Book Review: Natural Hair Brand Miss Jessie

Book Review: Miss Jessie's by Miko Branch




If you have not had the chance to read this book yet it's an absolute must and here's why.
To all my naturalistas and curly girls please join me on my new blog to read my review of  the Miss Jessies's book.https://goodhealthqueen.blogspot.com/2017/04/book-reviewmiss-jessies-by-miko-branch.html




To all my subscribers wondering where I have been, I am recommitting to blogging but all my new posts will be on www.goodhealthquee.com please join me there!




Thanks for stopping by, sharing your comments, Following , Liking the FB page, subscribing by email, sharing with your friends and all those good stuffs...(smiles) Until next time have a better and healthier life... N'na

Benefits of Shea Butter for Hair & Skin

Since I grew up in West Africa I have to admit that I have nothing but great things to say about Shea Butter. It's actually the only cosmetic product that I used from the time I was a baby till now.

To learn more about African Shea Butter please check & follow my New Blog , check our New facebook page and join us on Instagram
Instagram #goodhealthdiva
Facebook.com/naturalnnako

LET'S TALK HAIR: Natural Hair Journey: African Naturals' founder hair journey

Hello hello helloooo!!!
I know it's been a moment since I wrote a post, especially about natural hair, but here I am!

My Hair Talk today is with my sweet sister Z.from Namibia who is the founder of the facebook page African Naturals. If you are familiar with on her page you should know for yourself that she is an awesome person and offers an awesome page.
If you haven't please, get the chance to acquaint yourself with African Naturals & come by the Healthy can be done!Natural Fit Life page to let us know that you visited (LIKEd) African Naturals and how much you enjoyed it.

Z. from African Naturals is also a fan of our facebook page Healthy can be done!Natural Fit Life and it would be a pleasure to have you on both pages. She takes care not just of her hair but of her body as well and that's why we are tag teaming here!(smiles)

Okay enough with the introductions, let's jump in the conversation & for pictures you got to meet us on fb! I guarantee you you will enjoy the pictures on both pages. Hope to see you there once you are done here!

Before we jump into the conversation here some facts about Namibia.


The capital is called Windhoek, it's in Southern Africa between Angola & South Africa.
Angola was colonized by Portugal and speak portuguese, but like South Africa, Namibia speaks Afrikaan. Namibia is near the Atlanttic Ocean.

Now that you know where Z. lives let's find more about her hair journey & healthy lifestyle!

 

How long have you been natural?

I’ve been natural for a year and half now

What made you decide to be natural?

My daughter asked me why she hasn’t got beautiful hair and that she wanted long flowing hair,when I tried to explain that she has beautiful hair, she asked if we have beautiful hair why do I put weaves in then…lol! So the next day I removed my weaves and cut my hair, have enjoyed every moment of my hair journey since and my daughter is loving her hair!

What frustrations did you have to overcome in your hair journey?

Accepting my hair texture and learning to style my hair, it was awkward and there were times I wondered what I had gotten myself into, but then I’d braid my hair in a protective style and feel better afterward.

What do you believe to be the most rewarding thing about natural hair?

The styles I can do, the thickness of my hair and becoming so much more confident!

How do you maintain your hair healthy?

I wash my hair once a week with detangling shampoo, deep condition every two weeks and use olive and coconut oil to moisturize my tresses. I also believe in eating right and drinking lots of water.

How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?

I exercise 3 times a week, eat fruit every single day, do yoga every morning and drink plenty of water. I have to set an example to my children as they’re growing.

What advice would you give someone who is considering going natural?

Just do it!lol! Being natural is such a rewarding experience. You learn, you grow, your hair grows J

You started a facebook page about natural hair, when did you start the page and what made you decide to start one?

Gosh, most ideas come when you least expect it. I was chatting to a friend and we started sharing hair regimens and art as well as a million other things and I thought, wait…this would be nice if many people could share ideas with us as well and vice versa. I started the page end of last year.

From your experience do you feel like there’s an age group that’s more open to natural hair?

In Namibia, you can find naturals from 3 years up to 70…all age groups are open to it.

Do you think that it will get adopted more widely on the continent of Africa or do you think that it will take a while for women all over the continent to widely embrace it?

Well, with the whole world gearing up for natural hair, it has taken the world by storm,but you will always find those who are not too keen about it..

When people complain about natural hair what’s the most frequent complaints you hear and what advice do you offer them?

So far I haven’t heard complaints J

                                                                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well... short & sweet right? Didn't you enjoy her answers? I liked how her daughter inspired her to go natural, that was funny what she said about weaved. I also appreciate how by living a healthy lifestyle she is setting an example for her children now. I enjoyed how she said " you learn, your grow, your hair grows" because that's exactly how it is with any healthy change we make. We learn in the process & we grow a lot through it!
What about you what did you get from this interview?Was there anything in particular that Z. said here that inspired you?

Either you are into natural hair or healthy living or both, please LIKE us on facebook, share your posts with us. I love pictures so any pictures of your hairstyles or healthy meals or whatever inspiring thing you have in store please share. Let me know if your would like to be featured here or on facebook. You are also welcome to join our fitness support group Natural Fit Life on facebook.

Last but not least, catch us on twitter, pinterest @ N'nako Healthy can be done!, Follow this blog if you are new and above all, make healthy choices for your hair & for your body. You are unique & valuable and worth so much, so do what's trully best for you! I wish you well and hope to hear from you! Hugs & Blessings~ Your girl,NB!

Healthy choices: What are the benefits of Greek Yogurt

  The benefits of Greek Yogurt. What's the big deal about Greek Yogurt?
                                     by goodhealthdiva


   
Hi there,

Thanks for stopping by, it's always a pleasure to have you around.
Do you like yogurts? Just curious! I have always had a weakness for yogurts and I would eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner and in between. I just love yogurts.

I love all kind of yogurts, even soy yogurts. But it's only recently that I started a serious love affair with Greek yogurts. One of my friend visited me at the hospital the day after I had my baby and brought me for breakfast Greek yogurts and bagels from Panera. It was my first time eating the rich and creamy yogurt and having seen many commercials on TV I was pretty curious to see how they taste.

