Oh No She Didn't!

Oh yes I did girl, and I got the pictures! LOL I know ya'll like....what? Well, let me explain! This week is my university's annual homecoming week. We have events every week night that lead into our homecoming day parade and of course, the football game! As an executive board member of the National Council of Negro Women, I am going to be a part of the parade along with Miss NCNW. Our theme this year is retro. Basically we want to emphasize the longevity that NCNW has enjoyed through the years and pay homage to the ladies who came before us in our organization. I chose the 1960's as my decade to honor. Last night I stood in the mirror for hours trying to figure out the best way to manipulate my bantu knot TWA into a style that best matched the 60's. Sadly, my curlies failed me. I decided to do a co-wash (with NuGro), a deep treatment with LeKair Cholesterol plus and put a little heat to my hair. Of course, I used heat protectant (hydratherma naturals hearbal gloss heat protectant) I think that's the only product from that line that I don't have a problem with..but that's another story all together. Anyway, I digress...after making sure each section of my hair was completely protected from the heat I blowfried it with my yellowbird blowdryer (which I love to death) and used my chi ceramic flat iron to straighten my hair. Before using the chi I made sure to apply another coat of the heat protectant. My hair came out BEAUTIFUL! Bouncy, shiny and FULL of body! I am in love. I almost missed my straight hair after seeing the end result. Not enough to relax again though! Honestly, my roots get a lot straighter with my 2 1/2 inches of newgrowth than it did with the perm! This right here is pure confirmation that relaxers no longer have a place in my life and definitely not in my hair! Sidebar: Good Hair comes to theaters today! I may or may not be going to see it tomorrow! I'm excited. If and when I go I'll be sure to blog my reviews! Below are a few pictures of the products and tools that I used and of course a couple shots of my hair :) As always ladies, click to enlarge & until next time Happy Healthy Hair Growing!

Holdin Out...

Guys, I've been holdin out on a product review/recommendation and I am so ashamed. About a month and a half ago I installed a new shower head in my shower with the health of my hair and scalp in mind. I believe it's the same brand one that the creator of the natural hair blog "Mane & Chic" uses. Mine looks like this:

Being able to detach the head and use the long neck to get the flow of water closer to my scalp allows me to get my hair really saturated fast! I use the pulsating mode to do my scalp massages which feel AMAZING, btw! Detangling my hair also seems easier when my hair is as wet as this thing gets it. Bottom line, it gets two thumbs up and a definite Girl, YES! from me! I found this article online about the benefits of massaging your scalp and thought I'd share. Click here for the full article.

• It provides deep relaxation to the head and scalp which allows blood circulation to flow more easily to the hair roots.
• Improved circulation, which results from scalp massage, provides hair roots with nourishment to help trigger hair growth. Why? When the scalp or head it constricted or tight due to stress and tension, it blocks adequate blood flow to the hair roots.
• When scalp massage is repeated on a regular basis, it will help to actually strengthen the roots of the hair which will help hair growth.
• When a good moisturizing oil like jojoba is used as the base, it can help add moisture and conditioning to the scalp and the hair enhancing natural textures and making it move vibrant.
• Moisturized hair is less likely to split and break, which is a wonderful benefit of the oils used for scalp massage.
• Scalp massage adds natural luster and shine to the hair.
• In some cases, scalp massage can relieve itchy scalps, prevent flaking and help with chronic dandruff. Of course this is dependent on other factors but is a possible benefit.
• Regular scalp massage can help protect hair from environmental toxins and other weather conditions by helping to strengthen the follicles.
• It can help eliminate depression or other stressful or negative emotions.
• Scalp massage can also help alleviate chronic insomnia and provide restful sleep.
• In some cases, scalp massage can slow hair loss conditions.
• It also helps to spread the natural scalp oils to the ends of the hair without the harmful effects of daily brushing. Sebum, if produced in sufficient amounts, is typically distributed along the length of the hair shaft through normal combing and brushing but can be distributed through fingers at the time of the scalp massage.
• The benefits of scalp massage also help provide a glow to the complexion of the face.
• Scalp massage as well as body massage can also help to regulate the thyroid and can help to balance body temperatures.
• It can help your eyes to relax, help to minimize chronic eye strain, and can be a general tonic for hypersensitivity or excessive nervousness. In some cases it may help to soothe ADD behaviors.
• Scalp massage, can also help awaken creativity centers in your brain for more enlightened idea processing or long term meditation.
• It can be combined with deep breathing for even deeper results.
• When the base scalp massage oils are blended with essential or aromatherapy oils, emotional, spiritual or mental blocks can also be relieved, with ongoing treatments. Harmony can be restored.
• In some cases, regular massage with appropriate essential oils can help to slow the onset of white or gray strands.
• Regular scalp massage has proven to help in some cases of chronic headaches or migraines.

So as you can clearly see, scalp massages are highly benefitial. You can also use the balls of your fingers to massage your scalp to reap the benefits in a more cost efficient way! :)

Until next time ladies, happy healthy hair growing!

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