Hair Talk with Vee!

Posted on: 5th April 2013 by CFYH

Hey Ladies, today’s Hair Talk features the beautiful Vashti of The Hodge Podge Files

Have you been natural all your life, if not why did you choose to return to your natural tresses?

For the first 14 years of my life I wore my natural hair. I did have my hair relaxed one time when I was about 7 or 8 years. I don’t recall much about the experience but I do know that it was very short lived. A little over three years ago, I decided to “go natural” again because I was bored with my relaxed hair and wanted a change. I curiously ventured into the world of natural hair, and I can say it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I just LOVE my hair

How did family & friends react to your decision to go natural?

Most of my friends and family were very shocked that I had cut all of my hair off. After the got over the initial shock, they did ask the “why did you cut all your nice hair off?” questions. Many of them were surprised at how brave I was. It was a very bold for me, but I was happy I did it. Since then, many of my friends and family have decided to wear their natural hair as well.

My husband was the only person who knew of my decision beforehand and he was, and continues to be my biggest cheerleader. I’m just happy he loves my hair as much as I do.

Do you have a hair regimen, If so what does it consist of?

My hair regimen is pretty simple, at least I think so. I may switch up the products, but the routine remains the same. I think consistency is very important in maintaining healthy hair. I generally cleanse/co-wash my hair once a week.
I always do a pre-poo/hot oil treatment prior to cleansing my hair. Coconut oil is my first choice for pre-pooing, I may add conditioner sometimes, but it depends on what I feel my hair needs at the time.
I detangle and twist my hair up prior to washing, and I’ve found this method helpful in reducing tangles.
I deep condition my hair weekly, then proceed to moisturize, seal and style my hair for the week.

I also like to incorporate special treatments such a Henna/Cassia Glosses, Amla Pastes, Rhassoul clay treatments and Tea Rinses as well. I only shampoo/clarify my hair about twice per month at most. I just really enjoy taking care of my hair. Sometimes it’s a task, but it’s worth it.

3 of your favourite hair products?

I absolutely love Shea Moisture’s Deep Treatment Masque (as a styler), BASK Palm Tapioca Hair cream and Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream. Lately, I’ve being loving the Nubian Heritage Grown & Strengthen Masque for my twist outs. Sorry, I know you said 3 but I had to stick that one in there

Your go-to hairstyle?

I wear my hair in twists most of the time because of the styling versatility they offer. During the week, I generally wear them in various updo/pinned styles, and wear “out” styles on the weekends. I do this more in the cooler months. As it warms up, I tend to wear my hair out more. I really enjoy trying new styles and just like having fun with my hair.

Have you made any mistakes/faced any major challenges with your natural hair? If so what? and what advice would you give to other naturals?

I had issues with highly porous hair early on in my journey. Once I figured out that was the problem, I took steps to remedy it. Incorporating Ayurvedic treatments, Apple Cider vinegar rinses and other treatments/methods that help smooth down/fill-in the gaps in my cuticles, were very helpful in allowing my hair to retain moisture.

My advice: If you have issues with retaining moisture, one of the many culprits can be your hair’s porosity. I honestly feel that everyone should know their hair’s porosity. I think it can be a very helpful piece of info that can make caring for your hair easier.

One useful haircare tip you’d pass on to other naturals?

A very simple tip that has proven valuable for me, is to keep a log/record of your product usage/style results. I keep a “hair calendar” where I record what products I used, in what order and the results I received. This is not only helpful when it comes to recreating a certain style or look, but it can also be a way to narrow down a product or ingredient that you does not agree with your your hair, or you may be allergic to.

Any words of encouragement?

It’s important to love and learn your hair. We all know our hair has a mind of it’s own sometimes, but if you take care of it, it will cooperate…most of the time.
Remember that healthy hair starts on the inside so it is important to eat a balanced, healthy diet and stay hydrated. It sounds so cliché, but it is so true.

Also, be patient and enjoy each stage of your journey because it goes by quickly. Draw inspiration from others, try new styles to keep things fresh and interesting, but most of all have FUN with your hair, but don’t allow it to control your life.

Where can we find you?

My blog can be found at www.thehodgepodgefiles.blogspot.com.

I’m also on these social media platforms

Facebook

Youtube

Instagram: @veepeejay
Twitter: @veepeejay1

I am also the co-organizer of Bella Glam Naturals meetup group based in Dallas.

http://www.meetup.com/Bella-Glam-Naturals-Meetup-Group/

Posted in CFYH Features | 3 Comments

Reader’s Question: Thin hair line

Posted on: 3rd April 2013 by CFYH

“Hello CFYH,

I love your website, thank you for providing your followers with such a great resource.

