4 Reasons Why I Love My Type 4 Hair

Do you have type 4 hair? I do! Can I level with you guys a bit? When I was a little girl I used to hate my hair, I had no appreciation for it, I did not like the fact that it was fluffy or kinky as we call it now. Where I am from […]

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Use The Aloe Vera Plant For Hair Growth And Retention

Its funny how when you are young you tend to have less appreciation for the little things your mom and dad would do for you. Part of it was a lack of understanding, essentially a childlike selfish mentality. This isn’t a bad thing, the innocence of children is endearing really, I mean all they care about are curly haired […]

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5 Things You Need To Do Immediately When You Discover That Your Hair Is Breaking

So you are in the bathroom looking high and low for your denman brush that seems to always leave the one spot you have it in on a daily basis. I bring up the denman brush because most time we notice breakage during our detangling session. But if your breakage is severe you will notice […]

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How to Ombre Synthetic Hair

Spring is almost upon us! That means it’s time for sunshine, cut off shorts, and brighter colors. If you’ve been looking into protective styling with synthetic hair like box braids, Senegalese or Havana twists, crochet braids, etc, and you’d like the add some color, this DIY might be perfect for you! Keep reading to find […]

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Your Favorite Hair Growth Vitamin Might also be Making You Gain Weight

I adore supplements that provide multiple benefits in one formula. I've been really consistent with my vitamin regimen lately because I want to harness their wonderful benefits. Because I'm so focused on the positive aspects of incorporating supplements, I rarely think about the flip side.

Yesterday, I learned of an undesirable possible side effect from one of the most popular beauty vitamins on the market. You and I have taken this vitamin without realizing that it might also be working against your health/fitness goals.

When I was starting my healthy hair journey, I learned that adding supplements would be a sure-fire way to promote thicker, faster hair growth.  The most popular hair vitamin that everyone recommends taking is biotin.  

Biotin is accessible and cheap so it's almost a no-brainer.  As biotin gained popularity, manufacturers started to increase their competitive edge by increasing the dosage.  It's not uncommon to find 10,000 mcg biotin pills over the counter.  Because biotin is water-soluble, most people assume that it's better to take a large dose and allow your body to flush out any excess.  

No harm done....right?

We've all heard stories of impressive hair growth just by upping the dosage of this miracle pill.  But then there were rumblings of people who started to experience a few unwanted side effects from overconsumption of biotin.  The most common side effect was unwanted breakouts.  Obviously, breakouts are the very last thing anyone wants to experience.  Unwanted breakouts are one thing, but now I'm hearing there's another possible side effect that might be even worse.

Unfortunately, some biotin users are claiming that supplementing with high doses may have contributed to unsuspecting weight gain.  

I know! I'm shocked too!

After reading about multiple accounts where people have experienced bloating and weight gain, I figured there might be something to this.  From what I gather, biotin itself doesn't actually make you gain weight.  In fact, it's a vitamin that's said to help promote a healthy metabolism.  Meaning, if you take biotin because of a deficiency, you are helping to support your body's metabolic process.  But, most of us aren't necessarily deficient.  We take large doses to help super-charge our hair growth.  In doing so, some people experience an increase in appetite and hunger.  Perhaps this happens because the metabolic system is revved up making us crave more food to keep up.  On top of that, others say they experience an increase in water retention while on high dose biotin.

If you're not aware that this might be a potential side-effect, you might put on a few extra pounds without even realizing it.  

Keep in mind that this is a possible side-effect...meaning it doesn't happen to every single person who's on biotin.  But I wanted to put this out there in case this was happening to you.  Maybe biotin is giving you awesome results, but your appetite has increased. Just being mindful of this potential side effect puts the control back in your hands.  Now you can make a conscious decision not to over exceed your caloric intake.  Or you can scale back the biotin dosage to a level that still provides benefits while not affecting you negatively in other ways.    Unless your hair is actively falling out or extremely damaged, maybe you don't need to take an ultra-high dose.  Maybe you start with a lower dose then work your way to see how your skin and appetite responds.  

