products

Some products just do what they say and are worth every penny, here are a few of my favorites for my skin and hair:


Beautiful Curls Defining Gel by Alaffia

I posted recently about folks who have an obsession with relaxed edges. When I do moisturize my edges and want them laid, I use this Alaffia moisturizing and curl defining gel. It’s a wondrous product, there is no build-up and it is all natural.


Andalou 1,000 Roses Body Lotion 
This lotion is light, moisturizing, plant-based and it has the loveliest smell.


Flow Water

Alkaline water for the win! I love this boxed water from Flow!

Alkaline water is different from tap water because it's less acidic—it has a pH over seven, meaning that it has a lower concentration of hydrogen ions. In chemistry all liquids have some level of acidity, as determined by the pH scale. The pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in the liquid, which is expressed on a scale of 0-14, with anything under seven (like black coffee, orange juice, and vinegar) is acidic, seven is neutral and above seven (like baking soda) is alkaline territory.

Benefits of Alkaline Water include:

  • Soothing acid reflux 
  • neutralize acid in the bloodstream, which leads to increased oxygen levels and improved energy and metabolism
  • anti-aging and anti-disease
  • cleanses the colon
  • rejuvenates the skin
  • lubricates muscles and joints

Tru-Colour Bandages

Tru-Colour bandages for every skin tone and I love them!

Use the coupon code "raisingself10" for a discount at https://trucolourbandages.com/


(We are not wearing our exact banadge colors so that they WILL show up better on Photo.)

Friday Favorites: Hair and Skin Care

Some products just do what they say and are worth every penny, here are a few of my favorites for my skin and hair:


Beautiful Curls Defining Gel by Alaffia

I posted recently about folks who have an obsession with relaxed edges. When I do moisturize my edges and want them laid, I use this Alaffia moisturizing and curl defining gel. It’s a wondrous product, there is no build-up and it is all natural.


Andalou 1,000 Roses Body Lotion 
This lotion is light, moisturizing, plant-based and it has the loveliest smell.


Flow Water

Alkaline water for the win! I love this boxed water from Flow!

Alkaline water is different from tap water because it's less acidic—it has a pH over seven, meaning that it has a lower concentration of hydrogen ions. In chemistry all liquids have some level of acidity, as determined by the pH scale. The pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in the liquid, which is expressed on a scale of 0-14, with anything under seven (like black coffee, orange juice, and vinegar) is acidic, seven is neutral and above seven (like baking soda) is alkaline territory.

Benefits of Alkaline Water include:

  • Soothing acid reflux 
  • neutralize acid in the bloodstream, which leads to increased oxygen levels and improved energy and metabolism
  • anti-aging and anti-disease
  • cleanses the colon
  • rejuvenates the skin
  • lubricates muscles and joints

Tru-Colour Bandages

Tru-Colour bandages for every skin tone and I love them!

Use the coupon code "raisingself10" for a discount at https://trucolourbandages.com/


(We are not wearing our exact banadge colors so that they WILL show up better on Photo.)

Read more

Can you imagine being a grown woman in the age of peak wokeness and body positivity and still fear being transparent with your trusted squad, or even your doctor, about what is going on with your body? This very thing is happening to women all over. Always Discreet reached out to me and asked if I would consider writing about a sensitive health issue few women talk about: urinary incontinence and bladder leaks.

I'm not one to shy away from the difficult topics, especially those impacting women (of color). The hard conversations we avoid because of the embarrassment or stigma associated with it. The fact that many women are so embarrassed they are hesitant to speak up about symptoms, even at the doctor's office, is reason enough to talk openly and candidly about this topic. This level of shame, especially where our bodies are concerned, is just unacceptable.

More Common Than You Think

The first time I ever had an open discussion about bladder leaks was during a breastfeeding support group I was a part of after having my first daughter. One of the young women in the group found that she would accidentally pee a little anytime she would sneeze, laugh, or try to become more active since giving birth. Her midwife informed her that this sometimes happens to women because childbirth is known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Another mom chimed in that she had the small occasional accident when she was pregnant because of all the pressure on her bladder.

You have to understand that we were a group of women so comfortable with each other that we whipped our boobs out in front of each other and while swapping our new #momlife wins and fails. We felt safe with each other, we left judgement, and as a result shame, outside of that room. So, someone wouldn't hesitate to admit they would pee a little when they coughed and I did not find it the least bit off-putting.

More than 13 million Americans experience incontinence, with women twice as likely to have it as men. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, somewhere between 25% to 45% of women experience urinary incontinence. Women in every age group may face this issue from teens to those in their golden years and can be a result of any number of things from sports injuries to diabetes. This is not an uncommon medical condition with treatment options and plenty of products available, like Always Discreet, that help you continue to live your best life while pursuing your treatment options.


Maintaining Your Quality of Life

Bladder leaks can impact your self-confidence and body image. Many people live in fear of their next accident, so many are putting up with this common condition in shame, held hostage in their daily lives. If this is you or someone you love, you don't have to. Take these steps to bring yourself closer to freedom:
  1. As your first line of defense: buy a great absorbent pad like Always Discreet, which, unlike period pads, is specially designed for bladder leaks; new moms (like those from my breastfeeding support group) may find a product like Always Discreet Very Light Liners, with their thin and flexible design to be the perfect fit
  2. Make a few lifestyle changes like avoiding caffeine, which is a diuretic that can trigger more leaks
  3. Educate yourself about the common types of urinary incontinence
  4. Try to determine your type & read up on it
  5. Engage a professional for formal diagnosis and to determine the best treatment for you to get your confidence and life back

Bladder leaks isn’t something to be ashamed of, millions of people face this issue and you (or your loved one) are not alone. Don’t stay in the dark and don’t be afraid to explore the great products and other resources out there that can help.

By the way, you can try Always Discreet for yourself with these great coupon offers, and don’t be embarrassed, come back and let me know how your journey is going!

This post was sponsored by Always Discreet but all opinion are my own.

  • Thursday, July 20, 2017

Real Talk: The Health Issue Women are Embarrassed to Talk About

Can you imagine being a grown woman in the age of peak wokeness and body positivity and still fear being transparent with your trusted squad, or even your doctor, about what is going on with your body? This very thing is happening to women all over. Always Discreet reached out to me and asked if I would consider writing about a sensitive health issue few women talk about: urinary incontinence and bladder leaks.

I'm not one to shy away from the difficult topics, especially those impacting women (of color). The hard conversations we avoid because of the embarrassment or stigma associated with it. The fact that many women are so embarrassed they are hesitant to speak up about symptoms, even at the doctor's office, is reason enough to talk openly and candidly about this topic. This level of shame, especially where our bodies are concerned, is just unacceptable.

More Common Than You Think

The first time I ever had an open discussion about bladder leaks was during a breastfeeding support group I was a part of after having my first daughter. One of the young women in the group found that she would accidentally pee a little anytime she would sneeze, laugh, or try to become more active since giving birth. Her midwife informed her that this sometimes happens to women because childbirth is known to weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Another mom chimed in that she had the small occasional accident when she was pregnant because of all the pressure on her bladder.

You have to understand that we were a group of women so comfortable with each other that we whipped our boobs out in front of each other and while swapping our new #momlife wins and fails. We felt safe with each other, we left judgement, and as a result shame, outside of that room. So, someone wouldn't hesitate to admit they would pee a little when they coughed and I did not find it the least bit off-putting.

