How to get rid of bad tangles

Due to its curly nature, Afro hair will always have a certain number of tangles. Curly hair will curl around the next hair. But it should not stick to the next hair. Your 4c hair should not have excessive tangles. When you detangle healthy hair, each hair glides around the next hair without snagging it or creating more knots. When the hair cuticle is healthy your curls glide around each other like a perfect waltz. 

What can you do if you suffer from excessive tangling? You can detangle your hair, but before you can finish your whole head it has already begun to tangle again. Do not settle for excessive tangling. You can get rid of bad tangles. This will shorten your shampoo days and style time. 

My number one solution against excessive tangles is to replace your shampoo with a bentonite clay cleanser. You can make your own clay wash or buy one that is already prepared. I have both of these solutions for you. 

Easy Clay cleanser

1/3 cup of Bentonite clay

1/4 cup of Moroccan red clay

3/4 cup of filtered water

1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar

Blend together until your mix is smooth and not runny. 

CLICK HERE TO GROW HAIR FAST!

How to be shampoo free!

How to cleanse your hair without using shampoo. 

God created our hair to withstand exposure to the elements. Thus your hair can take being washed frequently, without becoming damaged. Hair, skin and nails are made up of the keratin. We  do not think twice about washing our body daily. Yet the average black woman thinks that washing Afro hair to often, will damage it. Some act as though, Afro hair is so delicate that it cannot withstand much manipulation.

Cleansing the hair does not harm it. Cleansing it with the wrong shampoo or cleanser is what causes damage. Not conditioning well after we cleanse, also causes damage. Not the washing by itself. It is important to cleanse your hair at least twice a week. This will rid the hair of germs, viruses and fungi. Hair grows best on a clean scalp.

NON SHAMPOO OPTIONS Although there are many non-sulfate shampoos on the market. Some people are not fond of shampoo. You do have other choices. Here are some of the natural cleansers I recommend to replace your traditional shampoo.

Clay:
I recommend bentonite clay or red clay. It is best to use them together. But you can also use them separately. If your hair is prone to excessive knots, tangles and dryness. Replacing your shampoo with clay is the way to go. Clay cleanses, conditions and defines your coils in one step. For a DIY clay recipe and full information about clay, go HERE.

Order here!

Hibiscus powder
Hibiscus is a gentle cleanser. If you use gel, grease or heavy oils, this might not cleanse enough for you. Add some spring or distilled water to pure hibiscus powder. Add a little at a time. You want to create a paste. Rinse your hair under warm water for 30 seconds. Apply hibiscus paste to scalp and gently massage. Smooth the paste over each hair strand. Cover with a plastic cap for 10 minutes. Rinse well with med temp water. Continue with deep conditioning. Do not use on blonde or light color hair.  It might change the color.

Soapwarts
This one is great for dandruff and itchy scalp. It is also a gentle cleanser. It is a natural cleanser that suds. But it is not harsh like bar soaps. It has a light earthy smell. Buy it in a powder form. Create a paste with distilled water. Wash hair with it and follow with deep conditioning. Find it at health food stores or HERE.

Black soap
This is an excellent all natural cleanser for the whole body. It softens, cleanses and conditions the hair, amazingly. It is cheap and long lasting. Be sure to buy only authentic black soap. MORE INFO HERE

How to restore moisture to hair, after washing it

STEP TWO FOR  INCREASING YOUR HAIR GROWTH

Washing your curly hair the right way

Many women with natural coiled hair, complain about dry hair. Lots do not want to wash it, because it becomes dry afterwards. That is due to cleansing with the wrong products. Also cleansing the hair in the wrong way.

STEP ONE consists of choosing the right products to cleanse and condition with. READ HERE!

How to cleanse your hair for optimum hydration

The Coily Queens regimen has the only cleansing regimen,  that cleanses and moisturizes effectively.  This is a step by step hydration cleansing technique. Do each step as written, no matter how minor it might seem. Each step is important for hydration. 

