Like I said in the Hard Water=Unhealthy Hair post, more than 89% of U.S homes have hard water. The best way to solve the issue is with a filter. But if you're a little too busy for that, try using distilled/purified water (the one you drink) in your moisturizing spritz. Hard water dries the hair, but using a spritz with purified water can combat that effect.

I was at Wal-Mart looking for a conditioner to use as a co-washing conditioner and found these two wonderful products from SunSilk. The green bottle is a leave-in conditioner called SunSilk Captivating Curls Creme. Why did I get something meant for curly hair? I liked the ingredients! It has Aloe vera and algae extract in it. The blue bottle is called SunSilk Anti-Poof Conditioner. This little baby has Jojoba oil in it! I'll use the conditioner in a few days and see how that turns out. But so far, the leave-in is good.

Previous Recipe: Cayenne Pepper Stimulant, The 2Bossay Growth Aid, Moe's Growth Oil, Moisturizing Spritz

I've seen a whole bunch of growth aids that include sulfur, so here's a great recipe. You can pick up some sulfur at online, at Wal-Mart, or any plain ol' pharmacy.

Sulfur Growth Aid

• 1 tsp sulfur (flowers of sulfur or sublimed sulfur)
• 4 ounces coconut oil
• 3.75 ounces olive oil
• .25 ounce essential oils

Like the recipes before, this recipe is modifiable. The only thing I suggest is to not use more than two teaspoons of sulfur. It's extremely potent and using too much may not be a good idea.

I realized that from the moment I started blogging, I never really sat down and discussed hair typing. Hair typing is a system we hair aficionados use to determine what kind of hair we have (loose, curly, kinky, etc). Now, down to business...

Straight Hair
In the hair forum circuit, this hair type would also be called 1a. It's pretty self-explanatory. The hair strands are straight.

Loose Waves
Also called 2a, this hair type is often defined as hair strands that are soft and less defined than more curlier hair. If this hair type is ever cut into a short style, it may appear to be straight!

Curly Hair
This type is also called 3a or 3b (the more curlier of the two). Hair in this category tends to have more volume than the first two and is a helluva lot curlier. The hair strands appear to be "S" shaped.

Kinky Hair
Also known as 4a or 4b (even kinkier than the first). This hair type may be more coarse than the previous types, but it's also the most fragile believe it or not. Extra care is needed for this type. Hair in this category tends to have a small, tight "S" shape. Some would say the hair is almost "Z" shaped, but honestly, I don't buy that.

Got a question but too afraid to ask? Don't worry! You can e-mail us at anytime with your question, comment, or concern by simply filling out the contact form. All e-mails are answered within 24 hours, unless we are experiencing technical difficulties. So, what are you waiting for? Your hair can't wait. We'd love to hear from you!

Wheat protein binds with the oxygen and hydrogen found naturally in your hair which helps lock in moisture.

Here's the latest banner for the blog. I really liked the colors and the woman's afro. Click the image for a better view. The banner is 120 x 300.

While going through the blogs of members on The Coarse Hair Diaries, I found a great blog post by kelly. Her blogs are absolutely informative and very helpful. The blog post discussed the top ten healthy snacks you can eat to help your hair.

"Like I said in my last blog post what we put inside our bodies to nourish the papilla is just as important as what we put on top of our hair to keep it healthy and strong, so when you want to reach for a snack instead of the potato chips here are some snacks that are not only healthy for the body but are healthy for the growth of our hair."

01. Almonds
02. Walnuts
03. Sunflower seeds.
04. Figs
05. Apricots
06. Bananas
07. Raspberries or strawberries
08. Oranges
09. Raisins
10. Prunes
11. Skim milk, or 4 oz. frozen or regular low fat yogurt
12. Whole grain cereal or whole grain snack bar

Lately, I've been into hair accessories. Can't you tell? LOL. I was at Urban Outfitters today and saw the cutest hair accessories ever! I forgot how great their hair related stuff were. I went on the website and found two great accessories. The first one is the S Loves C by Spring & Clifton Bow Beret in Grey for $38.00. While the second is the Mesh Flower Headwrap in Black for $16.00. You can't tell me these aren't cute!

Rihanna on the set of Live Your Life with T.I. Click the image for a better view.