Like many others in the UK, I have switched to more natural hair products over the past few years and have noticed many positive changes with my hair growth, texture and thickness. I mix many of my own conditioners and scalp reliefs at home. But (big ‘but’), my hairline is still a bit weedy. I can’t help but notice that in some of yours and Angel Smith’s (Natural Lounge) pictures, your hairline is a thinner than the rest of your head too. In my case my hairline has never fully recovered from a bad weave. But I can see that the hair there is growing – just not very thickly or very quickly. Do you have any views as to the reason for this? Are those nightly head wraps (too tight perhaps) or lack of moisture in this area to blame? Or other practices?

I would love to hear your views on this touchy subject.

All the best and keep up the great blog”

Hiya,

Thanks for the email! Very happy to hear you like the blog. I’m very glad you asked this question as it was something I was planning on covering very soon.

Many women suffer from thinning edges/hairline because of excessive pulling from styles such as weaves, braids, tight ponytails and like you mentioned even tight scarves too can cause tension on the hairline. Also chemical burns from relaxers have resulted in some losing their hairline. So the first thing I usually tell ladies when they ask about how to combat this issue is to stop the excessive pulling. Pulling and pulling on the hair overtime can result in permanent damage of the hair follicles and subsequently the hair cannot grow back.

One big misconception people have is weaves/braids ‘grow’ your hair. They don’t at all they do is help retain length which many other styles can do as well. Read more about this here

Secondly, natural oils such as castor oil has given some women amazing results in aiding the re-growth of their hairline (providing it isn’t already permanently damaged).

Celebrity stylist Felicia Leatherwood has also seen good results with the Organic Root Stimulator’s ‘Fertilising Temple Balm’. However, results aren’t overnight and once again your hair will only grow back if the damage isn’t permanent.

I get many emails asking how to tell if there’s still hope for the hairline and I always say, yes try the castor oil/supplements – avoid styles that pull on your hairline, give it some months and see if there’s any improvement.

However if you find your hair isn’t growing back or is of great concern to you I always always recommend going to see a Trichologist, such as Philip Kingsley. They are hair doctors and can examine the damage to your hairline and recommend the best form of treatment for you.

Now in terms of my hair. I have naturally fine hair and it’s been this way all my life. As well as my hair being fine, my edges are very fine too…so I take extra care. Since I was a lil one the first inch of hair that surrounded the perimeter of my hair has been shorter, finer, and very wavy in texture. I wish I had a better picture to show (and a scanner) but here you can see what I mean. It wasn’t like this due to tight braiding or pulling – as the first year of my life my mum mostly left my hair out in a curly fro.

My hair as a baby

My hair now…see what I mean?

As a result my hair has always been this way. There have been times (years back) I’ve had a braid or two pull my hair out right from the roots but it grew back eventually. Now because my hair is fine and my egdes are fine and super sensitive I stick to the easier styles. Even with braids, I get them done 2 times a year. I currently have Kinky twists in now and did braids back in October. When doing braids/weave I never ever get my edges done, I always leave those bits out.

It’s taken me a few years to accept that my hair has and will pretty much always be this way and although there are some styles I can’t do…I now truly do love it.

Some have been blessed with fuller hair lines, others have been blessed with thinner ones…as long as the thinning isn’t self inflicted love your hair the way it is and work with what you’ve got girl! Just like I did, compare your hairline to older pictures to see if there’s a difference if so examine your hair practises that may be contributing to the thinning.

On one final, important note. I urge the mother’s out there to take very good care of their daughter’s hair. In my opinion there is absolutely no excuse for using extensions on little girls. Try out styles on their own hair. Having little girls constantly wearing extensions is first off bad for their fragile hairline and secondly bad mentally. You have them thinking from such a young age that they need ‘added’ hair to look pretty.

Posted in Hair Tips, Miscellaneous | 6 Comments

Hair Talk with Rachy!

Posted on: 24th March 2013 by CFYH

Hey ladies! Today’s Hair Talk features Rachael of UKnaturals.

Tell us a little bit about yourself & UKnaturals…

I am Rachael Mckenzie-Sealy, to many just Rachy. I am a 25 year old creative who likes to be involved in things that express creativity and fun. I have my own fashion label, Concreterose clothing, fashion brand, Making Fashion Happen and blog Just Rachy. I am also 1/2 of Uknaturals, the other half is Naomi Morris.

