Natural Afro Hair for Weave vs. European/Indian Hair

deN Diva Styles: Stephanie Dawkins

Before Styling: I washed my hair with Carol's Daughter Tui Shampoo (I love the smell of it) and really massaged it into my head. I usually rush with my hair but since being apart of the group I have realized I am missing out on the fun of hair care! After rinsing my hair I used a deep conditioner and let that sit for about 10 minutes. I rinsed it and sprayed Carol's Daughter Tui Leave in conditioner and let it air dry.

Preparation for Styling: As it was air drying I began to part it into sections of how I much hair I wanted to be allotted in each section for the style. I have a patch of hair in the back of my hair that I am working on growing out and catching it up to speed with the rest of my hair so I don't like to wear that part out much. I cornrowed the back all to my left side. I am one who MUST have straight parts so as suggested by a group member I sat in between two mirrors (where's my kid sister when I need her?!) to help me accomplished the straightest parts possible. As the hair was still drying I applied Carol's Daughter oil on my hair.

The Style: I began to part each cornrow starting from the back and applied a tiny bit of eco styler gel as I braided it. After (what seemed like hours) cornrowing my hair I then began twisting the top. When I twist my hair, even without perm sometimes my ends can be straight so I applied rollers to them so they would look better when I took them out. I wore the style twisted for the first day. Then the next day I unraveled my twist. I put oil again on my fingertips as I unraveled my twist to give a fresh look.

After Styling: At night I retwist my hair only by spraying water on it. This morning, I woke up with freshly twisted hair and won't wear the twist out again until tomorrow.

Co-Founder Tywanda Rambles With Excitement Aboout Upcoming Event

deN Diva Spotlight: Rasheda Stewart

Name: Rasheda Stewart

What is your hair's name? Ha! I don’t have a name for my hair, but if I had to make one up I would say…LONG HAIR DON’T CARE! :-)

How long have you been natural? My last relaxer was in 2005. I did not do the big chop, because a big chop is not always necessary.  I grew out my relaxer.

Describe your hair. My hair is naturally curly (type 3A/3B). When my hair is in its natural state it hangs a few inches past my shoulder. When my hair is straighten with a blow dryer and flat iron it hangs to almost my waist (this is the longest my hair has ever been in my life!).

What is your current hair regimen? I wash and deep condition with my hair product line Rapunzel The Future of Hair every 2-3 days when I’m natural and once a week when my hair is straighten. I also moisturize my ends daily, which is a must for our hair. I love how soft my hair feels after using my products.  The shampoo and conditioner combined make the detangling process a breeze. I never felt that with any other product.

What are five products you can't live without? I do not use 5 products, so I will name the 4 that I use on a regular basis. I only use my products with the exception of a curly enhancer, because we do not have one…yet. Rapunzel’s Hydrating & Detangling Shampoo, Rapunzel’s Protein Deep Conditioner, Rapunzel’s Hair Silk and Aveda Be Curly (when I wear my hair natural).

What is the one product/treatment/technique that has made the biggest difference in your hair? Rapunzel’s Protein Deep Conditioner, because it has the 3 things our hair needs to promote natural (no wigs, weaves or braids) hair growth. Rapunzel’s Protein Deep Conditioner helps to strengthen, lubricate and stimulate hair growth.

What is the biggest mistake you have made with your hair? The biggest mistake that I made recently would have to be when I highlighted certain parts of my hair. I am a premature grey and I started dying my hair black last year. Well, I decided late in the year that I wanted to highlight my hair not knowing that the color had to lift through all the times that I dyed it black. Needless, to say I experienced some breakage, but it wasn’t too bad, because I’m constantly deep conditioning my hair and I keep it moisturized daily.

Any advice for other naturalistas? Yes, use quality products that work with your hair and be consistent with your regimen. Always check your ingredient labels. There are a number of ingredients that do not work with our dry hair and they are typically found in a lot of hair care products on the market. We at Rapunzel suggest you educate yourself in order to get the most effective and healthy products for your hair care dollars. Whether you choose to have your hair relaxed or natural, Rapunzel will help you attain and maintain the healthiest hair possible.

Is there a blog/web page where we can find you? http://www.rapunzelthefutureofhair.com/

Moringa Oil: An Oil that Makes You Go Mmmmmmm

Who: Moringa Oil (a.k.a. Ben or Behen Oil)
What: One of the most nutrient-rich carrier oils in the world
Where: Derives from the Moringa Oilefera Tree found in Africa or India
When:  Use it as a moisturizer for your hair after hydrating with water or any other water-based conditioner/moisturizer
Why:

• It is the most stabe oil in nature and does not go rancid
• It is an excellent lubricant (add to your conditioner for slip)
•  It is full of fatty acids (Palmitoleic, Oleic and Linoleic acids)
• Rich in vitamins A, C and E
• Antioxidant (curbs free radicals that cause tissue damage)
• Nourishing Conditioner
• A Natural Cleanser (use as a pre-poo)
• Blends well with essential oils
• Contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties (for scalp irritations)

 

The founders of Delaware Naturalistas were recently attending a teleseminar with the creator of the Huetiful Hair Steamer when he mentioned the use of the Moringa Oil in all his products.  It was the first time that we had heard of this oil so we decided to do some research and present to you all.  We see why he loves it.  It's an amazing cleansing, healing and moisturizing oil great for both HAIR and SKIN! After doing this research, our thought is it would be great to begin utilizing Moringa Oil as a pre-poo the night before a weekly cleaning regimen, to your shampoo and then lastly after your leave-in conditioner to seal in hydration.

Get some of Be Huetiful's Conditioner with Moringa Oil by clicking here