A great how-to from Joi of Beauty Blvd. and The Anti Hair Slave! Be sure to check out her websites for her newest giveaway! See more videos like this on The Coarse Hair Diaries.

Today, while I was checking the e-mail for TCHD, I happened upon an advertisement for OOKISA Hair Care System For Beautiful Hair. Naturally, I decided to look into it and saw some pretty good things.

Fortifying Shampoo
Fortifying Shampoo powerfully cleanses and removes polluting substances that clog hair follicles and keep you from achieving optimum hair thickness. This daily formula penetrates evenly through hair follicles and strands with firm yet gentle massaging strokes.

• Gently yet powerfully frees hair of impurities
• Bestows a fresh and lively bounce
• Sulfate–free: Will not dry or strip hair

Replenishing Conditioner
Replenishing Conditioner moisturizes hair with a lightweight blend of hydrating nutrients that give hair a silky look and feel. Your styling ritual becomes a pleasure, as each follicle and strand is refreshed and renewed. Thickening and strengthening compounds lift with volume and dimension that resist thinning or weakness. Perfect for color–treated or damaged hair.

Formulated with a concentrated blend of complex amino acids that fortify the hair cortex and coat the hair cuticle. It also protects hair so it is resistant to breakage.

• Amplify hair strength by 59%*
• Prevents color fading
• Reduces split ends

Instant Volumizing Souffle
Instant Volumizing Souffle applies a body building approach to your hair. This luxurious whipped mousse immediately gives hair a breathtaking lift, while exercising, toning and fortifying the inner structures of scalp, cuticles and follicles. Hair moves with an ease and fluidity that maintains your style all day long.

Rooibos Red Tea, also known as Honeybush, has been consumed in Africa and the Middle East as an invigorating tonic. Rooibos extract, when applied to hair, stimulates hair follicles to quickly increase volume and moisture, for a full and brilliant look.

• Instantly add volume, lift and flexibility
• Enhance structure for extra dimension
• Weightless hydration maximizes brilliance

Although I have yet to try it, the system sounds pretty good! OOKISA also has other great things like the Nighttime Follicle Renewing Serum, Follicle Anti–Aging Dietary Supplement, and Hair Health Dietary Supplement. Just check out the official website for more!

Stressed-Out Hair
There are many reasons why men and women lose their hair, but Dr. Mayoral believes that stress may be the primary reason for unexplained hair loss. When someone is under stress, hair can go into the telogen (fall-out) phase. Telogen effluvium is a very common hair loss problem that can occur up to three months after a stressful event. After the initial hair loss, hair usually grows back in six to nine months.

Life-changing events such as childbirth or surgery also can cause hair loss. Dr. Mayoral explained that during these times, the body takes a “time-out” from growing hair to concentrate on recovery and healing. As such, hair does not grow as much and some could shed and not grow back right away.

“Stress affects people differently – some may develop an ulcer, or have a heart attack, or lose their hair,” said Dr. Mayoral. “Hair loss is a normal response to stress, but patients should see a dermatologist for a proper evaluation to rule out other medical causes. I also advise patients to avoid any strange diets where only one or two foods are allowed, as improper nutrition and extreme or rapid weight loss can result in hair loss.”

Source: The Coarse Hair Diaries

De-stress Yourself NOW!
Doing regular deep breathing exercises, reading, and taking daily naps are great ways to tone down your stress levels. Also, occasional massages, pilates, yoga, or even aerobics can de-stress your body.

Next time you go out shopping for an extremely moisturizing conditioner, leave-in, or daily moisturizer, make sure it has Sodium PCA as one of the ingredients. What exactly is it? Sodium PCA is a humectant and an anti-static agent used in hair care products and is well-known for its moisture-binding capacity. It also can help moisturize and soften your new growth.

This post is for you, Solomondyselle! Transitioning and even stretching can be hard, but these products might be the answer. A member of The Coarse Hair Diaries has been raving about the Transitioner's Tonic, so I decided to look into it. After going through the list of products, I decided that I will buy the three products above.

Knot Today
KNOT TODAY is a creamy herbal conditioner and detangler designed to smooth the cuticle and remove knots, snarls and tangles from thick curly textured hair.

After washing hair, apply KNOT TODAY generously and work through troubled areas with a wide tooth comb.

Can be used as a regular rinse out conditioner for wavy hair or as a leave-in for thicker curlier hair types.