HYDRATION CLEANSING 

Before you began put your leave conditioner or moisturizer in the fridge. You want it to be cold. 

1. Allow medium temperature water to run through hair for 1 minute.

2. Apply shampoo to scalp first and cleanse. 

3. Smooth shampoo down the hair shaft. Taking care to always go in a downward motion. 

4. Complete 2 lathers, using less shampoo the 2nd lather.

5. Rinse out shampoo with medium temp water

6. Apply a generous amount of deep conditioner, cover with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer for 20 minutes.

7. Rinse deep conditioner out, with cool water. Do not towel dry hair. Leave soaking wet. 

8. Apply a pH balancer. 
Choose either:   organic apple cider vinegar          rinse or an aloe vera spritzer

9. Organic ACV rinse:  Mix 1/4 cup of acv with 2 cups of spring water and pour all over hair and scalp. Being sure to cover all strands. Let it sit for 3 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Do not towel dry. With hair still soaking wet apply your chilled leave in conditoner to hair. Follow with other products, butters or oils.

10. ALOE spritz: mix 1/4 cup of pure aloe vera gel with 1 cup spring or distilled water. Smooth into scalp and hair. USE IT ALL AND LEAVE IT IN!  Immediately apply your chilled leave in conditioner. Follow with the rest of your products, oils and sealants. 

       

Hair Cleansing Clay

Ditch your shampoo for clay!

Tired of using shampoo?

Would you like a more natural cleanser?

Constantly dealing with dry hair?

Replacing your shampoo with clay could be a game changer for your hair journey. 

What is so awesome about cleansing with clay?

IT'S ALL NATURAL
This Indian healing clay is one ingredient. It is calcium bentonite clay.

FUNCTIONS AS A DUO BEAUTY TREATMENT
 While you would not dare use your shampoo on your face. You can use this bentonite clay on your skin and hair. It is a cleanser and conditioner for the hair and skin. That is a great investment!

DEEP CLEANS WITHOUT TANGLING
This clay detoxes your scalp and hair. But unlike shampoo, it does not strip your hair to the point that it leaves it tangled. 

DETANGLES AND DEFINES YOUR COILS
You will notice an immediate difference in how easily your hair untangles after washing. The clay conditions so well, it leaves your coils well defined. A great head start for your wash and go. 

SIMPLE CLAY CLEANSER
1/3 cup Indian Healing clay (Bentonite clay)
1/4 cup of Morrocan red clay
1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup spring water

HOW TO MIX
Warming the water just a little bit helps it to blend easier.
Do not use any type of metal tools to mix clay.
Pour clay into glass or plastic bowl.
Add half of the water first. 
Stir with plastic or wood spoon.
Blend until you get a smooth mix, similar to a cream conditioner. Add a little water at a time and stir gently. Pour in ACV. Add more water if 3/4 cup is not enough. You do not want a watery mix, because it can be messy to apply.

HOW TO APPLY
Apply to very wet hair. 
Smooth from scalp to ends.
Cover with a plastic cap, do not use heat.
Leave cover 1 to 3 hours.
Rinse out with warm water.
Once all clay is out of hair, let cool water run over hair for 30 seconds. Follow up with leave in conditioner and sealants. 
ORDER HERE

Purchasing bentonite clay for your hair

Clay washes for the hair are steadily growing in popularity. The reasons they are so popular with coily naturals is their ability to deep cleanse the hair without tangling it. Clay washes do an excellent job of making your natural curl pattern pop.  Most deep cleansers are stripping and leave the hair full of tangles. That is not the case with bentonite clay.  

There are many clay washes on the market. But they are expensive.  However a clay wash is very simple to create on your own. There are several different types of clays, you can purchase. This article will focus on choosing a Bentonite clay for your DIY. Bentonite clay is the most popular clay used on the hair. 