I have diligently added them to my grocery list since then. Since I just returned from my late shopping at Target with some Yoplait Greek Yogurts, I figured it would be fun to share some facts about Greek yogurts with you all.
I wanted to share a little about Greek yogurts as a healthy smart choice for anyone conscious about their diet or just wondering " what's the big deal" about Greek yogurts?



For people watching their weight and interested in lean muscles, Greek yogurt is a great healthy choice for breakfast or as a snack. It's even a good ingredient for baking and cooking.

What makes Greek Yogurts better than regular yogurts?







Protein: Greek yogurt has double the protein of regular yogurt. For weight conscious people,it's high protein content makes it easier to ward of hunger.

Carbohydrate: Greek yogurt has fewer carbs than regular yogurt.

Sodium: Greek yogurt has about half the sodium of regular yogurt.

Texture: Greek yogurt has a thicker and creamier texture than regular yogurt because it's strained more. Regular yogurt is strained twice while Greek yogurt is strained three times.

Greek yogurt is also better than regula yogurt for cooking because it doesn't curdle when heated.

What are the similarities between Greek and regula yogurts?

Calories: There's little difference in calories between the two as long as you consistently select plain yogurt without extra sweetness/sugar.


What are other ways to use yogurts?

Yogurts, Greek yogurt or regular yogurt, are healthy substitute for mayonnaise, heavy creams and sour cream. When baking you can substitute the eggs and oil with yogurts as well.Both types can also be used in place of other high-calorie ingredients in dips, sauces, salad dressings, smoothies, and desserts. 

For example, you can top your baked potatoes with yogurt instead of sour cream.
Yogurt makes a great marinade for meat. Check here for my marinade for meat kabobs.

Greek yogurt cost more than regular yogurts and has less calcium but again, for a healthy choice to support your weight management endeavors the amount of proteins in Greek yogurt makes it a worthy contender.

Why is protein so important?

Proteins are the building blocks of life and the body needs it to maintain itself and repair itself. Every cell in your body contains proteins.

What are some good sources of proteins?

Animal sources of protein:

• Fish or shellfish
• Turkey or chicken with the skin removed.
• Lean cuts of beef or pork, such as round, top sirloin, or tenderloin (trim away any visible 

Non animal sources of protein:

• Nuts and seeds such as almonds, almond butter, almond milk, hazelnuts, mixed nuts, walnuts, peanuts, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, etc.

(Make sure to watch how much you eat, because nuts are high in fat)

• Beans such as black beans, kidney beans, lentils, pinto beans etc
• Tofu and other soy protein products
• Low-fat dairy products 
• Greek Yogurt!!!

 What else can you do with yogurt?

You can also use plain unsweeten yogurt as a deep conditioner for your hair.

You can use plain yogurt as a face mask because yogurt moisturize the skin.

Come back for future posts sharing deep conditioner or face mask recipes!

What do you prefer? Greek or natural yogurt? Why? If you like Greek yogurts which brand is your favorite? How do you cook with Greek yogurt?

Thanks for stopping by, sharing your comments, Following,Liking the FB page, subscribing by email, sharing with your friends and all those good stuffs...(smiles) Until next time, have a better and healthier life...

Natural Hair: My hair journey update

Hello
Hope all is well with you as you read this post. I just wanted to share quickly an update about my natural hair. I haven't written about my own hair in a while and being asked what my hair looks like now I figured it was time for an update.

I have been transitioning for over one year and my hair is finally natural. Here's a picture I took recently, 3 months postpartum. I currently have braids on just because I enjoy the convenience of it.




Thanks for stopping by, sharing your comments, Following , Liking the FB page, subscribing by email, sharing with your friends and all those good stuffs...(smiles) Until next time have a better and healthier life...

N'na

Natural Hair: Hair Journey & Protective Style Jumbo braids

Jumbo braids.

                    My Journey to Jumbo Braids
                                            By

                                       Larisa Dawkins (aka Nap Risa Py)

            So I’m at an in-between state with my hair….too short and not too long. It is giving me fits…..so I decided to do some protective styles. I started out getting a wig made, however, as soon as it reached 90 plus degrees outside, I had to forgo the wig!! So, I decided to try a modified “Curly Girl Method”……BIG SIGH…..I hate wash and go’s but I tried it anyway…..I got about a week into that and realized that it was not going to work for me……then, I had an epiphany…..Jumbo Braids!! I started researching on YouTube and found a few channels that had an example of the braids I was looking for. There are several different names for them: Jumbo braids, poetic justice braids, Solange Knowles style braids, etc….. So, I figured why not try it!! The styles looked easy to maintain, versatile (you can wear them in several different styles), long wearing and requires hardly any maintenance (I am natural, but I’m a lazy natural….teeheehee) !!! PERFECT!!

Where did you get the hair and how much did it cost you?

   My first task was to find the hair. I went to my local beauty supply store and asked and wouldn’t you know it…. they actually have braiding hair called, Jumbo Braid hair!! No kidding…but it really is 100% Kanekalon hair and it costs $3.99 per pack. It does come in a variety of colors and most packs were about 18”…. so I got 5 packs. I still wasn’t sure, so I went to another beauty supply store and bought 5 more packs that were 24” long!! I know, what can I say; I live in Texas, so go long or go home!!! LOL!!

How long did it take to braid and how many pack of hair did you use?

Now, I am not a braider, so I asked my resident braid expert, my Niece Meme, how long this would take….she said 3-4 hours…..we started at 11:30pm on a Friday night and did not get finished until 0930 the next morning….yes, you read that right, 10 HOURS!!!!! UGH……let me be honest with you guys, I have a GI-NOR-MOUS head , so we used 9.5 packs of hair and it took 10 hours…..for the average person, I believe it would probably take about 3-4 hours, especially if you went to a professional braider.  But when you are being frugal, and have a tendency to change styles, as fast as I do, you realize you have to forfeit some things!! 

Jumbo braids

How long do you plan on wearing the braids and how do you maintain them?

My goal is to wear the braids for a month…so far so good!! I’ve washed my scalp once so far and it was pretty easy. The challenge is not wet the entire strand of braids, as the drying time will be much longer. But just focusing on the scalp and the length of the braid that intertwines my hair, has worked out well.  Anyone looking for an easy to maintain style that is versatile and long lasting should check out Jumbo Braids!!  And yes, you do need a strong neck!!!