An excellent product to use after removing braids and extensions.

**TIP- When using this product as a leave-in, apply in the shower and rinse with a little water to evenly distribute the conditioner.

Transitioners Tonic
This vitamin packed scalp tonic has everything your new hair growth and scalp need during the transition period from relaxed to natural hair.

TRANSITIONERS TONIC contains Aloe Vera and chamomile to heal and soothe your scalp, Sodium PCA to moisturize and soften the new growth, MSM to remove toxins, silica and silk proteins to reduce breakage, and biotin and rosemary which are reported to speed up hair growth.

Curling Custard
CURLING CUSTARD gives moisture and curl definition, hold and brilliant shiny hair!

You get Moisture + Hold + Shine in one product!

An all in one product which will simplify the styling process and provide you with the best value for your dollar!

This high performance product is very concentrated so a little goes a long way. 16 oz jar yields many applications and depending on length and thickness of hair should last a few months.

It reduces bulk, defines & elongates your curls helping them to 'hang' better. CURLING CUSTARD will bring out the natural curl or wave pattern you never knew you had!

It is an advanced botanical formula made with ALL NATURAL ingredients that nourish and strengthen the hair.

Utilizing the humectant properties of the Agave Nectar, CURLING CUSTARD will give weight to your hair, define your curls, remove frizz, provide long lasting hold and shine without ever being greasy, crunchy or drying to your hair.

**TIP- This product is designed to work alone but ultimate curl definition and length can be achieved when used with KNOT TODAY as a leave in conditioner.

For best results apply CURLING CUSTARD to soaking wet, freshly washed hair.

For very kinky and tightly coiled hair use KNOT TODAY as a leave-in conditioner then apply CURLING CUSTARD to soaking wet hair in small sections. Smooth each section with fingers from root to tip.

For more on Kinky-Curly products, visit the official website at http://kinky-curly.com.

Beyonce is definitely doing big things since she's gracing the cover of both Essence and In Style for their latest issues. Her hair in her If I Were A Boy video looks surprising real. I know, I know. I shouldn't be on her hair like that, but I did love her hair in the video. It's a lot more refreshing to see believable looking hair instead of her $50,000 lacefronts. Click the image for a closer look.

I never really noticed how much my hair grew within the last year, but here it is! I've been seriously taking care of my hair since June 2007 and I'm loving the results. My best advice is to not give up! Click on the image for a better view.

The Simmons sisters at L.A Fashion Week.

It's been a looong time since I've worn a bun. I always hated the way my hair felt after taking out the bun, so I stopped wearing it. Anyway, I bought this little bun at Sally's a few weeks back and so far, I like it. It's decent and does the job. It doesn't dry out my hair so that's a plus. The name of the bun is Fusion Hair Stylers Foundations For Perfect Chignons. It's super cheap -- like two dollars -- and does the job.

For more on the bun, visit the page:
http://www.sallybeauty.com/Hair-Stylers-Chignon/FUSION3,default,pd.html

According to the last poll, 39 readers (46%) say that their hair has grown between four to six inches within the last year. The second most popular answer was zero to three. I chose four to six, of course.

Tool Name: GVP 1'' Ceramic Flat Iron
Price Range: $59.99-$69.99
Company: Sally's (http://www.sallybeauty.com/)
Catch Phrase: This versatile GVP styling tool has an ergonomic design and curved edge plates to create any style from straight to curly and everything in between. A powerful heating element and 5 heat settings gives you the power to create the style of your dreams. The GVP styling tool uses Far Infrared Ceramic plates that maintain an even temperature all the time, eliminating hot spots that can cause damage and breakage to the delicate hair strands. This ceramic technology also produces negative ions that seals the cuticle, repels humidity and locks in hair color while smoothing and straightening.

What I Say: I've used a lot of flat irons in my time and this is one of the best. It has temperature control and gives my hair so much shine. I air dried my hair a few weeks back and flat ironed with this baby-- it only took two passes to get my hair bone straight! I also used it to give my hair some curls for a date I had and the results were great. I totally recommend it to everyone, including my Natural sisters.