GREAT DEAL ON BENTONITE CLAY

Bentonite clay comes as: sodium bentonite or calcium bentonite clay. You will notice the sodium bentonite is cheaper than the calcium bentonite. When creating a wash for your hair, always choose calcium bentonite. Why? Because the sodium is more absorbent and therefore likely to strip the hair. The sodium  bentonite is more detoxing than the calcium bentonite.

Bentonite clay contains both sodium and calcium. However the ones labeled sodium bentonite, have a higher content of sodium. This means the PH will be higher and it cleanses deeper. So the rule is to choose calcium. If you already have the sodium bentonite, use it on your face. 

Calcium bentonite contains more silica. 
Bentonite clay pulls toxins from your hair and then it deposits. Sodium Bentonite will deposit more sodium and the calcium bentonite will deposit calcium and silica. 

For the hair choose Calcium Bentonite 
For the skin choose Sodium Bentonite 

ACTUAL PRODUCT MIXED

IMPORTANT:

Never prepare or store your bentonite clay in any type of metal. Once the clay touches metal, all the benefits of the clay are destroyed. Use glass, ceramic or wood. 

CQ Detox 7

• 1/2 cup of bentonite clay
• 1/4 cup of red clay
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice
• 1/2 cup of spring water (warm)

Deep cleansing instructions

• Allow warm water to run over hair for 1 minute
• Generously apply the Detox 7
• Cover with plastic cap
• Wrap in a towel or scarf
• Leave on for 1 hour
• Rinse off completely with warm water
• Once all clay detox is out, if your hair feels conditioned, proceed with your leave in conditioner. 
• If your hair does not feel feel conditioned enough then apply a deep conditioner

ACTUAL PRODUCT MIXED 

GOT MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT CLEANSING WITH CLAY? GO HERE

CQ Clay Cleansing conditioning 

• 1/2 warm spring water (warm it up not using anything metal)
• 1/2 Moroccan red clay
• 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
• 1 tbsp ACV
• 1/4 cup MAYO (KRAFT REAL MAYO)

Instructions:

• Generously apply to wet hair
• Cover with plastic cap and scarf
• Let it sit on hair 1 to 3 hours.
• Rinse out well
• Apply your leave conditioner, etc. 

Clarifying your hair

Clarifying the hair involves using a stronger than normal cleanser to remove product build up from your hair.

Order here!

5 REASONS TO CLARIFY:

1.  If you do not wash your hair on a weekly basis

2.  If you use gels on a regular basis

3.  If you use petroleum or silicones, on a regular basis

4.  Clarifying before your protein treatments helps to ensure that the protein adheres to your strands better. 

5.  If your hair was styling good then it begins to not style as well, doing a deep cleansing could help to revive your hair. 

PLEASE NOTE!

Deep cleansers and clarifyers have a higher PH than your regular shampoos. 

Clarifyers cleanse the hair deeply. This includes stripping the hair of its natural oils.

For this reason extra care should be taken to deep condition well after using a clarifying deep cleanser.

Here are my tops pick for clarifying deep cleansers. 

Shea Moisture black soap shampoo

Jane Carters Hydrating Invigorating shampoo

As I am clarifying conditioner

ORDER HERE

Natural choices:

Moroccan red clay *(PH 8)

Bentonite clay *(PH 8-9)

Black soap *(PH 9)

Castile soap *(PH 11)

*the PH is an estimate it depends on how your natural product is created

Building your hair care regimen

READ PART ONE TO BUILDING YOUR REGIMEN HERE

The basic products you need in your regimen 

1. Cleanser
     a.  Shampoo (non sulfate)
     b.  Conditioning cleanser (formulated for cleansing)
     c.  Clay washes (make your own or purchase ready made)

2. Conditioners 
     d.  Cream rinses or rinse out conditioners
     e.  Deep Conditioners (moisturizing/protein)
     f.   Deep Conditioner moisturizing (non protein)