I had an old bottle of 10,000mcg biotin laying around so I decided to take it more consistently.  Not long afterward, I started noticing increased breakouts.  At first, I attributed the acne to mask-wearing but since I stopped taking the pills, my acne subsided.  Looking back, I noticed that my appetite increased as well.  During the day, I kept craving snacks in between meals and couldn't figure out why.  Since scaling back on biotin, I noticed that my appetite getting back to normal levels.  

 

So if biotin isn't a viable option for you to grow thicker hair....what's the alternative?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Don't you worry, I've got you covered.  I'm compiling a list of various healthy hair vitamins that work magnificently without ruining your skin or making you gain weight.  Stay tuned for my next post.  

 

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How Much is too Much Shedding?

Recently, in our forum, we had a question about shedding, specifically what is considered too much shedding. This isn’t uncommon as a matter of fact; there are countless times that we will see posts with pictures of handfuls of hair with the question. “Is this too much hair to loose when you are detangling?” The […]

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How To Ensure that Your Growth and Health Goals Are Maintained when Visiting a Salon Regularly

Girl, I get it! You ain’t got time to spend 50/11 hours on your hair! With the kids, the husband, school, the projects, meetings and just life….sometimes we just do not have the time. Is it too much to ask to visit a salon every week or every two weeks if we can afford it. […]

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Are You in a Styling Rut? 3 Ways You Can Fish Your Way out

Styling ruts are not fun, but they happen to the best of us. As a matter of fact they can sneak up on you and you wont realize you are in one until someone calls you out. “Girl let me play in your hair a bit, you always wear the same old tired bun” You […]

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This LED Mask Brings NASA Technology to Your Beauty Routine.

A few years ago, I was introduced to the wonderful world of LED light therapy. At the time, LED masks were just entering the beauty space as the hottest must-have. Celebrities were posting selfies featuring their own personal LED masks purchased exclusively from their estheticians. I looked around at pricing and, at the time, the most popular brand was going for somewhere around $1,000.

Needless to say, I decided to wait patiently for the prices to make sense. Sometime later, I found a generic version of the infamous Desse mask at a far more reasonable price. Once I had the mask in hand, I questioned whether a mask with a bunch of tiny colored light-bulbs would actually work to change my skin.

In reality, it did. Although I didn't use it as consistently as I should've, I always noticed a difference when I wore the mask vs. when I neglected it. But, alas, the mask broke after my clumsy self dropped it.  Recently, I stumbled on an image of Kourtney Kardashian wearing a newer, more modern version of the LED mask. I was intrigued and immediately wanted to know more.Unlike traditional LED masks, this one is transparent. Another obvious difference was that the wearers were not lying down to receive the red light treatment. That's because this new generation of LED mask was now cordless and portable. Which meant that we no longer had to be confined laying down to use our mask.

This is a huge deal because portability means a greater likelihood for consistency and consistency will produce greater results.

My package arrived in a cute small box.  Much smaller than I expected.  Unlike my previous mask which came with a bunch of plugs, extra bulbs, straps, etc, this only contained a clear face shield, USB cord, and instructions. Since we're living in the era of covid, many of you will understand when I say that this LED mask pretty much looks and feels like your typical face shield. It's super light (I placed it on the scale & it only weighed 2.7 oz) and very easy to wear. 

On the side of the white band is a simple on/off button. Each time you press the button again, the color changes from Red, to Blue, to Yellow.  The various colors have the potential to provide unique benefits. Red for collagen production and anti again.  Blue for anti-inflammation and acne. Yellow/Orange for detoxifying and treating discoloration.  The mask is also equipped with a self-time that conveniently shuts it off after 15 minutes of use.  

I'm obsessed with this mask because I can actually wear it while doing random things around the house.  I practically forget I have it on.  Yesterday, I wore it while doing housework.  Not having to be confined to a bed to use an LED face mask is the biggest technological advancement in modern history (maybe).  