Jumbo braids

The pictures above were kindly provided by Nap Risa. Please do not copy without written consent.





N'na

Natural hair: How to transition from relaxers to natural hair

Natural hair: 
How to transition from relaxers to natural hair.
                 10 Tips for easy transitioning
                              by N'na

I have transitioned for over a year before enjoying my natural texture and have learned a few things over this incredible journey. Going natural has taught me more patience than I had and opened my life to so many new things. Below are some of my tips that have made my experience enjoyable.

1) Do not rush to big chop. Cutting you hair is not the only way to go natural.

2) Do your homework and ask a lot of questions.

3)Make up your mind and have peace with your decision.

4) Deep condition you hair at least every two weeks for healthy hair.

5) Continue getting your hair professionally done or caring for it in the best of your abilities. Going natural is not an excuse to neglect your hair. Preferably stick to hairdressers who are experienced in treating and styling natural hair.

6) Get you hair trimmed as needed. Cutting your ends gradually will facilitate its growth and the transition to natural hair.

7) Use products and treatments that work best for you hair. You can use protective styles, products from professional brands with no paraben and/or  kitchen/natural products such as coconut oil, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Shea butter.

8) Love the process and be patient. A transition is just that, a journey to a chosen destination. It's a special time worth enjoying and impatience can influence you to make decisions you might not be pleased with.

9) Surround yourself with supportive people and if the ones closest to you are slow to share you excitement, remain confident in yourself. Our loved ones will always turn around because at the end, all they care about is our happiness.

When you don't get the support you expected remind yourself that it's not personal they just want you to make the right decision based on  their own belief system.

If you are married or have a boyfriend it's important to have his support and his input. Do not neglect your man's opinion and tactfully show him why going natural is best for you. 
I was very fortunate to have my husband's support from the get go but I have always valued his input in the process as we discussed very frequently the beauty of natural hair.  http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-am-coming-out-call-to-naturals.html

10) Attitude is everything. Beauty is a whole package deal. It's not just hair so as you learn to take great care of your hair take great care of the whole you as well.

We would love to learn from you. Are you new to transitioning or have you been doing it for a while? How long? What's your tips to transitioning? Which one of the tips above best relate to your journey?


N'na

Natural hair: Celebrities with natural hair Viola Davis

               Natural hair inspiration: Celebrities with Natural hair
                                                   Viola Davis


I am a Viola Davis fan. She is already a great inspiration as an actress. I enjoyed her in EAT PRAY LOVE,

I appreciated and was proud of her role in THE HELP. If you
 have not seen the movie yet please do! It's a beautiful and powerful story with some pretty funny scenes like the one depicted in the picture below.

I always get a smile on my face when I watch her but the picture of her at the Oscars was so stunning and MESMERIZING! She was so gorgeous with her natural hair and she was proof that you can be classy and natural!




Isn't she stunning? She is so beauuutiful with her natural hair! Hummm!  Thanks Miss Davis for being such an inspiration in so many ways.



picture from http://news.instyle.com/2012/02/24/viola-davis-hair-natural-wig/

She is pictured below with her husband who encouraged her to dicth the wigs! 

Picture of the Oscars 2012 source http://www.justjared.com/2012/02/26/viola-davis-oscars-2012-red-carpet/

Are you a Viola Davis fan?Who is/are your hair inspiration?


N'na

Six Helpful Tips for Soft, Supple Winter Hair

Six Helpful Tips for Soft, Supple Winter Hair: By Omonike Anderson

The chilling temperatures of the winter season, mixed with increased exposure to central heating, can create a nightmare for nearly all hair types. For some, winter may not be as daunting. But for many, the colder months often leave the hair dry, dull, and sometimes even brittle. Without practicing proper hair care techniques, surviving the winter is nearly impossible. Here are six great tips that not only ensure your hair makes it through the winter months, but also ensure your hair looks fabulous while doing it!

 

Mohawk hats available at www.unexpectedtreasure.etsy.com

1.Wear a Hat: This may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many men and women forgo winter hats for the sake of style. Wearing a winter hat, not only keeps your body warm, but also protects your hair from the harsh elements of the winter air. Besides, funky and stylish hats, such as the Mohawk hat pictured below, are so “in” this season. Here’s a tip: wear a silk scarf or bonnet underneath your hat. Most winter hats are made of cotton and/or wool material, which tend to suck moisture from the hair. No one will ever know it’s there and your hair will surely thank you for taking precaution.

2.      Switch out Your Products: Your regular hair-thickening products may fail you when your strands are screaming for additional moisture during the wintery season. Instead, it’s a good idea to use shampoos, conditioners and creams that emphasize their “replenishing” capabilities. Replenish, simply means that the moisture lost during extreme temperatures will be restored back into the hair. Here’s a tip: if you typically use humectants like glycerin and honey during the warmer months, forgo these products during the winter. Humectants tend to have the opposite effect on your strands when faced with cold and dry air, sucking the moisture out of your hair and spilling it out into the atmosphere.  Use oils and/or creamy-based leave-ins instead.

3.      Increase Your DC Treatments:  Deep conditioning can be a drag, but its well worth the time invested during the colder months. Since your hair loses more moisture during the winter, it’s a good idea to deep condition your strands more frequently to replenish that lost moisture.  A deep conditioner can be a simple a mixture of your favorite oils, a protein treatment, or any store-bought product that promises to hydrate the hair—place a shower cap on your head and use your body heat to activate the treatment, or simply sit underneath a hooded dryer or hair steamer. Here’s a tip: Not every hair type is the same, so the general rule of thumb is to double whatever DC treatments you already have in place. Therefore, if you regularly DC once a month, try DCing twice a month during the winter. If you currently do not have a DC regimen, the winter is a great time to start!