READ MORE ABOUT DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONDITIONERS HERE

3. Leave in conditioner
     g.  Moisturizers (water based)
     h.  Liquid leave ins
     i.   Lotion/cream leave in conditioner
     j.   Pomades/butters (contain no water)

4. A good quality singular oil
    k.   EVOO
    l.    Cold pressed avocado oil
    m.  Cold pressed coconut oil
    n.   Jojoba oil
    o.   Grape seed oil


To start your regimen you only need one product out of each category, in the beginning. Once you get started with your first 4 products, then you want to build on those products. 

BUILDING YOUR PRODUCT STASH

The CoilyQueens Regimen recommends having, 3 of each recommended product. This means 3 cleansers, 3 conditioners, 3 leave in conditioners and 3 different types of oils you love. You do not  want, to depend on one brand of cleanser or conditioner. To often your favorite conditioner will stop working as well as it did in the beginning. Sometimes companies change formulas. You can also develop an allergy towards a product that was okay in the beginning. So if you have more than one cleanser and conditioner, that works for you. You do not have to worry about being caught without having a product that works.

Before you shop remember these tips. 
1. Only use non sulfate shampoos
2. Get in the habit of reading the ingredients before you buy.
3. Starting out purchase the same brand of cleansers and conditioners. 
4. Shop with companies who stand behind their brands. Keep your receipt so you can return it, if after one use it does not meet your liking. 
5. If you are on a budget, save most of your money, for a good quality leave in conditioner. The leave in conditioner/moisturizer is your most important product. READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE
6. Spend your money on good quality oils, from the health food store, grocery store. Be sure they are unrefined or cold pressed. 

Product recommendations for each category 

1a--- shampoo suggestions:
Shea Moisture curl and shine shampoo
Design Essentials avocado shampoo
KBB conditioning cleanser
Cream of nature non sulfate shampoo
Shea Moisture restorative shampoo
Jane Carter's shampoo

1b---Conditioning cleansers
Camille rose conditioning cleanser
Eden BodyWorks conditioning cleanser
As I am conditioning cleanser
Shea Moisture conditioning cleanser


1c---Clay washes
Create your own bentonite treatment DIY HERE


2d---Cream rinses or rinse out or regular conditoner
TGIN triple moisture replenishing condish
Shea Moisture 10-IN-1 Renewal conditioner
Shea Moisture restorative conditioner
Oyin Honey Hemp


2e---Deep conditioners (protein)
Mielle Organic babassu mint DC
Shea Moisture manuka honey intensive masque
Alikay naturals DC
Shea Moisture Blk soap purification masque
ORS replenishing conditioner
ORS hair mayo


2f---Deep conditioners moisturizing (non protein)
TGIN Honey miracle hair mask
Camille Rose Algae renew DC
Camille Rose Moroccan Pear Conditioning Custard
Eden Bodyworks all natural DC
As I am hydration elation
Jessicurl DC Citrus and Lavender 
Aubrey Organics moisturizing  conditioner honeysuckle rose


3g---Moisturizers (water based)
Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie
Camille Rose Curliade
As I am double buttercream
Taliah Waajid curling curly cream
Elasta Olive Oil & Mango Moisturizer
4Naturals Afro stretch cream
Cantu Shea Butter leave in
Jane Carter curl cream

3h---Liquid leave ins
Alikay natural lemongrass leave in
Qhemet Biologics alma & olive heavy cream

3i---Lotion/Creamy leave ins
KBB sweet ambrosia leave in
Shea Moisture hibiscus style milk
Cantu curl activator
Ori Essentials Moisturizing leave in conditioner


3j---Pomades and butters
Cantu hair pomade
Qhemet Biologics hydrate twist butter
Aveda Pomade Anti Humectante 


Following these suggestions will help you build a good portion of your product regimen. Remember that a successful hair journey  covers 3 areas: Techniques, mindset and products. This article has helped you cover the products part of your hair regimen. 

