Step one to faster hair growth.

The first step to improving hair growth is to wash and condition it more. The Coily Queens regimens requires twice a week cleansing and conditioning. You might ask, is that to much? If your skin was breaking out or not clear. Then someone recommended that you cleanse it better and condition it more. You would not hesitate. Yet the thought of you as a black woman washing your hair twice a week gives you pause.

HAIR GROWS BEST ON A CLEAN SCALP

Fact is, our hair can withstand water, cleansing and conditioning. What hurts it is cleaning it with the wrong products. Afro hair is not some weak fiber that cannot be manipulated with care. Many women think their hair grows slow and contribute it to genetics. When it is most likely growing slow due to clogged hair roots. Daily hair gets: germs, microbes, excess sebum, product buildup and more on it. Just think of what has accumulated on your scalp when you wait two weeks to clean it. Germs, many times, are invisible.

If you were to see your scalp magnified, you would be surprised about all the build up

CLEANSING WITH THE RIGHT PRODUCTS

Stay away from sulfates. Sulfates cause hair loss

Stay away from shampoos which contain a lot of ingredients with long names you cannot pronounce.

Look for non sulfate shampoos with close to natural ingredients. 

Replace your shampoo with bentonite or red clay

Make your own shampoo from black soap

CONDITIONING

Cleansing should involve some type of conditioning.

Choose conditioners with close to natural ingredients as possible for you.

Conditioning helps to restore the pH balance to the hair.

STEP TWO TO FASTER HAIR GROWTH
Hydrating cleansing technique

Getting rid of crunchy, dry hair!

Chronic dry hair, is probably, the number one complaint from women, with coily hair.. If your hair has been consistently dry, there is no one step solution to correct it. Most people expect a one product solution to their hair issue. In most cases there are several reasons why your hair is not holding moisture. Therefore it will require more than "one" solution to correct it. 

The Coily Queens regimen, when followed, gets you to what we call, "Good Hydration".  Good Hydration is when your hair holds moisture for 3 days or more, before you need to apply more moisturizer. A moisturizer is a leave in conditioner that contains water. Water is listed as the first or sometimes second ingredient.

YOUR ROAD MAP TO GOOD HYDRATION

1. How often do you cleanse?
You cannot expect your hair strands to stay hydrated, if you do not clean your hair on a regular basis. Removing dirt, germs and old product is very important to hydration. You should shampoo twice a week. Germs accumulate daily. 

2. What products do you cleanse and condition with?
Cleanse with a non sulfate shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. Choose conditioners with close to all natural ingredients. Add 1 tbsp of honey to your DC. 

If you have used various good quality shampoos and conditioners, but nothing seems to work? I highly recommend forfeiting all shampoos. Replace you shampoos and deep conditioners with clay washes. Bentonite clay, red clay cleanses the hair and conditions in one step. More INFO 

3. What technique do you use to cleanse and condition?
The CQ Shampoo process is a special shampoo technique, that leaves your hair properly moisturized. Hair becomes more hydrated the more you do the process. FULL DETAILS on the CQ Shampoo Process. 

Following these 3 steps consistently and your hair will become healthier overtime. You will reach GOOD HYDRATION, with your hair. 

Apple cider vinegar for your hair

Organic apple cider vinegar, aka ACV, is an excellent health and beauty aide. Be sure to purchase organic. ACV is a very important item to always keep in stock.  

1. Apple cider vinegar contains potassium. Potassium is great for preventing hair loss.

2.  It is anti bacteria and anti fungal.It prevents fungus from taking residence on your scalp.  It contains acetic acid, which kills off fungus and bacteria. Scalp fungus is a top cause of hair loss. You may or may not have symptoms. Read more about fungus HERE. 

3.  The low PH of ACV causes the hair cuticle to lay flatter. This enables the hair to retain moisture for longer periods.  When the hair cuticle lays flat your hair will have more vibrancy and shine. 

