DOING IT NATURAL

Category: Blogging

  • L.O.C Method of Moisturizing Natural Hair

    “Ouch!!!” Do you always say that whenever you comb your hair? Do you experience serious pain when your hair is left out for more than two days? You might be missing out on the important benefits of LOC method.

    Moisturizing is an integral part of natural hair care. Natural hair especially 4c hair type can’t survive without adequate moisture. 

    LOC simply stands for liquid, oil and cream. It is a common terminology in natural hair community. LOC is a process that keeps our hair moisturized a bit longer than usual, about 2 to 3 days.

    LOC products

    1. Liquid: The liquid can be a leave in conditioner preferably a water based leave in or just water. Water is the best moisturizer for natural hair.
    2. Oil: The oil seal in the moisture from the first step. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, castor oil etc are examples of oils that can be used.
    3. Cream: For cream or butter, you can use shea or mango butter or any natural hair friendly curl or twist defining cream.

    How to moisturize using LOC method

    • Put your hair in 6 or 8 sections.
    • Spritz the section you are working on with water or water based leave in conditioner.
    • Apply a thin layer of oil from roots to ends making sure your ends (the weakest part) isn’t neglected to prevent tangles, knots and breakage.
    • Apply the cream next from roots to ends to give the hair more definition and more sealing.

    Benefits of LOC method

    •  It makes hair softer and manageable.
    • It prevent tangles and knots.
    • It prevent split ends 
    • Reduce pain while styling.
    • Minimize breakage 
    • Prevents excessive dryness.
    • Minimize frizz.
    • Keep the hair shiny.
    • Helps with hair growth.

      If the LOC method doesn’t work for you, you can also try LCO (liquid, cream and oil) method, it is also very effective. Also, LOC method works best for people with low porosity hair and LCO for those with high porosity hair.

      What method do you use in moisturizing your hair, LOC or LCO? What products do you use for LOC method? Please share your thoughts in the comment section. Thanks so much for reading.

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    • Health Benefits of Honey

      Honey has been around since ancient time. It is widely used as natural remedy for certain skin and health issues and also as sugar substitute in meals. It has a sweet taste and is a lot healthier than sugar. 

      When purchasing honey, it is better to go for raw honey because it contains more nutrients and antioxidants than processed or refined honey. Honey shouldn’t be given to children under 1 year because of risk of botulism.

      • Anticancer: Honey contains antioxidants which help combat carcinogenic cells.
      • Antibacterial and Antifungal: Some research studies have proved honey to be effective in treating infectious diseases because of the defensin 1 protein it contains, this also enable honey combat antibiotic resistant infections

      • Regulate blood sugar level: Though honey is sweet and contain natural sugar, it is safer in regulating blood sugar level than sugar, it doesn’t cause an insulin spike but should be used sparingly.
      • Relieves cough and sore throat: Honey has been proven to be effective in relieving cough and soothing sore throat, it is preferred to OTCs (Over The Counter) medications such as antihistamines which can cause drowsiness and other side effects.Make a mix of honey and lemon for natural cough remedy.
      • Wound management: Honey is used in some health care facility for dressing wound, this is because it prevent and fight infection and also aid wound healing.
      • Boosts energy: If you are feeling fatigued, instead of reaching for energy drinks that contain harmful ingredients, opt for honey instead, it will replenish your energy.
      • Promotes sleep: Suffering from insomnia? Put an end to the sleepnessless by adding honey to your tea or water or just take a tablespoonful of honey before bedtime. Honey contains tryptophan which is later converted to serotonin, serotonin is then converted to melatonin, an hormone that promotes sleep.
      • Burns management: Honey’s antibacterial properties, hygroscopic effect and hydrogen peroxide content makes it effective for burns management.
      • Brain health: The antioxidants in honey enhance cognitive function, boosts memory etc.
      • Improves immune system: Honey contains vitamin C and other antioxidants that can boost immune system and make you less susceptible to infections.
      • Prevent heart diseases: Honey lowers triglycerides level, prevents heart attack and can improve blood circulation.

        Do you take honey? Do you know other health benefits of honey? Please share your experience with honey in the comment box. Thanks so much for reading.

        Sources

      • 15 negative things people said about my natural hair

        Hey guys, how are you all doing? I want to share some of the worst things people have said to me about my hair. I think most of us naturalistas have also heard the good, the bad and ugly things concerning our hair from friends, colleagues, coworkers, family etc especially when we just started out.

        I believe going or keeping natural hair should be your own decision and what others say or think about it shouldn’t bother you. I didn’t allow myself to be discouraged by the negative statements but it just made me dogmatic about my hair.

