Update

Hey guys. I know its been about a minute since I've posted but very soon, I will post more. Please bear with me and thanks for continuing to follow my blog. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo. Safe, healthy and happy hair growing.

2 Months Natural

3 Months Natural

Hello my beautiful Naturals!!! I know it's been a minute since I've posted a blog and I am truly sorry. It's so crazy how time's been going so fasgt & yesterday made 3 months that I've been natural. I am surprised myself. I will definitely post some pics. So for the past 3 months on my twa I've been doing wash and go's and twists. It's not much that I can do but I can tell you one thing, my hair is growing. I will be doing some upcoming blogs talking about products that I'm currently using, shea butter, home made recipes, twa blues, and so much more. Please stay tunned!!!! And also, thanks for following my blog, welcome new followers. xoxoxoxoxo.

Natural Hair Products & Resources

Hello all!!! I decided to do this blog because my other blog discussed all of the harmful chemicals in products to avoid using. So now, I basically wanna give you some links and websites where you can purchase natural hair/or skin products. Also I will list some resounrces for naturals and books to check out.


NOTE: Below are a list of places where you can purchase natural products for the hair and/or skin. Most of these products are sold in your local beauty supply stores, target, Ricky's, Wholefood Market (other natural products and essential oils),or you can purchase them online ( also naturals who've created their own hair care line, which I totally recommend). Please read your labels before purchasing ANY of these products to avoid harmful ingredients (SES, SLES, SILICONES, SULFATES, PARABENS, ALCOHOLS, MINERAL OIL, PETROLEUM AND MORE). Also listed will be natural hair links and books you can purchase if you are thinking about going natural, transitioning, newly natural like me or are already in your natural hair journey and need some guidance along the way.



NATURAL HAIR CARE AND/OR SKIN PRODUCTS

Kinky Curly         http://kinky-curly.com/

Miss Jessie's           http://www.missjessies.com/site/index.htm

Jane Carter Solution     http://www.janecartersolution.com/

Carol's Daughter           http://www.carolsdaughter.com/

Mixed Chicks              http://www.mixedchicks.net/

Shea Moisture              http://www.sheamoisture.com/

Curls                              http://www.curls.biz/

Burt Bee's                      http://www.burtsbees.com/

Giovanni                        http://www.giovannicosmetics.com/products.php

Taliah Waajid                http://www.naturalhair.org/

Karen's Body Beautiful   http://www.karensbodybeautiful.com/

Alikay Naturals              http://shop.blackonyxworld.com/Alikay-Naturals-Products_c4.htm

Koils by Nature              http://koilsbynature.com/Apple

Apple Valley Natural Soap   http://www.applevalleynaturalsoap.com/shampoobars.htm

Anita Grant                          https://anitagrant.com/

Blended Beauty                    http://www.blendedbeauty.com/

Komaza Care                       http://www.komazacare.com/

Treasured Locks                  http://www.treasuredlocks.com/

Dr. Brooner's Soaps            http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/PEP.htm

Oyin Handmade                   http://oyinhandmade.com/

Nasabb                                http://www.nasabb.com/

Butters-N-Bars                    http://www.butters-n-bars.com/

My Honey Child                  http://www.myhoneychild.com/products

Chargin Valley                    http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/

Shida Naturals                    http://shidanaturals.webs.com/

Afro Detagler             
http://www.growafrohairlong.com/afrodetanglerhalfgallon.html

Coastal Scents
http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=78


Natural Hair Care Books
1)  Grow It, by Chicoro
2)  Thank God I'm Natural--The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair by Chris-Tia Donaldson
3)  Going-Natural: How to Fall in Love with Nappy Hair by Mireille Liong-A-Kong
4)  Plaited Glory by Lonnice Britennum Bonner
5)  No Lye: The African American Woman's Guide to Natural Hair Tulani Kinard
6)  Ultra Black Hair Growth II 2000 Edition by Cathy Howse
7)  Good Hair: For Colored Girls Who've Considered Weaves When the Chemicals Became Too Ruff by Lonnice Britennum Bonner
8)  The Black Woman's Guide to Beautiful Hair: A Positive Approach to Managing any Hair Type and Style by Lisa Akbari
9)  Beautiful Black Hair: Real Solutions to Real Problems--A Step by Step Instructional Guide by Shamboosie
10)  Twelve Steps For Growing Black Hair by Ololade Franklin
11)  Healthy Black Hair: Step-by-Step Instructions for Growing Longer, Stronger Hair by Nicole Elizabeth Smith
12)  Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America by Ayana Byrd
13)  The Knotty Truth: Managing Tightly Coiled Hair at Home: DIY Survival Guide by M. Michele George