4. Because ACV makes the hair cuticle lay flatter, you will notice that detangling is a lot easier. You should also notice a reduction in single strand knots. 


5.  When the ACV hits the scalp it stimulate better blood circulation. This increases your hair growth. 

HOW TO BENEFIT FROM ACV

Organic ACV rinse
Mix 1/4 cup of organic ACV with 2 cups of filtered water. This creates a final rinse to use on your hair. On shampoo day after you rinse out your deep conditioner, pour this rinse over your hair.  Use it all and let it sit on hair 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse out with cool water. With soaking wet hair, apply your leave in conditioner.  

Upgrade your shampoo
Add one tablespoon to 1/4 cup of your shampoo. The ACV lowers the PH of the shampoo and helps the shampoo to work better. With this combination you will notice an immediate difference in the vibrancy of your hair and less tangles. 

Anti bacterial growth braid spray
1 tablespoon of organic ACV
7 ounces of water
1 tsp tea tree oil
1 tsp of lavender oil
Use as a braid spray, to keep bacteria from accumulating on your scalp when wearing braids. 

Must have hair and skin products.

These are products which I always keep in my cabinets. Each one has multiple benefits and uses. These are products I can always count on to deliver results.

ORGANIC APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

• Mix 1tbsp + honey + 6 ounces of warm water, take at the first sign of a cold, 3 times a day. 
• Mix 1/4 cup + 2 cups of filtered water, pour over hair after you have washed and deep conditioned your hair. Gives you shines and locks in moisture.
• One tablespoon + 1/2 cup of filtered water, use as a facial astringent after cleansing. Reduces shine, heals bumps and clears up dark spots faster.

PURE ALOE VERA LEAF GEL

• Apply directly to area for burns, inflamed, chapped or irritated skin. 
• Add 3 to 7 drops of pure tea tree oil to 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel, apply to scalp and massage in. This mix increases hair growth by healing the scalp of bacteria.
• Smooth over face after cleansing. Improves skin texture and tone. Helps makeup go on better. Soothes irritated skin.

BAKING SODA

• Brush teeth daily to whiten
• Mix with your face cleanser to create an exfoliator.
• Use as a laxative

PURE TEA TREE OIL

• Add 3 drops to your shampoo for irritated scalp.
• Mix one tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 3 drops of tea tree oil. Apply to your scalp. Growth, sore scalp, itchy scalp and scabs. 
• Mix 1tablespoon of tea tree oil + 5 ounces of filtered water. Use as a face toner for acne. 

5 possible reasons for your dry, itchy, flaky scalp

1. Products with harsh cheap ingredients:
Using products which contain a lot of unnatural ingredients will lead to allergic reactions on your scalp. Lots of times they are shuttle and many times the product causing the issue is overlooked. This can happen with a product you have used for years. It is best to choose products which have more natural ingredients, such as plant extracts, natural oils and butters. Stay away from cheap brands like: Aussie Moist, Dove, Pantene, Organix, African Pride and others like them. 

GREAT LEAVE IN CONDITIONERS FOR EXTRA DRY HAIR

2. Overuse of products
Whatever you apply on your hair will also seep onto the scalp. Be choosy with the products you use, which you leave on your hair all day. Just because your have Afro hair does not mean you have to use half the jar in one application. More product does not always make your hair style better. Many times it leaves a build up on the scalp, which irritates the scalp after a few days. Start using half the amount of product. Start small and smooth more. Your hair might look like it has soaked up the product but it has not. The majority of products do not penetrate the hair strands. They are cosmetic and sit on top.



3. Not cleansing enough
Lots of women have clogged hair follicles which lead to their slow hair growth. Most times the slow hair growth is attributed to genetics. Daily your hair collects: germs, dirt, bacteria, dust, products and more. Your hair is getting dirty the same way your body is getting dirty, throughout the day. You wash your body then ignore the hair. That must stop. Your dry itchy scalp is begging to be cleansed. Wash your hair with a non sulfate shampoo twice a week. 

