Healthy Hair: Hyrdatherma Naturals

Since when do natural hair products smell like vanilla cake frosting?! OMG, I think I am in love with Hydratherma Naturals...

This line of products shocked me! I have eyeballed them for quiet sometime but was never really ready to commit to adding new products to my "under the sink stash." Being a former product junkie, I no longer prowl the internet for new products to buy, try and never use again...  However, when HN reached out to me I was thrilled.

I was sent the shampoo bar (amazing), the hair oil, leave in and hair lotion. All of them smell like a warm vanilla pastry, I literally sat and sniffed the products for about 5 minutes. Anything sweet smelling wins me over almost instantly! Using the shampoo bar was so convenient and when washing out my rhassoul mud mask it got the job done. I used the oil and leave in before my blow out and I love how they both coated my strands. My hair was super fluffy and soft after drying which was a huge plus for me. The hair lotion is my absolute fave ever! I have been looking for a lightweight hair lotion for a long time. I even went out and bought the old school pink lotion one day because I was desperate (don't judge me...). My desperation ended today with Hydratherma's Daily Moisturizing Grow Lotion. I must say that stuff is perfection in a bottle, my hair loves it! 

Hydratherma gets two thumbs up from me and will be in my regimen rotation. Stay tuned for a special giveaway of products coming next week! You won't want to miss it.

Have you tried this line? What are your thoughts, are you in love like me?

xo,

Alex

Healthy Hair: Rawmazing's Avocado Coconut Oil Hair Mask

One of my fave blogs, Rawmazing, posted an awesome hair mask recipe that I plan on trying very soon! Look at the mix below, ugh, I just wanna dig my hands in it and smother my strands...

Rosemary Avocado Coconut Oil Hair Mask

(makes one mask)

• 1 avocado
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 10-20 drops rosemary essential oil

1. Combine all ingredients in food processor.

2. Paint on hair, then squeeze to distribute evenly. 

3. Leave on for 1/2 hour and shampoo out. 

This easy to make, deliciously rich hair mask is a great natural treatment for dry hair. The rich oils from the avocado and coconut oil make your hair feel soft and thick. The rosemary will also contribute to soft, shiny hair. On top of that it is a great scalp stimulator, fights hair loss and also is anti-bacterial. 

We use an old basting brush to apply the mask to hair but you can also just spread it on with your fingers. Make sure you massage it into your scalp, too. 

Healthy Hair: Deep Conditioning with Anita Grant

After 56 weeks of consecutive protective styling I decided it was time to treat myself. Yes, 56 weeks of weave installs and Havana (or Marley) twists! I did it and am so proud of myself for making it this far. After each PS I would wash my hair really good, condition then pop back in my HeatFreeHair or twists--doing that for over a year was awesome! At first it was challenge then it became a routine; a way of life if you may. While in my PS's I would stock up on products that I wanted to use when the year was over, products that I loved and knew worked for my hair. One of those products are my absolute fave, banana rhassoul mud (heart shaped) cubes from Anita Grant. 

These cubes are a gift from the natural hair gawds! When I tell you I am in LOVE with this little heart of moisture that might be an understatement. Paired with my hot coconut milk and olive oil mix, you really cannot go wrong. These little gems are packed with banana powder, honey, rhassoul clay, cocoa powder and more! They smell heavenly and are really fun to use.

Healthy Hair: Panasonic KuruKuru Blow Dryer

When  I tell you that this tool is perfection, believe me! I have found the solution to reducing hours of blow drying my mane with this Panasonic KuruKuru blow dryer. Check out the photos and video below for my thoughts and details about it.

Healthy Hair: Coconut Co-Wash by As I Am

I don't think words can explain how much I love this stuff! I've been wanting to try As I Am products for quite sometime so when I discovered the line at Target, I stocked up. People in the curly world have been raving about the infamous Coconut CoWash and after today I can see exactly why.

Where do I start? How about with the pleasant sweet fruity scent? I am a fan of products that smell good without being too overpowering. The Coconut CoWash has a subtle scent that I like. It smells familiar and is a bit nostaglic but I cannot put my finger on it.

The next best thing about this product is the smooth texture! It feels like pudding, the consistency is perfect and it slides on my strands flawlessly. Now, initially I thought  I would need a lot of this to get the job done but a little went a long way.  I used the cowash on my current HeatFreeHair install and was really satisfied at how soft it left the hair. Detangling with this was a breeze, I actually didn't even rinse all of it out; my hair feels fabulous.

Healthy Hair: Bun Life

About 7 weeks ago, after taking out my protective style, I was super impressed by my bun! It's doubled in size and was proof that wearing protective styles (weaves or twists) aids in my length retention. I committed to PS'ing 56 weeks ago, so a little over a year and the benefits are so worth it. I have watched my hair flourish, you can see my most recent before and after (from 8 months ago) shot HERE. 

With hard work, patience and a lot of help from Ngozi ( the owner of HeatFreeHair) I am becoming closer and closer to my goal as the weeks go on. You can see more photos of my bun and hair under the jump. I barely wear my hair loose anymore, PS'ing has become second nature! I am a huge advocate for keeping hair tucked and pinned away--so glad I recognized that benefit, took a while. 

