Steps to a Successful Transition to Natural Hair and a Regimen for Those Already Natural

I hear a lot of people say that the products that worked for them while relaxed didn't worked for them after going natural. This article will provide both natural and mass market alternatives for transitioners.

The first thing you should invest in is both a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. I recommend Aubrey organics Honeysuckle Rose shampoo and conditioner as a natural alternative and both Suave tropical coconut conditioner and Herbal Essence Hello Hydration mass market. But, trial and error will help you to figure out what makes your hair thrive. Most naturals tend to stay away from shampoo because they strip the moisture from your hair and as a natural, we need all the moisture we can get. I personally follow the no poo regimen. Every week, I cleanse my scalp using conditioner only, which is referred to as a conditioner wash or cowash. If I need an extra cleansing, I add a little baking soda to my conditioner wash. It will take a while to get use to using condition only to cleanse your scalp because we have be brainwashed into thinking our hair isn't clean without suds and squeaky clean hair but you'll get used to it.

Never rinse out all of your conditioner and ALWAYS use a leave-in conditioner. As a natural, I've used Giovanni Direct Leave-in from the health food store as well as Alba leave-in but my favorite is by Kinky Curly Knot Today. I've recently began using Yes to Cucumbers Daily Hydrating Hair Care Conditioner as my leave-in. You can purchase Alba, Giovanni, and Kinky Curly at most Whole Foods and Alba and Giovanni at the Vitamin Shoppe. Yes to Cucumbers can be found at select Target and Walgreens. A Mass market leave-in that i've read good things about is Herbal Essence.

Next, you'll need a good moisturizer. This will be the MOST important part of your regimen. You will HAVE to keep your new growth moist during your transition. Moisturizer is key to keeping your hair soft and manageable. It will also help to prevent breakage at the line of demarcation (the line where the natural and relaxed hair meets). There are a lot of good natural hair care lines that can be ordered online. My personal favorite is Qhemet Biologics Alma/Olive Heavy Cream mixed with the Olive/Honey Hydrating Balm. Another that I really like is Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Cream. Mass market products that I've heard good things about include Organic Root Stimulator Olive Cream and Profectiv, which both can be purchased from Sally Beauty Supply. Hopefully, someone will post some recommendations in the comment section below. Remember that items containing mineral and petroleum are said to block out moisture and clog pores so it is recommended that you stay away from those.

Next, you will need an oil to seal in your moisturizer. I'll suggest avocado oil, castor oil, or olive oil. These are the only three oils that actually penetrate the hair shaft and soften the hair. All other oils sit on top of the hair. You can get olive oil at any grocer or walmart. It's best to get avocado oil and castor oil at the health food store. You can get a big bottle of castor oil for a low price but avocado oil is pretty expensive. A lot of the mass market oil blends like Hot Six Oil are pure oil so ALWAYS read the ingredients.

Next you will need a styler, I use natural gels like kinky curly knot today, Aubrey Organics Mandarin Magic Moisturizing Gelly, and Kiss My Face Upper Management Gel as well as creamy natural stylers like Ohm Body Sweet Hair Pudding. Mass market, people swear by eco styler gel as well as Sparkle-lites and several curl activator gels from the local beauty supply store.

During my transition I wore my hair wrapped the first couple of month until the roots got too thick. After that, I started setting my hair with two-strand twists for twistout wavy styles. You can do the same with single braids (plaits) for braidouts.

Braidouts, Twistouts, cornrows, flat twists, rollerset and other transitioning styles help blend the natural and relaxed hair textures. Heat can damage the new growth if not utilized properly so I chose to avoid heat but that's a personal choice. Many people choose to press their hair weekly press or opt for a Dominican blowout and flat iron style.

Check out the transitioners forum on http://www.nappturality.com. I don't think I would have made it through my journey without the inspiration of that site.

With Winter fast approaching in North Carolina, a cold weather healthy hair care regimen that I recommend includes:

Cowash (Yes to Tomatoes)
Deep condition with heat (AOHR, Elucence MBC, or Yes to Cucumbers)
Apply leave-in (Yes to Cucumbers)
Moisturize (Qhemet AOHC mixed with OHHB)
Twist/braid set while wet using styler (AO MMHMJ or OHM SHP)

Because I am already natural, as added step, I ALWAYS seal my ends with castor oil, which is especially important in the cold weather months due to the various coats, hats, scarves, sweaters that your ends may come in contact with on a daily basis.

