How Do You "Perfect" Your Wash N Go?

Wash n go's are very popular in the natural hair community. Everyone has a different way of doing and styling their hair. Each person has different textures and curl sizes. How do you "perfect" your wash n go? What is your technique? Texture? Curl size? What products do you use? Come on and dish those details!

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Natural Hair...To Color or Not to Color?

Hey ladies! I know that everyone has there own personal view of what natural hair is and/or means to them. Some people believe that if you color your natural hair, you are no longer considered natural. Do I agree? Most certainly not! I have colored my hair numerous amounts of times, but I do not suggest that anyone go the route I did.

I had the misconception that because I was natural, my hair was not capable of being damaged by color. I was, well, what you call...WRONG! I colored my hair so much! Applying permanent color over top of permanent color monthly. So you can imagine how dry my hair was, but it was still growing and I had plenty of length, but it was damaged.

I did a second big chop on June 4, 2011 to rid my hair of all its damage. I am taking much better care of my hair and have so much wisdom I would like to share with others about healthy hair and coloring. With all that being said, I am not against anyone coloring their hair, but I suggest using caution, and not being excessive with color.

Once your hair is damaged, sometimes it doesn't matter what you do to it, you can't undo the damage. I am considering coloring my hair again, but I will think it through before I make any decision.

So what do you ladies think? How do you feel about coloring natural hair? Have you colored your hair before? What was your experience?

Do you Love Shea Moisture Products?

Hey ladies! I wanted to know, and I believe a lot of people would appreciate if we shared our reviews on these products. I was one of the first people to try Shea Moisture products before they became a "big deal." (laughs) During my transition period, I used the curl enhancing smoothie to give moisture to my hair. It worked great! My hair was always soft to the touch! After I went natural, I used the curl milk, but didn't use it for very long. I just stopped using their products. It wasn't until recently that I purchased some of their curl enhancing smoothie, but I really wasn't marvelled over it anymore. It's ok now, and I guess it still moisturizes my hair, but it isn't one of my staple products. I have yet to try the deep conditioners or shampoos, but I really wanted to hear what you ladies had to say.

Have you tried Shea Moisture products? Which one's are your favorites or least of favorites? What is your routine? Let's dish our secrets!

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Responses to the BIG Chop!

A lot of naturals can relate to eachother when it comes to doing the "BIG Chop." Some of us put so much thought and preparation into it, while others may have just chopped off their locks in the spare of the moment. Whatever the case may be, most of us can relate.

When I did my big chop on November 11, 2009, I had no idea that I would actually cut my hair that day. The day before, I had cut off a small section in the back of my hair to see what my curl pattern was, and I loved it! I was tired of the transition period. Tired of holding onto dead, damaged, relaxed strands.

After I cut my hair, my mother saw me and went BUZZURK!!!! My entire family was very upset with me. Some of them barely talked to me for a while, and for the ones that did, they always had something negative to say. I got so many negative comments from most of my family, but I also got a lot of support from my sisters and friends. Yes, it hurt that my family didn't support me, but I really didn't care because I did what I wanted to do for me! People have always tried to define me because of my hair. My family and friends always made a big deal of how beautiful and long my hair was, and as soon as I cut it, they felt it was like a death sentence to my appearance.

Cutting my hair didn't make me any less beautiful, but I believe it made me moe beautiful! I was unleashed, and I was finally doing something for me! Everyone is fine now. My hair grows super fast, and within months to a year, my hair went from a short TWA to shoulder length, then down my back. Now I am on my healthy hair journey this time. I did a second big chop, and my hair is thriving already! So be encouraged if you are natural or are thinking about going natural. It is YOUR hair, and YOUR decision! Don't let other people's opinions hurt you or break you. Trust me, your hair will love you for listening to her!


So what about you ladies? How did people respond to your big chop?

Natural Haircuts! Hate em or Love em?

There are just so many things you can do with natural hair. Styling options are far from limited. One thing that I believe can either make or break the appearance of natural hair is....THE CUT!

How your hair is cut and styled pays a major role in the appearance of your hair. I remember when I first went natural. My hair had no shape, and because of that, I had uneven hair. What a bummer! But my second go round I was more educated and aware about the shape of natural hair. You can turn thin hair into voluminous hair by cutting it into layers, or make thick, "big hair" lay down a little bit more by cutting it in a certain angle. So this time around I told my the stylist exactly what I wanted, and I love it!

How do you feel about natural haircuts? Hate em, or love em?

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Top 10 Healthy Hair Foods!

Source: Hilary Parker


Healthy Hair Food No. 1: Salmon
When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.

"Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health," says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a dietitian in Los Angeles and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look."

Vegetarian? Include one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.

Healthy Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables
Popeye the Sailor Man didn't eat all that spinach for healthy hair, but he could have. Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner.

Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.

Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans
Beans, beans, they're good for your ... hair?

Yes, it's true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.

Blatner, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, recommends three or more cups of lentils or beans each week.

Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts
Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should.

Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.

Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.

Healthy Hair Food No. 5: Poultry
Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave.

"Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color," Giancoli tells WebMD.

Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.

Healthy Hair Food No. 6: Eggs
When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.

They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.

Healthy Hair Food No. 7: Whole Grains
Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.

A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you've still got hours to go before dinner.

Healthy Hair Food No. 8: Oysters
Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair -- and who doesn't love that?

The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc -- a powerful antioxidant.

If oysters don't make a regular appearance on your dinner plate, don't despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb.

Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.

For some healthy hair foods "to-go," try throwing a yogurt or cottage cheese cup in your bag when you head out in the morning to snack on later in the day. You can even boost their hair benefits by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.

Healthy Hair Food No. 10: Carrots
Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.

Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad.

Hawaiian Silky 14 in 1 is a true MIRACLE WORKER!

Hey ladies!!! Ok, so I decided to do somewhat of a product review on Hawaiian Silky 14 in 1 Miracle Worker. I've always passed this product by on the shelves for years, as I thought it was for people with S-curls (laughs). But after watching one of my beloved natural youtubers use this on her hair with successful results, I thought, let me try it out.

I purchased the product at Sally's for $5.99. It came in a 16 ounce spray bottle. Although the product is in a spray bottle, don't be fooled! This moisturizer has a pretty thick consistency, sort of like a lotion. Not to mention, it smells great!

After doing my deep conditioning treatment, I sprayed some of the product in my hand and then proceeded to rub it into my hair. It absorbed quickly, and immediately I felt a difference in my hair! After the application was complete, I shock my curls and behold, I had a head full of soft, bouncy, and shiny waves and ringlets!

I've been using this product for about two months now, and it truly has done wonders for my hair! My hair is super soft and shiny. No more dryness! I would recommend this product to anyone. It truly does live up to it's name!

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What Makes YOUR Natural Hair YOUnique?

Hey ladies!! We always hear or say how each head of natural hair is different, and how no two curlies are the same. So what is it about your hair that is different from any other natural? What makes your hair "YOUnique?" Come on, tell us!

My Hair "HERstory"!

RELAXED/TRANSITION

My hair has a name, and her name is "Nirvana." I couldn't possibly begin to elaborate on my entire hair journey, because it is far too long, but I will give you the basics, and elaborate more throughout different post. My hair has always been thick, long, and an attention getter, but for most of my life, I never saw the beauty that everyone else did. I remember always wanting to wear my hair straight as a child, but my mother always kept my hair in cute, girly styles, and saved the press in curl for Sunday's. I grew up believing that straight hair was the "ideal beauty." It wasn't until I got older, and began thinking for myself that my natural head of hair was best for me! I got my last relaxer on May 7, 2009. I began my transition, and on November 11, 2009, I cut all of my long, relaxed and damaged strands of hair off. I felt released, different, and liberated!

NEWLY NATURAL

Back then, I thought I knew so much about natural hair, but what I thought was good, turned out to not be so good for my hair. I would spend countless hours on youtube looking at other ladies do their natural hair regimens, but one thing I remember is that everyone I saw always seemed to use gel. I began to think that using gel was something that you needed to wear your natural hair out successfully. Boy was I fooled! Long story short, my hair hates gel, and I don't use gel to define my natural hair.

I was led to believe that natural hair was so strong, and that it could take harsh chemical treatments such as color. So guess what I did? Yup! You got it! I began coloring my hair...EXCESSIVELY!! I can't even count how many times I've dyed my hair in my "not so long" journey of being natural. I've had jet black, blue black, brown, honey blonde, bright red, pink (by dying my hair honey blonde over my already red hair), and almost everything in between! As a result, my hair became extremely damaged with tangled ends, and desert dryness! So on June 4, 2011, I decided to do a second big chop. My hair wasn't cut as short as the first time, and this time, I actually got it cut into a style. Needless to say, I am on a healthy hair journey, and I refuse to turn back!

TODAY

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Welcome to Natural Nirvana!

My name is Angel, and I would like to thank you for taking the time out to come and experience my blog! I am truly humbled that you are here. I made this blog because well, for one, I have natural hair, and I love natural hair in general!I wanted to create a place where people could come and feel comfortable about their natural hair while gaining knowledge. This blog will be fun, active,informative, interactive, and creative! I want to share my story with you all, and give great tips and wisdom on what has worked for me in my journey and what has not. I want this to be a place where people can ask questions, give their opinions, and share their insight. I am very keen on respect, and I am dedicated to making this a place where you will feel respected, and everyone will be respected. Point. Blank. Period!(laughs). I hope you all enjoy this site and tell all your friends about it. Thank you so much!