Pantene Relaxed and Natural Review**

Hey Ladies,

I am writing to you to inform you of a new secret well its not new but I just discovered it. So yesterday I colored my hair and along with the color kit came a tube of Pantene Pro V Relaxed and Natural conditioner. I was a little skeptical but I tried it and I must say this conditioner worked better than those I had stored in my beauty closet.

Results: My hair was easy to untangle and it was very soft and this was while the product was on my hair and even after I rinsed the product out I had soft and manageable hair.

My thoughts: I was unsure because it wasn't all natural but on this natural journey I am learning not all products that contain man made products or extra additives are bad. Alot of  products I used when my hair was relaxed helps to tame and control my natural curls and coils.

 Final thought: I most definitely will be using this product again because it works for me and it blended very well with my other products and allowed me to achieve a beautiful wash n go.

As one Naturalista once stated sometimes its simply what works for you!! Different Strokes for Different Folks but it has my go ahead I recommend it and the price is way easier on the pockets its now in stores for a small fee of $3.74 not bad huh?


Achieved Results:
1. Co-wash with this conditioner
2. lightly damped with the water mix i use which is simply (extra virgin olive oil, vegetable glycerin, lavender oil, rosemary oil and bottled water)
3. Add Giovanni direct leave in with a my hair
 4. Section hair off into big parts and add Eco-Gel
5. Add a little Kera Care silk n Seal mist to reduce frizz and fight humidity
6.  lightly pull and twist of my fingers on my hair achieve this look below

Well ladies until next time Be Bold!!! Be Beautiful!!! and Be Uniquely You!!

Yours Naturally
Minah,

8 Months Natural I am celebrating***

Hey Ladies,

I am writing you because yesterday I celebrated my 8 month natural hair anniversary its funny how time flies. Can you believe its been 8 months.

Current Product use when defining curls
Water mist bottle- olive oil, vegetable glycerin, rosemary oil, and lavender oil
Giovanni direct leave In
Eco-gel w Olive oil

I still Co-wash twice a week

Deep condition every other week

But ladies this is simply what has been working for me I also make it a point to detangle, detangle and detangle.

Again I hope your hair journey goes smooth keep supporting my blog and I will keep sharing!!!

Yours Naturally,

Minah

Utilize the Benefits of your Hair!!!!

Hey Ladies,

As you know it has began to heat up outside and many are prepping for the summer heat. I am writing to encourage you to utilize the benefit of your natural hair and the wash and go technique to truly burn and gain.

In the last few weeks I have been working out as much as possible I have come to enjoy the freedom of burning the extra calories and working up a nice hot and steamy sweat. Back in my relaxed days I would be in a panic if my hair were to sweat. This would cause my new growth to go bananas.

I urge you to go ahead get healthy make it a point to get your daily workout on and now you have the freedom of doing so because when you hop in that shower you can simply treat yourself to a wash n go.

Again being natural has its benefits its liberating and freeing and in my case it has began to cause me to take on a better lifestyle!!!

Remember**** To Embrace all of you and that is in Mind, Body and Spirit**** As we are inspired and aspired to grow our natural tresses let us also shape and reshape our whole selves!!

My Natural Hair Journey Month 8!!!!

Hey Ladies,

I know its been a while but I am back at it again I hope you all have been well on your journeys. I am back to it because I hope this blogs inspires and motivates you!! Please be sure to follow me on here and share questions and comments I would love to hear your thoughts!!!!


Its been 8 months since I big chopped and I have to tell you it has been quite and experience. In these past 8 months I have discovered a new found confidence and respect for my hair.


