long by pollution. Damaged and brittle hair can be conditioned and revitalized by its moisturizing properties. It soothes and softens dry hair. As shea butter is light and non-greasy, it can also be applied as a leave-in for hair. This will help to shield hair by locking or concealing the moisture in. Besides being great for dry hair, it helps to nourish normal hair and it's non-greasy, easy spread property helps to control excess moisture in oily hair.

Olive Oil is very useful for faster hair growth. The important constituents of olive oil include vitamin D, vitamin E, and B vitamins (niacin and biotin) help to get rid of bald patterns on the scalp. Hair re-growth is certainly possible by daily massaging the scalp with olive oil. Many hair experts regard olive oil as the best oil for hair loss. Vitamin E in olive oil helps to improve blood flow to the scalp, which in turn stimulates hair growth.

HEALTHY BODY = HEALTHY HAIR

Having healthy hair starts from within, a healthy body promotes healthy hair, skin and nails. Exercising and incorporating certain vitamins and minerals in your daily diet will help you see results faster. Below is a list of vitamins, minerals and the reason why they are helpful to the success of healthy hair and growth:

v  Vitamin A- is an antioxidant that helps maintain natural oils in the scalp. (Can be found in milk, eggs, cheese, meats, spinach, broccoli, and cabbage)

v  Calcium - Helps hair growth. (Can be found in dairy, nuts, and beans)

v  Vitamin C - One of nature's most powerful antioxidants maintains healthy hair and skin. (Can be found in fruits, potatoes, and green vegetables)

v  Chromium - Helps regulate your blood sugar level, which affects hair loss. (Can be found in beef and whole wheat bread)

v  Vitamin E- is an antioxidant that benefits scalp circulation. (Can be found in vegetable oils, nuts, beans, and green vegetables)

v  Copper - Strengthens the hair and prevents hair loss. (Can be found in shellfish, green vegetables, eggs, beans, and chicken)

v  Biotin - Produces keratin, which makes up the hair, skin, and nails. (Can be found in eggs, whole grains, rice, and milk)

v  Iodine - Prevents dry hair and hair loss. (Can be found in fish, seaweed, garlic, and iodized salt)

v  Inositol - Promotes follicle health. (Can be found in whole grains and citrus fruits)

v  Iron - Prevents hair loss and anemia. Can be found in eggs, fish, chicken, whole grains, green vegetables, and dried fruits.

v  Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - Improves scalp circulation. (Can be found in fish, chicken, turkey, and other meats)

v  Magnesium - Helps hair growth by working with calcium. (Can be found in whole grains, green vegetables, nuts, and fish)

v  Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) - Prevents hair loss. (Can be found in whole grains, eggs, and certain meats)

v  Manganese - Improves hair growth. (Can be found in whole grains, eggs, nuts, beans, fish, and chicken)

v  Vitamin B6 - Prevents hair loss. (Can be found in whole grains, vegetables, eggs, and certain meats)

v  Potassium - Promotes circulation and helps hair growth. (Can be found in bananas, brown rise, garlic, nuts, dried fruits, raisins, and yogurt)

v  Vitamin B12 - Prevents hair loss. (Can be found in eggs, fish, chicken, and milk)

v  Selenium - Promotes scalp health. (Can be found in fish, whole grains, certain meats, and broccoli)

v  Silica - Creates stronger hair. (Can be found in seafood, rice, and green vegetables)

v  Sulfur - Creates stronger hair. (Can be found in garlic, eggs, onions, milk, cheese, and fish)

v  Zinc - Prevents dry hair and oily skin by working with Vitamin A. (Can be found in mushrooms, spinach, whole grains, and red meat)

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT HAIR CARE PRODUCTS

Many common hair products contain harsh sulfates that can strip your hair, over time making it very unhealthy. Make sure when choosing your hair care products to check the labels before you buy. Make sure your products do not contained harsh sulfates. Below is a list of chemicals to avoid while looking for shampoo, conditioner and other hair care products:

• Polyoxethylene Fatty Alcohols
• PEG 80
• Sorbitan Laurate
• Decyl Polyglucose
• Cocamidoprpyl Betaine
• Sodium Myreth Sulfate
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate
• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
• TEA Laureth Sulfate
• TEA Lauryl Sulfate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Mineral Oil & Petrolatum
• Imidazolidinyl UREA and DMDM Hydantoin
• DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (momoethnanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine)

Damaged hair

Split ends

I have complied this list from researching several different hair and health websites on the internet. Some listed aren’t as harmful as others, but should be avoided if possible; the best way to do this is to go organic.

 

HELLO ORGANICS

After weeks of internet research I have come to the conclusion that the best hair care products such as shampoos, conditioner and styling products are best organic without all the extra chemicals a lot of companies use to make it last longer on the shelves or even lather up more (in shampoos) that prove to be damaging over time. Of course there are pros and cons to using organic especially if this is a new venture for you:

Pros
· Provides best care without being harsh on you scalp and hair over time and could actually make a good difference in the growth and texture of your hair.