4.      Rinse Your Hair with Cool Water: This may sound bizarre, but rinsing your hair with cool water after conditioning helps to close your cuticles and lock in moisture. Leaving your cuticles open—that is, rinsing with warm water—can be very drying to the hair once it is exposed to central heating. Here’s a tip: if the sound of rinsing with cool water seems rather daunting, invest in a bottle of aloe vera juice and add two tablespoons to your favorite leave-in conditioner.  Aloe vera juice, which should be kept refrigerated, is great for encouraging hair cuticles to close because of its acidic pH of 4.5—cuticles are considered closed between a pH of 4.5 and 6.5. And of course, never leave the house with wet or damp hair during cold months as this is a recipe for breakage—think icicles in your hair!

5.      Protective Styling: Some of you hate the idea of it, but protective styling is a surefire way to keep your hair safe from any extreme temperatures, be it hot or cold. Protective styling is simply any style that keeps your hair compact, tucked, and out of the way—common examples are buns, chignons, and braided updos. Not only does protective styling prevent your hair from being overly exposed to harsh winter and central heating elements, but it also prevents increased loss in moisture. Here’s a tip: if you choose braided extensions, wigs, or weaves as a protective style, ensure that you are still taking good care of your natural hair underneath them.  To do this, fill your spritzer bottle with water and 3 drops of tea tree oil and be sure to spritz your hair at least once every two days.  Tea tree oil is not only moisturizing, but also keeps your scalp cleaner for longer. Avoid using any additional products lest you accrue product buildup.

6.      Limit the Usage of Heat-styling Tools: Many people tend to straighten their hair more during the colder months since the style seems to last longer. The problem is that sometimes this heated styling process, mixed with winter elements, can be more damaging to the hair than when performed during warmer months. Heat sucks moisture out of the hair, add that to the central heating of your home or office and your hair may experience increased breakage if you aren’t careful. Here’s a tip: if you absolutely must straighten your hair, try not to do any “touch ups” with the flat iron during the week to reduce the amount of heat applied to your strands.  Even better, after blow-drying your hair, use large rollers to create bouncy curls and forgo the flat-ironing session altogether. Lastly, don’t forget to give your hair some extra TLC via deep conditioning treatments before and after wearing straight styles.

Of course everyone’s hair is different and what works for one person may not work for the next. The best thing to do is to be fearless in your experimentation and discover what works best for your hair during the winter. If you’ve already developed a sound winter regimen that works for you, please do share below!

Natural hair: To Big Chop or not to big chop? My hair journey: Transitioning made easy!

To big shop or not to big chop? That is the question.

That is the question most women contemplate when deciding to go natural.

I have been transitioning since last year and I am finally just inches away to the end of my journey! The beginning was both exciting and frustrating, like any new endeavor we undertake.

 Once I got into the routine of things I became more and more comfortable with the transition and enjoyed the process.

Going natural is and should be a personal decision. Once we decide to do it we are faced with another big decision. We have to decide either we would transition or big chop. We all make our choices for different reasons but what's important is to own and be comfortable with the choice we make.

I knew that transitioning was the best option for me because I sure can't tolerate having ' bad hair days'. I can't tolerate the thoughts of my hair being in a condition I have NO idea how to manage.

I did notice in the course of my journey that most people put pressure on the BC but it's my hair not theirs. I am the one who has to be happy and feel confident about my " crown" so I was in no way going to give into any kind of pressure about the BC.

Transitioning granted me more control. I can handle my hair with length. I would have been a frustrate sister if I had cut my hair and learned to care for  it short and impatiently waiting for growth. I knew that even with a relaxer, short styles can be demanding so there was no way I would have complicated my life by having a BC.

Plus I am married and greatly respect the idea to always being/feeling  attractive. Personally I think that when we are into a relationship we should maintain our best look even with natural hair and I did not think that I could pull it off with a BC! 

I feel more confident when I look my best and I had doubt that a big chop would help me maintain that confidence consistently.

I wanted the natural hair without dealing with unwelcome frustrations.

Here an old article on the start of my natural journey: http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-am-coming-out-call-to-naturals.html


My Tips for easy transitioning:
Transitioning was easy for me because of the following:

1) I asked a LOT of questions before deciding to go natural.

2) I deep conditioned my hair every two weeks.

3) I maintained regular visit to the salon by having my hair professionally maintained and had my ends trimmed as needed.

4) I stuck with hair stylists that had natural hair and were very experienced in maintaining my hair healthy.

5) I stuck to products and procedures that work best for me from professional brands my hairdresser recommended to homemade products/treatment I loved.

I rarely used any protective styles throughout my transition. I got my hair braided just once in the course of my transition, and I used a pretty wig a couple of days when I was too lazy to attend to my hair.

Well, that's what worked for me and made my transition enjoyable!

Remember that it's your hair and either you BC or transition you are the one that has to love your hair (and make your man fall in love with your "crown").


What about you? What did you do once you decide to go natural? Are you a new natural? Are you transitioning or going with a Big Chop? Why?

N'na

Natural hair: Let's talk Products for healthy hair: Vatika

My personal experience with Vatika
I started using vatika since my college days at Purdue University! I was introduced to Vatika and to Amla oil by an Indian woman who used to work at the Cafeteria in the Union Market (On Purdue's West Lafayette campus)! I was always complimenting her long, healthy and shiny hair when she introduced me to these two products she called the 'secret to beautiful Indian hair'!
At the time I was not natural and already had healthy hair but I was curious about trying something new and loved the idea of treating my hair with authentic Indian products! Vatika is not a product just for naturals, it's a great product for any type of hair.

Ways to use Vatika
There are many ways to use Vatika, it's all a matter of personal preference but I have enjoyed the product

• as an ingredient to homemade deep conditioners,
• as a styling aid
• as a leave in conditioner
• and recently in my prepoo

Vatika get challenging to squeeze out through the little hole so I always do without it and use ample amount! Since the oil tend to harden during colder months I just put some in a small ramekin and place it in one containing hot water. I also run the whole bottle under hot water at times...Whatever works and fit my fancy to make it more fluid!

Why is Vatika so good for your hair? The Ingredients!