 I believe I have found a new love for my hair and appearance. In going natural one must embrace the beauty God gave to each of us individually as


 Chrisette Michelle states:

What Chrisette Michelle says about going natural :Do what’s best for you. What is your heart saying? Follow it. We are incredibly beautiful, us curly girls. Let’s be proud and supportive of each other. To be quite honest I’d have to say...are you ready for what I’m about to say? Ok... Don’t be one of those girls out there who have our beautiful curls but wear no smile, head is down, ain’t got no ...presence! Give it! Cat walk down the street! Rock that hair with the fiercest of outfits. This is not just a spiritual journey, it’s an incredible fashion statement that not everyone can wear! Treat it like a manicure or a new Prada bag and be the most amazing diva on your block. This beauty is fierce and it’s ours naturally! Let’s make each other proud! Amen?!

 

Current Product use:

 I still co wash every other day or as needed with my Giovanni Deeper Moisture conditioner /Giovanni leave In conditioner

 

I use my water mix: Bottle water/Extra Virgin Olive Oil/lavender oil/Rosemary oil/glycerin

 

I also use Kera Cara silk n seal spray to fight frizz

 

Eco styler gel is a must if I am going for a more tame look.

 

 

Heres a look at my hair now!!!!

 

 

 

Happy 8 Months and counting!!!!

 

R.I.L Whitney Houston (Tribute Post)

This is a post dedicated to the beauty and class of one of music's most iconic and talented women. Although she had her struggles we all have our ups and downs. I will forever remember her beauty, poise, style and that smile and a voice that can move the strongest man to tears even. It seems unreal that she is no longer with us here on earth but I know heaven has embraced her with open arms!!

Many have had the nerve to criticize Whitney for things she did in her life but I ask let he who has no sin cast the first stone!!

One thing I remember is that its not all about spending you life doing good and being good its about what is truly in your heart the one thing Man can see and judge is not what God is going to base his judgement off of so many of us do good works with cruel and ill intentions behind the good that we have done does that make you any better because your act was good but your heart held the wrong intention  behind your act?

Again I say Rest In Love Whitney Houston I tribute this post to you!!!!

Natural Hair and Straight Ends!!!

Hello Ladies,

 It has been a while we are one day away from Valentine's and I have decided to make a post okay here is the scoop have to been in this position before you pick and detangle your natural to find random straight pieces and you think maybe I should snip at them well that where I have been lately.

I have found these random straight pieces in my hair and I have decided to snip at them to give my fro a bit of a normal even look but before you trim your stray ends I have  suggestion for you:

Tips On Trimming Straight Ends!!
Go to your local Walmart, beauty supply, or sallys and purchase some new shears

What are Shears you ask? Shears are sharp scissors that will only be used for trimming hair

Why can they only be used for trimming hair? With shears if you use them to cut open boxes or to cut at different objects you will cause the blade to become dull and the next time you decide to trim you hair you will not cut with precision and this could split your ends very badly so you want to only use you shears for
hair trimming.

So I recently tried out a new product by EO which is an all natural organic product line I chose to try the protective conditioner because of its:

Moisture Rich/color treated Hair
Nourish-with chamomile essential oil and rose absolute
Vibrant color- with sunflower and green tea extracts, hisbiscus
Hydrate-pantehenol,glycerin
Fortify-quinoa protein
Revitalize-gotu kola
condition-oils of jojoba, cocunut, and olive

I thought to my self this must be a heaven sent product so far this conditioner along with the shampoo and deep conditioner has proven it self to be a worthy product I purchased this product at whole foods for 7.99 which is not bad huh? No not at all

Hair Tip
Ladies when it comes to your hair only you knows  exactly what is needed with my hair it needs hydration and moisture due to the fact that I have color and I have  TWA that is flattened in the morning I need something that gives my hair a boost although I think this product is great is is always good to do your research on products and make sure they offer the benefits that meet your hair needs!!!

Until next time ladies keep supporting thanks!!!

Minah

New Hair Regime and Curl Defining Trick****

Hey Ladies,

So as you know learning your natural hair and what works and what doesn't is trial and error and I  have found a new way of defining my curls and shaping up my look and I want to share with you I hope this helps you in your journey of finding products that work for you so here goes!!!!