Tool Tip: For a straighter look without multiple passes, use a fine-tooth comb!
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (5/5)

I got my very own Pretty Wrap a few weeks back and ever since then, I have been in love. What exactly is Pretty Wrap? It is a company that designs beautiful silk headbands and wraps. Here are some great things about the wrap as seen on their website:

• Comfortable secure fit that stays on while you sleep.
• Wrap your hair nightly to prolong your hairstyle.
• Reduce the use of heated styling tools in the morning.
• The natural fiber of silk allows air flow unlike synthetic fabric.
• Maintain healthy hair by preventing dryness and reducing breakage.
• Our easy to care silk can be hand washed in cold water.

My hair has been able to retain moisture better and I am loving the black headband and scarf I also got since I can wear it every other day. A great thing about the wraps and headbands is that they come in great colors like pink, black, and ivory!

For more info, visit the official website at http://www.prettywrap.com.

I relaxed two days ago with Mizani Butter Blend Rhelaxer and let me just say that next to Affirm, this relaxer is AWESOME. My hair is incredibly soft to the touch and shines like nothing else. My hair is still that reddish brown color and I don't think it'll go away. Anyhow, my hair got a little longer and as a result, a little thinner. Why? The back grows faster than the other parts which gives it that thinner appearance. I'm not worried since I plan to even out my hair next year.

After my charger died two weeks ago, I was pretty much stuck since a new one would cost me more than a hundred dollars and I had bills to pay. Anyway, I FINALLY got the charger so expect new posts today, tomorrow, and the days to come. Thank you so much to Sunshyne for posting in my absence. Gotta love her! By the way, I relaxed two days ago with the Mizani Butter Blend Rhelaxer so I will post pictures later.

Product Name: Elasta QP Shampoo for Relaxed Hair
Price Range: $2.29 - $3.99
Company: Elasta Products (http://www.elastaqp.com/)
Catch Phrase: Will produce luxurious lather while moisturizing relaxed hair. Excellent for use on color-treated hair.

What I Say: I like Elasta QP Products so I decided to try the shampoo for relaxed hair. I like the fact that its pH balanced (ph 4.5-5.5), however, that's about it. I don't like the fact that it contains sulfates (Sodium Myreth Sulfate). Even if its not SLS, ALS etc. it stripped my hair and it was very stiff as if I got a protein treatment. The funny thing is, I only lathered once and I prepooed overnight! I will not repurchase, thank God it was cheap.

Product Tip: Use as a clarifier to remove dirt and build up.
Rating: ♥ ♥ (2/5)

♥ Sunshyne


Brought to you by: Hairlicious Inc.

Hairlicious (and TCHD) author, Sunshyne, shows you how she does her signature bun! See more posts by my blog buddy and hair sister at Hairlicious Inc.

One thing I honestly love is answering e-mails to women, and sometimes men, who really want to improve the health of their hair. Why? They take the advice and change their hair for the better. One thing I HATE, is that when my friends or family ask me for help, they don't do it and say, "You have good hair" or "You must be mixed or something." I hardly ever answer their questions because of those responses and the "You're not white. Your hair will fall out" statements. This is the topic of the day.

• Do you share your hair care knowledge with friends and family?
• Why or why not?
• What are some responses you get?

I just wanna hear what everyone has to say so feel free to jump in at anytime!

Although I discussed the basics of what Ayurveda is, I thought it would be fair to reintroduce the topic to any newbies that may be wondering about it. The information in this post is from my lovely sisters at BHM: Click here for the original post.

Coconut -– cooling oil
Used for scalp and length of hair, the body, and for cooking. Herbs can be infused in it, flavoring/scenting the infusion by immersing oils in it and letting it sit in the sun without high heat as heat from cooking a long time will alter the properties of unrefined coconut oil slightly. Prevents protein loss from hair during washing.
Applied both pre-wash and on the days between washing.

For dry or damaged ends: Wet/ mist the ends of the hair and liberally apply coconut oil, then braid. Let the oil soak in for at least a day.

Sesame –– Warming/ neutral oil
Commonly used for hair and cooking. The best oil to use when infusing other herbs by cooking. Can be applied between washing but, referred as a pre-wash oil as it has a stronger scent than coconut.

Mustard -– warming oil
It is used more in Northern India, for the scalp and for medicinal body massages. It brings circulation to the scalp due to its mild irritating properties, similar to cayenne pepper. It has anti-bacterial properties. Do not try to infuse herbs in this by heating as it produces noxious fumes. Applied pre-wash to scalp only. Has a strong scent.

