So I tried this quick updo after I took down my 2-strand twists.
Updo from 2 strand twist out
Jan23
LOTD: Quick twistout updo!
Follow @NoireTropicalB
Tag Archives: Hair
Nov24
This might just be the best shampoo ever….
Follow @NoireTropicalB
I’m talking about the SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo with Sea Kelp, Argan Oil & Shea Butter for dry, damaged hair. I have been using this shampoo for about a year now. AND I LOVE IT!!!!!
SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo, image courtesy of Target.com
While I was a relaxed girl, as a matter of fact, I have always have problems with shampoos drying my hair and scalp out. I would often feel like my scalp was tightening and pulling away from my hair. Fast forward to last year as a natural. Now my hair is growing and kinky and my number 1 goal is to prevent my hair from completely drying out when I wash it and to still effectively cleanse it. I have tried other natural shampoos and many of them while they work, they also did not suds enough for my liking. A little bit of sudsing or foaming is actually good because it helps trap and remove oil and dirt. It’s when there is excessive bubble action when the skin and hair feels dry. I also avoid traditional shampoos with certain sulphates and their derivatives like sodium lauryl sulphate, ammonium laureth sulphate etc. This is one of the moves that I have made that has totally changed the health and condition of my hair. I stick to the gentle cleansers that can remove water-soluble products.
Nov22
What’s my hair to do for winter????? Tips for colder weather
Image courtesy Urbanbella.com
Hey folks!!!
So here on the East Coast it’s slowly getting colder. I have been thinking about how to take care of my hair during the winter months. The biggest thing I, and many other people with kinky/coily/curly hair, have to deal with, is getting enough moisture especially as the humidity drops and indoor temperatures rise. My hair tends to get very dry quickly and this leads to frizziness and eventually split ends. This is a great time to review your hair regime and find what works for you to gain and maintain healthy hair. Remember, you don’t have to follow all of the hair ‘rules’ but just do you! Here are a few tips to remember when deciding what to choose.
Cleansing/Shampooing
Growing up, I always remembered having super dry hair, especially when washing it. Even as an adult, I used to feel my scalp contracting when I went to the salon to get a wash and blow out. The one thing that has drastically changed the condition and health of my hair and scalp is cleansing without the use of sulphates. Just about every commercial shampoo contains sulphate – sodium lauryl sulphates, ammonium laureth sulphates and there are many more. I ALWAYS stick to sulphate-free shampoos. Look for products that state they are sulphate free, castile soaps, cleansers containing betaine. You could also use diluted apple cider vinegar or baking soap. Again, lots of people have great success with sulphate shampoos, but I don’t. My hair no longer feels dried out and brittle. Remember to main reason we shampoo is to cleanse the scalp to remove products, dead skin cells, excess oils, pollutants that build up on a daily basis. You can’t have totally healthy hair without a healthy scalp. So massage your scalp well when cleansing!
Aug31
Natural Hair
So I have been transitioning to my natural hair texture for almost a year and a half. I have kinky, coily hair, but I don’t know what type it is (3C?, 4A?, whatever). I am not really interested in getting caught up in ‘type-ing’ my hair, that takes a lot of energy and I don’t think it’s ultimately important.
Anyway, I just spent a week at the beach (what’s up Fire Island ladies…and lad!) and needless to say my hair was super parched and tangled. When I got home, I decided to make a little concoction to help me detangle and moisturize. I went to the grocery and bought a large aloe leaf. You could usually find this in Latino and Asian markets. Back home in the Caribbean, as a child, we would also use the flat cactus leaves (the ones that had few pickers, needles). I did some research online and decided to make a very simple mix:
Aloe Vera Detangler Recipe
1 large aloe vera leaf
2 tablespoons, extra virgin, organic coconut oil
1 tablespoon vegetable glycerine
I forgot to add honey, which is great for hydration as it draws moisture from the air (next time!!)
I scooped the inside of the aloe vera leaf out, and added the other ingredients. Then I placed the mix into the food processor and pulsed it for a few seconds. I then sectioned my hair into quarters and applied liberally. I added a moisturizing conditioner (L’Oreal’s Nature’s Own, Mega Moisture Nuturing Creme) on top of that, covered with plastic and left it on for at least half an hour.
Let me tell you!! This made detangling super easy as the slip was AH-Mazing!!! Tangles just fell out. So I am going to add this to my routine, probably once a month or so. My hair was also left moisturized.
Things I learned….
- I did not pulse the aloe enough and I had small bits of aloe in the mix… and all over my hair, small ting!! I think the next time I will blend the mixture and then pass is through cheese cloth or a linen sieve so I’ll just get the gel part.
- Add honey for more moisture and antibacterial properties
- Add oils like peppermint or rosemary
- Use this mix with my beloved Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner. This might just be the ultimate moisturizing deep conditioner.
What recipes with aloe vera do you have for your hair???
Aug16
Welcome!!
Welcome to my blog!! I absolutely love beauty, especially makeup. I’ll be doing reviews for skin and hair, makeup tutorials, information on upcoming collections or anything else that comes to mind!! I welcome everyone to visit my site but especially women of colour. I love experimenting with colour and I am a total product junkie. If you have questions or comments, drop me a line at noiretropicalbeauty@gmail.com