1. I co-wash every other day to prevent product build up
2. I spray hair with EVOO-Extra Virgin Olive Oil and water  saturate hair
3. I then apply leave in condition just a dab (can be applied at night if it does not mix well with styling products)
4. I have added Queen Hellenes royal curl defining cream to help define my curls
5. Lastly I switched from Evo-Styler gel to Aloe Vera gel because it allows my hair to dry soft and not hard and crunchy!!!

I have been following the steps in that order and I have been achieving my look I hope this helps those in search I will post a picture of what I use

  Now results are not guaranteed but I sure hope this helps someone!!! Good luck!!

here is a side view after my hair dried

here is my finish look

back view

products that I have been using I will be reviewing a conditioner I have been using soon!!

Coconut Oil review****

Hello ladies,

I know its been a few weeks but I have to share with you that my investment in coconut oil has been a great one this product has proven to be a great moisturizer for both my hair and skin.

I have been using this oil on a daily basis on both my skin and hair within a week I notice I had softer more supple and smoother skin. The great thing about coconut oil is it absorbs into the skin quickly it does not sit on the skins outer layer like some oils or moisturizers.

My Reasons For Use: In Texas the water is very drying and has proven to be very rough on the skin in the winter months and I needed some to add to my daily moisturizer to combat the dryness and Coconut oil has been very effective.

I suggest you grab you some at your local whole foods or grocery market I have been using the hair and skin kind there are two kinds the one for hair and skin and the food degradable version both can be used.

Coconut Oil  and Hair-

I have been using Coconut oil to oil and grease my scalp to prevent dryness and also as a hair polish. I have found my hair to be softer and maintain a nice natural shine. I use the oil at night to oil my scalp because all Naturals know that the key to growing strong healthy hair from the roots is to make sure your scalp is healthy and that is why each night I massage the oil onto my scalp before I put my satin cap on.

Again I recommend trying pure coconut oil as well as even drink and adding coconut water and milk to your diet  I will list below some very beneficial benefits of both

Health Benefits of Coconut Milk

Coconut is very good for your health. It can be used by people with lactose intolerance as a substitute for milk. Coconut milk is also popular with vegans. It makes a great base for smoothies and can also be used as yoghurt. It tastes delicious with fruit and muesli.

Coconut milk has a slightly sweetish taste and has just the faintest aroma of coconut. It has a 17% fat content. The fat is mostly lauric acid which is a medium chain fatty acid that is much easier for the body to break down and metabolize than long chain fatty acids found in such fats as sunflower, soy and safflower. Lauric acid is remarkable in that it is antimicrobial, anti fungal and anti protozoal. Thus drinking coconut milk helps to protect the body from infections and viruses. As with coconut water, coconut milk can be taken as a daily health supplement.

Another benefit of coconut milk is that although it is a yoghurt and milk substitute it doesn’t go off quickly. Coconut milk contains anti-oxidants that stop it going rancid. An unopened can of coconut milk won’t go bad for many months. If it is opened and has an inconsistent thickness that is because the thin and thick milk has separated, not that it has gone off. This consumer problem is solved by some brands by adding thickening agents.

Antioxidant Properties of Coconut Milk

Not only is the antioxidant quality of coconut milk useful for storage it is also important for health. It means that after you eat coconut milk it doesn’t go rancid in your stomach. This is the opposite of low fat spreads and margarine that contain polyunsaturated fats that quickly go bad, even before it has passed through the human digestive system. There are long term health implications of having rancid material in the body.

Fight Lipid Disorders

Regularly drinking coconut milk either in smoothies, desserts or in other foot items helps to maintain a balance of lipids in the body. Thus coconut milk is a good medicine against hyperlipidemia – the condition of too much cholesterol in the body. Hyperlipidemia causes coronary problems, strokes and other vascular disorders. The Indians in their traditional medicine called Ayurveda consider coconut milk a very important medicine. (ref:Wikipedia)

Coconut Milk as Substitute for Dairy Products

Finally, coconut milk is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is considered a good replacement for dairy products because it contains high levels of calcium that are needed to keep bones healthy. It also contains potassium and other important minerals.