Hair Links
http://www.nappturality.com/
www.curlynikki.com
www.naturalhairgrows.com
www.motowngirl.com
www.going-natural.com
http://www.treasuredlocks.com/blhacafa.html
http://www.mynhcg.com/
http://newlynatural.com/blog/
http://www.afroniquelyyou.com/
http://www.naturalhaircommunity.com/
http://www.glamazini.com/

Hair Update

What's going on yall? Hope everyone's enjoying their Christmas and will have a safe and blessed New Year. So guess what guys?? I did my BIG CHOP. I did it last Sunday December 19, 2010!!! Yayyyyy!!! I couldn't wait to do. I feel so good right now. For almost a week straight I've been doing basic wash and go's on my TWA (Teeny Weeny Fro) I just love it. I feel so so good, really. My hair is thick, it's healthy and has grown so much. I will post a video pic slide at the end of this blog. I thank all of you who read my blogs and I would seriously love for you to follow my blog to stay connected to me and stay updated on new information I'll be sharing with you. Love you guys!!! xoxoxoxo. Below are some pics of my TWA.

PLEASE READ YOUR LABELS PART 2!!! (LISTED HARMFUL INGREDIENTS)

Hey hunnie bunnies!!! I hope you found my last blog to be useful. There is absolutely no reason why we all shouldn’t have healthy beautiful hair. It is not impossible to grow healthier and long hair. We just have to know what to use and what to avoid using. OK, so as promised, below is the list of some ingredients that are harmful to our hair, body and skin. These chemical are in hair care products, creams, lotions, baby oil and more. I hope this list will help you as much as it has helped me in becoming more aware of the dangerous chemicals that affect our hair and body.

NOTE: THIS LIST IS NOT ONLY FOR PEOPLE WITH NATURAL HAIR. IT IS ALSO FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE RELAXED HAIR. I WILL NEVER KNOCK RELAXER BECAUSE I HAVE HAD MY YEARS WHERE I’VE USED RELAXER. I AM JUST AT A POINT WHERE I AM DONE WITH IT AND I AM FINALLY READY TO TAKE CARE OF MY HAIR PROPERLY TO SEE IT BACK AT A HEALTHY STATE & I WANT NATURAL GROWTH. ALL MY RELAXED SISTAS, THIS IS FOR YOU TOO. MAYBE THIS WILL MAKE YOU QUESTION AND POSSIBLY CHANGE THE SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER, CREAMS AND  OILS YOU USE.

HARMFUL CHEMICALS TO THE HAIR, SKIN & BODY: AVOID USAGE

Disclaimer: I am in no way shape or form responsible for the information said below, nor do I own rights to anything that has been said. This information was researched from various articles and websites and has obviously been the causes & side effects after usage. Several sources can back up these facts.

1. Mineral Oil  and Petrolatum- Mineral oil is derived from petroleum; petroleum is derived from petrolatum; both act as a thin layer of skin enabling skin to breathe; difficult to absorb; clogs and enlarges the skin’s pores; slows down ability of the skin’s cells to exchange waste products & nutrients;  it’s cheap and easy to buy; disrupt the skin’s natural barrier; causes acne and other disorders; used industrially as a grease component; can cause skin to age; can cause saggy skin; may contain carcinogenetic contaminants; can irritate skin; considered toxic; can cause negative effect to body thru ingredients  by skin contact, being ingested or inhaled; contributes to negative hormonal effects. 

2. Parabens- ( Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, & Butylparaben)- acts as preservatives; known to be highly toxic; in most shampoos and conditioners; disrupts hormone function; found in breast cancer tumors; cause skin & allergic reactions; increase the risk for breast cancer;

3. Fragrance- Contains cheap & toxic and cancer-causing compounds; the word fragrance listed on a label indicates from hundreds to thousands of synthetic substances present; several reports stated having symptoms including dizziness, rashes, headaches, skin irritation and more; best to use natural fragrances & essential oils. (you can purchase these at Wholefoods Market, the Vitamin Shoppe and/or other places that sell NATURAL and PURE oils and fragrances)

4. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)- Potentially carcinogenic; has ability to weaken immune system; product of  petroleum gas or dehydration of alcohol; used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and grease & to thicken products; caused cancer in rats in laboratory studies; produces kidney and liver damage if large oral dose ingested

5. Phthalates- found in synthetic fragrances and in some plastics; choose products that don’t list the word FRAGRANCE on the list of ingredients; for best results use products that contain natural, pure essential oils; studies have shown that this chemical can cause lung kidney and liver damage.