HOW TO SHAMPOO AFRO HAIR EFFECTIVELY

4. Fungus
This is a top reason for hair loss and slow hair growth. If your scalp is itchy, scaly, dry skin buildup then you could have a fungus issue. The only way to know is to visit your dermatologist. You can also use a product that contains sulfur and see if your scalp starts to heal. If it does then there was a good chance your issue is fungus related. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR SCALP AND FUNGUS HERE

5. Low sebum production
We are always producing sebum from our hair follicles if they are still open. Sebum is the waxy oily substance that is secreted from our hair roots. Sebum conditions the hair and keeps it growing at it optimum speed. Sebum is why your face becomes oily. Some people produce more sebum than others. Our sebum production depends on our individual health. When your sebum is low then your scalp can become itchy due to low lubrication. A balanced healthy diet which includes 64 ounces of water daily will help you maintain great sebum production. Oil massages with good oils for ten minutes everyday, will also help with low sebum production. 

5 New Unique Hair Growth Methods & tips

YES YOU CAN GROW YOUR HAIR LONGER AND STRONGER!

1.  Scalp Brushing

Scalp brushing gives you deep follicle stimulation. Using a small medium bristle brush over your scalp will exfoliate your scalp and provide deep root stimulation to your hair follicles. This can be done 3 times a week. Works best as a pre poo treatment before your shampoo. Better stimulation than scalp massages. 

GET FULL DETAILS ON THE COILY QUEENS SCALP BRUSHING METHOD HERE

2. Aloe vera scalp serum

Create a serum of fresh aloe vera gel. Straight from the plant is the best option for this technique. Aloe vera, cleanses, refreshes, soothes and nourishes the hair follicles. Cleaning out the hair follicles and fertilizing them will create a PH balanced scalp optimal for hair growth. 

MORE DETAILS AND ALOE VERY SERUM RECIPES HERE

3. Deep root cleansing

You would  be surprised how your scalp looks under a microscope.  Many times your slow hair growth is due to clogged or partially clogged hair follicles. Especially if you do lots of co washes or do not wash your hair weekly with a shampoo. If your hair growth appears to be slow do not be so quick to think it is genetics. It could be bad hair habits of not washing it enough. If you have not deep cleansed your hair in a few months, do a series of deep shampoos twice a week for 3 shampoos. Deep cleansers are normally stronger than regular cleansers, so be sure to deep condition well after you deep cleanse. 

Turmeric  and bentonite clay scalp detox  treatment

TRY THE CQ DEEP CLEANSING REGIMEN HERE

4. New Moon trimmings

Trimming on the right high energy day can double your hair growth rate.  Since you should have a regular trim schedule,  why not try trimming on certain high energy days when you do. Subscribe to this blog and you will receive the best new moon dates each month. I provide you with the best days to trim for increased hair growth. My days have produced greats results for people.  Try it next month. Subscribe and wait for July dates to post, then decide which day you will trim your hair. 

TRY THE DOUBLE YOUR HAIR GROWTH  CHALLENGE HERE

5. Omegas 3 6 9

Omegas 3, 6 and 9 are all fatty acids. These fatty acid benefit the hair greatly. Lots of hair issues come from inflammation. These fatty acids help with inflammation. These fatty acids strengthen your hair, improves elasticity, reverse some types of hair loss and heal scalp irritations. Omegas 3, 6, 9 help to keep moisture from escaping your hair so quickly. Super soft hair that does not easily break when manipulated is what you get with repeated use of these fatty acids. 

3-6-9 Omega Hair Growth Mix

1 ounce organic flaxseed oil

1 ounce organic sunflower seed oil

1 ounce cold pressed walnut oil

Massage one tablespoon daily to your scalp for 10 minutes. Then smooth throughout your hair shaft. This oil mix will increase your hair growth, give you great sheen, incredible softness and UV protection from the sun. 

Natural hair care on a cheap budget.