What make Vatika so enriching for (natural) hair are the amazing natural ingredients. Please note that as I list below the ingredients present in Vatika, I will share some interesting facts about some of those ingredients because it's great to know that the benefits of these ingredients is not just limited to hair care and I want you to be more informed about their other benefits.
The ingredients in Vatika are the following:

• Coconut oil.  The phenomenal health benefits of coconut oil will require a post of its own on the subject. The least that can be said is that in hair care coconut oil nourish and promote hair growth. It's health benefits include weigth loss and natural healing of certain conditions. 
• Neem benefits hair by preventing hair loss and promoteing hair growth. Neem is anti-microbial!  For gardening, neem oil provides a great natual alternative to insecticides! ( I used it on my plants)
• Brahmi which is used as an hair revitalizer is an herb grown in marshy areas of India, Nepal, Viet nam, China, Shri Lanka and areas in Southern American States like Florida. It's also grown in Hawaii. Brahimi is grown in damp conditions! The herb has many medicinal used thanks to its antioxidants and other health properties!
• Fruits extract of Amla. According to my Indian friend amla keeps the hair dark therefore delaying graying. It also nourish the hair and prevent from breakages
• Henna mostly known as a hair colorant also provides nourishment to our hair! In Guinea henna was used as a beauty product for enhancing the soles of women's feet! In India henna seems to be mainly used to beautify women's hands especially for special occasionssuch as weddings. I grew up in Africa and many Moroccan friends also used henna to create beautiful designs in the palms of their hands!
• Bahera and harar. Bahera has many health proterties. As far as hair care is concerned it's known to rejuvenate hair. In terms of overall health benefits, Bahera can be used to fight many physical ailments, it's a sedative and it also helps with vision.
• Kapur kachri. This herb is actually an antiseptic used to treat a wide range of conditions such as nausea, hiccup, local inflammations, bronchitis, asthma etc. The rhizome of the plant is a tonic and stimulant! I am not personaly sure about how it benefits our hair but can't argue with Indian wisdom! If it's in it there got to be a great reason!
• Cow's Milk provides nourishment.
• Rosemary oil promotes hair growth, prevent hair loss, treat lice.
• Lemon oil is a hair tonic, it helps get rid dandruff, promotes strong healthy and shiny hair. It's health benefits extend from weight loss to asthma treatments, skin care, stress relief etc.  Lemon oil has just too many benefits to name here...

Benefits of Vatika Oil
I can attest to the following benefits of Vatika

• Strenghten the hair
• Prevent breakage
• Good stylying aid
• Stimulate hair growth
• You DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE NATURAL HAIR TO ENJOY the benefits of Vatika

Have you use Vatika before? What do you like about it?

Natural hair: Let's talk What's prepoo?

Hello friends.

It's been a while since we talked hair, natural that's it! Well today briefly wanted to talk about hair!

If you are a new natural or juts becoming more acquainted with the world and lingo of naturalistas, you have probably heard the term prepoo and wonder what in the world that was!

The first time I heard the term prepoo I almost thought it was a mixed dog breed. You know like shipoo,maltipoo....but no! Here prepoo is not about a cute dog breed it's about a hair treatment that many naturalistas adopt to maintain healthy hair and protect their hair from the stripping effects of shampoo.

So prepoo is simply what they do to their hair before shampooing! It's applying oil and/or conditioners to your hair for a given period of time before shampooing!

How long do you prepoo?
The amount of time is subjective! Some people do it for at least 20mns to half an hour, others for a couple of hours and some might go longer! It's just a matter of choice and convenience.

What to use?
There seems to be no set rule or no set ingredients to prepooing as most people use products they like best on their hair. A lot of time it's through trial and errors that they get to make final conclusions on the products that are best for them.

The most common product is coconut oil as many natural will testify to its benefits on their hair!
Some go with the kind you get from the grocery store others would select a brand such as Vatika because it's a blend of fantastic natural oils and ingredients.

Here is what a few people report using on their hair:

Honey + olive oil
Aloe juice+jojoba oil covered with coconut oil and left for a couple of hours before shampooing
Mayo + olive oil
Coconut oil
Castor Oil
EVOO
Grapeseed Oil

Many people mix any of the oils above, adding other ingredients as well or use them as the sole ingredient for their prepoo.

I have used coconut oil and EVOO on mine and I am pretty content with this mixture!

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

 However, my favorite natural product has been Vatika! Which I have used for 13 years now, well before ever knowing about natural hair, prepoo etc. Before getting into prepoo I used Vatika for deep conditioning and for styling my hair.

Vatika Coconut Indian oil

Do you prepoo on wet or dry hair?
This is another subjective questions. Each time I ask naturalistas if they prepoo on wet or dry hair I realize that half would say dry and the other half would say wet. So I don't think that there's a right answer to this question. It's all a matter of preference, after all that's what hair styling comes down to!Isn't it? Just a matter of preference!


How often do you prepoo?
Most people prefer to prepoo each time they shampoo their hair! I fall into this category unless I shampoo my hair at the gym right after swimming!
So...have you prepooed your hair  before? What did you like about it? What's your favorite prepoo ingredients. Do you do it or wet or dry hair? How long do you keep it on?


Update: Wednesday July 27
I have been thinking about a comment made earlier this week about prepoo not being necessary in one's opinion and I have concluded that prepoo is beneficial and worth it especially if someone has dry hair. A friend of mine explained that she actually prepoo for hours and DC after her shampoo as prepoo is a must for her due to her having very dry hair.

I think prepoo is like marinating meat or fish! It might not be mandatory but when you cook that meat or fish it's so infused with flavor and so tender that there's just no comparison. I also view prepoo as something my mom used to do when my twin and I were kids. She would apply shea butter on our skins before we shower even though we  would washed away most of the shea butter it would still leave our skin smooth and babylike.

So prepoo is a matter of opinion and necessity to some, at the end of the day we have to listen to our hair. The way I see it having rich ingredients penetrating our hair before shampoing or cowashing can only be good for our hair!

So what about you? Do you prepoo? Why or why not? If yes what do you use and how long do you prepoo? How do you think prepoo benefits your hair?

N'na

Thank God I am natural! Interview with...