Now work on your techniques and mindset about your hair. 

Five ways to prevent breakouts when taking biotin

Biotin is a great supplement for hair growth. Biotin is also called vitamin B7 or vitamin H.   Many people experience an increase in their hair growth, after taking biotin for few months. Biotin is also great for the skin, however some people experience breakouts while taking it.  

If you are one of those who love biotin but experience breakouts, then I have 5 helpful tips for you. 

A possible problem with biotin may be that it  increases your sebum production and the sebum clogs your pores. Sebum is our best moisturizer, however in excess it can cause breakouts. Makeup, lotions and dirt gets trapped inside the pore, along with the sebum and that creates acne. This happens when your cleansing regimen is not removing all the dirt daily. 

TIPS TO COMBAT BREAKOUTS FROM BIOTIN

1. Drink 64 ounces of water daily. 

2. Cleanse your face twice a day and be sure to cleanse well. Going over your face with an astringent or toner after cleansing will let you know if you have removed all residue.

3. Do a bentonite clay masque once or twice a week. The bentonite clay sucks dirt, toxins and product from your pores. Clean pores are the key to no breakouts. 
  
My recipe (simple is best when cleaning your pores)
1/2 tsp bentonite clay
1/2 tsp of red clay
1/2 tsp of organic apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp of filtered water
 (mix together until creamy, adding additional drops  of water   as needed, spread on clean skin, let dry,      then rinse)           

4. Drink nettle tea daily. Nettle tea helps to remove toxins from your body and helps with hair growth. Just add one nettle tea bag to your cup of green or black tea and sip away!

5. Drink 8 ounces of water each time you take your supplement. 


How much biotin should you take a day?

That is for you to decide. Some people know from experience with the vitamin the maximum they can take daily. There is no set amount which is better for hair growth. It depends on your body. Any vitamin you take, you must consider any other medications you take and inform your doctor. 

I take ten thousand mcg, when I am not taking a regular hair skin and nail supplement. I always rotate my supplements.     
   My rotation goes something like this
   3 months Liquid Gold HSN vitamins (capsules)
   3 months Mineral Rich liquid vitamin (a B complex)
   3 months 10,000 mcg biotin with a women's one a day

It is best to take a multi vitamin unless you have a deficiency in a particular vitamin. 

The top 5 best products for your hair!

1. Best leave in conditioner

Great for all hair types, long lasting,  easily available at most stores. 

2. Best cleanser

CQ CLAY WASH (DIY)
Apply to hair
Cover with a plastic cap
1 to 3 hours
Rinse

  

3. Best sealant

4. Best deep conditioner

5. Best growth oil

Liquid Gold sulfur oil available online only, see link in right hand column to order.

How to work clay into your hair care regimen

Answering all of your questions about clay


 
You have  read about how awesome clay is for the hair.  You would love to try it, but you have no ideal where to start.

Where do I purchase clay?
>>>You can find clays at your local health food stores. You can also find good values on amazon.com
     Here is a great deal on bentonite clay!
     Great buy on Red Clay!

I have seen several kinds of clay which one do I start with?
>>>Red clay aka Moroccan clay, green clay, rhassaoul clay, kaolin clay and bentonite clay. Your jar of clay will tell you the origins of the clay. As a beginner working with clay it is best to start with bentonite clay. Bentonite clay is great for the face and hair.

How do I use it on my hair?
>>>Create your clay mixture and mix into a thick conditioner consistency. Then slather it on the hair being sure to cover all of your hair. Cover hair with plastic conditioning cap for 1 hour. Then rinse with warm water until all clay is removed.

A popular brand of Red Clay! Buy now!

Go ahead and do a face masque with whatever is left from your hair masque. Clay mixes should be made when ready to use.

Cover with a self heating conditioning cap for 1 hour or more.