More than 13 million Americans experience incontinence, with women twice as likely to have it as men. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, somewhere between 25% to 45% of women experience urinary incontinence. Women in every age group may face this issue from teens to those in their golden years and can be a result of any number of things from sports injuries to diabetes. This is not an uncommon medical condition with treatment options and plenty of products available, like Always Discreet, that help you continue to live your best life while pursuing your treatment options.


Maintaining Your Quality of Life

Bladder leaks can impact your self-confidence and body image. Many people live in fear of their next accident, so many are putting up with this common condition in shame, held hostage in their daily lives. If this is you or someone you love, you don't have to. Take these steps to bring yourself closer to freedom:
  1. As your first line of defense: buy a great absorbent pad like Always Discreet, which, unlike period pads, is specially designed for bladder leaks; new moms (like those from my breastfeeding support group) may find a product like Always Discreet Very Light Liners, with their thin and flexible design to be the perfect fit
  2. Make a few lifestyle changes like avoiding caffeine, which is a diuretic that can trigger more leaks
  3. Educate yourself about the common types of urinary incontinence
  4. Try to determine your type & read up on it
  5. Engage a professional for formal diagnosis and to determine the best treatment for you to get your confidence and life back

Bladder leaks isn’t something to be ashamed of, millions of people face this issue and you (or your loved one) are not alone. Don’t stay in the dark and don’t be afraid to explore the great products and other resources out there that can help.

By the way, you can try Always Discreet for yourself with these great coupon offers, and don’t be embarrassed, come back and let me know how your journey is going!

This post was sponsored by Always Discreet but all opinion are my own.

Read more

Taking care of your skin through the ages does not need to be difficult or expensive. Your skin issues may change over time. From oily to dry patches, from breakouts to adult acne and maybe even the the minimizing of wrinkles or retaining skin elasticity.

Don’t stress it, this skin care routine should help.

1. Put the right things IN your body
Though I do highly recommend balancing your processed food intake with raw food and whole food dishes, don’t worry if you are not ready to overhaul your entire diet, one simple drink every morning may be a game changer for your skin. Drink a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and unfiltered honey in a cup of room temperature or hot water and sip. Drink an additional 24 ounces of water slowly over an hour and then have breakfast. The ACV help’s by nourishing your gut and flushing out toxins. ACV also works as a great topical treatment for acne.


2. Cleanse
Find a face-wash that cleanses without completely stripping your face of life. I have been using Davita Naturals daily for about three years now. This all natural cleanser has gentle ingredients that loves on your skin while removing dirt and excess oil. I recently added 100PercentPure's:



3. Tone
I discovered toning 4 years ago and it has made all the difference in my complexion. A complete game changer, I will always recommend a natural and gentle toner. I currently use Thayer’s Witch Hazel but I have also used a home made toner with apple cider vinegar at the base.


4. Moisturize and Prevent Premature Aging
I use multiple moisturizing skin care products that pamper and maintain my skin sexy including
• Vitamin A & Vitamin C Night Balm from 100 Percent Pure
• Andalou Naturals moisturizer
• CoQ10 Super Repair Eye Crème from Derma-e
• Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Daily Shade Facial Lotion SPF 18
•Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell BB Benefit Balm Un-Tinted SPF 30

5. Don’t stop at the face
Remember to moisturize your neck and develop a routine that cares for the skin elsewhere. I often use my facial cleanser on my clavicle and upper chest to prevent acne in that area. I also exfoliate my butt, legs and underarms (check out my DIY scrubs here and here) pretty regularly and moisturize with a homemade oil mix.

The 5-Step Skin Care Routine Every Thirty-Something Needs

Taking care of your skin through the ages does not need to be difficult or expensive. Your skin issues may change over time. From oily to dry patches, from breakouts to adult acne and maybe even the the minimizing of wrinkles or retaining skin elasticity.

Don’t stress it, this skin care routine should help.

1. Put the right things IN your body
Though I do highly recommend balancing your processed food intake with raw food and whole food dishes, don’t worry if you are not ready to overhaul your entire diet, one simple drink every morning may be a game changer for your skin. Drink a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and unfiltered honey in a cup of room temperature or hot water and sip. Drink an additional 24 ounces of water slowly over an hour and then have breakfast. The ACV help’s by nourishing your gut and flushing out toxins. ACV also works as a great topical treatment for acne.


2. Cleanse
Find a face-wash that cleanses without completely stripping your face of life. I have been using Davita Naturals daily for about three years now. This all natural cleanser has gentle ingredients that loves on your skin while removing dirt and excess oil. I recently added 100PercentPure's:



3. Tone
I discovered toning 4 years ago and it has made all the difference in my complexion. A complete game changer, I will always recommend a natural and gentle toner. I currently use Thayer’s Witch Hazel but I have also used a home made toner with apple cider vinegar at the base.


4. Moisturize and Prevent Premature Aging
I use multiple moisturizing skin care products that pamper and maintain my skin sexy including
• Vitamin A & Vitamin C Night Balm from 100 Percent Pure
• Andalou Naturals moisturizer
• CoQ10 Super Repair Eye Crème from Derma-e
• Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Daily Shade Facial Lotion SPF 18
•Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell BB Benefit Balm Un-Tinted SPF 30

5. Don’t stop at the face
Remember to moisturize your neck and develop a routine that cares for the skin elsewhere. I often use my facial cleanser on my clavicle and upper chest to prevent acne in that area. I also exfoliate my butt, legs and underarms (check out my DIY scrubs here and here) pretty regularly and moisturize with a homemade oil mix.

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I've become pretty skilled at caring for my hair after 7 years of having locs. The really great part about having locs is that it doesn’t take as much work as many other black hair styles to still have gorgeous and healthy hair, but you still should have a solid hair care routine. Here are some tips to developing a daily, weekly and monthly routine!

Daily

Every other day I spray with Rosewater. I use the two main versions, one with and without glycerin (a type of humectant, which means it attracts moisture to itself).

Rosewater spray has been a significant part of my hair routine for a few years now. The benefits are as follows:
  • Rosewater acts as a lightweight conditioner that also promotes hair growth 
  • Has anti-septic properties that can reduce scalp inflammation
  • Stimulates blood circulation that can revitalize hair
  • Has antibacterial properties that prevent some forms of hair loss, dandruff and odor
  • Can be used at any stage of loc journey
I also put my hair up at night in a loose high bun to minimize friction and avoid lint.

Weekly
  • I go through my lint removal process. Checking regularly for any topical debris from sweaters and fabric to pluck off.
  • Massage my edges with a lightweight oil mix for hair growth. 
  • If I am working out more, it's a sweaty summer or I notice buildup, I use Alaffia - Neem Turmeric Balancing Shampoo weekly otherwise I wash bi-weekly. 
  • As a conditioner I use either Alaffia: Conditioner Moisturizing Neem sparingly or SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo,  though this is a shampoo, it is so rich and my locs are so sensitive to buildup, I use it as a conditioner. It makes my hair smell lovely and leaves my hair shiny and moisturized.
Monthly

  • I check for any locs over due for a retightening and maintenance. 
  • I do a build-up test, lightly scratch my scalp and look for a gray oil substance under my nails, if I find any on my scalp, I carefully and slowly massage a cleansing shampoo like  Avalon Organics into those trouble spots until squeaky clean or
  • I apply a ACV rinse (only as needed) or Herbal Hair Rinse.
Quarterly

I color with my go to natural hair color in black.

I keep it simple with my hair and found that this works really well for me. My hair is not weighed down, is clean and smells lovely, nor do find I have major scalp issues!