Uknaturals is a Youtube channel, dedicated to embracing and celebrating naturals hair via debates, interviews, product reviews and general chitchat. We are two different people, with two different heads of hair and two different lifestyles.
We held our first event in October 2012 in aid of Breast Cancer Research and are featured in the Dec/Jan 2013 issue of BlackHair magazine. It really has been such a fun journey and we hope to develop the even channel more this year.

What inspired you to start UKnaturals?

We decided to start Uknaturals because when searching on Youtube for hair advice, all we found were US channels. The products that they were reviewing were not available in the UK so it was kind of irrelevant. So we said lets start our own.

Have you been natural all your life, if not why did you choose to return natural’?

I’ve been natural all my life and didn’t know I was ‘natural’ until a few years ago. I never used that term before being involved in the natural hair world. I have adopted a healthy hair lifestyle about 3years ago as my hair was breaking really badly.

How did family & friends react to your decision to go natural?

My friends have always complimented my hair and asked questions about it. Some can’t understand why I haven’t relaxed it. It’s been a talking point for a lot of conversations.

Do you have a hair regimen, If so what is it?

I am mainly a wash-n-go girl. Its easy, gives me great results and isn’t time-consuming. I use the Vatika egg protein mask before washing my hair, it’s great for strengthening and adding softness to my hair. And then shampoo every 4weeks using a sulphate shampoo. Other weeks I will co-wash or recently I have been using black soap to cleanse. I love that stuff!

Then I use the Aphogee 2min keratin protein treatment every other week as I have colour and bleach in my hair, so I have to make sure it is well-looked after. Then I will use TRESemme naturals conditioner to deep condition with added oils depending how my hair feels. I usually use coconut oil. Then I apply a leave-in, castor oil to seal and a gel, let it air dry and I’m good to go.

What is your favourite go-to hairstyle?

A lazy day, when I really can’t be bothered – it will be in a high bun.

3 of your favourite hair products?

I have tried a lot of products and my favourites so far are:
TRESemme naturals conditioner
Curls curl soufflé
Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie

Have you made any mistakes with your natural hair? If so what advice would you give to other naturals?

A mistake I made was being too wrapped up in what products everyone else was using and trying everything. It isn’t necessary at all or cheap! Do what works for your hair, it is more about the ingredients than the products. I know my hair love aloe vera, castor oil and coconut oil, so when looking for new products I look for those that feature those ingredients.

You recently coloured your hair, how was that experience & what advice would you give to other ladies thinking of adding colour?

I coloured my hair twice in 2012. I wanted something different. I had never use any type of chemical dye on my hair before, only a crazy colour dye about 5 years ago but it didn’t last. So I decided to get a copper brown colour done. I researched for about 6 months prior to getting the colour done, as I was curious to know how colour affects your hair. I had heard a lot of people had experienced dryness. So I made sure my hair was the healthiest and stronger it could be, and I did this via protein treatments.

So I decided to go to Aveda to do my colour as they use a dye that contain a lot of natural ingredients. I would advise everyone to have a consultation before opting for colour. The colourist has to understand exactly what you want and your hair. After 6months of having colour in, I got bored again and wanted to change the colour as it was faded and blah. So I went to the Darren Scott salon in November and opted for a ombre effect, using bleach. Initially I did not want to use bleach, but it was the only option to achieve the look.

Since the colour my hair hasn’t been that dry and I haven’t experienced breakage, as I do a light protein treatment every wash to help build the bonds and condition the hair. The key is moisture to maintain coloured hair.

Any words of encouragement?

Do what works for you! And be patient. Hair is hair, it is an added feature to the beauty you already obtain. Treat your hair like a plant and it will flourish and grow. And enjoy it!!

Ladies you can find Rachy over on Twitter, Instagram & Youtube

Posted in CFYH Features | No Comments

Moisture tips!

Posted on: 17th March 2013 by CFYH

Hey Ladies!

So I get a lot of questions about dryness, brittle/breaking and ‘hard’ hair and what to do next. One word – MOISTURE!

I cannot stress enough how beneficial moisture is for our type of hair, especially as it’s more prone to dryness.

Thee best source of moisture is from water! So I’ve found what works for me is…

*Co-washing my hair at least once a week (washing with conditioner only)

*Use water-based products to style my hair with (waster-based meaning water/aqua is the first ingredient)

*Seal/lock in the moisture by then using an oil/oil-based product.

*Throughout the week, if ever feel my hair is a little dry I use a spray leave-in conditioner to refresh my hair. My favourite two are:

- Jane Carter Solution: Revitalizing Leave-in Conditioner

- Root2Tip: Honey Rain Juice

*The MOST effective way I’ve found to keep my hair moisturised is by NOT covering my hair in the shower. I usually wear twist outs or updo styles. But when I’m in the shower, I let my hair out and let the steam hit my hair – firstly this adds volume to my hair and secondly – MOISTURE!