Since I've had my new mask, I'd used it multiple times.  Every time I lay eyes on it, I want to put it on.  This is a big deal because I'd always have to remind myself to use the clunkier mask.  

These masks create subtle, yet noticeable differences in the texture of your skin when used consistently.   One concern I did have is that, compared to my white LED mask, the lights on the face shield aren't as bright and overpowering.  This made me wonder if the face shield wasn't as effective as its predecessor.  

After doing a little research and comparing the specs here and here, I was comforted in knowing that both masks have the ability to send skin healing light to the skin at around the same wavelengths.  This makes me feel so much better knowing that my skin is receiving similar skin-enhancing benefits for a fraction of the price and a way better user experience. 

There's a seller on Amazon who has these masks available for a little over $50.00. That's a far cry from the $190.00 option that Kourtney K offers. Amazon also has a great return policy so you can try this mask daily for a few weeks and see if your skin loves it as well.    

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6 Bad Hair Habits Every Natural Should Stop Now

You are natural now and with this journey you are going to go through trials and errors you can’t even imagine. You are excited that now your hair is creamy crack free then soon you realize that there is a multitude of methods, techniques, tools, products, regimens to making your natural journey work for you and to be successful at it. […]

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6 Products for Scalp Psoriasis Relief On and Between Wash Days

I'm no stranger to scalp drama.

Since 9th grade (don't ask what year that was, just mind your business 😭), I've been dealing with psoriasis on my skin — and especially my scalp. When my scalp flares up (like it is now), these flakes show no mercy. They come for my hairline, for the areas behind my ears, along my nape, and of course, anywhere I might even consider parting for a style. And now that we’re in the middle of fall and staring winter in the face, that’s exactly what I’m up against.

Psoriasis tends to be tougher on us in the fall and winter months, when days are shorter and direct sunlight is sparse. In the spring and summer, sunbathing and soaking up Vitamin D helps tremendously with keeping psoriasis plaques at bay. And as we stare down November (honestly I can’t believe I’m saying that 😭), this is the time of year that I get desperate for solutions and relief.

Honestly, I can deal with the plaques themselves. I can live without parts and protective styles. But what I absolutely cannot handle is the near constant itching, and the flakes falling everywhere as a result. It's annoying and sometimes embarrassing, but not as severe as it could be — so I'm thankful for that.

Luckily, I've found a good selection of products that provide relief from those annoyances — keeping me from scratching my scalp like crazy and washing my hair every other day.

I hope they can bring you some relief, too.

Between Wash Days, Try:

Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse

Over the course of the last month, I’ve been using the Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse along with the Soothe Me Daily Scalp Serum as a part of my nighttime post workout scalp care routine. I’ve noticed that with regular use, my scalp isn’t nearly as dry between washes, and any itching I do experience is almost immediately relieved.

When we sweat, our thick, dense, textured strands trap dirt, bacteria, and salt against our scalp — leading to itching, dryness, and flakes. Over time, the high salt content of sweat can actually dehydrate our already difficult to moisturize hair, leading to brittleness and breakage.

For me, this is where the Root Refresh Micellar Rinse absolutely SHINES. While the most straightforward solution for removing dirt, bacteria, and salt from the scalp is to co-wash or shampoo, over-manipulating natural hair can lead to even more breakage and damage down the line. Sunday II Sunday Root Refresh Micellar Rinse is the perfect alternative. It’s formulated with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients like apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and myrrh to gently cleanse and purify the scalp between wash days.

After my workouts or any time I have a case of the itchies, I spritz my scalp directly with the Root Refresh Micellar Rinse and massage it in. The sweet relief is near instantaneous.

Oh and by the way, if you ever wondered what a waterless or dry shampoo for natural hair should look like, it looks exactly like Root Refresh Micellar Rinse. 

Sunday II Sunday Soothe Me Daily Serum

If the Root Refresh Micellar Rinse is like a shampoo substitute, then the Soothe Me Daily Serum by Sunday II Sunday is definitely the conditioner. It’s jam-packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and scalp soothing extracts like cordyceps, turkey tail mushroom, and peppermint. When I do a full review, we’ll take a further dive into the ingredients Sunday II Sunday formulates their products with. They’re super fascinating and honestly unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

And y’all know I’ve seen a lot of ingredients over the last 8 years.