Developing Your Own Routine
When developing your own loc maintenance routine, make sure you:
  • Don't over retighten, this can cause thinning locs and breakage.
  • Be careful with hair products that may cause buildup or contain chemicals that can compromise hair or body health.
  • Don't forget to moisturize but avoid over conditioning.
  • What you put in your body matters so eat a nutritionally complex diet and drink plenty of water
  • Adjust to the seasons, loc care during winter months may be dramatically different than summer or spring.
  • Pay attention to how your hair is responding to your routine and adjust according to these messages.

What about you? Do you do anything different with your routine, tell us why and share in the comments below.

Updated as of April 2019, affiliate links are present on page.

Developing a Daily, Weekly & Monthly Loc Care Routine

I've become pretty skilled at caring for my hair after 7 years of having locs. The really great part about having locs is that it doesn’t take as much work as many other black hair styles to still have gorgeous and healthy hair, but you still should have a solid hair care routine. Here are some tips to developing a daily, weekly and monthly routine!

Daily

Every other day I spray with Rosewater. I use the two main versions, one with and without glycerin (a type of humectant, which means it attracts moisture to itself).

Rosewater spray has been a significant part of my hair routine for a few years now. The benefits are as follows:
  • Rosewater acts as a lightweight conditioner that also promotes hair growth 
  • Has anti-septic properties that can reduce scalp inflammation
  • Stimulates blood circulation that can revitalize hair
  • Has antibacterial properties that prevent some forms of hair loss, dandruff and odor
  • Can be used at any stage of loc journey
I also put my hair up at night in a loose high bun to minimize friction and avoid lint.

Weekly
  • I go through my lint removal process. Checking regularly for any topical debris from sweaters and fabric to pluck off.
  • Massage my edges with a lightweight oil mix for hair growth. 
  • If I am working out more, it's a sweaty summer or I notice buildup, I use Alaffia - Neem Turmeric Balancing Shampoo weekly otherwise I wash bi-weekly. 
  • As a conditioner I use either Alaffia: Conditioner Moisturizing Neem sparingly or SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo,  though this is a shampoo, it is so rich and my locs are so sensitive to buildup, I use it as a conditioner. It makes my hair smell lovely and leaves my hair shiny and moisturized.
Monthly

  • I check for any locs over due for a retightening and maintenance. 
  • I do a build-up test, lightly scratch my scalp and look for a gray oil substance under my nails, if I find any on my scalp, I carefully and slowly massage a cleansing shampoo like  Avalon Organics into those trouble spots until squeaky clean or
  • I apply a ACV rinse (only as needed) or Herbal Hair Rinse.
Quarterly

I color with my go to natural hair color in black.

I keep it simple with my hair and found that this works really well for me. My hair is not weighed down, is clean and smells lovely, nor do find I have major scalp issues!

Developing Your Own Routine
When developing your own loc maintenance routine, make sure you:
  • Don't over retighten, this can cause thinning locs and breakage.
  • Be careful with hair products that may cause buildup or contain chemicals that can compromise hair or body health.
  • Don't forget to moisturize but avoid over conditioning.
  • What you put in your body matters so eat a nutritionally complex diet and drink plenty of water
  • Adjust to the seasons, loc care during winter months may be dramatically different than summer or spring.
  • Pay attention to how your hair is responding to your routine and adjust according to these messages.

What about you? Do you do anything different with your routine, tell us why and share in the comments below.

Updated as of April 2019, affiliate links are present on page.
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I've had my sisterlocks for 7 years now and despite all of the issues: postpartum hair-loss, sketch hair stylists, DIY hair color failures, and my own consistency with self-maintaining, I still think it is the best hair decision I have ever made!

I really love my hair! I have to repeat the sentiments form my 6th hair anniversary:

You don't know what it means to be a brown girl that loves her hair as is. To be free of relaxers that never agreed with me. To be free of curl defining this and hair straightening that. As much as I love seeing a girl with a great blow-out or a fierce twist-out, I felt like I was comparing my hair to others and feeling inadequate. Hair, for many of us, is one of the first ways we express our personal style, culture, and self.

As a gift to you for reading, commenting, and providing a wealth of recommendations to me on this journey:

1. Everyone gets a discount code to Nappy N Happy, who kindly sent me a sample of their improved thicker gauge tool after noting the one I bought would often bend during use. The thicker gauge tool is amazing; exactly what I needed to retighten my hair and start my husband’s thicker interlocks. Head over to https://www.nappynhappy.com/ and use the code: Anniversary2017 for 10% off through 3/31/2017.


2. One lucky reader will get my favorite hair care products which includes

I am my own hair goals, gorgeous and free of harsh and toxic products.


Thanks for following me in this journey. Enter below by leaving a comment stating what do you currently use on your hair?


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giving Away My Favorite Hair Products

I've had my sisterlocks for 7 years now and despite all of the issues: postpartum hair-loss, sketch hair stylists, DIY hair color failures, and my own consistency with self-maintaining, I still think it is the best hair decision I have ever made!

I really love my hair! I have to repeat the sentiments form my 6th hair anniversary:

You don't know what it means to be a brown girl that loves her hair as is. To be free of relaxers that never agreed with me. To be free of curl defining this and hair straightening that. As much as I love seeing a girl with a great blow-out or a fierce twist-out, I felt like I was comparing my hair to others and feeling inadequate. Hair, for many of us, is one of the first ways we express our personal style, culture, and self.

As a gift to you for reading, commenting, and providing a wealth of recommendations to me on this journey:

1. Everyone gets a discount code to Nappy N Happy, who kindly sent me a sample of their improved thicker gauge tool after noting the one I bought would often bend during use. The thicker gauge tool is amazing; exactly what I needed to retighten my hair and start my husband’s thicker interlocks. Head over to https://www.nappynhappy.com/ and use the code: Anniversary2017 for 10% off through 3/31/2017.


2. One lucky reader will get my favorite hair care products which includes

I am my own hair goals, gorgeous and free of harsh and toxic products.


Thanks for following me in this journey. Enter below by leaving a comment stating what do you currently use on your hair?


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read more


Summer is here!

Sunny days.

Bright colors.

Weekend pool lounging.

But also heat, sweat, and a change in your body care routine. To help in the seasonal transition, here are my current favorites for the summer.

Eco Lips $3

A plant-based fair trade certified cocoa butter infused and with mongongo oil (used for centuries by the Kung bushmen of the Kalahari to cleanse and moisturize their skin, so you know it’s serious). Mongongo Oil is sourced from a rural village in Zambia, Africa.   A social worker noticed the opportunity to help a group of women create an income by starting a business and learning how to efficiently harvest, process and perform quality assurance.  The goal was to help them create more self-worth while increasing their net-worth.

This product is awesome and supports a great cause. It is a personal favorite of mine and I have been using it daily for three weeks now.

