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. 

Coconut Hair Care

The coconut  is an amazing fruit. On top of its amazing health benefits it is one of the best treats for your hair. The best way to use coconut in your hair care is by using it in a cold pressed oil form. It is also beneficial in the form of juice, cream or milk.

HAIR GROWTH FORMULA

PRE-SHAMPOO TREATMENT HELPS DETANGLE AND PROTECT HAIR FROM BREAKAGE DURING SHAMPOOING

Coconut oil is part of a select few oil that penetrate the hair shaft. While most oils sit on top of the hair, coconut oil penetrates into the hair shaft by 50%. It contains lauric acid. Lauric acid has a low molecular weight, so it can infuse the hair strands. This gives your hair strands extra strength to better withstand damage from combing or brushing. Broken spaces on your hair strands are filled in and this keeps the hair from breaking so easily.

In order to receive the strengthening benefits of the coconut oil, it must sit on your hair for 16 plus hours. If you are using coconut oil for protection against hydral fatigue or breakage, it is best to lubricate your hair, cover with a plastic cap overnight for at least 16 hours.

Coconuts are full of fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Great for deep conditioning. Apply to hair, cover with plastic conditioning cap under heat for 20 minutes. 

Leave in conditioner/Braid spray

Regular use of cold pressed coconut oil will make your hair follicles healthy. It kills viruses and fungus on your scalp. Regular treatment of coconut oil strengthens your hair and gives it great sheen. 

Use coconut oil on your school age child's hair. It repels lice and keeps the eggs from attaching to your hair follicles. 

New natural product buzz!

A shampoo, conditioner and a styler!

Curly Queens are giving these products 5 stars! If you are bored or unsatisfied with your present, shampoo, styler or conditioner, these are certainly products you must try. 

MIELLE Mint Deep Condtioner

Give you a blast of moisture and an infusion of protein. Hydration and strength in one jar.

Camille Rose almond jai butter

Naturals are raving about the wonderful definition this gives their twist outs. Smooth twists with lots of shine. 

Design essentials avocado shampoo

Looking for a shampoo to not only cleanse your hair well, but help you detangle with ease. Like butta! Testimony is this one delivers exactly what it promises. 

These products can be found at stores like Target, CVS or the beauty supply store. 

How to reduce heat damage when straightening your Afro hair.

Heat straightening, dehydrated hair is one of the top reasons, naturals get heat damage. Never ever straighten your hair, if you are having frequent dry hair issues. Consistently dry hair is vulnerable to damage. Hydrate and condition your hair 3 weeks prior to flat ironing or pressing your hair. Simply deep conditioning your hair the day before you plan to heat straighten is not enough protection. 

There is always a risk of  heat damage, when you chose to flat iron or press your hair. Your chances increase when you receive a professional flat iron or straightening. Why? Because the higher the heat the more likely the damage. Professional heat tools are more effective but also harsher on the hair. The stylist's job is to get your hair straight and give you a style which will last a week or more. Remember this when you decide to get a professional straightening. 

What about heat protectants? 

You should invest in a silicone based heat protectant. When  using harsh heat on your hair, that is not the time to use natural  heat protectants. You want to use a product that will give you the most protection. Silicones stick to the hair and help to protect the hair during the heat straightening. 

REGIMEN TO REDUCE HEAT DAMAGE FROM HEAT STRAIGHTENING

Start this regimen 3 weeks prior to flat ironing or pressing your hair

HYDRATE! (CLEANSING AND CONDITIONING)

WEEK ONE:

Day one

Deep cleanse your hair

Deep condition

ACV rinse

Day five

Cleanse

Deep condition

ACV rinse

WEEK TWO:

Day eight

Cleanse

Deep condition

ACV rinse

Day twelve

Cleanse 

Deep condition

STRENGTHEN (APHOGEE 2 STEP)

WEEK THREE

Day fifteen

Cleanse 

GOOD PROTEIN TREATMENT 
(such as aphogee 2 step)

Deep condition 

ACV rinse

Day nineteen

Cleanse

Deep condition

ACV rinse

PROTECT 
(SILICONE HEAT PROTECTANT)

WEEK FOUR: 

Day 22

Cleanse

Deep condition 

Apply silicone based heat protectant 
(ORS heat protectant serum is good)

YOU ARE NOW READY TO HEAT STRAIGHTEN YOUR HAIR

More heat straightening tips:

Take your time

Untangle your hair well 

Use the comb chase method (seamless comb)

Part in small sections

Use a ceramic flat iron

Keep temp below 410 degrees

Do not skip the silicone protectant

Complete only 1 or 2 heat passes

PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVE HEAT PROTECTANT BELOW.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HEAT.