I purchased some clay, but the jar does not say it can be used on the hair.
>>>Look at the contents of your clay, if it says any of the clays listed above and that you can use it on the face then you are fine. The popular brand of bentonite clay I use does not have instructions for using it on the hair. However I have used it on my hair for years. Be sure your bentonite clay says calcium bentonite. 

Do I have to use apple cider vinegar, in my mix?
>>>The acv helps to lower the PH of the clay, so it is highly recommended to use acv in your clay masque.

How often can I use clay on my hair?
>>>I recommend once per month, however you can use it once a week if you desire. Some people let clay washes take the complete place of their shampoos. Clay cleanses deep but without stripping the hair. If you clay mixture is prepared correctly it will cleanse and condition in one step.

How long do I leave it on my hair?
>>>Cover with a plastic conditioning cap and leave on 1 to 3 hours. 

Do I sit under a dryer?
>>>No it is not recommended. Remember you are working with clay you do not want the clay to dry tight onto your scalp. This will make it hard to rinse off.

Do I still use shampoo after I use clay?
>>>No, the clay is your cleanser. No need to double clean, because that will only take away any conditioning the clay has done for your hair. 

A smooth mix of red clay

This mix is kinda lumpy, you want to mix until creamy like above.

Do I deep condition after a clay treatment?
>>>If your clay mixture is made perfectly for your hair you will not have to. Clay cleans and conditions in one step. However if you find that the conditioning from the clay is not enough you can proceed with deep conditioning. Remember you should be applying a leave in conditioner after every cleanse. So you will have continuous conditioning.  

In addition to cleansing and conditioning clay washes also make your curl pattern more pronounced and your hair easier to untangle. 

For more information about clay washes go here.

Do you have more questions about clay and using it on the hair? Ask below please.

The one thing you should never use on your hair!

 

Sodium Bicarbonate aka BAKING SODA!

Baking soda

Have you read of people with low porosity hair washing their hair with baking soda? Maybe you have heard of a hydration method which suggests applying baking soda to your hair to lift the hair cuticle so you can receive deep moisture penetration from your products?   There are people who wrongly believe that water nor moisturizers, penetrates their hair enough to receive adequate hydration. However using baking soda to lift the hair cuticle is very damaging to the hair.  Baking soda is abrasive and it tears the hair cuticle. Baking soda has 150mg of sodium per 1/8 tsp. Sodium is drying to the hair. Anything that is drying is not good for Afro curly hair.  

Whether your hair is high or low porosity water will always penetrate it. Most commercial products are not formulated to penetrate the hair shaft, nor do you want them to. Using backing soda to lift the hair cuticle is not necessary, warm or medium temperature water will lift the hair cuticle. This is why the CQR method recommends rinsing your shampoo out with medium temperature water, this gets the hair cuticle in a position to receive the deep conditioning step. Sitting under a hair dryer while deep conditioning also opens the hair cuticle, so your hair can receive the amazing benefits of your deep conditioner.  Continuous use of baking soda on the hair will dry your hair out and make it break.

Dry brittle hair hey no fair!!!

Some people use baking soda as a natural way to clarify the hair.  Baking soda is a poor choice, for clarifying the hair, because  it does not successfully remove all product buildup. When you need to clarify there are lots of good clarifying shampoos, soaps and clays to choose from. Nikki's Naturals sells an awesome black soap that is great for clarifying the hair and cleansing the body.  As I am products has a good clarifying shampoo that is properly PH balanced for the hair. Bentonite clay or red clay is also great for deep cleaning the hair. The CQR recommends using a clay wash once a month to remove build up and to give your coils a boost.

Order your good quality shea butter and black soap HERE!

For clarifying or removing buildup

Bentonite clay---Order here!

Red clay---Order here!

Black soap----Best black soap here!!!

As I am clarifying shampoo

Shea Moisture black soap shampoo

Castile soap