Ingredients:  *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Cera Flava (Beeswax), Fair Trade Certified TM *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, *Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, *Schinziophyton Rautanenii (Mongongo) Kernel Oil, Non-GMO Tocopherol (Vitamin E), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Extract.
*= Certified Organic Ingredients

Andalou Naturals Facial Lotion with SPF 18 $15

This light weight moisturizer is perfect for sensitive skin, it has SPF 18 sun protection with Alpine Rose Stem Cells, provides essential hydration and deep cellular support with proven UVA/UVB sun protection for a naturally flawless complexion. I especially love it because

  • it is Sheer, lightweight coverage
  • can be worn alone or under make-up
  • it is suitable for everyday use
  • it does not cause me to break out
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Vegetable Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate, Octyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fruit Stem Cells (Alpine Rose, Malus Domestica, Solar Vitis) and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*, Soothing Complex: [Hyaluronic Acid, Magnolia Officinalis Bark, Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Leaf Cell and Boswellia Serrata (Boswellin) Extracts], Glyceryl Monolaurate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rosa Damascena (Rose) Distillate*, Allantoin, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) and Calendula Officinalis Extracts*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) and Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Oils*, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea), Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) and Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extracts*^, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Oil*, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Oil

Pacifica Solid Perfume $9

I avoid sketch chemicals even when choosing a perfume. There was a study in which ten popular commercially-produced perfumes contained ingredients that caused everything from allergic reactions to possible sperm damage and hormone disruption!

Pacifica’s Island Vanilla Solid perfume is a great summer scent. It smells lovely with hints of vanilla and honey-jasmine. This scent is also available as a spray.

To use the perfume, simply rub a finger around on the surface of the waxy perfume, then rub that finger on the area you want to smell good — the inside of your wrists and behind the ears works well.

Ingredients: Organic cocos nucifera wax (coconut wax),  organic glycine soja wax (soy wax), parfum (pacifica’s own perfume blend with natural and essential oils), prunus armeniaca wax (apricot wax), caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut source). no parabens, animal testing, animal ingredients or artificial colors. 100% vegan and gluten-free.



Crystal Essence Deodorant Spray $4

More sun = More Sweat (which could) = More body odor.  I have sampled a dozen natural deodorants since I have been on this journey toward finding the perfect natural alternative to the dangerous traditional ones. I have had varying degrees of success (or complete failures) and Crystal Essence Deodorant Spray has been a pretty good alternative. It’s a whole body spray that is safe enough to be used anywhere on the body to control odors – including feet, chest, and inner thighs.

Contains No Harmful Chemicals.
No Aluminum Chlorohydrate | Aluminum Zirconium | Parabens | Phthalates.

How to Use: Hold bottle 5 inches from targeted area and pump sprayer 2-3 times, or as often as you wish. For best results, use daily and apply to clean skin.

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Potassium Alum (Natural Mineral Salts), Natural Fragrance made with essential oils and extracts, Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda), Benzoic Acid (natural preservative), Zinc Gluconate (natural preservative) 


Manda Organic Sun Paste $18

This SPF 50 sunscreen is legit! The best natural sunscreen I have ever purchased! It's sweat proof and waterproof. Made organic food grade ingredients. It's environmentally safe. I put it on my kids every time they go swimming. This is the best sunscreen I have every bought.

It is made from thanaka which is from the wood of a small tree in Myanmar, Thanaka has been used for over 2000 years by Burmese people to protect and beautify the skin. Pulverized on a stone slab and mixed with water to form a paste, this natural cosmetic is most commonly applied topically. It is here where Thanaka begins to work it’s magic. Thanaka is
  • Environmentally safe:  Most of the chemicals in sun screen have adverse environmental effects. This product can also be grown locally via sustainable farming.
  • Rich in antioxidants ad an effective moisturizer
  • Rich is compounds that encourage healthy skin
Ingredients: Thanaka, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Beeswax, Organic Cinnamon Oil


Bonus:

Check out my year-round skin cleansing routine.

5 Natural Summer Skincare Essentials


Summer is here!

Sunny days.

Bright colors.

Weekend pool lounging.

But also heat, sweat, and a change in your body care routine. To help in the seasonal transition, here are my current favorites for the summer.

Eco Lips $3

A plant-based fair trade certified cocoa butter infused and with mongongo oil (used for centuries by the Kung bushmen of the Kalahari to cleanse and moisturize their skin, so you know it’s serious). Mongongo Oil is sourced from a rural village in Zambia, Africa.   A social worker noticed the opportunity to help a group of women create an income by starting a business and learning how to efficiently harvest, process and perform quality assurance.  The goal was to help them create more self-worth while increasing their net-worth.

This product is awesome and supports a great cause. It is a personal favorite of mine and I have been using it daily for three weeks now.

Ingredients:  *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Cera Flava (Beeswax), Fair Trade Certified TM *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, *Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, *Schinziophyton Rautanenii (Mongongo) Kernel Oil, Non-GMO Tocopherol (Vitamin E), *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Extract.
*= Certified Organic Ingredients

Andalou Naturals Facial Lotion with SPF 18 $15

This light weight moisturizer is perfect for sensitive skin, it has SPF 18 sun protection with Alpine Rose Stem Cells, provides essential hydration and deep cellular support with proven UVA/UVB sun protection for a naturally flawless complexion. I especially love it because

  • it is Sheer, lightweight coverage
  • can be worn alone or under make-up
  • it is suitable for everyday use
  • it does not cause me to break out
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Vegetable Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate, Octyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fruit Stem Cells (Alpine Rose, Malus Domestica, Solar Vitis) and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*, Soothing Complex: [Hyaluronic Acid, Magnolia Officinalis Bark, Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Leaf Cell and Boswellia Serrata (Boswellin) Extracts], Glyceryl Monolaurate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Rosa Damascena (Rose) Distillate*, Allantoin, Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) and Calendula Officinalis Extracts*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) and Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Oils*, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea), Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) and Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extracts*^, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzyl Alcohol, Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Oil*, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Oil

Pacifica Solid Perfume $9

I avoid sketch chemicals even when choosing a perfume. There was a study in which ten popular commercially-produced perfumes contained ingredients that caused everything from allergic reactions to possible sperm damage and hormone disruption!

Pacifica’s Island Vanilla Solid perfume is a great summer scent. It smells lovely with hints of vanilla and honey-jasmine. This scent is also available as a spray.

To use the perfume, simply rub a finger around on the surface of the waxy perfume, then rub that finger on the area you want to smell good — the inside of your wrists and behind the ears works well.

Ingredients: Organic cocos nucifera wax (coconut wax),  organic glycine soja wax (soy wax), parfum (pacifica’s own perfume blend with natural and essential oils), prunus armeniaca wax (apricot wax), caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut source). no parabens, animal testing, animal ingredients or artificial colors. 100% vegan and gluten-free.



Crystal Essence Deodorant Spray $4

More sun = More Sweat (which could) = More body odor.  I have sampled a dozen natural deodorants since I have been on this journey toward finding the perfect natural alternative to the dangerous traditional ones. I have had varying degrees of success (or complete failures) and Crystal Essence Deodorant Spray has been a pretty good alternative. It’s a whole body spray that is safe enough to be used anywhere on the body to control odors – including feet, chest, and inner thighs.

Contains No Harmful Chemicals.
No Aluminum Chlorohydrate | Aluminum Zirconium | Parabens | Phthalates.

How to Use: Hold bottle 5 inches from targeted area and pump sprayer 2-3 times, or as often as you wish. For best results, use daily and apply to clean skin.

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Potassium Alum (Natural Mineral Salts), Natural Fragrance made with essential oils and extracts, Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda), Benzoic Acid (natural preservative), Zinc Gluconate (natural preservative) 


Manda Organic Sun Paste $18

This SPF 50 sunscreen is legit! The best natural sunscreen I have ever purchased! It's sweat proof and waterproof. Made organic food grade ingredients. It's environmentally safe. I put it on my kids every time they go swimming. This is the best sunscreen I have every bought.