Help my hair is shedding!

Shedding is a normal stage your hair naturally goes through on a daily basis. People shed between 50 to 150 strands per day. Around 15% of hairs on your head are in the shedding phase daily. The majority of your hair is in the growth phase at all times. 

DO NOT BE NERVOUS ABOUT SHED HAIRS

ONLY BE ALARMED IF YOUR HAIR SHEDS IN CLUMPS

How do I know whether my hair is shedding or breaking?

SHED HAIRS:
Are the same length as the rest of your hair
Shed hair contains a white bulb on one end
Shed hairs happen daily
Shed hair comes from the hair root.

ACCUMULATIVE SHEDDING:
When you go several days or weeks without removing shed hairs. Lots of naturals panic over shedding when it is has been days or weeks since they have untangled their hair. Hair will shed daily and if those shed hairs are not removed then you will have an accumulation of naturally shed hair. That is natural and okay. 

BROKEN HAIR:
Are hairs that are shorter than your natural length.
They can be as small as an eyelash. 
You can usually feel breakage, you will have popping and snapping from simple manipulation.

 A BALL OF 10 SHED CURLY HAIRS LOOK LIKE MORE HAIR THAN A BALL OF  10 SHED STRAIGHT HAIRS. GET USE TO HOW SHED CURLY HAIR LOOKS SO YOU CAN STOP PANICKING OVER SHEDDING.

PAY ATTENTION TO HOW MUCH HAIR YOU SHED DAILY, SO YOU CAN KNOW WHAT IS NORMAL FOR YOU.

When to be concerned:
If your hair comes out in clumps.
If your hair starts to shed more than what is normal for you.
If  you have detangled well, cleansed and conditioned, and your hair is still shedding.

What to do:
Stop manipulating your hair until you know the reason why.
Treat the root cause of the excess shedding.
Shedding comes from within so it must be treated internally.
Garlic pills, hair growth supplements have been know to help excess shedding for some. These works when you have a vitamin deficiency. You will need your doctor to test your blood to know for sure. 
Consider medications you are taking that might contribute to excess shedding.
Are you on your menstrual cycle? Wait until it is over before you panic. Odd things can happen during our cycle. 
Consider  any type of stress you've had, in the prior 3 months.
Do you have any other symptoms? Been sick lately?
If excess shedding goes  passed 3 days I would go to the doctor for blood work. There are many types of illnesses that can cause excess shedding. Do not guess, be safe and go to the doctor. 

How to know if your Shea butter is of good quality

Melts  and spreads easily
When you put it on your hands it melts quickly. Although lots of people love to whip their Shea butter, it is not necessary to whip it in order to use it. If your Shea butter does not melt or spread easily then it is not pure Shea butter. In the states a lot of the Shea butter is mixed with other butters. Pay attention to the label when you are choosing your products. I have seen Shea butter labeled as "African butter" this means you are not getting 100% Shea butter. You are purchasing other cheaper African butters, which may still be good, but very misleading. You deserve to have what you thought you were paying for. 

Shea butter is full of  vitamins A & E, proteins, minerals and fatty acids. Shea butter is an excellent emollient and it helps to keep moisture from leaving your skin and hair. It is breathable, protects the hair and is a great detangler. Shea butter prevent wrinkles, anti inflammatory and protects the skin from UV aggressors. But you only receive these benefits from good quality grade A Shea butter. 

Stay away from the golden yellow Shea butter or pure white Shea butter.
I have purchased Shea butter since the 80's and it was always a cream, off white color, or pale yellow in color. When you come across that bright yellow Shea butter it has been mixed with something to brighten the color. Some makers think that the golden yellow color makes it more appealing to the consumer. Just understand that butter is most likely not pure. If it is white or bright yellow it is mostly refined Shea butter. Refined Shea butter has gone through an intense heat process and will contain solvent residues. It is many times odorless and has other chemicals in it to prolong the shelf life. 

Purchase unrefined, grade A Shea butter
Unrefined means it has not been treated with high heat. Heat destroys many of the plant nutrients. Shea butter is a food first, so it feeds the hair roots awesome nutrients, which help to keep your hair healthy. But when you purchase the refined butter you will not get all those nutrient benefits. You will still have the lubricant benefits of the butter but that is all. 

Shea butter greatly benefits those with Afro curly coily hair. But invest in a good quality butter to reap the benefits. If Shea Butter has not wowed you then most likely you have never used a good quality rich Shea Butter. 

Nikki's naturals a family owned black owned company

Two of my sellers of Shea butter

Nikki's naturals

Shea butter cottage

Order a good quality Shea butter today, retail or wholesale.