A cheap hair care regimen for those on a very limited budget. The unemployed, fixed income, struggling single mom or just those who are cheap. Here is a good hair care and style regimen for you. Some of the items listed here you already have in your cabinet. So to upgrade it should take you no more than $20.

Cleansing your hair:  BLACK SOAP
You can purchase black soap from those who make it from scratch. Depending on your city you can find an African or Jamaican seller who sells it at a very good price. Authentic black soap comes in cream and brown chunks. You can find black soap sold online or at your local health food store. Be sure to read the label not all black soap on the shelf is pure black soap. 

Black soap by itself is a deep cleansing soap not one I would use on a regular basis. However you can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your liquid black soap to help lower the PH. You can also add pure aloe vera to it and that will lower the PH. 

Purchase black soap here

Black soap shampoo 1

1 cup of filtered water

1 tablespoon of liquid black soap

1/2 tablespoon of ACV

Black soap shampoo 2

1 cup of filtered water

1 tablespoon liquid black soap 

1/4 cup of pure aloe vera gel 

DEEP CONDITIONING: Extra Virgin Olive oil + pure honey +glycerin + filtered water

2 tablespoon of pure honey

1/2 cup filtered water

2 tablespoons of glycerin

1 tablespoon of EVOO

Get raw honey here!

Best EVOO here! 

 
LEAVE IN CONDITIONER:  Shea butter + glycerin

APPLY TO HAIR WHILE SOAKING WET

1. Add one tablespoon of glycerin to your desired amount of pure unrefined shea butter

Pure shea butter

2. You can use the shea butter just by itself.

3. You can also just use a single oil for your leave in conditioner. 

You should be able to create your styles with just your leave in conditioner. If you need a harder hold a gel is recommended.

CHEAP PRODUCTS FOR STYLING

Styler 1
You can do your twist outs with simply water and grease. Yes water and grease. Try it. You will have great definition.

Styler 2:  Flaxseed gel
Purchase flaxseeds from the grocery store. Be sure they are organic. Search youtube for videos on how to easily make your own flaxseed gel. 

Styler 3:  Aloe vera gel
It is best to buy pure aloe vera leaf from your local international or Mexican grocery store. You will find it on the produce isle. One stem will last you 2 to 3 months. You can freeze what you are not currently using. One large stem is around $3 or $4. 

When you buy or order aloe vera gel be sure it is pure aloe gel. No alcohol. 

NEED HELP? ORDER ALOE VERA HERE


CONDITIONING CAPS
For your deep conditioning collect extra produce bags when you grocery shop. The produce bags are made to hold naked fruits and vegetables. The produce bags are better than grocery bags. Grocery bags are not made for holding naked food. 

As you can see hair care does not have to cost a lot. So no more complaining about the cost of natural hair. Natural hair can be as expensive or as cheap as you make it.

Detangling Afro coily hair

Tangles are the number one complaint of those with Afro coily hair. When you first go natural it is not uncommon to spend a whole hour untangling your hair. Having to spend so long on detangling, makes black women, not want to wash or restyle their hair often. However keeping the hair washed on a regular basis is the key to growing your hair to great lengths and creating great styles. This is the reason you want to greatly reduce your detangling time. The healthier your hair is, the easier it is to untangle. It is possible to untangle your hair in less than 15 minutes, even with tight coils and long length. 

Following the CoilyQueens Regimen enables me to untangle my hair in 15 minutes. My shampoo time has been reduced by 70%

1. Never untangle hair when soaking wet
Always untangle hair while damp not while soaking wet.  Although soaking wet hair is soft and very flexible it is weak due to being filled with water. Dampen your hair with conditioner or a light mist of water. Let it sit on hair for 3 minutes, then gently untangle with your fingers. 