It is made from thanaka which is from the wood of a small tree in Myanmar, Thanaka has been used for over 2000 years by Burmese people to protect and beautify the skin. Pulverized on a stone slab and mixed with water to form a paste, this natural cosmetic is most commonly applied topically. It is here where Thanaka begins to work it’s magic. Thanaka is
  • Environmentally safe:  Most of the chemicals in sun screen have adverse environmental effects. This product can also be grown locally via sustainable farming.
  • Rich in antioxidants ad an effective moisturizer
  • Rich is compounds that encourage healthy skin
Ingredients: Thanaka, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Beeswax, Organic Cinnamon Oil


Bonus:

Check out my year-round skin cleansing routine.
Read more

You may not know this, but when it comes to hair care products, ingredients matter more than brand. Some of the most well known and/or most expensive brands produce hair care products I would use to clean my toilets before I would use on my child's hair. In some instances, they are so toxic that I would even hesitate to flush them down the toilet.

Many products that make your hair look awesome in the short term, but overtime strips your hair of moisture, makes hair brittle, causes long-term damage, and (in worst case scenarios) can cause health issues. For instance, avoid these ingredients:
  • Isopropyl Alcohol - It is hard to find a hair ingredient that does not have this. It is found in many gels and hair sprays and is also found in hand sanitizer as well as industrial car and home improvement products. Isopropyl alcohol dissolves hair oils and can lead to breakage. In terms of health, the inhalation of this ingredient can cause dizziness, depression and headaches. (aka isopropanol or dimethyl carbinol)
  • Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) - Found in most shampoos, SLS is also an industrial cleaning agent used in professional and machinery cleaning. This ingredient is know to cause health issues and dries out hair. (aka sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laurel sulfate, sodium dodecylsulfate, sulfuric acid, Akyposal SDS, Aquarex) 
  • Proplyene glycol (PG) - Used in every type of hair and body care product you may find -conditioners, shampoos, styling gels and lotions. The Environmental Protection Agency flagged proplyene glycol as one of the top 10  hair-care product ingredients that can potentially impact health with overexposure. Though toxicity is low, the concern is over prolonged exposure. The shady FDA has approved for use in food (they feed it to animals for 104 weeks and there were no ill effects), you can find this ingredient in frozen desserts. Additionally,  this product hurts sea life by consuming oxygen needed by aquatic organisms for survival once introduced in ocean water. So I won't even flush it down the toilet.
  • DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (momoethnanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine) -  Commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. On the show, CBS This Morning, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said "repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers - liver and kidney cancers.” John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especial important since “the risk equation changes significantly for children." (aka Cocamide DEA or MES, Lauramide DEA, etc. )
  • See here for a more detailed list.

 Caring for Hair Naturally

As a rule of thumb, I tend to use products with plant based ingredients I can say/recognize like
  • Jojoba oil, coconut opil, shea butter, or grapeseed oil to seal in moisture
  • Tea tree essential oil or aloe vera juice for itchy scalp
  • Jojoba oil, aloe vera juice, grapeseed oil for dry scalp
  • Grapeseed oil, safflower oil, castor oil, argan oil to soften hair
  • Glycerin, aloe vera gel/juice, or rosewater for non-oil moisturizing or softening and moisture retention
  • Castor oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or apple cider vinegar (post-wash rinse with cold water for 5 minutes) for shine
  • Baking soda to cleanse
  • Coconut oil or hydrolyzed protein (e.g. keratin, collagen) for strength
  • Lavender essential oil, jasmine essential oil, rose essential oil, orange essential oil for scent

and I couple that with good hair care techniques.  For instance:
  1. I use a wide tooth comb and/or detangler brush 
  2. I only detangle while wet and use a rosewater or glycerin spray
  3. I start at the ends and work my way to the roots carefully
  4. I put in a simple protective style in the evening (two strand twists)
  5. I moisturize regularly and use natural cleansers
  6. I use a small amount light soft hold plant-based gel 
  7. I use a old tooth brush with the gel to smooth down her edges

I spent a great deal of time educating myself about ingredients and making conscious decisions about what I expose my children to. I can't control for everything, but I do my best to minimize my child's exposure to harmful ingredients, people, situations, etc.



Also note that ingredients for both food and body/skin care products are listed by quantity, from highest to lowest. Try looking for products that list whole foods or plant based ingredients as the first three ingredients, and be skeptical of foods/products with long lists of ingredients.

My favorite brands are


Selecting Hair Products for Children

You may not know this, but when it comes to hair care products, ingredients matter more than brand. Some of the most well known and/or most expensive brands produce hair care products I would use to clean my toilets before I would use on my child's hair. In some instances, they are so toxic that I would even hesitate to flush them down the toilet.

Many products that make your hair look awesome in the short term, but overtime strips your hair of moisture, makes hair brittle, causes long-term damage, and (in worst case scenarios) can cause health issues. For instance, avoid these ingredients:
  • Isopropyl Alcohol - It is hard to find a hair ingredient that does not have this. It is found in many gels and hair sprays and is also found in hand sanitizer as well as industrial car and home improvement products. Isopropyl alcohol dissolves hair oils and can lead to breakage. In terms of health, the inhalation of this ingredient can cause dizziness, depression and headaches. (aka isopropanol or dimethyl carbinol)
  • Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) - Found in most shampoos, SLS is also an industrial cleaning agent used in professional and machinery cleaning. This ingredient is know to cause health issues and dries out hair. (aka sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium laurel sulfate, sodium dodecylsulfate, sulfuric acid, Akyposal SDS, Aquarex) 
  • Proplyene glycol (PG) - Used in every type of hair and body care product you may find -conditioners, shampoos, styling gels and lotions. The Environmental Protection Agency flagged proplyene glycol as one of the top 10  hair-care product ingredients that can potentially impact health with overexposure. Though toxicity is low, the concern is over prolonged exposure. The shady FDA has approved for use in food (they feed it to animals for 104 weeks and there were no ill effects), you can find this ingredient in frozen desserts. Additionally,  this product hurts sea life by consuming oxygen needed by aquatic organisms for survival once introduced in ocean water. So I won't even flush it down the toilet.
  • DEA (diethanolamine) MEA (momoethnanolamine) TEA (triethanolamine) -  Commonly found in most personal care products that foam, including bubble baths, body washes, shampoos, soaps and facial cleansers. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. On the show, CBS This Morning, Roberta Baskin revealed that a recent government report shows DEA and MEA are readily absorbed in the skin. Dr. Samuel Epstein, Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Illinois said "repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents resulted in a major increase in the incidence of two cancers - liver and kidney cancers.” John Bailey, who oversees the cosmetic division for the FDA said the new study is especial important since “the risk equation changes significantly for children." (aka Cocamide DEA or MES, Lauramide DEA, etc. )
  • See here for a more detailed list.

 Caring for Hair Naturally

As a rule of thumb, I tend to use products with plant based ingredients I can say/recognize like
  • Jojoba oil, coconut opil, shea butter, or grapeseed oil to seal in moisture
  • Tea tree essential oil or aloe vera juice for itchy scalp
  • Jojoba oil, aloe vera juice, grapeseed oil for dry scalp
  • Grapeseed oil, safflower oil, castor oil, argan oil to soften hair
  • Glycerin, aloe vera gel/juice, or rosewater for non-oil moisturizing or softening and moisture retention
  • Castor oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or apple cider vinegar (post-wash rinse with cold water for 5 minutes) for shine
  • Baking soda to cleanse
  • Coconut oil or hydrolyzed protein (e.g. keratin, collagen) for strength
  • Lavender essential oil, jasmine essential oil, rose essential oil, orange essential oil for scent

and I couple that with good hair care techniques.  For instance:
  1. I use a wide tooth comb and/or detangler brush 
  2. I only detangle while wet and use a rosewater or glycerin spray
  3. I start at the ends and work my way to the roots carefully
  4. I put in a simple protective style in the evening (two strand twists)
  5. I moisturize regularly and use natural cleansers
  6. I use a small amount light soft hold plant-based gel 
  7. I use a old tooth brush with the gel to smooth down her edges

I spent a great deal of time educating myself about ingredients and making conscious decisions about what I expose my children to. I can't control for everything, but I do my best to minimize my child's exposure to harmful ingredients, people, situations, etc.