6. Propylene Glycol (PG)- ages skin at a faster rate; surfactant; can lead to poor and saggy skin; if absorbed can cause allergic reactions and damage to liver and kidney’s; said to be major ingredient in brake and hydraulic fluid and the active component in antifreeze; found in most hair products, toothpaste, after shave, lotions, mouthwashes

7. DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (momoethnanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine): DEA and MEA are usually listed on the ingredients label in conjunction with the compound being neutralized. Thus look for names like Cocamide DEA or MES, Lauramide DEA, etc. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. . These are commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. On the show, CBS, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said "repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers - liver and kidney cancers." John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especially important since "the risk equation changes significantly for children."

8. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)- cheap and harsh detergents; derived from petroleum; added to most shampoos because they create suds; used in car washes, garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, toothpaste, laundry & dish detergents and body washes; irritates eye and skin; can cause dry skin, allergies, urinary tract infections, hair loss and eczema; scalp irritation; can be contaminated with dangerous levels of toxins; contains ammonium salts; Sodium Laureth Sulfate is the alcohol form (ethoxylated) of SLS. It is slightly less irritating than SLS, but may be more drying. Both SLS and SLES can enter the blood stream. They may cause potentially carcinogenic formations of nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with other product ingredients. Large amounts of nitrates may enter the blood system from just shampooing one time; According to the American College of Toxicity report, "SLS stays in the body for up to five days. Other studies have indicated that SLS easily penetrates through the skin and enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, the liver, the lungs and the brain. This poses serious questions regarding its potential health threat through its use in shampoos, cleansers and toothpaste. Studies show its danger potential to be great when used in personal care products.

9.    FD & Color Pigments- Causes skin sensitivity and irritation; Absorption of certain colors can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death according to A Consumer's dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Debra Lynn Dadd says in Home Safe Home: "Colors that can be used in foods, drug, and cosmetics are made from coal tar. There is a great deal of controversy about their use, because animal studies have shown almost all of them to be carcinogenic." 

10. Synthetic Colors & Dyes: created from coal and tar; contains heavy metal salts that deposit toxins into the skin, leading to possible irritation; carcinogenic; used in most skin cream or shampoo to make it colorful; can cause allergies, skin and nerve problems; avoid using these colors & dyes, with the exception of some henna products; synthetic colors labeled FD&C or D&C, followed by a number and color indicates a synthetic color or dye. AVOID USAGE

11. Formaldehyde- chemical preservative that keeps shampoos and conditioners from growing bacteria that can cause skin infection; can form in the processing or use of a product; hides on labels behind other names such as imidazolidinyl urea, doazolidinyl urea, quarternium-15; can cause allergies; can trigger asthma; can increase risk to cancers & damage DNA; classified as a carcinogen; used also in cosmetics, anti-aging creams, face makeup, anti-dandruff shampoos, bubble baths, nail products, some deodorants, car cleaners paints and other consumer products; released thru the breakdown of many chemicals including paint; chemical used to make fabrics wrinkle free; causes throat and eye irritation, skin rashes, headaches, dizziness, nausea, coughing, asthma attack, shortness of breath & nose bleeds; known to weaken immune system

12.  Hydantoin DMDM- A preservative/emulsifier derived from formaldehyde (a known carcinogen) commonly used in children’s conditioners and detanglers.

13. Imidazolidinyl and Diazolidinyl Urea- the two most used preservatives that release formaldehyde; said to be the cause of contact dermatitis according to the American Academy of dermatology; According to the Mayo clinic, formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, cause skin reactions and trigger heart palpitations. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause joint pain, allergies, depression, headaches, chest pains, ear infections, chronic fatigue, dizziness and loss of sleep. It can also aggravate coughs and colds and trigger asthma. Serious side effects include weakening of the immune system and cancer. Nearly all brands of skin, body and hair care, antiperspirants and nail polish found in stores contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.

14. Chlorine- Can affect health by contributing to anemia, hay fever, irritation of the throat, mouth, skin, stomach, nose and eye; asthma, bronchitis, can cause confusion, hypertension & heart disease; may be the p[possible cause of cancer. Although chlorine may not be listed on your ingredients when you purchase a product, please make sure to protect your hair and skin from chlorine when washing your hair and bathing. This may seem impossible but NOTHING is impossible.