The Soothe Me Daily Scalp Serum is clear, lightweight, and does a great job at tackling itching and dryness between wash days. Because of thick psoriasis scales, oils don’t always penetrate all the way through to the scalp — and minutes later, you’ll end up with itchy scalp all over again. Soothe Me Daily Scalp Serum is water-based, it penetrates easily, hydrates my dry scalp, and gets to the root of my itchy woes to provide relief that lasts.

As a matter of fact, I'm using it right now as I type.

 

Curls Blueberry & Mint Tea Hair Growth and Scalp Treatment

I’ve raved about this product since it was released because it contains one of my absolute faaaaavorite ingredients for tight, sore-feeling scalp — menthol.

Yes, the same menthol that’s in Vick’s vapor rub.

When my scalp feels dry and tight, or gets a little sore (my roots feel tender when my hair enters a growth spurt, and psoriasis exacerbates that), I always reach for the Curls Blueberry Mint Tea Hair Growth and Scalp Treatment. It works like a charm every single time.

I'm always adding a bottle to my drive-up order at Target.

If you love a cool tingle, this right here is the one! Catch my review on the Curls Blueberry & Mint Tea Hair Growth and Scalp Treatment here.

On Wash Day, Try:

TPH by Taraji Never Salty

Confession: I used to throw major shade at scalp scrubs. I never understood their purpose, and I was very much of the mindset that your fingers could get the same job done without wasting extra time fussing around with goopy scrubs.

I’m not above admitting when I’m wrong. So, I was wrong. And it was Never Salty from TPH by Taraji that helped me see the light.

This scrub y’all, is life. The cool tingle is next level, courtesy of my (already mentioned) favorite ingredient,  menthol. Never Salty also contains apple cider vinegar, peppermint,  sweet almond oil, and coconut oil — softening, soothing, and invigorating the scalp as it helps to lift stubborn flakes. The scrubbing sensation feels heavenly, and the oils prevent the scalp from feeling stripped after rinsing.

I bought one tube from Target, and went back for three more the next day. It's that good.

Home Health Psoriasis Medicated Scalp and Body Wash

I've gone through my fair share of salicylic acid shampoos and cleansers over the years, and most of them weren't much to write home about. But then I stumbled across the Psoriasis Medicated Scalp and Body Wash by Home Health on Amazon.

Of all the psoriasis shampoos I've tried, this one is the absolute best at lifting flakes and scales. I use the pump to apply it directly to my scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes or so with a shower cap, just like I would a deep conditioner. After 30 minutes has passed, the scales come up with minimal effort. This is such a critical function for folks with psoriasis — trying to lift scales forcefully can cause scratches and bleeding that leads to a vicious cycle of even more inflammation, scaling, and hair loss.

For loosening scales, the Psoriasis Medicated Scalp and Body Wash is that jam. I love that it contains absolutely no artificial fragrance or colors. But be warned, it is not friendly on natural hair. It has no slip, and can leave you in a bad bind if your hair is super tangled before you use it.

Which leads me to the final must-have on my list:

Be Kekoa Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner

Yes, my absolute most favorite, undeniable holy grail nearly 6 years and running is also one of my must-haves for handling scalp psoriasis.

And here's why.

As a co-wash, it absolutely has that lovely itch-soothing tingle I love, and does a great job at softening psoriasis scales for removal. When I don't want to go all-in with a shampoo (either the Home Health Psoriasis Wash or Be Kekoa's own Be Clair), Be Clean is what I reach for. But beyond that, I've found that it's absolutely essential to use Be Clean before I put the Home Health Psoriasis Wash on my scalp.