Healthy Body: Kale for Curls

I am sure that we all have figured out the importance of feeding our hair from the inside out. In order to have a healthy head of hair we must feed our bodies goodness. There is so much more to having luxurious manes than just protective styling, SLS free poos and trims. Drinking lots of water and pumping your body full of nutrient rich veggies and fruits will help a ton with your goal of achieving longer and stronger locks. Since adopting vegetarianism into my lifestyle, and now transitioning to vegan, kale has been my favorite veggie to experiment with. I juice kale, blend it in smoothies, eat it raw, saute it, bake it... you name it, I've tried it. I honestly feel like kale is one of the most magical veggies ever (don't think I am weird). 

The benefits of kale vary from aiding in skin, heart and bone health to hair growth and elasticity. My favorite way to have kale is in the form of juice. Juicing the hearty green veggie enables the absorption of all the nutrients in the plant.  Kale is rich in vitamin A, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which is beneficial for both hair and skin. So, if you are looking to improve your hair's elasticity or increase the blood circulation to your scalp, kale would be a great veggie to add to your diet.

What's your favorite fruit or vegetable? 

xo,

Alex 

DIY: Oily Face Scrub Recipe

My face has been super oily lately and I truly think it’s because I switched moisturizers. Nevertheless, when oils attack I whip up this face scrub to get the job done. I usually will use it 2 or 3 times a week until my skin balances out.
I also add a splash or two of Apple Cider Vinegar to help with my skin’ PH balance.

What you will need:

-Juice from 1/2 a lemon (keep the lemon after you squeeze the juice. You’re going to use it to rub on your face before hand.

-1 1/2 tablespoons of raw cane sugar 

-1 tablespoon of honey (to make this vegan you can use coconut nectar or agave nectar) 

-1/2 teaspoon or so of ACV

Directions: 

Mix together well. 

Rub the squeezed lemon (not the juice from the mixture) on your face before tossing it. 

Apply the mixture of juice, honey, sugar and ACV on your face. 

Let sit for 5-10 mins.

Rinse with cool water.

I usually don’t apply anything after. The honey leaves my skin pretty moisturized on it’s own. Do this 2/3 times a week until you feel your oiliness has calmed down. The lemon will brighten your skin and the sugar will rid any dead skin that was hanging out before hand.

Healthy Hair: "Eden's Heart" by Cassndre Beccai

So over the past few months I have completely fallen in love with "Eden's Heart." A relatively  new natural hair care line by YouTuber, Cassandre Beccai. She sent me her whole line and I enjoyed everything, but her Damage Control Intense Moisture Masque is my absolute fave.This particular product is made with sal butter and babassu which are both great for re-hydrating hair and sealing lifted hair strands. Babassu is rich in vitamin E and phytosterols which act as the oil’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agents. The masque is also infused with my aloe vera, which I love and honey. 

I am trying really hard not to use the last little bit of my 8oz jar. If you are looking for a hydrating hair conditioner/masque, that provides great slip, I would say to give this one a go.  After rinsing, my hair is left soft and hydrated. I like that I can also use this product on my HeatFreeHair installs when detangling without any reside being left behind. When using the masque I scoop (about 4) quarter sized dollops per four hair sections, apply from root to tip on each section then cover with a plastic cap for an hour. 

It is safe to safe the "Eden's Heart" products are a win for me. This one particular product has definitely been added to my staples list. It's smooth, smells good and is easy to apply and rinse out. Not to mention the line is affordable and handmade with love! I will definitely be purchasing the masque once I run out.

What are some of your " must have" hair conditioners or masques? Leave them below!

xo,

Alex

New Year, New Mission!

-Photo by: Joshua "Lucky" Peters - Hair: HeatFreeHair, For Kurls 12'- 

Happy 2014 everyone! I know it has been quiet sometime but I am happy to announce that this year will be a great year for blogging here at The Good Hair Blog. I have revamped somethings and am very excited to delve into the new content that will be posted. TGHB will not only include healthy natural hair care tips, tricks and such but will also encourage healthier living internally and externally! Taking care of your hair does not simply consist of treating it with care from the outside. It's important that we tap into the other things that can help nourish our lovely manes like eating right, working out and keeping a healthy mind. Hair love comes full circle and I plan to highlight that a lot this year. There will be a mix of things featured on the blog. Below you will find a list of what to expect in 2014 on TGHB.

What you can expect in 2014:

My hair journey
My yoga practice
Healthy food choices
Growth retention by protective styling
Vegan friendly product reviews
All natural DIY recipes
Good Books to indulge in
New Captured Curls features
New Loc'd Men (and natural men) features
Up and coming Brand Features
Tips on keeping a healthy mind and body
Travel Photos
CharBaby's Hair Regimen
...and more

I look forward to blogging with you all this year! I have a feeling it's going to be great. Please leave a comment below with what you would like to see posted this year on TGHB.