· Organic hair care products are only made with natural plant ingredients that nourish, balance and moisturize hair without harming your scalp or damaging the environment

· They are mild and hypoallergenic so they can be used by anyone, even by those with sensitive skins and scalps

· Organic ingredients contain natural active components, vitamins and minerals that would do your hair good.

Cons

· Hard to find if you live in a small town like myself and the option for organic isn’t very popular

· It could be pricey

· Not as much to choose from

However, at this point for me the pro's out weight the cons greatly and I’m willing to spend a little more even if that means I have to order some products online.

Here is a list of some Organic hair products, some of which you may be able to find at your local stores:

o Avalon Organics - Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo

o Burt's Bees

o Aubrey Organics

o Giovanni

o Jason's

o Aveda

o Kiss my face

GOOD BYE HARSH DAMAGING CHEMICALS

First things first NO MORE PERMS!!! I recently watched the documentary by Chris Rock called "Good Hair." I was both shocked and disappointed by the damage perms permanently cause to our scalps and hair follicles, especially after how "well" our hair seems after getting one. I regret ever using one in Jadeynn's hair and truth be told I feel like I've let her down by doing so. I have ruined her once beautiful "good hair" and turned it into a messy, broken off, birds nest. She received her 1st perm when she was 5; she had beautiful thick, super curly hair that by the age of 3 was all the way down her back to her bottom. Yet it was so hard to manage and doing her hair everyday became both painful (to her) and a headache for me, due to all the combing and brushing to get all the tangles/curls out just to have it look decent every day. I figured a perm would help her hair become more manageable and it did just that.

 I first used the "Just for Me" perm and was very satisfied by the results. However as most black women know once you do it once (perm), you will most definitely think you need or want another. I would give Jadeynn a perm once a year, two at most as she got older. Slowly but surely her hair began to change, her thick curly hair became thin, brittle, wavy (no more curls) and her hair stopped growing as long as it use too. Especially in the last 2 1/2 years when I began to try other perms such as "Dark and Lovely Kids Beautiful

Beginnings No-Mistake Nourishing No-Lye Crème Relaxer" that promises to "provide the desired straightness while nourishing your child’s hair" which from our experience couldn’t be further from the truth, I immediately began to notice her hair shed and break off. Then I tried "Dr. Miracles Thermalceutical Intensive No-Lye Relaxer - Regular" which claims to be "the best Hair Care Product Line for Ethnic Hair Care" to that I say maybe for some but definitely not all. I have family members that swear by it.

For us the results were great the first week, it felt soft and healthy and I was very excited about how good it felt. But after washing and styling with the Dr. Miracle hair care products it began to caused extreme dryness in both of our scalps causing itching and thinning, not to mention the awful smell of the product.

After years of perms and bad hair care products both mine and Jadeynn's hair is constantly shedding, is very thin and will not grow past a certain length. Our scalps are dry, flaky and itchy regardless of how many times I wash or grease our scalp. So at this point, our first step back to healthy hair is no more chemicals including perms, color, etc. We are going Organic!

...TODAY IS THE DAY...

So excited, today is the day!!! I will begin my new hair regiment, which I will use on myself and my 10 year old daughter Jadeynn. We are going natural, for us meaning no more damaging chemicals!

The guys in our family are constantly complaining about all the hair on the bathroom floor, counter and the clogging of the shower drain I think my 5 year old son has developed a phobia of dead hair lol, he hates it!!! It is a normal thing for me to be covered with hair all over my clothes by the end of the day; A definite sign of unhealthy hair. So it's definitely time to do something different and get our hair back to good health!

I have made so many bad decisions when it comes to my hair and I have most definitely taken it for granted. Now I'm paying for it my long, thick beautiful hair is gone and I'm going to try to get it back! I have permed, colored, cut, burned my hair (with curling and flat irons) and now my hair has given up on me. It refuses to grow past my shoulders, is very thin and constantly shedding. At this rate I will not have any hair give or take 10 years if I don't make a change soon and my daughter Jadeynn is not too far behind.

I plan to use this blog to post things I have learned about hair care products, hair maintenance and more. I plan to use different websites that I find helpful and post my finding to share with all of you. I'm going to use this blog as my diary as I find my way back to having healthy beautiful hair.

My hair before and now pics:

Before:

15 years old

22 years old

26 years old

28 years old, now

Here are a few of Jadeynn's hair Before and Now hair pics:

6 years old

7 years old

9 years old

10 years old, now

The last pic of Jade is what her hair is like now, shorter and thinner. One thing that I must add is that I have never cut her hair, it is now in broken off layers...scary!

This is my journey to getting BACK mine and my daughters "good hair." .... Join me!