2. If you want to retain long lengths untangle hair with your fingers. No combs!
If you keep your hair lubricated with a natural oil daily you will find finger combing really easy to do. The most important thing to know when finger combing is to take small sections. Do not treat it the same nor expect the same results compared to using a comb. In the beginning it will take you twice as long to finger comb compared to using a comb or brush. Soften hair with a conditioner, then untangle in small sections and you will be successful with finger combing. The more you do it the faster it will go!


3. Never detangle with a brush, tangle teaser or any product like it. 
If you watch youtube you will see many naturals show demos  of untangling their hair using the very popular denman brush. Do not adopt this trend! Brushing the hair, weakens the hair cuticle over time. This makes the hair high porosity and susceptible to damage. The problem is that the damage does not happen quickly. It takes awhile for you to see the damage. Even so, know that each time you rake that brush through your hair you are weakening some of your protein bonds. When you rake it through soaking wet hair it is even worst. If you want to retain length, keep the brush out of your regimen. Fingers only!

4. Removing heavy tangles, matted hair and knots!
If you do not consistently follow a healthy hair regimen you can easily find your hair in a situation in which it will knot up and mat badly. You will get massive tangles which overwhelm you. Do not panic and start cutting or ripping out your hair. Remember people have untangled a full head of dread locs, so mostly likely your tangles can be removed with no damage.

Cold pressed castor oil

Solution #1: Mix 1 tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar, with 1 cup of filtered water, plus 2 tablespoons of grape seed oil. Put mix in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray hair down really good, using 3/4 cups of the mixture. Cover with a plastic cap for one hour. Go calm down, get some tea and take some deep breathes. After one hour untanlge hair using very small sections and take your time. Use the remaining 1/4 cup of your mixture to keep hair damp as you untangle it.  

Solution #2: Mix 2 tablespoons of castor oil + 1 tablespoon of coconut oil + 1/4 cup or more of a thick conditioner of your choice. Cover with a -plastic conditioning cap + scarf overnight. If you do not have time for an overnight treatment. do it for 3 hours. If you do the treatment overnight your tangles will melt in the morning.

Untangle hair before you start the shampoo process always.

3 Reasons why crochet braids are not a good protective style

The crochet braids of the 90's have made a big comeback.  You see naturals posting their proud  crochet braids pictures on just about every hair forum, group or hair site. You see more people showing them off than their natural hair. You see hashtags such as #protectivestyling, next to their fresh set of crochet braids.  But is your hair truly protected?  Just because you cover your hair with fake hair does not make it protected. 

Your protection comes from hair care, not  fake hair. 

I can help you grow your own hair! Start here

#1. Not keeping your scalp clean, stunts hair growth
The average person wearing crochet braids does not wash their hair on a weekly basis. This is unhealthy for the scalp and drying to the hair. Because the hair used is synthetic hair, wearers are more concerned with keeping the hair looking good than keeping the scalp clean.

Never sacrifice the health of your hair just to keep a style longer.

#2. The synthetic hair is drying to your natural hair

The hair which most people use to create crochet braids is made of a form of plastic. This fake fiber lays on top of the hair and dries out your natural hair. The fake hair that comes in colors is even worst. The dye chemicals lay on top of the hair and seep onto the scalp. In some cases the scalp can have an allergic reaction to the hair. 

Remember what lays on top of your hair also seeps into your scalp.

#3. The common braid pattern causes traction alopecia
The popular braid pattern of braiding the hair straight back is damaging to the edges. This braid pattern will make your hairline recede. The weight of the fake hair hanging on the cornrow base of your natural hair sometimes leads to breakage. Especially when people leave crochets in for 3 months or more. 

Use a different braid pattern if you wear crochet braids more than once. Cornrowing the hair down, from the top to the ear, is a better braid pattern than cornrowing straight back. 

These dangers also apply to sew ins and braid extensions. Before you get your next set of braids or weaves, protect your hair by following the Braid Retain and Grow Method. 

Grow your hair longer and healthier by working with a Hair Growth Coach. Start today!

