So I know natural hair can be new and challenging in and of itself. Not
being familiar with the nomenclature can be even more confusing. Below
is a list of frequently used terms from the "natural hair dictionary."
Read it. Learn it. Love it. Lol....consider it a translation guide for
your learning needs. Stay VAiN, chicas! [cont.]
Castor oil
contains vitamin E, minerals, proteins, antibacterial and
anti-fungicidal properties. Scientists attribute its healing benefits to
its unusual chemical composition, which consists of a triglyceride of
fatty acids with ricinoleic acid of up to 90 percent. In addition to
healing benefits, castor oil also contains anti-inflammatory properties,
all of which are related to healthy hair growth. Here are 7 ways to
incorporate castor oil into a healthy hair regimen.
According to researchers studying the light reflected from hair
samples, castor oil hair treatments were found to increase the luster of
hair. This effect is caused by castor oil‘s ability to coat the hair
shaft, sealing in moisture and creating a silkier surface. Dull hair may
benefit from the use of castor oil
hair treatments, either in conditioners or in the form of a hot oil
treatment. For optimum shine, use a hot oil treatment once per month or
moisturizing treatments weekly. However, more frequent use than this can
result in an oily scalp. [cont]
Healthy Hair Tip: Chemicals (such as relaxers, hair dye, etc) degrade the outer cuticle of
the hair which can lead to splitting, breakage, and excessive,
premature shedding. A good way to counteract the damaging effects of
chemical treatment to hair is to pamper
the hair with protein treatments and deep moisturizing treatments to
replenish strength and moisture. SoVAiN's pH balanced deep conditioners
will help smooth the outer cuticle while providing nutrients to the
hair. Deep conditioning for 30 minutes each once a week will increase
hair strength and moisture--preventing hair damage caused by chemicals.
Happy hair growing! Stay VAiN, chicas!
What is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is a natural conditioner for hair. It is produced from the Shea-Karite tree nut, which is a native tree found in the tropics of East and West Africa. It provides extraordinary moisturizing properties and is therefore known as “mother natures conditioner”.
It’s been utilized for decades in areas of Africa not only for the hair but also because of its skincare and therapeutic qualities. It has been utilized in restorative healing burns and injuries, to get rid of surgical marks, dermatitis, and stretch marks...[continue]
Check out Teyonah Parris's curls....she plays Dawn on MadMen. She looks awesome! (and yes...I am a teeny bit obsessed with that show).
Very cool, safe method for using the blow dryer to stretch and straighten out your hair by our friend Curlychronicles. This method allows hair to be slightly straight without the damage that comes from regular blow drying. Best yet....no damaging comb attachment needed. Your arms may get a bit tired but hey...that's the price of beauty! =)
Note that her hair has been air drying in twists. This is key to making sure there is no heat damage. Blow drying wet hair can cause severe, irreparable damage to the hair so always start on slightly damp hair. Be sure to apply the SoVAiN Hair Dew Leave In Conditioner and Hair Like Silk prior to putting your hair into twists so that your hair will have time to absorb the nutrients. This will help to cut down on heat damage and breakage. Add a tiny bit (dime sized amount) more Hair Like Silk before you begin blow drying....you'll be rewarded with hair that is silky smooth and smells great!
Happy hair growing, chicas! Stay VAiN!
SoVAiN will be hosting a Twitter chat session Wednesday night (4/25) starting @7p cst. We will be answering all your hair questions and announcing our next BIG GIVEAWAY for Mother's Day. Follow us on Twitter @thatssovainhair! PLUS....a random user will be selected to win an exclusive SoVAiN deal!
You can take part in the tweetchat by adding the #thatssovain tag to your tweets, no matter what Twitter tool you use. (Consider using the TweetChat website as that service automatically adds the hashtag to your tweets). If you don’t use Twitter, you can still listen to the conversation by following the #thatssovain hashtag in your web browser.)
Soooo....RECAP: Tweet us your questions. Use hashtag #thatssovain. Get answers to all your burning hair questions! Be entered to win an exclusive SoVAiN deal! Learn about our upcoming Mother's Day deal! #easybutton
GIRL TALK TIME!!!!!!
*happy dance*
After
having a recent conversation with a fellow natural about hair care, I
decided to do a series on natural hair care and maintenance. The focus
of this post is dry hair. Naturally curly hair is prone to dryness
because of the structure of the hair. The natural oils produced by the
scalp of those with curly/kinky hair are not able to travel all the
way down the hair shaft because of the twists and turns of the curls.
Dry hair is a set -up for breakage and breakage ensures that you will
not “see” hair growth! Other problems can also exacerbate this dry
state of affairs. Listed below are some common causes and solutions....
SoVAiN has been a fan of coconut oil since its inception. Check out why it is one of the key ingredients in SoVAiN products!
Coconut oil has many benefits for black and textured hair types. Over the years, considerable coconut oil research has been conducted to better understand the oil and its benefits in hair care. Recent research points to coconut oil’s benefits as both a sealant and hair protein reconstructor of sorts. These protein reconstructor benefits are especially interesting in black hair care applications. Solid at room temperature, coconut oil has been used for generations by women of color in those tropical paradises around the world where coconuts are indigenous and grow freely. If their hair is any testament to the powers of coconut oil in hair care, then coconut oil had me at hello.
Touted early on as a nutritional power food, coconut oil enthusiasts quickly began to look into some of the other benefits of coconut oil. This article will give a brief summary of current coconut oil research findings and discuss implications for black hair care.
Coconut oil is a very unique hair oil. This versatile, low molecular weight oil is able to leverage its traditional oil status to seal the hair, but complements this sealing capacity with a strong affinity for hair proteins not found in other hair oils. Because moisturization and hydration are characteristics of water, coconut oil cannot rightfully be called a moisturizer in and of itself. It does however greatly support the moisturization of the hair fiber in ways that other oils cannot and have fallen short.
Hair is always growing. The key to obtaining length is to prevent breakage and split ends. Limiting the use of heat products, limiting the use of chemicals, increasing the amount of moisture you put in your hair and regularly protecting your ends will all aid in increasing hair length and retention. Don't get caught up in the marketing hype of products or drugs that promise super fast hair growth. You will only get 7 inches in 7 days with a wig. Healthy hair grows but it takes time and dedication. SoVAiN provides your hair with ALL the nutrients it needs to maximize your hair growth and prevent split ends and breakage.
Happy hair growing, chicas! Stay VAiN!