Coconut milk tastes like it should be bad for you because it is rich and delicious. It can be taken in many different ways. It might contain saturated fat, but coconut milk is very good for you. (http://coconutoilbenefits.biz/coconut-milk-health-benefits/)

Hope this helps and blesses someone naturally!!

New Hair Treat Coconut OIl and Its Benefits Hair/Skin

Hello Ladies,

 Recently I have started using Coconut oil yes pure coconut oil and I have to say the results are amazing here is a little history on Coconut oil and its benefits!! And it can be used as a Moisturizer on the skin to as a natural anti-aging remedy!!! Can be found at you local herbal store or whole foods!!!!!! Coconut oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the kernel of the coconut with a high concentration of saturated fatty acids, lauric acid, capric acid and vitamins E and K. In its natural unprocessed state, coconut oil has a high moisture retaining capacity and does not breakdown or evaporate easily when it is applied to the hair and penetrates the hair shaft. This is highly beneficial to black hair that is challenged by its inability to consume and retain moisture. Coconut oil's high concentration of fatty acids also nourishes your hair with protein that produces strong and long, soft and shiny hair.

Daily Moisturizer-  prevents dryness and dullness, coconut oil also eliminates split ends,prevents thinning, shedding and dandruff, which are other common problems for black hair. As a daily moisturizer coconut oil can be used on wet or dry, natural or processed hair. Applying coconut oil to the hair shaft and ends leaves your hair soft, shining and smelling like the mild delicious smell of coconuts. Coconut oil can also be massaged into the scalp to stimulate the roots and hair follicles, which promotes hair growth.

Coconut oil shampoo provides gentle cleansing without stripping the hair of its natural oils. It moisturizes without coating the hair with unnatural ingredients and stimulates the hair, scalp and follicles without clogging and causing hair loss. When purchasing your shampoo, make sure that the main ingredient is coconut oil; there are products on the market that are advertised as coconut oil, but actually contain very little of the oil itself. You can also choose to make your own shampoo or add a few drops of coconut oil to your existing shampoo.

Deep conditioning is a necessary component of caring for black hair. Deep conditioning provides an intense amount of moisture and relief to dry, dull and often brittle hair. Using coconut oil to deep condition is a productive way to strengthen your hair from inside the shaft. It is also an effective treatment for dandruff caused by either hair dryness or fungal or bacteria properties.The natural wonder, overall richness and pure nourishing ingredients of coconut oil is a good addition to your haircare regimen.

Found this Article: here but it was very helpful wanted to share http://www.livestrong.com/article/223100-coconut-oil-black-hair/

A fun new way to play with color!!

Hello Ladies!!

 Happy New Years again to all my readers I am coming to you with a new tip and some health tips for your lifestyle. So its the New Year and some of you are like I would like to change my Natural up some but I am not too big on taking risk well I have the perfect suggestion for you.

If you are looking to add a boost of shine or spunk to your hair try rinsing it with a semi-Permanent or demi. I just tried a Mocha Brown rinse and I must say it was that boost my hair need to bring that shine back.
\
Hey relax rinses are totally harmless because they are water based which means when you wash or shampoo they gradually wash out and they do not chemically alter the hair color so you can try as many browns or black that you like.

Now if you are like me and you like to test the waters a little there is always permanent coloring or going to a professional to get a color enhancement treatment. These are safe but can be harmful if proper hair care is apart of your routine.

The Pros- Since you are natural you are no longer combating relaxed hair and the permanent chemical so its less damage to the hair.


Well ladies that is my tip on Natural hair and adding some color so its the New Year add some flare to that fabulous natural hair of your and send me pics to stribling_y@yahoo.com and I will feature them here!!!

