Jumpstart Your GOOD Natural Hair Journey with Ease!

Transitioning to natural?  Just big chopped and new to natural hair?  Or, have you been natural for years, and at your wits end with your natural hair?  

I've been all three and through the trenches!  So, I present to you, Natural Hair Made Simple , your PRACTICAL go-to guide to help jumpstart your natural hair journey!  Let's talk porosity, moisture, definition...Girl, you're welcome!!

My natural hair squad loves simplicity, practicality, & versatility.  If you been on the team for a while, you know that’s how we roll, because she has things to do. 

IF THIS IS YOU, I GOTCHA COVERED:

• Concerned that your hair looks and feels dry even after applying moisturizers.
• Confused about why your hair has been stuck at the same length for the last few years.
• Frustrated and at your wits end about your dusty looking fragile hair.
• Upset that your wash & go's are a flop after using products that claim to clump and define.

I wrote Natural Hair Made Simple as a PRACTICAL, easy to follow guide to help those who are transitioning, new to natural, and for people who have been natural for a few years, but are flat out frustrated with their hair!

• Learn about hair porosity and best practices on how to moisturize it for optimal results.

• Discover what it actually takes to achieve a defined wash & go.

• Get the basics you need to begin growing your hair and its retaining length.

• And more!

Get your copy of Natural Hair Made Simple HERE

RallyGirl♥

Melanin HairCare First Impressions

So, my girl, Whitney " Naptural85 " White (okay, we're only friends in my head), FINALLY hit us with the launch of the Melanin HairCare product line that she and her sister worked to develop for 6 years!  Y'all, I don't even like pre-ordering books on Amazon, much less new products created by a new brand...MONTHS in advance, but girl, I pre-ordered without a second thought.  Somehow, I felt I had to be a part of this movement...at least that's what it feels like to me, and by the way,  #supportasista (shout out to Toni Daley; thanks, sis for starting THAT movement♥).  If not for the years of good and decency of Naptural85's brand, I would have more than likely shown up to this party a year later.  LOL

Anywho, I was eager to try the Twist-Elongating Style Cream, share my first impressions, AND host a non-sponsored Melanin HairCare GIVEAWAY.  Check it out, below, and join in (there's still time):  

I hope you joined the Giveaway.  Good Luck!

Thank you for reading and watching!

RallyGirl♥

EASY D.I.Y. Shea Butter Whip Recipe

Happy New Year!

During the colder months, shea butter is my go to.  It's great for skin, but really keeps my natural hair moist and super conditioned, especially when it's in protective styles.

I have several whip recipes depending on what oils I have on hand, but I'm always sure to keep my staple unrefined shea butter in stock.  To help you get your new year started on the right track, I offer you one of my super easy potions:   

As always, experiment to find out what works best for your hair, and enjoy the journey!

Mo' Hair,

RallyGirl ♥

Grow Natural Hair, Retain Length: 4 Ways to Keep Those Cuticle Layers Closed & Retain Moisture

One key component of retaining the length of your natural hair, is to also retain its moisture.  This allows your hair to be more pliable (flexible), so that it doesn't prematurely break off, during normal (gentle) grooming, and general wear.

There is a science behind this, but I'll refrain from going all Charlie Brown’s teacher on you.  Getting to the nitty gritty, I present the high-level, RallyGirl version of why we want to nurture our cuticle layer, keep it closed, and 4 ways to do it.   Here goes....

Below is a diagram of a hair strand; as you can see, there are 3 layers.  This post focuses primarily on the cuticle; the outer-most layer.

• Medulla
• Cortex
• Cuticle

How the cuticle layer scales depends on the hair type.  For example, for type 1 (straight) hair, the cuticle tightly hugs the cortex, so the layer’s scales lay flat.   As a result, straight hair tends to shine more often,and retain its moisture longer than other hair types.   Curlier hair types, especially natural hair (type 4 or afro textured), shine less, and can be dryer/frizzier, because its cuticle layer is naturally raised.

Magnified Strand of Hair - Smooth/Closed & Raised Cuticles.

Because it’s the outer, most protective (and what I consider the most important) layer, it’s best that we keep the cuticle healthy, and closed as much as possible.   Doing so, yields higher shine, strong hair, and longer lasting moisture, which = maximum length retention.

RELATED:  Grow Natural Hair, Retain Length:  8 Basic Tips to Jump-Start Optimum Hair Growth

RELATED:  Grow Natural Hair, Retain Length: 6 Co-Wash Must-Haves that Pack in Moisture

CLOSING YOUR CUTICLES:

In a nutshell, hair cuticles lift and become damaged with the use of harsh chemicals like, bleach and relaxers.  Some shampoos, and the addition of warm/hot water tend to also lift and make cuticles swell.

Below are a few ways to close your hair's cuticle layer, when completing your co-wash routine:

- Rinse hair with cold water (perfect during the hot months when rocking your wash & go's).
- Finish with an apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse -- 3 parts water to 1 part ACV = 3/4 water to 1/4 ACV.
- Finish by spritzing aloe vera juice or gel. (A good product to use on medium porosity hair)
- You can also do either of the above, follow with applying a refrigerated leave-in conditioner.

Complete the process with oil to seal in moisture, and you're done.

RELATED:  Grow Natural Hair, Retain Length: How to Seal in Moisture

I actually use a combination of these options, based on what's at my fingertips at the time.

Use this article is a guide to help you, but as always, be sure to do your research and experiment to see what your hair loves and responds to the best.

Thanks for reading, and of course, Mo' Hair!

RallyGirl ♥