Thank God I am natural!!!
Have you said that to yourself lately? I know of many naturals who are just happy to be natural but one in particular said this very thing to herself a few years ago and her gratitude for her natural hair seemed to had taken a life of it's own ever since.  She has recently released her book " Thank God I'm Natural: The Ulmitate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair" !  A book that " Essence Magazine calls Thank God I'm Natural, "The Natural Hair Bible"
Written by a Harvard graduate, Thank God I’m Natural is a must-read for any black woman who has suffered hair loss or breakage caused by relaxers -- or has grown tired of spending thousands of dollars and her Saturday afternoons frying her kinky tresses into submission. Featuring the advice of celebrity stylists for Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu (among others), Thank God I’m Natural offers up to date information -- and a plethora of tips to help women break free from wigs, weaves, and damaging chemical processes.  While there is no shortage of information on this topic to be found on the Internet, Thank God I’m Natural is the most comprehensive natural hair guide on the market today, and the book black women need now more than ever before."

I have had the pleasure of interviewing this amazing woman who has been an inspiration to me on many levels beside natural hair and I believe that you will be greatly inspired by what she had to share. I am talking about the bright and beautiful Chris-Tia Donalson.

Hello everyone!

My name is Chris-Tia Donaldson and I’m the author of Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair. To give you some information about myself, by day, I’m a lawyer for one of the largest software companies in the world, and by night I (along with a team of talented and dedicated people) am working to launch a lifestyle brand whose mission is to empower black women to live healthier natural lives. At this juncture, our primary focus is to help educate women who are thinking about going natural learn about the benefits of making this choice, as well as giving women the resources and information not only to take care of their hair naturally, but their bodies as well. 

GHD:How long have you been a natural and why?

I went natural in 2002 after I grew tired and frustrated of spending so much time and money on my hair. When my hair was relaxed, it would go through this vicious cycle, where it would grow then break off, then grown then break off some more. Finally, I met a stylist, William of W Salon in Boston, who told me that I didn’t need a perm and that I could start pressing my hair.  I decided to stop pressing my hair and wore a wig for two years. Although I was natural at the time, I was never fully comfortable with wearing my own hair until one life changing episode happened. You can read all about it in my new book Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair available online at www.tginsore.com or get a sneak peak online at Amazon.com.

GHD:How do you take care of your hair? What’s your hair regimen?

I believe less is more, so my hair regimen is fairly simple. I wash my hair once a week with Elucence’s Moisturizing Benefits Shampoo and Conditioner. I’ll then apply a little Knot Today to my hair to help with detangling with a wide tooth comb. I have found that if I use a wide tooth comb instead of my Denman, I can preserve my curl pattern and increase curl definition.  I’ll then two strand twist my hair with Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera Gel and Organic Root Stimulator Loc and Twist Gel.  I’ll leave the twist in for a couple of days, take them down and mist them just a little to get some fullness. I also like to get my hair trimmed every 8 -10 weeks. I found that when my ends are clipped regularly and my hair is shaped up nicely, it grows so much faster. Finally, I sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet and then in the morning I'm good to go. It's a fairly simple hair routine. However, I have been natural for a while, so I've got it down to a science.

GHD:What products do you use?

I like to use Elucence’s Moisturizing Benefits Shampoo and Conditioner. That works best for my hair type and curl pattern. As I mentioned above, I also like Shea Moisture’s Curl Enhancing Smoothie Coconut Oil, and Aloe Vera Loc and Organic Root Stimulator Loc and Twist Gel.

GHD:You are the founder of an organization called Thank God I’m Natural. What exactly is it about? Why the name? How did you come up with the name and the vision?

I feel the name of my company was truly inspired by God. As you may or may not know, I wore a wig for two years when I first went natural, because I worked at a very prestigious law firm after graduating from law school. I came very close to getting fired from this job, because I felt had to look and act a certain way in order to be successful in corporate America. It turns out trying to be something I wasn’t back fired, and I was almost let go from this job because of it. I left that situation, went natural, and never looked back.  It took me a while to accept my hair for what it was and come to the realization that my locks were beautiful, but once I did I said, “Thank God I’m Natural”.

It’s like a light went off and my eyes were open. Everything I had been trained to think about good hair and bad hair was erased and I was finally like wow, God created my hair to be worn this way, and I don’t have to spend all this time and money sitting in a beauty shop getting my hair transformed into something it isn’t.  That decision has also had such an impact on other areas in my life. Not long after going natural, I started to care not only about what products I put on my hair, but the products I was using on my body. My body began to crave everything natural from food, to exercise, to meditation, to healing therapies. It’s been amazing journey, and I have been fortunate enough to share this journey with women all over the world!

GHD:I imagine that since you started Thank God I’m natural it’s probably bigger than you might have envisioned as far as its impact on women. How has this organization surprised you? How has it changed your life? I suppose that many others have reported that it has changes their lives as well, in what ways?

I never knew that when I wrote Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair it would be this successful. First of all, writing a book seemed crazy, as I wasn’t the greatest writer when I first set out to work on this project. I wrote legal briefs and negotiated contracts, so my writing had a formal professional tone to it, whereas this project required me to dig deep inside of myself and find my personal voice and tap into my creative side.

I always knew that it made sense to write the book first and then work on the products second, even though no one had done it this way before, but it’s amazing to watch and see how my vision and God’s plan has come into fruition.

I never knew so many people would be so open to this project and would gravitate to it the way that they do. We’re changing lives all over the world, and I’m blessed and humbled to be given the opportunity to help women make life-changing decisions.

GHD:As a natural, an entrepreneur and an author what do you know now that you wish you knew then that you want to pass on to others?

As a natural, I just want to tell women, especially new naturals, that it’s okay to have a Bad Hair Day. A lot of the people look at all the women with gorgeous natural hair on YouTube and Facebook and think people look  like that every day and that’s not the case.  So if your hair is giving you trouble don’t throw in the towel, it only gets better with time. I also want to let new naturals know that not everyone is okay with how their hair looks after the Big Chop, and it can take some getting used to. If you feel like you need to wear a wig, weave, kinky twists, or whatever, it’s okay. No one is judging you, and your journey is your own.

As an entrepreneur, I would tell women to find what you love and do it. I think part of the reason TGIN has been successful is because it never feels like work to me. I LOVE WHAT I DO and I literally can’t wait to wake up in the morning and start grinding on the tasks for the day. We have a lot on our plate right now and we’re trying to figure out who is responsible for what, but every day is a challenge. I can’t wait to see where the company ends up in the next 5 years.