Amla Oil -- cooling oil
Conditioning astringent. A cooling, pitta soothing oil. Used for hair loss, premature graying, strengthens the roots, reduces dandruff. Prevents split ends. A small amount is applied to hair and scalp after washing or massaged in pre-wash. Promotes sound sleep when massaged into the scalp.

Brahmi Gatu Kola (Bacopa monnieri)
Herb infused in oil. A cooling, pitta soothing oil.
Used to combat dandruff and dry scalp.

Bringraj (Eclipta alba)
Oil of the herbs called the king of herbs for hair infused into oil such as sesame. Aids in hair growth. Used for prevention of premature balding, and helps with sun damaged and color treated hair. Massage into the scalp pre-wash.

Albizia amara-- usilai, vaagai, sirisa
For dandruff.

Amla (Emblica officinalis)
The herb is an astringent, helps dye uptake, a conditioner and is mildly acidic (high in Vitamin C).

Aritha/Reetha soapnut (Sapindus trifoliatus)
Cleansing, can leave hair a bit stiff. Aritha - can be used whole, fresh or dried, boiled then let stand of a night, as a shampoo on their own. It can also be used as a gentle fabric detergent. Some recommend it for use with shikakai and amla.

Brahmi Gatu Kola (Bacopa monnieri)
Used for skin diseases. When used as a paste promotes growth and is anti dandruff. Similar to the oil.

Bringraj (Eclipta alba)
Aids in hair growth. Used for prevention of premature balding, and helps with sun damaged and color treated hair. Bringraj herb and oil have similar properties.

Hibiscus (Rosa sinensis)
Mild cleansing agent, promotes hair growth, softens and conditions. Hibiscus - possibility of it staining light porous hair a slight red.

Jatamansi--Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)
An essential oil usually mixed with sesame oil. It helps in growth and darkening of hair, prevents hair loss and premature graying. It is good for dry hair and scalp. It is used as a nerve sedative by massaging it into the scalp.

Kapoor Kachii
used for fragrance.

Methi fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
Very conditioning, can be used as a gelling agent in mixes for the slime factor. Gives shine to hair. Also good for dandruff and hair loss.

Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Anti fungal, anti bacterial herb. Can have an unpleasant smell if infused in oil. The herb itself has a neutral smell. It works in killing of and protection against lice, fungal caused dandruff, and any infection caused skin conditions. Helps treat eczema. Natural insecticide and fungicide.

Orange Peel (Citrus aurantium)
A mild astringent used for skin. Makes hair soft, manageable, shiny, and supple.

Phaseolus Mungo -- black gram, green gram, mung bean
Cooling agent.

Rose Powder (Rosa alba)
Cooling, soothing, and cures skin irritations. Fragrant.

Sandalwood--red (Pterocarpus santalinus)
Cooling and soothing herb. do not confuse with yellow sandalwood, which is prized for its lovely scent.

Sandalwood--yellow
Purifying and soothing. Good for normal to oily hair in a hair mix (not a lot, has a simialr consistence to clay cleaners). Good as a face mask

Shikakai/Sheekakai (Acacia concinna)
Cleansing agent. Can be drying. Use with oils or a conditioning herb.

Triphala/Trifala
triphala - mix of Amla, Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) - promotes hair growth

Tulsi--holy basil (Ocimum sanctum)
Treats ringworm and other skin diseases, protects skin from environmental damage

Vetiver (Vetivera zizanioides)
A cooling herb, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic

Basic Washes (compiled by violetflowers)

Icydove's Wash Mix

2 tbsp. shikakai powder
2 tbsp. amla powder

Add 4 cups of hot tap or heated water to powdered herbs. Allow to steep until comfortably warm (at least 5 minutes), strain ( use a metal coffee filter), and pour tea over wet hair and massage in. You can do a highly diluted ACV rinse. The amla is conditioning, but for a little extra boost, apply coconut oil as a prewash treatment and apply a conditioning rinse after washing.

Shell's Wash Mix

2 tablespoons of shikakai
3 tablespoons of amla

Mix together with warm water and let sit for 5-15 minutes. Use as a paste. Apply to scalp and hair, distribute/massage very gently, and let sit for 5-15 minutes. Massage gently again and then rinse thoroughly.