When my single strand knots get out of control I'll coat my entire hair strand.

Review: Giovanni, Vitapro Fusion, Protective Moisture, Leave-In Hair Treatment

Description:
* PureOrganic Technology
* For All Hair Types
* A unique blend of vitamins and proteins protect hair from heat and chemicals while repairing dry, damaged hair.
* Organic Hair Care

Vitapro Fusion Protective Moisture Leave-In Hair Treatment with PureOrganic Technology*
* Penetrates damaged hair to rebuild and repair
* Infuses hair with protein-enriched botanicals
* Protects hair from heat, chemicals and bad days

Vitamins aren't just good for your body. They're also good for your hair. When combined with protein, the result is stronger, healthier, shinier hair. Vitapro Fusion fuses together the best parts of vitamins with the essential elements in protein to create soft, manageable, beautiful hair. Professional hair. What a treat.
*Contains a blend of organic oils, ripe-harvested from renewable plants of the peak of their freshness, cold pressed and refrigerated immediately to ensure maximum purity. Infuses each individual strand of hair with vitamins, nutrients and protein for strength and vitality.

Suggested Use
Spray into clean, damp hair. Leave in. Comb through to distribute evenly and style.

Supplement Facts
Aqua (Purified Water) With *Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Oil, *Nettle (Urtica Dioica) Oil, *Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil, Birch Leaf (Betula Alba) Oil, *Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis Flower) Oil, *Clary (Salvia Sclarea), *Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia), *Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago Farfara), *Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Oil, *Mallow (Malva Sylvestris), *Horsetail (Equistetum Arvense) Oil, *Soybean Protein (Glycine Soja), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Trace Minerals, PVP, Citric Acid (Corn), Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate Grapefruit Seed (Citrus Derived), Fragrance with Essential Oils.
*Certified Organic by Guaranteed Certification Services

Review

I don't consider myself to be protein sensitive but this stuff is horrible.

The technique that I used to apply it was on soaking wet hair over leave-in conditioner. Next, I applied Qhemet Biologics alma/olive heavy cream mixed with olive/honey hydrating balm. I added an addition step of moisture with my holy grail Ohm Sweet Hair Pudding moisturizing softhold styler.

By the end of the week, the ends of my hair felt like straw and just a simple running my finger across the end of my braidout caused major snapping. There were bits and peices of short hair every where I looked each time I put my hands in my hair.

Two weeks have passed and and I'm still trying to get my moisture balance back right.

I currently have a near 24-hour deep treatment in my hair so I don't yet know what the day will bring.

What I do know is Iwill NEVER use this crap again.

Update: Tuesday September 8, 2009 - After my 24 hour deep treatment, I applied Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-in immediately followed by Castor Oil. Next, I applied Qhemet Biologics Amla/Olive Heavy Cream and Olive/Honey Hydrating Balm. I braided my hair using Qhemet Biologics Honey Bush Tea Gel.

My hair felt amazing today when I took down my two day old braids. Very moisturized and my ends feel great.

There is nothing like this product combination to bring dry hair back to life.

10 Synthetic Cosmetic Ingredients To AVOID
By Aubrey Hampton

If you want natural products, you have to be willing to search them out, to learn to read labels, and to refuse to settle for half-natural hair and skin care. Below I've listed and described my "ten most wanted" � the ten chemicals I most want to see off the labels of so-called natural hair and skin care products.

1. imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea

These are the most commonly used preservatives after the parabens. They are well established as a primary cause of contact dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology). Two trade names for these chemicals are Germall II and Germall 115. Neither of the Germall chemicals have a good antifungal, and must be combined withother preservatives. Germall 115 releases formaldehyde at just over 10�. These chemicals are toxic.

2. Methyl and Propyl and Butyl and Ethyl Paraben

Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Methyl paraben combines benzoic acid with the methyl group of chemicals. Highly toxic.