As an author, I would just tell writers, you have to commit to your craft. It took me 3.5 years to write Thank God I’m Natural, but I got it done even when I was working at a law firm working 80 hours a week. So make time, even if it’s only 15 minutes  every day. If you carve out time for your book/project, you’ll look up one day and be holding a copy of your book in your hand.

GHD:From the moment I came across your Facebook page and read more of your materials I told myself that you were a very successful woman, but not just a successful woman,  a caring woman as well. What’s the key to your success? What is it about you that anyone can learn from and even emulate to reach their goals and be successful?

Wow, great question. Like I said in the previous question you have to find what you love and do it.

Once you find your passion, you have to WORK HARD and be ruthless in your execution!  I have a full time job, and TGIN takes up a ton of time. I would never be able to write for our blog 4x a week, stay active on social media, run an online apparel business, ship books out to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores, travel for events, and try to launch a product line, if it weren’t for a team of dedicated people around me helping to get this off the ground. While I‘m getting to the point where I have people helping me with some of these aspects of the business, I have to create processes and a standard for getting things done, whereby that process can be replicated without me. I also empower my team to make decisions and come up with their own ideas and challenge my views and beliefs on things.

You also have to believe your own hype. I’m humble as all get out, but deep down inside, you have to think and believe in your dream or no one else will. Jordan wouldn’t be Jordan, Tiger wouldn’t be Tiger, and Oprah wouldn’t be Oprah, if they didn’t feel like they were put on this Earth with a purpose. Yes, we all doubt ourselves at time, but you have to know God created you with a special purpose in mind and believe in yourself as cheesy as it may sound.

Finally, TALK to PEOPLE. I have learned more about this business by connecting with people on LinkedIn and having short 45 minute conversations then I do Googling a certain topics. Google is great for giving you the background you need to talk to people and sounding like you have done some research, but talking to people in your field is really what has helped me take things to the next level.

 GHD:As a Harvard graduate and really sort of a public figure you are a role model to others. I personally mentor some young people and it's always reaffirming to share with them some words of wisdom from public figures. I am very aware that a woman’s identity is more than hair and I wanted to know what message you have for young ladies not just in their hair journey but in their lives’ journey. What can you tell a young reader to motivate them to move forward in life?

I would tell young readers that you should never be afraid to be you.  Whoever you are, be that, and for those young people still trying to figure out who they are, that’s fine too. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something you want to do and not something you’re pressured into.  It’s so important that you (without sounding cliché) do you!

(I am asking this question because even though we are talking about hair I want to use it as a platform to instill excellence in other areas of life because pretty hair is worthless without a successful life and by successful I don’t mean that everyone needs a Harvard degree but everyone can be successful in their own ways)

GHD:When we talk about hair journey it seems to me that it starts with hair but then bigger issues surface that are much deeper and bigger than hair: Issues such as self-esteem, relationships, our place and roles in the community small or global etc. Do you agree with that perception? How do you think that the hair journey eventually impacts women? How did it impact you?

I totally agree that going natural has a major impact on who we are and how view ourselves on so many levels. On a fundamental level, when you think a certain part of you is inherently ugly, and go to such extreme lengths to alter your appearance it can take a major toll on your self-esteem. Your personality even suffers because of it. One man recently told me he loves how carefree his wife is now that she’s natural. He noticed that after growing out her relaxer she doesn’t have to go to the ladies room 6-7 times to fix her hair, like she did when she had a perm, because she’s just so carefree. I feel the same way. I feel like I can live my life and that my hair no longer interferes with basic things like working out, walking in the rain, or my sex life.

But those are changes you see immediately.  Over time, as I mentioned earlier, my diet has changed completely. Although I’m not completely vegetarian (I still eat seafood), I now eat a largely plant based diet, because I know that my body just feels lighter when I don’t eat tons of meat. I also work out more and take better care of my body, because I’m slowly starting to recognize that it’s a beauty myth that for black women being 20-25 pounds overweight is okay.

Finally, I’m more aware of my overall health and the rhythms of my body. I can notice if something is wrong without having to go to a doctor and I prefer alternative therapies to traditional medicines, whenever possible. I’m just more in tuned with myself and I wasn’t this aware prior to going natural. It may sound a little bit ”different,” but I promise you, going natural is just the first chapter in a very long journey.

GHD:With all the many people that you come in contact with what are the most frequent questions they have about hair and what’s the most recurring concern they have about their hair as it relates to their lives?

The most common questions I get are “If I go natural, how will it impact me in the corporate world?”, “Will guys like me if my hair is natural?” , “How do I deal with family and friends that don’t support my decision to wear my hair in its natural state?”

GHD:I am becoming more and more aware that some women and young ladies are being faced with a dilemma.  Most dating or married women who are embarking into their hair journey are not fortunate to have supportive partners as some men go as far as giving them an ultimatum! What do you think about this issue? Obviously a married woman can’t give up on her commitment to her family based on hair’s preference! What do you suggest as the best way to handle such a situation?

Well in regards to women dating while natural my best advice would be no matter what your hair looks like, you have to be confident. Men like confident women. Period!  Some of the world’s most attractive women don’t have much hair or at one time didn’t have hair (i.e. Halle Berry, Jada Pinkett Smith, Nia Long etc) and there are other women, who have long beautiful flowing natural locs (Tracee Ellis Ross, Amel Larrieux). Now yes, these women are all gorgeous in their own right but their beauty isn’t their hair, it’s their confidence.

For a man to give a woman an ultimatum when it comes to hair is proof this man isn’t the one for her. Point. Blank. Period.

GHD:Well to finish it up, I do write a health and wellness blog so I can’t finish without asking some health and wellness questions as it relates to you. It’s great to have natural hair but if hair is going to be treated as our crown it only makes sense to me that our lives and bodies shine as well. Your life does shine powerfully and I greatly appreciate you sharing all this with me and my readers! How do you stay healthy? Do you have an exercise regimen? An activity that benefits your physically?

I love this question. I could go on and on, but here are some of the principles I try to live by.

1.       Steer Clear of Processed Foods (other than frozen veggies). Many processed foods are made with trans-fats, saturated fats, and large amounts of sodium and sugar. These types of foods should be avoided completely or eat them sparingly.  Always go for brown over white since it has the fiber and nutrients, which causes you to be full. That means brown rice, brown bread, brown bagels, whole wheat pasta, etc.