Pre-washing oiling is advised anytime you use shikakai. Follow this up with an AVC rinse and some post wash oiling.

mira-chan's Indian herb hair gravy

whole aritha – 3 to 5 berries
whole amla – 1 to 2 tablespoons
whole hibiscus – 4- 6 flowers

Boil in two cups of water till about a cup boils out. Strain. Then put on a low heat and add arrowroot starch (mixed with cool water so it doesn’t clump) and mix until it turns to a gravy consistency. Let cool and use. Will last a week at most with refrigeration. (Acts similarly to Dianyla’s herb gravy)

Epiphanee's Wash Mix

Use 1 tablespoon of shikakai powder and mix it up with about 3 cups of water until it is a thin paste (as opposed to a thick mud).

Apply the paste to your scalp and hair length - everywhere that you have applied coconut oil.

Just apply the paste and don't "massage" it in. It is very slightly abrasive so massaging it in would not be good for the hair shaft.

Leave for 10 - 15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Neoma's Purple Sludge Mix

1 tablespoon amla powder
2 tablespoons shikakai powder
2 tablespoons methi powder
2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers

Pour a cup of boiling water over the first three ingredients. Put the hibiscus in a tea ball and add them to the rest of the brew. Cover and steep 30 minutes. Remove the tea ball.

You can use it as soon as it cools sufficiently or keep it a few days in the fridge. I always use it on oiled hair. Finger-comb in the shower under running water to remove the herbal debris. May stain light hair or surfaces.

Leia's Herbal Wash and Condition

1 tablespoon bhringraj
1 tablespoon amla
1 tablespoon aritha
1 tablespoon neem
2 tablespoons shikakai
2 tablespoons sandalwood

Mix a little with boiling water, wait for it to cool a bit, and apply the paste to hair and scalp (sometimes after oiling with olive oil); leave on all night. You may use a bowl to catch the runoff and rinse again in the morning.

Violetflower's Wash Mix I

1 dessert spoon of amla powder
1 dessert spoon of shikakai powder
1 dessert spoon of cassia obovata
6 dessert spoons of my soapnut shampoo

Massaged a small handful into dry hair, wet hair, then aplly the remainder, making sure that to cover all hair root to tip, massage scalp gently, then wrap cling film around hair for about 10 minutes. Rinse.

Violetflower's Wash Mix II

1.5 dessert spoons of amla
1 dessert spoon shikakai
1 dessert spoon of aritha
1 dessert spoon orange peel
1 dessert spoon brahmi
1 dessert spoon neem
1 dessert spoon tulsi
2 dessert spoons kapoor kachli
2 dessert spoons maka
3 dessert spoons marsh mallow
1 and a half teaspoons of virgin coconut oil.

Wash as usual--makes hair very shiny!

Conditioning Mixes That May Be Used As Gentle Washes (compiled by mira-chan and Shell)

Mira-chan's Mild Wash Mix I

Take half a cup of fresh hibiscus leaves and crush them. The boil them in about a cup of water for 20 minutes. Strain, let cook and use as shampoo. The hibiscus leaf wash is not to be used post oiling or on oily hair unless it is very concentrated. It will not remove much oil. It mostly acts as an anti-dryness barrier.


Mira-chan's Mild Wash Mix II

Take two tablespoons of powdered hibiscus flowers, mix with a cup of boiling water. Let cool. Apply to hair and leave for 5 to 20 minutes. Rinse well. Gives shine and cleans non-oiled hair well. Would be good for those who want to wash very often (daily or every other day) or for non-oiled naturally dry hair/ scalp.

Shell's Herbal CO

Use three tablespoons of amla in about two cups of warm water. Let sit for 5-15 minutes. Apply to hair and scalp. Gently massage scalp with a bit of water splashed on. Leave in for 15 minutes or so. Won't remove any but a very light oiling. Nicely conditioning and gently cleansing. Also makes your hair smell nice.


Rinses and Conditioners (compiled by Icydove)

Traditionally, prewash oilings and using conditioning herbs in the washing mix serve as the Indian herb user's only conditioners. However, some people use Indian herbs for additional conditioning needs or for deep treatments.