Naturally Minah,

Pictures of beautiful Naturals I admire!!! Natural is Art

Herbs and Natural supplements and Your Hair Journey!!!

Hello Ladies,

I recently found a posting that gave a brief description on herbs and natural remedies and I thought it would be a great read so I am sharing it with you feel free to try some of these out on your hair and skin you would be surprised at the results I have used some and plan to try others good

Jojoba oil is similar to sebum, which is secreted by human sebaceous glands to lubricate and protect skin and hair. Jojoba oil conditions hair and prevents it from becoming brittle and dull. Avocado oil Softens skin, helps skin and hair retain moisture and fights the aging process Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shinny complexion. Coconut oil prevents dandruff, lice, and lice eggs, even if your scalp is dry. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged air and provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. Honey is high in vitamins and minerals, and has wonderful benefits for the skin and hair. Honey is a good humectant and emollient, serving as a good moisturizer and conditioner Basil: Oily hair. Promotes hair growth. Treats eczema, psoriasis Bay: relieves scalp conditions and acts as a hair tonic Cedarwood: Aids in Dandruff, relieves itching Chamomile: Fine to normal hair. Gives golden highlights Geranium: deters head lice Grapefruit oil: Promotes hair growth, astringent for balancing oily scalp Juniper Berry: an astringent for the skin and hair Lavender: Normal to oily hair. Scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice! Controls oil production, reduces itchy/flaky scalp Lemon: Oily hair. Gives golden highlights; treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands Myrrh: Dry hair. Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands Neroli: balancing oil for the skin and hair, and can help control overproduction of sebum Orange Oil: Oily Hair. regulates the production of sebum, the hair’s natural oil Palmarosa: helpful for balancing oily and dry skin. Patchouli: Oily hair. Dandruff treatment Peppermint: Dry hair. Promotes hair growth. reduces itching and irritation Clary sage: All types of hair. Dandruff treatment. Adds Shine. Good for weak hair, has antioxidants Cypress: Use in treating hair loss, alopecia. clears oil


This was shared by Naturally free to be me on facebook go friend her she has great tips and suggestions again I hope this helps you on your journey!!




Yours Naturally, 

Happy New Years!!!!!!

Hello Ladies,

Happy New Years!!!!!!! Its 2012!!! Make this Year a Great one!!




I know I have been been a bit delayed but I will be coming to you soon with some great tips!!!!

Natural Hair Takes Patience!!!

Hey Ladies,

So as many of you know I have been natural for 3 months now and I must say is a decision I am very glad I made but I will be honest.

I HAVE MY DAYS***

Have you discovered your natural curls, coils, and kinks to try you some days!!!! Yes I have to admit I do have days when I am frustrated and some days it seems as though products work better and then some days I am just not feeling it.

I am writing you to encourage you and say don't give up when you get to that point. Natural hair can be trying and for some it could very well be your (Breaking Point) lol! I Encourage you to hang in there.

 Don't give up or give in here are some tips for those rough days when hair just will not act right: 

Try adding a cute head wrap to your outfit with some faboulous ear rings you would be surprise how this new addition can add style and trend to a outfit.

A cute hat is always trendy and with the winter months approaching is a great way to protect hair from dry and hard air and winter weather again I say spice up the makeup and always keep you favorite earrings close and Viola!! You have a hot new winter trend going.

And if you are like me a slow schedule just add some oils and moisturizer and let it flow thanks Toni Braxton for that song I have so learned to let it flow some days!!

I will agree that sometimes even our hair needs a break so some days less is best and doing little to no manipulating saves on breakage just remember our natural curls,coils, and kinks need moisture so ladies keep it curly and hang in there!!!!

Yours Naturally,

Minah

Hey Friends please Join us December 23rd for the Annual Christmas Party!!!

