DOING IT NATURAL

Category: Hair care

  • 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. Beauty Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair and Skin.

      Aloe vera plant is a very common plant and is largely cultivated in countries with drier climates. It is found in most skin and hair products. It is also use in some homes for beautification.


      Benefits to skin and hair

      • Moisturizing: Aloe vera gel can keep your skin moisturized all day long. Just apply some aloe vera gel all over your body.
      • Clears acne: Applying aloe vera gel on acne can help clear up the skin and also fades acne scars.
      • Relieves dandruff: White flaky scales and itchy scalp which are characteristics of dandruff can be greatly reduced with aloe vera gel. Rub some aloe vera gel on your scalp.

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      •  Fades stretch marks: Stretch marks can be annoying and tough to deal with, you can reduce the marks with aloe vera gel.
      • Hair growth: Hair loss whether thinning edges, hair breakage can be minimized by using aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is very effective for hair growth.
      • Aging: Aloe vera contains vitamins that can slow down aging process, reduce wrinkles and freckles. Make a facial mask of aloe vera gel, honey and oatmeal and rinse off after 30 minutes.
      • Minimize Sunburn: If you are experiencing sunburn as a result of overexposure to sun rays, using aloe vera gel on the affected part can greatly reduce the sun burns.
      • Fades dark spots and lighten blemishes: You can also use aloe vera gel as a toner, it helps fade dark spots and lighten blemishes.
      • Soothe burns: The cooling effect of aloe vera can help soothe burns.

      • Gives soft and shiny hair: : Aloe vera can also be use to condition hair, add to your deep conditioner to get maximum conditioning and shine.
      • Aids wound healing.
      • Psoriasis

      Do you use aloe vera on your skin and hair? Do you know any other beauty benefits of aloe vera? Please drop your comments and share. Thanks so much for reading.

    2. How to get rid of razor or shave bumps naturally.

      How to get rid of razor or shave bumps naturally.

      You want smooth, hairless skin after shaving, but you get bumps instead? You are not alone.

      Razor bumps, also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, occur when shaved hair curls back into the skin and causes irritation. They can occur around the bikini line, armpits, face, legs, etc.

      Razor bumps may cause itching, irritation, pain, swelling, burning sensations, redness and sometimes bleeding. Although they may subside on their own with time, there are some remedies and skincare tips that may help relieve the symptoms

      Causes of Razor Bumps

      1. Shaving Against the Direction of Hair Growth

      Shaving against the direction of hair growth can increase the risk of razor bumps. When the hair is cut very close to the skin, it may curl back and grow into the skin, causing bumps.

      Try shaving in the direction of hair growth, especially if you have sensitive skin or frequently experience razor bumps.


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      • 2. Shaving Too Often

        Razor bumps can occur when you shave too often because repeated shaving may irritate the skin.

        Allow your hair and skin to recover a little before shaving again.

        3. Using a Blunt Razor

        While shaving, you should use a clean, sharp razor. Using a blunt razor may require you to shave over the same area repeatedly, leading to irritation and bump formation.

        Also, a used razor can harbour microorganisms, so make sure you clean and replace your razor regularly.

      • 4. Dry Hair

        Shaving dry hair can easily irritate your skin and increase friction.

        Applying water and a moisturising shaving cream or gel before shaving will help the razor glide more easily over the skin.

        5. Not Moisturising

        You need to moisturise your skin after shaving. Not doing so may leave your skin dry and irritated.

        Use a gentle moisturiser that is suitable for your skin type, preferably one without added fragrance if your skin is sensitive.

        6. Having Curly Hair

        Razor bumps are more common among people with coarse or tightly curled hair because the hair may curl back into the skin as it grows.

        However, razor bumps can affect anyone, regardless of their hair type or ethnicity

      Natural Remedies for Razor or Shave Bumps

      1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

      Some people use apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for razor bumps.

      If you choose to try it, dilute it well with water and use caution, as vinegar is acidic and may irritate freshly shaved or sensitive skin.

      Test a small amount on a limited area first. Avoid applying it to broken or severely irritated skin, and stop using it if you experience burning or stinging

       

      • 2. Cold Compress

        Applying a cold compress to razor bumps can help soothe irritation and reduce discomfort.