Also note that ingredients for both food and body/skin care products are listed by quantity, from highest to lowest. Try looking for products that list whole foods or plant based ingredients as the first three ingredients, and be skeptical of foods/products with long lists of ingredients.

My favorite brands are


Read more

I work in a pretty conservative industry and at a corporate headquarters, but I have a number of bold fashion forward artists in my friend circle that are always tempting me to push against the grain that annoys me oh so very much.

I have failed at adding a blonde streak many times and eventually gave up on it out of fear of damaging my fine locs. But I still wanted a dash of color occasionally. I stumbled upon It's My Raye Raye's gorgeous purple hair on her Instagram account and was hooked when I discovered it was temporary. Temporary hair color is a great option because allows me to go all out during the weekend and rinse out Sunday night before the work week.

A photo posted by Raye Boyce (@itsmyrayeraye) on

So I went on ahead and ordered two cans of Jerome Russell B wild hair color in Pink & Purple from Amazon, I was also able to find at my local Target later on.

Pink and Purple Hair Color Spray

After watching Raye Boyce's how-to video, I came up with my own sisterlocks friendly method. I've done it two ways, one covering most of my hair (similar to Raye's video) and another way with simple accent streaks.
So easy.

I achieved the look below by spray my hair all over with purple and adding pink for highlights:
A photo posted by Samantha Sophia (@raisingself) on

Another day I was short on time and needed something simpler to wash out with just as much wow factor, so I went with a pink streak:

A photo posted by Samantha Sophia (@raisingself) on

It was just as fun! The color lasts a few days but be careful about your pillow cases. It may transfer.
------------------------------------------------------
To wash out
Thrive Market
  • Use a clarifying shampoo, I used Avalon Organics thickening shampoo that came (at a great discount) in my last Thrive Market order
  • Build up a good lather and use friction to remove the color from the crevices
  • Rinse thoroughly with warm water
  • Repeat at least one more time or move if you were heavy handed with the spray color

DIY Temporary Pink and Purple Hair Color

I work in a pretty conservative industry and at a corporate headquarters, but I have a number of bold fashion forward artists in my friend circle that are always tempting me to push against the grain that annoys me oh so very much.

I have failed at adding a blonde streak many times and eventually gave up on it out of fear of damaging my fine locs. But I still wanted a dash of color occasionally. I stumbled upon It's My Raye Raye's gorgeous purple hair on her Instagram account and was hooked when I discovered it was temporary. Temporary hair color is a great option because allows me to go all out during the weekend and rinse out Sunday night before the work week.

A photo posted by Raye Boyce (@itsmyrayeraye) on

So I went on ahead and ordered two cans of Jerome Russell B wild hair color in Pink & Purple from Amazon, I was also able to find at my local Target later on.

Pink and Purple Hair Color Spray

After watching Raye Boyce's how-to video, I came up with my own sisterlocks friendly method. I've done it two ways, one covering most of my hair (similar to Raye's video) and another way with simple accent streaks.
So easy.

I achieved the look below by spray my hair all over with purple and adding pink for highlights:
A photo posted by Samantha Sophia (@raisingself) on

Another day I was short on time and needed something simpler to wash out with just as much wow factor, so I went with a pink streak:

A photo posted by Samantha Sophia (@raisingself) on

It was just as fun! The color lasts a few days but be careful about your pillow cases. It may transfer.
------------------------------------------------------
To wash out
Thrive Market
  • Use a clarifying shampoo, I used Avalon Organics thickening shampoo that came (at a great discount) in my last Thrive Market order
  • Build up a good lather and use friction to remove the color from the crevices
  • Rinse thoroughly with warm water
  • Repeat at least one more time or move if you were heavy handed with the spray color
Read more

I tried to add a blonde streak to my hair not one, not two, but three unsuccessful times. I made so many mistakes, and all consecutively. I know, I could have went to a salon and found the instant gratification, but I enjoy the thrill and laboriously earned gratification of doing it myself. Alas, I have a streak (of sorts) but not the blonde streak I desired because each attempt  had it's own set of built in errors.

Failed Attempt 1: Shea Moisture
I'll just put it out there, the Shea Moisture hair color system is the struggle bus. I love the brand but it doesn't quite color your hair unless you are already lighter. It operates more as a rinse and I was treating it as a more permanent option. Aside from that, I made the mistake of applying blonde and red. Truth be told, I bought both and confused the two packages (because bother were opened) so I simultaneously slightly lightened by hair and deposited red, leaving my hair with a slight red tint.  #EPICFAIL



Failed Attempt 2: Nutritint
Nutritint is raved about by some of my favorite naturals, including fellow Sisterlocked fashionista and foodie Caramel A La Mode. Though it did lighten my hair the red deposits from my Shea Moisture mistake remained, leaving my hair with a bright red hue. I was told by a kind soul on Instagram that they use Nutritint, but have to double process their hair to achieve the results they wanted the first time. I think that an initial double process of Nutritint would have given me the results I desired, but I don't want to test the theory on another patch of hair.


Failed Attempt 3: Clairol Textures and Tones
Out of desperation, I tried a non-natural brand (GASP), I know, so unlike me. I really wanted this blonde streak y'all and many naturals swear by their results with this made for curly to thick hair brand. Textures & Tones, however did nothing to my hair. I don't know why, but absolutely nothing happened.


At the moment, I am incredibly torn between continuing to pursue a blonde streak and just coloring my entire head black with Nutritint, not sure what I will do, but to prevent others from making my same mistake, here are some facts and tips you should be aware of if you wish to successfully achieving DIY hair color:

Hair Color Facts:
  • There are 3 types of color—permanent, semi or demi-permanent, and temporary. Permanent hair color requires the hair cuticle to be lifted and alters the proteins that gives you your natural hair color. Temporary color, often called rinses, puts a layer of color on top of the hair strand and will fade with several shampoos. 
  • Coloring hair has less to do with texture (coarse, fine, etc.) and more to do with porosity. Porosity is the hair’s ability to hold and retain moisture. The layers of your cuticle have to lift to let color/moisture in AND they have to close back down to keep it in. In fact, coarser hair may be more porous and take color somewhat easier than naturally straight or looser curls. On the other hand, coarser textured hair can be overly porous, thus the cuticle's layers don’t close back tight enough to hold moisture in. This means extremely dry hair if not properly maintained.
  • Going lighter from black or dark brown will require stripping the hair of it's current color and depositing the new color. Dark hair typically bleaches to a orange or yellow hue and the tone must be adjusted to achieve a more desirable look. 
  • The truth about ammonia-free —Ammonia aids the coloring process because it opens the cuticle and swells the hair strands so that the color can penetrate to the cortex. Sans ammonia, color change may not be achieved or is mild and may require multiple applications. This is due in large part to the fact that the color more likely will coat the strands instead of being absorbed if there isn’t a stimulant used to open the cuticle. Be aware of ammonia substitutes like ethanolamine, monoethanolamine, or MEA; they are equally, if not more, damaging to the hair. But because it isn’t technically “Ammonia” the companies then mislead consumers and  advertise as “Ammonia-free” to insinuate a level higher quality of safety.