15. Isopropyl Alcohol-  causes hair breakage & dryness; is a denaturant & solvent; petroleum derived; said to be a poisonous substance; changes substances natural properties; used in antifreeze; used as a solvent in shellac; found in many cosmetics, lotions, color rinses, aftershave and fragrances

OK, so I really hope that you take heed to the products that were listed. Personally speaking, the information scares the hell out of me. It also made me really think and wonders how these chemicals could cause so much damage if used on our hair, skin and body. It’s very scary. There are several more harmful chemicals but I couldn’t list them all. If you would like to do further research, I have listed some links below where you can find probably the same information and more. You can always do a google search and look up several more chemicals that are harmful and the real damage that it can do. Thank you for reading and I hope this list was helpful.

Sources:

http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/harmful-chemicals.html

http://www.green-hair-products.com/harmful_chemicals_in_hair_products.htm

http://www.originalsprout.com/harmful-ingredients.html

http://www.originalsprout.com/harmful-ingredients.html

http://antiagingchoices.com/harmful_ingredients/toxic_ingredients.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Harmful-Ingredients-That-Your-Hair-Dye-May-Contain&id=1226428

http://www.nappturality.com/modules/...p?articleid=22

http://going-well.com/2010/02/03/14-toxic-chemicals-to-avoid-in-skin-care-and-hair-care-products-including-organic/

http://stason.org/articles/wellbeing/health/Glossary-Of-Chemicals-Synthetics-To-Avoid-In-Personal-Care-Products.html

http://www.lookgreat-loseweight-savemoney.com/hair-products-ingredients.html

PLEASE READ YOUR LABELS!!!

Well hello readers. A quick update. It's been a month strong and I still have in the Nubian Twists. I have stuck to the shampoo and conditioning every two weeks because I MUST wash my hair regularly. I LOVE Nubian Twists. I have basically been re-doing them so they can continue to look neat, and it's been working. I will post a very recent pic from either last week or this week since last Saturday's shampoo and deep conditioner. (3 MORE WEEKS UNTIL MY CHOP. I’M NERVOUS, LOL)

Ok, so lets get down to some serious business. How many of you read the ingredients on your products before you purchase them? Please be honest. Now, I will be honest. I hardly use to read the ingredients when purchasing a product, sometimes I did but not as often as I should have. Now, I don't buy ANY product before reading the label, and if the product doesnt have any ingredIents listed, I'M NOT BUYING IT! As I stated before, since the past few month of doing my own research, I've discovered so many things.

Ladies and Gents, you MUST read the ingredients listed on your products before purchasing them. This is very important, and not only for your hair but also for your skin and your children's/baby's skin. Although every single product may contain these ingredients, you can use them at your own risk. If you notice that your hair is constantly breaking, shedding, falling out, getting thinner, is very dry and split or won't grow, you may be using products that contain some of these harmful ingredients, or you may  need to really moisturize your hair/scalp on a regular basis. Again, before purchasing ANY hair/skin product, check the label. I'm not telling you don’tbuy the product of your choice, but just beware of what's it contains and what it does for your hair
In today’s society, certain shampoo’s, conditioners, pomades, moisturizers and treatments guarantee if you use it, the results will be thicker, fuller & longer hair. NOT SO! Certain products will in fact result in making your hair dry, frizzy, heavy and clogged. Every product is not going to do what it says it will do. As you know, hair care and everything that comes along with it is a money making business, like in any other industry. People will produce all types of products, not even considering the fact that some of the toxic ingredients that they’re putting into this hair or skin product may not be beneficial for usage.

Suggestions: Organic products, products that contain natural ingredients or you can do your research and make your own products, which several people have done. (google natural hair care products or ask me for some information if you’d like on some organic and natural hair products) Natural hair products are good for your hair. They don’t contain harmful substances or chemicals. Also, if you do choose to use products containing harmful ingredients, use it in moderation, which is little to none. If you notice the product’s not working for you or it’s harming your hair or even your skin, maybe even your body, STOP USING IT. Note: Usually the first two ingredients in a product is what the product will mostly contains, so beware of this.

In the next blog I will provide you with a list of the said ingredients, substances & chemicals that are said to be harmful to the hair and in most cases the skin and body. Please subscribe/follow my blog and stay updated for more helpful information. Love ya and thanks for reading hunnie bunnies!! lol. Stay tuned!!!!!

3 more weeks until my chop. Did I say...Nervous? lol. Yikes!!