3. Petrolatum

I see this on lip products from time to time, which is humorous to me because they're usually advertised as protecting the lips from sunburn, chapping and so forth. Petrolatum is mineral oil jelly, and mineral oil causes a lot of problems when used on the skin photosensitivity (i.e., promotes sun damage), and it tends to interfere with the body's ownnatural moisturizing mechanism, leading to dry skin and chapping. You are being sold a product that creates the very conditions it claims to alleviate. Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

4. Propylene Glycol

Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. Has been known to cause allergic and toxic reactions.

5. PVP/VA Copolymer

A petroleum-derived chemical used in hairsprays, wavesets and other cosmetics. It can be considered toxic, since particles may contribute to foreign bodies in the lungs of sensitive persons.

6. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

This synthetic substance is used in shampoos for its detergent and foam-building abilities. It causes eye irritations, skin rashes, hair loss, scalp scurf similar to dandruff, and allergic reactions. It is frequently disguised in pseudo-natural cosmetics with the parenthetic explanation "comes from coconut."

7. Stearalkonium Chloride

A chemical used in hair conditioners and creams. Causes allergic reactions. Stearalkonium chloride was developed by the fabric industry as a fabric softener, and is a lot cheaper and easier to use in hairconditioning formulas than proteins or herbals, which do help hair health. Toxic.

8. Synthetic Colors

The synthetic colors used to supposedly make a cosmetic "pretty" should be avoided at all costs, along with hair dyes. They will be labeled as FD&C or D&C, followed by a color and a number. Example: FD&C Red No. 6 / D&C Green No.6. Synthetic colors are believed to be cancer-causing agents. If a cosmetic contains them, don't use it.

9. Synthetic Fragrances

The synthetic fragrances used in cosmetics can have as many as 200 ingredients. There is no way to know what the chemicals are, since on the label it will simply say "Fragrance." Some of the problems caused by these chemicals are headaches, dizziness, rash, hyperpigmentation, violent coughing, vomiting, skin irritation buy a cosmetic that has the word "Fragrance" on the ingredients label.

10. Triethanolamine

Often used in cosmetics to adjust the pH, and used with many fatty acids to convert acid to salt (stearate), which then becomes the base for a cleanser. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin, and could be toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time.

To Summarize:

Look for natural ingredients in the products you buy. Do not use cosmetics that are artificially colored. Is the shampoo bright green or blue? Very likely it contains a coal tar color. Does the product contain synthetic fragrances? Don't buy it. You may find that some of your allergy problems will suddenly disappear when you no longer use cosmetics formulated with petrochemicals and other synthetics.

Chemicals to Avoid

1.LYE AND NO LYE (SODIUM/CALCIUM/POTASSIUM/GUANIDINE HYDROXIDE)

Used
in hair relaxers to make hair permanently straight. Powerful alkaline
and caustic ingredient. Used in cleaning products that help dissolve
debris including hair from drains.

FACT: Breaks the protein
bonds that give the hair strength. Depletes the scalp of sebum (natural
oils) and makes hair very weak and prone to breakage. If used
incorrectly, can cause severe damage to the scalp. Products that say
“no-lye” just substitute the sodium hydroxide with calcium or guanidine.

Found in: Chemical straighteners, soaps

2. SODIUM LAURYL/LAURETH SULPHATE (SLS/SLES) AMMONIUM LAURETH
SULPHATE (ALES). (any sulphate, for that matter)

Used
in 99% of all shampoos for foam. These are the same ingredients found
in many cleaning products such as floor cleaners and car engine
de-greasers.

FACT: Dries and irritates the skin and hair by
stripping it of natural oils. Prevents the natural regulation of
moisture. (Why do you think we have to use conditioner after washing
our hair?)

Found in: shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash,
face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, mascara,
shaving products, moisturizer, toothpaste, sunscreen, makeup remover,
perfume, cologne

3.MINERAL OIL AND PETROLEUM/PETROLATUM

Used in many cosmetic products as a lubricant

FACT:
Derives from crude oil (the same ingredient used to cut metal!). Coats
the hair shaft and clogs pores thereby preventing toxins from being
released. This also prevents other ingredients to penetrate into the
hair shaft.