 Hey Friends if you are in the Pine Bluff area come join us!! Merry Christmas to you all!!

My first Beauty Tutorial *******

Im Natural and My man Hates it!!

Hey Ladies,


I recently watched a video that was related to a a woman who decided to go natural and her man hated the new look. Ladies I personally have dealt with a male friend who by personal preference preferred longer relaxed hair and that is okay we are all entitled to our own opinions.

However, if a man shows more interest in your physical appearance than who you are as a person I would have to say that is a RED FLAG!!! that he is not the one.  Ladies to embrace on a journey such as this takes courage it requires you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace a new reality.

Self-Esteem and Confidence are the key ingredients in embracing the natural you. Many have suggested those who wear no weave or no makeup are considered the true Naturals but its is my opinion that being beautiful in the skin you are in and taking excellent care of the Mind, Body and Soul is what matters when trailing on this natural Journey!!

Ladies Remember some men are ignorant to what matters most and those are the ones you want to weed out and believe it or not there are some really great guys who are ready and willing to embrace and travel along with you on your Journey and that is the man after my own heart!!

FYI!! More men than you think actually prefer the natural curls,kinks, and coils. I find that more men than woman desire to touch and play in my hair so ladies no fretting there !!

I hope this inspires you that no matter what love yourself and anyone who doesn't love you past the physical is not worth the effort of the time!!


Yours Naturally,

Minah

A Product Suggestion** Million Lashes False Lashes By Loreal**** I love it**

Hello My Lovely Naturalistas,

By now most of you know that being Natural is the ultimate style of them all however on this natural journey most of you have discovered a few changes such as updating clothing style, adding more to the makeup bag, and just taking better care of oneself.

Today I am writing a product suggestion on a favorite of mine as you may have noticed in my pictures I love to wear makeup. Makeup to me is an added bonus with being a natural beauty it only adds to the beauty it does not cover up but it enhances get my drift.

Product:Loreal Million Lashes (false Lashes*Faux Cils)- this mascara is one that is truly defines and it provides superb length and volume if you are one who likes long full lashes you know the look the models have on the commercials I suggest  trying this mascara preferably because it has great coverage and it give lashes a natural dramatic curl that is eye capturing!!!!!

Price: 7.99 -8.00-  The price is a bit fair consider the average cost of a good mascara starts around $6.00 

  Ladies if you are looking for a great mascara that true to its own I would go to the nearest Walmart, Target, or drug store and grab one of these Mascaras let me know what you think please feel free to leave a comment!!

And remember I will come to you with the latest in Natural trends, Makeup and my favorite product suggestions!! (Only Those I have tried or found Great Reviews on))

Blessings to you All!!

Natural and New Years****

Hey ladies,

 Its almost that time of the year you know when we make that list. Yeah you know the list the one we make every year and it is consisted of all those to do's and promises of things we plan to do in the New Year.

  I have made my list and its rather easy I plan to view my life and the thing in this next year in short comparison to the feeling I have towards my natural locks as a growing experience and learn how things flow and adjust accordingly only if it benefits me.

 As most of you Natural ladies know that when it comes to our hair its very sensitive and ever changing and with life I have found things to be so similar as I embrace this change I must adjust tot he level of growth that comes along with the growth phase and with the growth phase comes more responsibility.

Also as many of you may have notice considering the economy one must choose to be more financial savvy and along wit my hair and the many products advertising and the prices thrown at you one must also choose wisely and consciously when it comes to product purchases because realistically who wants to go broke just to have a counter full of hair products.

Also ladies again remember the Golden Rule if its not broken don't fix it I'm just saying!!!!! 

Again Ladies I encourage you to allow patience to be your virtue because with anything you really want it requires patience and what ever you do promise to not give on your journey in life or the sweet new Natural Journey and for those of you in the TWA phase remember we won't be in this phase forever hang in there fill free to comment leave a post and share your stories with me!!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Yours Naturally,

Minah