  • Understand your developer —Developer is the peroxide or oxidizing component to the color chemistry. All Permanent color comes with developer, which is the chemical that strips out your natural color and makes it possible for the artificial color to work its way into the cortex of the hair, where the color molecules live.

    Places like Sally's Beauty supply offers the option to buy your desired hair color and then choose a developer: 10 volume, 20 volume, 30 volume, and 40 volume. With 10 being the slowest acting developer and 40 is the fastest. Think of the volume of your developer as the amount of lift or lightening you want to achieve. A volume of developer that is too high can result in unnecessary lightening and significant damage to the hair. On the other side, a volume that too low may prevent you from getting as light as you initially desired.

    When going darker or changing the tone of your hair, like going reddish brown and one shade darker than your current color, 20 volume is a probably a good bet. When working with very fine and fragile hair or light, try to stick with10 volume. When highlighting very thick dark coarse hair, usually 30 or 40 volume is necessary.

    So, to put it simply, 20 volume is a safe bet and if all this is over information and gibberish to you, consider going to a professional. 
  • Be aware of toning. Say you are already bleached blonde and you don't want a yellow blonde but a more icy blue blonde (yes that is a thing), toner helps achieve that.
  • Avoid refreshing permanent color. Double processing because hair color that is dull or faded is not a good idea and may cause irreversible damage. Consider a semi-permanent rinse and hair revitalizing treatments. 
  • Bleaching is not always necessary. In lieu of bleach/lightener, hair virgin to color can be lightened with peroxide, which can be slightly less harmful. 
  • Gray hair is more resistant to color. Using the right level of developer, allowing the right amount of time, and accounting for the lack of color pigment when changing to say a particular red or darker color.
  • Prepare yourself for damage. Hair that is colored, more specifically lightened will likely be dryer, weaker, and likely thinner.

 Hair Coloring Tips:
  • Always strand test! This will give you an idea of color and time necessary to color. In the even the color is undesirable or you need to give another 10 minutes, the strand test will save you a bunch a heartache. 
  • Stay within two to three shades of your current hair color for best results, more drastic changes should most likely be done at the salon unless you have the experience or training to do so. (MY MISTAKE)
  • Routinely deep condition before and after coloring hair to avoid dryness.
  • Read the hair color box instructions prior to applying the hair color for more consistent, natural looking results

You should avoid hair color if..
  • Your hair is already damaged.
  • You are more focused on healthy hair or hair growth journey.
  • You don’t have much more time to spend on your hair.
Here is a little video from Naptural85 that breaks it down pretty well. 



I am currently back to black hair and using a herbal-based natural brand.

Facts and Tips to Help Avoid DIY Hair Color Mistakes

I tried to add a blonde streak to my hair not one, not two, but three unsuccessful times. I made so many mistakes, and all consecutively. I know, I could have went to a salon and found the instant gratification, but I enjoy the thrill and laboriously earned gratification of doing it myself. Alas, I have a streak (of sorts) but not the blonde streak I desired because each attempt  had it's own set of built in errors.

Failed Attempt 1: Shea Moisture
I'll just put it out there, the Shea Moisture hair color system is the struggle bus. I love the brand but it doesn't quite color your hair unless you are already lighter. It operates more as a rinse and I was treating it as a more permanent option. Aside from that, I made the mistake of applying blonde and red. Truth be told, I bought both and confused the two packages (because bother were opened) so I simultaneously slightly lightened by hair and deposited red, leaving my hair with a slight red tint.  #EPICFAIL



Failed Attempt 2: Nutritint
Nutritint is raved about by some of my favorite naturals, including fellow Sisterlocked fashionista and foodie Caramel A La Mode. Though it did lighten my hair the red deposits from my Shea Moisture mistake remained, leaving my hair with a bright red hue. I was told by a kind soul on Instagram that they use Nutritint, but have to double process their hair to achieve the results they wanted the first time. I think that an initial double process of Nutritint would have given me the results I desired, but I don't want to test the theory on another patch of hair.


Failed Attempt 3: Clairol Textures and Tones
Out of desperation, I tried a non-natural brand (GASP), I know, so unlike me. I really wanted this blonde streak y'all and many naturals swear by their results with this made for curly to thick hair brand. Textures & Tones, however did nothing to my hair. I don't know why, but absolutely nothing happened.


At the moment, I am incredibly torn between continuing to pursue a blonde streak and just coloring my entire head black with Nutritint, not sure what I will do, but to prevent others from making my same mistake, here are some facts and tips you should be aware of if you wish to successfully achieving DIY hair color:

Hair Color Facts:
  • There are 3 types of color—permanent, semi or demi-permanent, and temporary. Permanent hair color requires the hair cuticle to be lifted and alters the proteins that gives you your natural hair color. Temporary color, often called rinses, puts a layer of color on top of the hair strand and will fade with several shampoos. 
  • Coloring hair has less to do with texture (coarse, fine, etc.) and more to do with porosity. Porosity is the hair’s ability to hold and retain moisture. The layers of your cuticle have to lift to let color/moisture in AND they have to close back down to keep it in. In fact, coarser hair may be more porous and take color somewhat easier than naturally straight or looser curls. On the other hand, coarser textured hair can be overly porous, thus the cuticle's layers don’t close back tight enough to hold moisture in. This means extremely dry hair if not properly maintained.
  • Going lighter from black or dark brown will require stripping the hair of it's current color and depositing the new color. Dark hair typically bleaches to a orange or yellow hue and the tone must be adjusted to achieve a more desirable look. 
  • The truth about ammonia-free —Ammonia aids the coloring process because it opens the cuticle and swells the hair strands so that the color can penetrate to the cortex. Sans ammonia, color change may not be achieved or is mild and may require multiple applications. This is due in large part to the fact that the color more likely will coat the strands instead of being absorbed if there isn’t a stimulant used to open the cuticle. Be aware of ammonia substitutes like ethanolamine, monoethanolamine, or MEA; they are equally, if not more, damaging to the hair. But because it isn’t technically “Ammonia” the companies then mislead consumers and  advertise as “Ammonia-free” to insinuate a level higher quality of safety.

  • Understand your developer —Developer is the peroxide or oxidizing component to the color chemistry. All Permanent color comes with developer, which is the chemical that strips out your natural color and makes it possible for the artificial color to work its way into the cortex of the hair, where the color molecules live.

    Places like Sally's Beauty supply offers the option to buy your desired hair color and then choose a developer: 10 volume, 20 volume, 30 volume, and 40 volume. With 10 being the slowest acting developer and 40 is the fastest. Think of the volume of your developer as the amount of lift or lightening you want to achieve. A volume of developer that is too high can result in unnecessary lightening and significant damage to the hair. On the other side, a volume that too low may prevent you from getting as light as you initially desired.

    When going darker or changing the tone of your hair, like going reddish brown and one shade darker than your current color, 20 volume is a probably a good bet. When working with very fine and fragile hair or light, try to stick with10 volume. When highlighting very thick dark coarse hair, usually 30 or 40 volume is necessary.