        1. If I were your boyfriend, I would have broken up with you because of your hair.
        2. I will buy a chemical relaxer for you, I think you can’t afford one.
        3. You will soon get tired of your natural hair.
        4. Your hair looks too untidy (because is not slicked down like relaxed hair)
        5. Those hairstyles (referring to bantu knots out, twist outs etc) you see online are sew in weaves, your hair can never be like that.
        6. Your hair won’t grow.
        7. Don’t you have money to go the salon?
        8. Is that an afro? That’s old school, people don’t do that anymore.
        9. Don’t come to my house with natural hair. (It was a joke though)
        10. Don’t ever wear your hair out, is not nice, always put on wigs or use extensions to braid or twist.
        11. Your hair looks weird.
        12. You need a lot of makeup to accentuate your look with that hair.
        13. You are only limited to styles like cornrows and African threading.
        14. Why are you using fruits and kitchen ingredients on your hair, is meant to be eaten.
        15. You are wasting your time, money and energy on that hair, is it worth it?

          What are the negative things you have heard about your hair? Have you ever felt discouraged because of what others think of your hair? Please drop your comments in the comment section. Thanks for reading

        1. Eczema: Causes, Triggers and Natural Remedies

          I had eczema the first time ever 2 months ago, I was totally shocked because I always thought I had good skin and can never get it. I have seen many people suffer endlessly from eczema and most resort to over the counter medications, topical antibiotics etc.

          Eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by dry scaly skin, itchiness, weeping and oozy rashes and blisters. It occurs mostly on the face, hands, elbows, back of knees, feet and back. It occurs mostly in children and affect adults too.

          Causes/Triggers

          • Genetics: Eczema runs in the family, it is common among people with family history of eczema and asthma.
          • Dry skin: Having a dry skin predispose you to getting eczema
          • Stress: Stress can trigger a lot of conditions, eczema included.
          • Extremes of hot and cold temperature: Feeling too hot can make you sweat a lot and get heat rashes which can become eczematous. Also, feeling too cold can also dry your skin out.

          • Certain skin products: Some skin care products such as bathing soap and body creams contains ingredients too irritating to the skin such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate, mineral oil etc
          • Foods containing gluten: Eating food containing gluten such as bread can worsen symptoms of eczema
          • Dairy foods: Dairy products such as milk especially cow milk can trigger eczema and should be avoided
          • Wool fibers: Wearing clothes made of wool can also irritate and scratch your skin 
          • Detergents: Washing your clothes with detergents containing irritants can cause eczema
          • Environment allergens: Some people are allergic to pollen, grass etc and some to animals such as dogs. Coming in contact with allergens can also trigger eczema
          • Water: If you think you are doing everything right but can’t figure out what is causing eczema, your bathing water might be contaminated. That was the case for me when I had it.
          • Immunosuppression: Suppressed or abnormal functioning immune system can also predispose you to eczema.
          • Hormones

              Natural Remedies

              • Ginger:Grate some ginger and add some honey to make a paste, apply on the affected part and rinse off with warm water after 30 minutes.
              • Chamomile tea: Brew chamomile tea and apply on your skin to reduce inflammation.
              • Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera soothes the skin, relieves itching and also moisturizes making it an effective remedy for eczema relief. 
              • Apple cider vinegar: Dab some ACV on the affected part 3 times a day to relieve dryness, itching and rashes.
              • Baking soda: Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply on the eczema area, wash off after 30 minutes. This will ease symptoms of eczema.
              • Shea butter: Shea butter is very moisturizing and can also reduce scars caused by eczema.
              • Coconut oil: Coconut oil has antibacterial properties, it also relieves itching and moisture the skin
              • Olive oil: Olive oil contains omega 3 oil which helps reduce inflammation. Massage some on the affected area
              • Probiotics: Probiotics such as yoghurt and raw cheese can help the immune system fight eczema.
              • Vitamin E: You can either take vitamin E pills orally or apply the oil topically on your skin to reduce the discomfort caused by eczema.
              • Cucumber slices: Cucumber can soothes the skin, reduce swelling and redness. Place some cucumber slices on the affected area for relief.
              • Oats: Grind some oats into powder and sprinkle on your bathing water to ease the discomfort caused by eczema.
              • Honey

                  Other helpful tips

                  1. Avoid dairy and gluten food products.
                  2. Limit bathing to once daily with warm water, using soap repeatedly will further irritate your skin and hot bath will dry your skin out.
                  3. Eat omega 3 filled foods such as fish.
                  4. Avoid tight fitting and rough fiber clothes. Go for clothes with smooth surface instead.
                  5. Avoid scratching the affected part, doing so will lead to more rashes.
                  6. Ensure you wear appropriate clothes for each season.

                    Do you get eczema? What trigger it? What natural remedies do you use in managing eczema. Thanks for reading.

                    Sources

                    www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14417.php

                    https://medlineplus.gov/eczema.html

                    http://everydayroots.com/eczema-remedies

                    http://www.naturallivingideas.com/get-rid-of-eczema/

                    https://wellnessmama.com/12065/natural-eczema-remedies/