As I mentioned earlier, the Home Health Psoriasis Medicated Scalp and Body Wash has zero slip. Like, none. Not even on detangled hair. It's a medicated shampoo with sulfates, and not at all designed to be friendly for natural hair. So in order to not destroy my strands, I coat and detangle my hair with Be Clean Cleansing Conditioner prior to using the Psoriasis Medicated Scalp and Body Wash. Important to note: I don't rinse the Be Clean out before applying the Home Health Psoriasis Wash.

The end result? My scalp gets the attention it needs, without making my textured strands suffer. For more on my love affair with Be Clean, read my review here. 

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7 Additional Things You Need to Know about Your Hair when Preparing to Transition

Transitioning to natural hair takes a lot of work, patience and perseverance. Sometimes the whole process can get so overwhelming that the journey ahead seems impossible. When I first went natural, I read as much as I could on Natural hair. Infact, I was so thirsty for knowledge that I bought 4 different books on […]

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Not Self Motivated? Here's How to Accomplish All of Your Goals Anyway.

When I first got into the process of personal development, I realized that a big part of reaching your goals and achieving success was fueled by being consistently motivated. At one point, I sought to learn from the most self-motivated people I could find. These people seemed to be able to tap into an endless source of internal motivation that most of us only dream of.

I tried to become one of those people....and failed miserably.

I just never seemed to consistently muster up the constant flow of self-motivation needed to crush my goals on a daily basis. Not having an endless source of self-motivation to tap into was frustrating. Once you label yourself a non-motivated individual, it all goes downhill from there.


Thankfully, I realized that being motivated isn't an innate gift that a select few are blessed with. In fact, I believe that the most motivated people have mastered one technique that I will share with you today.

When you say to "I want to do or accomplish xyz," at that very moment, you are motivated to set a goal/intention for yourself. The next day arrives and it's time to put in the work required to make turn your dream into reality.

But there's one problem....

You don't feel like doing anything. So you give yourself a pass and nothing gets accomplished. This has happened to me more times than I can count. But I'm happy to say that I think I may have figured out the key to getting rid of this destructive cycle. All I did was ask myself one simple question.

What motivates me?

There are times when each of us has plenty of internal drive to get things done. And there are also times when we don't feel like doing anything of purpose. If you were to analyze your personal patterns, can you determine what's the difference between when you're motivated and when you're not?


When I sat down to reflect, I was able to identify my motivation driver(s). What's a motivation driver? Basically, it's an internal or external factor that has the power to actually motivate you into action! After careful reflection, I realized that one of my greatest motivation drivers consisted of the following:


Surrounding myself with others who were doing what I want to do//
So for example, if I want to have a highly productive workday, I will be much more motivated to stay on course if I play YT videos of entrepreneurs sharing their "day in the life". Simply watching those videos alone, gives me a boost of motivation that can last for hours.


This also works well if I want to motivate myself to exercise. I can try to muster up some self-motivation (which may or may not work)......or I can simply watch IG stories or YT videos of people working out. The second option, for me, is a bit more effortless and comes with less resistance.

What gets you motivated? Are you inspired into action by looking at before/after pics? Or do the success stories of others make you want to get off your couch and do something? Are you more likely to change your behavior if you change your environment?

We all have a motivation trigger that pushes the right button. Whatever that trigger is for you, I want you to activate it and activate it often! If you're motivated by results, surround yourself with examples of others who've achieved the results you want.

The idea of being totally self-driven is an illusion. We shouldn't rely solely on a mystical internally generated motivation that may or may not exist. Instead, I want you to identify EXACTLY what motivates you. Look back on those times when you had the most motivation (that turned into action) and ask yourself, "what was it that motivated me?" Once you've narrowed down your greatest motivation triggers, you have the key that can unlock your greatest potential. The final step is to activate those triggers often and use them generously to accomplish everything you desire.

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6 Interesting Ways Female Inmates Take Care of Their Hair while in Prison

Do you watch Lock Up? I know I am about to show how boring my Saturday nights are by the time I am done with this post, but I am not ashamed, we all can’t ‘turn up’ in the true sense of the words. My turn up is on the couch with my laptop along […]

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