        Use a clean, cool, damp cloth and apply it gently to the affected area.

        3. Coconut Oil

        Coconut oil may help moisturise dry skin and relieve some discomfort. However, it may not be suitable for everyone and can irritate or clog pores in some people.

        If you choose to use it, apply a small amount and stop if irritation occurs.

        4. Aloe Vera

        Aloe vera gel can provide a soothing and cooling effect on irritated skin.

        Choose a simple aloe vera gel without added fragrance or alcohol, and test it on a small area first. Aloe vera should not be relied upon to prevent infection

        5. Salicylic Acid

        Salicylic acid is an ingredient found in some skincare products and may help exfoliate the skin and clear blocked pores.

        Please note: Aspirin is not the same as topical salicylic acid. Avoid applying crushed aspirin mixtures to your skin, as they can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

        If you want to try salicylic acid, use a properly formulated skincare product and follow its instructions.

        6. Baking Soda

        Baking soda is sometimes used as a home remedy to exfoliate the skin and relieve itching. However, it can irritate the skin and disturb its natural protective barrier.

        For this reason, I would recommend avoiding baking soda on freshly shaved or sensitive skin.

      • 7. Shea Butter

        Shea butter is good for moisturising dry skin and may help reduce dryness after shaving.

        However, it is not a proven treatment for razor bumps. Use a small amount and choose a gentle product suitable for your skin.

        8. Cucumber

        Place cool cucumber slices on the shaved area to provide a soothing and refreshing sensation.

        Make sure the cucumber and your hands are clean, and avoid applying it to broken skin.

        9. Honey

        Honey may provide some soothing effects for certain skin types, but ordinary household honey is not a proven treatment for razor bumps.

        If your skin is irritated, a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser may be a safer option.

        Do you get razor bumps? What do you use to relieve your razor bumps? Do you have any other tips?

        Please drop your comments in the comment box.

        Thanks for reading! ❤️

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    3. Prepooing and its benefits


      This post was inspired by a fellow blogger, thanks AstridOxford for the suggestion. Is your hair prone to dryness, frizz, breakage and dandruff? Why not consider prepooing? Are you prepooing the right way and with the right products?

      Prepooing is the process of applying oil, conditioner or some other treatment to the hair before shampooing. It is a process you should include to your wash day regimen. Prepooing makes hair softer, frizz free, shiny etc.

      What are the benefits?

      • Moisture retention: If you have a hard time retaining moisture in your hair, prepooing can be just what your hair needs. Dry hair can be as a result of hair products containing drying ingredients such as sodium laryl sulfate which can be found in most shampoos.Since prepooing is done before shampooing it can reduce the natural oils stripped by shampoo.
      • Detangling: Prepooing makes detangling a breeze, hair tangles become easier to remove and there is less shedding.
      • Fights dandruff: Dandruff can be as a result of dry scalp, prepooing especially with oils will moisturize your scalp and also reduce dandruff flakes.
      • Soft and shiny hair: Wants soft and shiny hair, prepooing will give you just that.
      • Reduces growth: Frizz can be annoying and can make hair messy, you can get rid of it with prepooing.
      • Less breakage: If you are experiencing breakage, prepooing during your wash days can really cut down on breakage.
      • Promotes hair growth: Prepooing can also help with hair growth.

          What to use for prepooing?

          • Oils: Oils such as coconut oil, castor oil and olive works well as a prepoo treatment. You can either use a type of oil or mix the oils.
          • Honey: Honey is a humectant and helps in retaining moisture.
          • Shea butter: Melt some shea butter and use as a prepoo for extra moisturizing.
          • Conditioner: Use your rinse out conditioner as prepootreatment.

          How to prepoo?

          1. Put your hair into sections
          2. Apply prepooing treatment to your hair working from ends to root
          3. Cover your hair with shower cap and leave for about 30 minutes to 1 hour
          4. Rinse your hair with warm water, follow up with shampoo.

            Do you prepoo? What do you use in prepooing? What is your experience with prepooing? Please drop your comments at the comment box.Thanks for reading.