Icydove's Herbal Rinse

1 heaping tsp. of hibiscus
1 heaping tsp. of elderflower
1/2 tsp. of honey

Add the herbs and honey to two cups of hot water. Let steep for about 5 minutes, and strain. Dunk ends in the mixture, then pour it over head. Rinse lightly to prevent the hibiscus from staining. TIP: Use the mixture while the water is still warm or the honey could stiffen hair. Use aloe vera gel and jojoba oil mixed together as a leave-in.

mira-chan's Hibiscus Conditioner

3-4 flowers of hibiscus
one tablespoon fenugreek seeds ( coarse powder or just crushed)
1 table spoon of arrowroot powder/ starch.

Mix arrowroot powder with a little bit of cool water. Make a large mug worth of strong tea with hibiscus and fenugreek. Strain then add arrowroot. Allow to cool then use as a conditioning rinse.

Kissedbyfire's Indian Herbal Wash/Condition

1 tablespoon neem
1 tablespoon shikakai
1 tablespoon aritha
1 tablespoon amla
1 tablespoon sandlewood
1 tablespoon brahmi
1 tablespoon hibiscus
2 tablespoon marshmallow root
1 cup tea (rosemary, chamomile, lavender, etc.)

Allow tea to simmer while mixing up the herbs. Add tea to herb mixture, mix well. Let cool to a warm temperature and apply.

Start with an ACV rinse, then dry hair. Apply mix to slightly damp hair and scalp, and massage. Let sit for an hour wrapped in a plastic bag. Rinse.

Interested about Ayurvedic products? Check out these websites:
HairVeda
AfroVeda
StinaStina

One of the most common questions I've been getting lately is on achieving perfectly air dried hair with no frizz. I'm going to answer this question for the masses here. The secret to getting the frizz-free is in the products and the temperature of the water. My best air drying days are on the days I wash my hair with conditioner. Why? Since I'm not using a shampoo, I'm getting all that conditioning without the detergents, which means smoother cuticles. You can still get pretty smooth cuticles if you shampoo, condition, and deep condition too, but co-washing is just tops. On to water temperature -- I've mentioned this before, but for some reason, no one really goes back that far on the blog -- Cold water seals the cuticles which means your hair will be smoother, shinier, and free of unwanted debris. Anything else? Yes, other things that can give you frizz free hair are: natural oils and silicone based products. By the way, contrary to popular belief, Silicone can't really block out ALL moisture from penetrating the inner layers of the hair. It's a myth.

Actresses Wendy Raquel Robinson and Shanti Lowry at the premiere party for their show, The Game.

Hey, lovely people! Lately, I've been rocking scarves, banana clips, twistouts, braidouts, and flexi-rod sets. Why? I'm currently wearing protective styles that don't reveal my true length since I'm hiding my hair until December. Well, here's the discussion:

• What protective styles have you been wearing (weaves included)?
• How long do you plan on wearing said style(s)?
• Why are you wearing said style(s)?
  

Come on and put your two cents in! Don't be scared! Let's talk and give ideas to others who might be considering other styles.

I guess I'm being a little bias by always talking about Affirm relaxers, but now you can see why! See more videos like this on The Coarse Hair Diaries.

Avlon, the home of the KeraCare line, has made an exclusive line for those who wear weaves and extensions. Each of the products have calming, soothing, and moisturizing agents to help your hair, scalp, AND your weave/extension. The line includes:

• Gentle Cleansing Shampoo
• Hair & Scalp Nutritive Conditioner
• Leave-in Conditioning Mist

I will definitely look into this if and when I get another sew-in. So, make sure to stop by your local BSS and buy them if you're rocking some weave right now!

I made this decision a while back but never really announced it officially on here. Well, it's official! I will no longer go to the salon for the time being. Honestly, I realized that hair dressers care more about money than the overall health of my hair. My hair became so thin after that one bad experience back in March 2008 and I am now getting some type of thickness back. Should you stop visiting salons? No. I'm not trying to convert anyone into D-I-Y stylists, but not going to the salon can have some great benefits like:

• More money in the bank (y'all know gas is expensive so that's good)
• Less worry of heat damage or overprocessing
• No hair trims cuts from scissor-happy stylists
• A helluva lot more thickness
• Only you know to treat your hair

For 2009, it's on. I will gain my thickness back, take more vitamins, drink more water, exercise more, do deep breathing exercises, and of course get my hair to either mid-back or waist length.

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