Found in: Almost every personal care product,
especially creams, lotions, hair products, wax depilatories, eyebrow
pencils, eye shadow, liquid powder, and lipstick.

4. PROPYLENE/POLYTHYLENE GLYCOL (PG/PEG)

Used
because it is called a humectant gives the product a firmer
consistency. Keeps product from melting in high heat or freezing when
it is cold.

FACT: Active ingredient in anti-freeze which is used
in car brake fluid. Strong enough to remove barnacles from boats! It
slowly destroys the protein and cellular structure and can lead to
dermatitis.

Found in: shampoo/conditioner, bar soap, body wash,
face cleanser, liquid hand soap, acne treatment, hair dye, shaving
products, moisturizer, makeup remover, toothpaste, sunscreen, perfume,
cologne, deodorant, toner/astringent, foundation, bronzer powder, nail
polish, lip products, eye shadow/pencil, and mascara.

5. DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine)

Used to adjust the PH balance

FACT:
These chemicals are already restricted in Europe due to the known
creation of carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines. They are
hormone-disrupting chemicals that easily absorb into the skin.

Found
in: shampoo, body wash/cleansers, bath oils, facial cleanser, liquid
hand soap, bar soap, hair products, acne treatment, baby wash, shaving
products, body scrubs, foot odor/cream/treatment, deodorant,
moisturizer, and hair dye/spray.

6. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL

Used as a cleaning agent and disinfectant

FACT: better known as rubbing alcohol. Known to dry out and break off hair

Found in: hair color rinses, hair products, body rubs, hand lotions, after-shave lotions, fragrances.

7. DIMETHICONE/COPOLYOL/CYCLOMETHICONE (and any ingredient ending in “cone”)

Used
as emollients (skin softeners), as lubricants, as thickeners, and as
volatile liquids that make coatings feel smooth, but evaporate without
leaving a greasy residue.

FACT: Coats the hair shaft thereby
preventing moisture from penetrating. Weighs the hair down and
contributes to build-up. They can accumulate in the liver and lymph
nodes and promote the development of tumors.

Found in: hair products, conditioner, shampoo and many other cosmetics.

6. (BUTYL; ETHYL; METHYL; PROPYL) PARABEN

Used as a preservative for a longer shelf live and to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

FACT:
There is an ongoing debate as to harmful effects of these parabens and
whether or not they are carcinogens because they act like estrogen. The
fact remains they accumulate in the bloodstream.

Found in:
moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, hair products hair styling gels,
nail creams, foundations, facial masks, skin creams, deodorants, and
baby lotions.

7. IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DMDM HYDANTOIN

Used as a preservative.


FACT: releases formaldehyde, which can irritate the respiratory system and cause skin reactions among other things.

Found
in: moisturizer, styling products, shampoo/conditioner, hair
spray/dyes, anti-aging treatment, facial cleanser, sunscreen, facial
moisturizer, foundation, eye makeup, acne treatment, mascara, body
wash/cleansers, deodorant, concealer, exfoliator, powder, body scrubs,
bath oils/salts, eye/contact care, lip makeup, shaving products,
after-sun product, douche/personal cleanser, makeup remover/depilatory
cream/hair remover, liquid hand soap, nail treatments, pain relief
rub/ointment, and fragrance.

8. FD&C (Food, Drug and Cosmetic) COLOR PIGMENTS

Used to add color to products.

FACT: Synthetic colors made from coal tar. They contain heavy metal salts that penetrate into the scalp and skin.

9. SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES

Used to make products smell appealing

FACT:
Manufactures are not required to list what the synthetic fragrances
are. Some ingredients may cause irritation and sickness such as rashes
and headaches to sensitive people.

10. YOU

A consumer just looking to make their body look and feel better

FACT:
Companies and businesses rely on your ignorance to continue selling
their products. Their main goal is to have the cheapest production cost
possible (using synthetic, artificial and chemically altered
alternatives) thereby increasing their profit margins. All of this is
done at the expense of your health and well being.

Found in: every corner of the world

Author: Unknown