*Finally I deep condition my hair weekly – read more about my conditioner recommendations here

As a natural water really is your best-friend, and if she isn’t yet…you need to change that! lol!

List of Water – Based products I use/have used & recommend:

BeUnique Hair Care – Moisture Custard
Curls - Quenched Curls – Curl Moisturizer/2nd Day Curl Refresher
Root2Tip – Honey Rain Juice
Jane Carter – Revitalising Leave-in
Sisay – Okra Moisturiser
Root2Tip – Triple Moisture Milk
Cioccolatina – Fatima

Posted in Hair Tips, Miscellaneous | 9 Comments

“Weave vs Natural? The Politics Of Afro Hair”

Posted on: 10th March 2013 by CFYH

Hey ladies, over this past week the annual global WOW festival took place. This festival was held in the Southbank Centre and is where “women and men of all ages and backgrounds celebrate women’s achievements and discuss the obstacles they face across the world.”

The talk I really wanted to attend was the “Weave vs Natural? The Politics Of Afro Hair” that took place yesterday afternoon.

Key speakers at this talk included: Keysha Davis, editor of Blackhair magazine, journalist and writer Funmi Fetto, journalist Eva Simpson and blogger Natalie Clue (Beauty Pulse London). Chaired by journalist and author Hannah Pool.

For anyone like myself that missed it, here’s the video.

Posted in Miscellaneous | 2 Comments

Hair Talk with Tania

Posted on: 5th March 2013 by CFYH

Hey Ladies, today’s ‘Hair Talk’ features the beautiful Tania who shared her hair with us over on facebook last week

Have you been natural all your life, if not why did you choose to ‘go natural’?

I haven’t been natural my whole life. In 2009 I decided to go natural, because I felt my hair being damaged do to all the heat damage I was using. I use to flat iron my hair every single day, where I could just smell my hair burning from the heat of the flat iron. I knew it was finally time for a change and to better my hair from being unhealthy. I knew being natural would be the best choice for my hair far as it being healthier and to become more versatile at the same time. Going natural has been one of the best decision I made in my life!

How did family & friends react to your decision to go natural?

My family and friends were very supportive of my decision on going natural. I wouldn’t say they were nervous, but more excited and anxious on seeing the outcome from becoming natural. They knew I could do it, and knew in the end I would be very proud of myself.

Do you have a hair regimen, If so what does it consist of?

wash my hair with shampoo once a month. I Co wash my hair every three to four days. I finger comb my hair with my fingers I never use a comb. I deep condition my hair every two weeks. I sit under the dryer for 20 minutes, and sometimes I leave it in over night then wash it out. In my hair I leave the leave in conditioner , the curl enhancing smoothie and the coconut oil on the ends. The gel for my edges. Every once in a while I use the gel all over for better definition.

3 of your favourite hair products?

My three favorite products are coconut oil, AG fast food leave in, and the Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie. The Shea moisture leaves my hair extremely soft and very moisturized with so much volume.

Your go-to hairstyle?

My go-to hairstyle is the high messy bun aka the pineapple. I love the way my hair falls to the side with its curls.

One thing you love most about your hair?

The one thing I love most about my hair is the volume! I love how big and bouncy it can get. It literally feels like a big pillow, but I love it!

Have you made any mistakes/faced any major challenges with your natural hair? If so what? and what advice would you give to other naturals?

I would say I face a challenge with my natural hair by minimizing the heat i use on my hair. I went from using heat on my hair to every day to now every six months and longer at some times. It was very hard, just because I was so use to the process, and was so use to just one style. My advice to other naturals is that less heat prevents heat damage, because one can be natural there whole life, but have very bad heat damage. Just know our hair is in love with water and moisture, it doesn’t love heat.

One useful haircare tip you’d pass on to other naturals?

A useful haircare tip is oil. I would say try to put oil on the ends of your strands as well as the scalp. As long as it’s in the scalp it will fall throughout your hair. I love coconut oil it does wonders on my hair. Keeps is moisturized and makes it shine.

Any words of encouragement?

My words of encouragement is to have patience. Patience is key, and you can go along way with it. You have to know that your hair will reach your hair length goal at its own pace. It will get there it took me four years to reach mine. I knew it would grow and be much healthier within time. Also i know doing different hair styles can take up to one hour and more such as twist outs, or bantu knots, etc. Just know that in the end the results are gorgeous, and you can see how versatile your hair can be. Embrace your natural hair!