DIY Scalp PH balancing serum

Slow  hair growth?
Do you have a dry itchy scalp?
Irritated scalp?
Product builds up easily on your scalp?
Currently wearing braids and need a scalp refresher?


This CQR Scalp PH balancing serum will take care of those issues and more.

Use the serum in three different ways:
1. Use twice a month to prevent build up on the scalp
2. Use once a month to help clarify the scalp.
3. Use weekly to keep follicles clear, while wearing braid extensions.

Ingredients:
Fresh aloe vera plant from the grocery store
Jojoba oil
Sesame seed oil
Tea tree oil

Squeeze 1/2 cup of aloe vera gel from the leaf
Add 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil + 1 tablespoon of sesame seed oil + 1/8 teaspoon tea tree oil. 

 
 

How to use:
Use this serum on freshly washed hair. After you have rinsed out your deep conditioner, apply CQR scalp serum to your scalp and massage gently. Do not rinse out. Proceed with your leave in conditioner and styling. The tea tree oil can have a strong smell to some people, but once you apply your leave in conditioner, that will mask any scent from the serum.

How it works:
The aloe vera gel is soothing and continues to work at PH balancing the scalp. When the scalp is properly PH balanced, it is less itchy, less irritated and hair grows better. 
Jojoba oil, removes cholesterol and balances your sebum. It moisturizes and nourishes the scalp.
Sesame seed oil: prevents infections of the hair root. Treats hair thinning, relieves scalp irritations, and gets rid of dandruff flakes.
Tea tree oil is antiseptic, anti fungal, anti viral. This oil is helps you be proactive in stopping scalp infections which can lead to hair loss.

You can find aloe vera leaf at any Mexican or International grocery store. You will find it in the produce section. The aloe is huge. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. I recommend slicing it in 2 to 3 inch squares, putting it into a freezer bag and freezing. It freezes well. This serum calls for fresh aloe leaf, not the aloe vera gel you buy in the store already bottled.

Top cleansers for 4C Afro coily hair

Hair grows best on a clean scalp, therefore cleaning the hair on a frequent basis is important to the health of your hair.

Those with coily curly hair should stay away from cleansers which dry the hair out. Stay away from sulfates and alcohols, as they dry and tangle coily curly hair. When you get ready to purchase your cleansers look for non sulfate shampoos, conditioning cleansers or co wash products.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT LONG TERM USE OF SULFATES LEADS TO HAIR LOSS

Here are some cleansers that perform well on Afro coily hair. These cleansers leave the hair clean without creating excess tangles during the wash session.

Shea Moisture curl & shine shampoo

• A non sulfate shampoo
• Delivers a rich lather
• Cleanses good in one lathers if you like
• Lasts a long time
• Leaves your hair soft and does not tangle the hair

Shea Moisture Moisture Retention Shampoo

• Contains no sulfates
• Rich thick lather
• Product lasts a long time
• Strengthens damaged  hair 
• Helps very dry hair

 

Shea Moisture black soap shampoo

• Use only when you need a deep cleansing (once per month)
• Cleanses in one lather if needed
• Deep cleanses really good without tangling the hair
• Great clarifying shampoo 

 

Lisa Rachel conditioning cleanser

• Non sulfate cleanser
• Cleans and conditions in one step
• Leaves your hair soft and easy to untangle
• Comes with a pump so it is easy to use in the shower
• A little goes a long way
• PH balance of 4  

As I am Curl Clarity Shampoo

• PH 5.5
• Sulfate free
• Safe for color treated hair
• Removes buildup gently

 

As I am Coconut Co Wash

• PH 5.5
• Adds moisture to the hair
• Makes detangling a breeze
• Eliminates DHT from the scalp
• Great for those dealing with hair loss

 

Eden Bodyworks Cleansing CoWash

• A moisturizing cleansing conditioner
• Gently cleans hair
• All natural
• Sulfate free 

Whichever product you choose to use be sure it is formulated to clean the hair. Conditioners are not made to clean the hair, unless it says cleansing conditioner on the product.