2.       Eat out less. Cook at home more. When you cook at home, you know exactly what you’re putting in your food. At restaurants, a lot of foods are dripping with excess calories because they are swimming in butters and sauces.  If you have to eat out, go for ethnic foods. They tend to be better for you then American foods, since there aren’t a lot of breads and fries. Think Indian, Thai, Sushi, Mediterranean, Mexican etc.

3.       Drink plenty of water.  Four years ago, I used to drink diet coke with almost every meal after 11 am, but I noticed when I stopped I wasn’t as bloated as I used to be. There have been some studies to suggest that diet coke, even though its zero calories, can actually lead to weight gain because your body doesn’t recognize the artificial sweeteners as sugars and hence doesn’t metabolize it properly. Now, I tend to drink water and ice tea, which is basically water with herbs.

4.       Drink a Green Smoothie For Breakfast. A green smoothie is basically a salad in a glass. A lot of my friends and fans have tried green smoothies, and the consensus is people overwhelming love them. Green smoothies are great because you’re drinking raw veggies with an apple juice blend, so the sweet balances out the sour creating a party in your mouth. Greens are great, because they are alkaline, high and fiber, and help with digestion.  They also give the skin a younger looking appearance, and help with hair and nail growth. Raw greens are even better, because vegetables tend to lose a majority of their nutrients when they are cooked, which is why green smoothies are awesome. You can check out my blog for some of my green smoothie recipes.

5.       Limit Fried foods – I love mozzarella sticks, fried goat cheese, and French friends, but I try to limit my intake of fried foods, otherwise.

6.       Workout 5 days a week. I make it a point to workout Monday – Friday, because I have found that when you say three or four days, it becomes two or three.  When you go for five, it becomes a part of your lifestyle and you tend to be more consistent. I’d rather someone work out for 20 minutes five days a week, versus 90 minutes one day a week.

7.       Invest in a heart rate monitor. Yes, they can be expensive, but they are totally worth it. Heart rate monitors are great, because you know exactly how many calories you’re burning when you’re working out. I put on a lot of weight last year, because I would go to the gym, and then turn around and felt I had a license to eat junk. The problem was I wasn’t burning enough calories to outweigh the junk so I packed on the pounds. Once I started wearing a heart rate monitor, I saw that 30 minutes in the gym, equaled about 200 calories burned, which meant I couldn’t go bananas and eat at McDonalds.

8.       Eat Five Meals a Day. I recently met with a nutritionist and she told me I had to start eating regularly throughout the day to keep my metabolism working. I used to skip breakfast, eat lunch around 1:30, and maybe eat dinner around 8:30. This was wreaking havoc on my body since it would hold onto my last meal (and go into starvation mode) instead of processing it. Now I drink a smoothie for breakfast, have a snack before lunch usually a granola bar or peach Greek yogurt, a lunch of whatever I feel like (it's better to treat yourself during the day), another snack around 3pm, usually a piece of fruit, and a salad for dinner.

9.       Pray Every Morning Before I Leave the House.  I try to read a devotional every morning, whether it’s my Bible or Joel Osteen’s blog. I find that staying in touch with God keeps me centered and my faith strong. I heard the best quote, “If you pray, don’t worry. If you worry, don’t bother praying.”

How do you relax? And do you have any natural beauty product that’s a key ingredient to your beauty regimen?

I relax by working out, spending time with my girlfriends, and talking on the phone with my family. I also love reading magazines. Some of my favorites are Martha Stewart Living, Inc. and Organic Spa Magazine.  I’m also a huge fan of naps. Sleep is so important, but you don’t realize how important it is until you don’t have it. So when I get time to just cool out, I’m definitely trying to take more naps.

GHD:What are some of your favorite things in life? Anything random from a favorite color to a favorite dish or place to visit!

My favorite things in life are my family and friends. I would love to visit Ghana and Nigeria.

GHD:Last but not least, you have recently published a book. Can you tell us more about the book, what made you decide to write this book and what people can expect to gain from reading it? Where can we get your book?   

Well, I think there are a number of factors which explain why Thank God I’m Natural was recently proclaimed the “Natural Hair Bible” by Essence Magazine. First off, it covers virtually every topic related to natural hair (e.g. the truth about hair relaxers, product picks for different types of natural hair, dealing with hair loss, tips for distinguishing between natural products and their imposters, as well as, many other subjects). It also features the styling recommendations of celebrity stylists for individuals like Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Floetry, Mos Def, among others, in addition to the perspectives of everyday women on going natural. The book also contains an entire chapter devoted to homemade hair recipes, which people LOVE, as well as an international salon directory.  I’ll also add that the models are absolutely beautiful, and the styles are modern, up to date and something you would wear to work or if you’re going out on a date with your man or woman (hey it’s 2011).

Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair is now available at Barnes & Noble, Borders and online at Amazon.com and www.tginstore.com. For more information about Chris-Tia Donaldson or Thank God I’m Natural, please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thankgodimnatural or check out our blog at www.tginblog.com.

GHD:Finally, what’s next for you?

I have two more books coming out. One is going to be like a TGIN Pt II, which is specifically for transitioners. I also hope to do a cookbook of meatless recipes for people interested in exploring a vegetarian diet. Finally, we are super psyched to be working on our hair care line at the moment and hope to expand our graphic tee line to include more athletic and yoga apparel. The next couple of years are going to be extremely busy, but I think we’re going to have a lot of fun taking TGIN to the next level.

Well....that concludes my interview with Chris-Tia. Here are a few ways to learn more about Thank God I'm natural!   http://www.thankgodimnatural.com/
 http://thankgodimnatural.wordpress.com/
 http://twitter.com/TGINatural

All the pictures above were sent to me by Chris-Tia herself and should you want to copy them I encourage you to contact her yourself for permission to do so.

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this article and if you are new to the site please grant us the pleasure of having you as a follower and knowing what you think!

So what do you think? Is there anything in particular that Chris-Tia shared that hit home with you? If you have already read the book what's your feedback on it?


All right reserved 2011.N'na the Goodhealthiva!