    So, to put it simply, 20 volume is a safe bet and if all this is over information and gibberish to you, consider going to a professional. 
  • Be aware of toning. Say you are already bleached blonde and you don't want a yellow blonde but a more icy blue blonde (yes that is a thing), toner helps achieve that.
  • Avoid refreshing permanent color. Double processing because hair color that is dull or faded is not a good idea and may cause irreversible damage. Consider a semi-permanent rinse and hair revitalizing treatments. 
  • Bleaching is not always necessary. In lieu of bleach/lightener, hair virgin to color can be lightened with peroxide, which can be slightly less harmful. 
  • Gray hair is more resistant to color. Using the right level of developer, allowing the right amount of time, and accounting for the lack of color pigment when changing to say a particular red or darker color.
  • Prepare yourself for damage. Hair that is colored, more specifically lightened will likely be dryer, weaker, and likely thinner.

 Hair Coloring Tips:
  • Always strand test! This will give you an idea of color and time necessary to color. In the even the color is undesirable or you need to give another 10 minutes, the strand test will save you a bunch a heartache. 
  • Stay within two to three shades of your current hair color for best results, more drastic changes should most likely be done at the salon unless you have the experience or training to do so. (MY MISTAKE)
  • Routinely deep condition before and after coloring hair to avoid dryness.
  • Read the hair color box instructions prior to applying the hair color for more consistent, natural looking results

You should avoid hair color if..
  • Your hair is already damaged.
  • You are more focused on healthy hair or hair growth journey.
  • You don’t have much more time to spend on your hair.
Here is a little video from Naptural85 that breaks it down pretty well. 



I am currently back to black hair and using a herbal-based natural brand.
Read more
(Post Sponsored by Cantu)
No makeup, high messy bun, and random scab on my nose from a killer white head.

My daughter started school for the first time this month. The experience was emotional to say the least. When we moved to California, we chose to live in the city where my new company is located. We did so despite its lack of literal and figurative color (black population is less than 2% and redundant expensive cookie cutter sub-divisions) because the kids weren’t yet school aged and the commute was nice.

During orientation, I looked around and saw not one other child in her class was black, in fact the school was mostly made up of two ethnic groups. I grew up in South Florida, in a sea of cultural, language, skin and hair diversity. There were girls that looked similar to and nothing like me as well. I was able to grow both a strong sense of self and a strong respect/understanding for those who were different. I came to understand there was a unique and diverse definition of beauty.


Now I know that my daughter will not be in this school district long-term, I wouldn’t dare subject her to being “othered” through puberty, which is a fragile time for all. But dealing with a kindergartner who was already aware enough to start asking why no one else has brown skin and why her hair doesn’t  lay flat and straight like the other girls, has made Cantu’s Be You Own Beautiful (#BYOBeautiful) campaign resonate even more!

(See my little girl's hair-care regime here)

I’ve spoken about selfies on more than one occasion and how they can be a tool of confidence but they can also be a mechanism that drives negative comparison and unrealistic standards of daily hair and makeup beauty.
My sister had a set of self installed Marley twists that were a few weeks old, she decided to cleanse her hair with the Cantu Cleansing Cream Shampoo without removing them and refresh the edges with the Twist & Lock Gel. She found that the shampoo thoroughly cleansed her hair without drying and that the Twist & Lock Gel really helped to maintain moisture and shine.The combination of these two products could really yield a soft and defined twist-out.

So I thought about what my own definition of #BYOBeautiful was as I combed my daughter’s hair with the Cantu Coconut Curling Cream for school and helped my sister refresh her DIY kinky twists at home with the Twist and Lock Gel. For me, it was going makeup free if I felt like it. For my daughter to not feel like an alien because her hair was tightly coiled, and for my sister to be able to try whatever hairstyle that tickles her fancy. These were the true definitions of being your own beautiful in my family circle.




For those interested, Cantu is holding a Beautiful campaign and Giveaway that will be running from 9/1/15 to 9/31/15. They are encouraging people to share what #BYOBeautiful means to them (their photos of what makes them uniquely beautiful) using the hashtag and @cantubeauty for a chance to be featured in their posts and to win a deluxe gift box including Cleansing Cream Shampoo (Ebony 2014 Award Winner), Hydrating Creme Conditioner (Curlbox 2015 "Best Conditioner" Award winner), Coconut Curling Cream (Naturally Curly "Best of the Best" 2013) and Twist & Lock Gel (Naturally Curly 2015 Editor's Choice). So please do share what your own definitions of beautiful are.
Be Your Own Beautiful with Cantu! Share your look at @cantubeauty #BYOBeautiful on Instagram and Twitter.

Being Your Own Beautiful
(Post Sponsored by Cantu)
No makeup, high messy bun, and random scab on my nose from a killer white head.

My daughter started school for the first time this month. The experience was emotional to say the least. When we moved to California, we chose to live in the city where my new company is located. We did so despite its lack of literal and figurative color (black population is less than 2% and redundant expensive cookie cutter sub-divisions) because the kids weren’t yet school aged and the commute was nice.

During orientation, I looked around and saw not one other child in her class was black, in fact the school was mostly made up of two ethnic groups. I grew up in South Florida, in a sea of cultural, language, skin and hair diversity. There were girls that looked similar to and nothing like me as well. I was able to grow both a strong sense of self and a strong respect/understanding for those who were different. I came to understand there was a unique and diverse definition of beauty.


Now I know that my daughter will not be in this school district long-term, I wouldn’t dare subject her to being “othered” through puberty, which is a fragile time for all. But dealing with a kindergartner who was already aware enough to start asking why no one else has brown skin and why her hair doesn’t  lay flat and straight like the other girls, has made Cantu’s Be You Own Beautiful (#BYOBeautiful) campaign resonate even more!

(See my little girl's hair-care regime here)

I’ve spoken about selfies on more than one occasion and how they can be a tool of confidence but they can also be a mechanism that drives negative comparison and unrealistic standards of daily hair and makeup beauty.
My sister had a set of self installed Marley twists that were a few weeks old, she decided to cleanse her hair with the Cantu Cleansing Cream Shampoo without removing them and refresh the edges with the Twist & Lock Gel. She found that the shampoo thoroughly cleansed her hair without drying and that the Twist & Lock Gel really helped to maintain moisture and shine.The combination of these two products could really yield a soft and defined twist-out.

So I thought about what my own definition of #BYOBeautiful was as I combed my daughter’s hair with the Cantu Coconut Curling Cream for school and helped my sister refresh her DIY kinky twists at home with the Twist and Lock Gel. For me, it was going makeup free if I felt like it. For my daughter to not feel like an alien because her hair was tightly coiled, and for my sister to be able to try whatever hairstyle that tickles her fancy. These were the true definitions of being your own beautiful in my family circle.




For those interested, Cantu is holding a Beautiful campaign and Giveaway that will be running from 9/1/15 to 9/31/15. They are encouraging people to share what #BYOBeautiful means to them (their photos of what makes them uniquely beautiful) using the hashtag and @cantubeauty for a chance to be featured in their posts and to win a deluxe gift box including Cleansing Cream Shampoo (Ebony 2014 Award Winner), Hydrating Creme Conditioner (Curlbox 2015 "Best Conditioner" Award winner), Coconut Curling Cream (Naturally Curly "Best of the Best" 2013) and Twist & Lock Gel (Naturally Curly 2015 Editor's Choice). So please do share what your own definitions of beautiful are.
Be Your Own Beautiful with Cantu! Share your look at @cantubeauty #BYOBeautiful on Instagram and Twitter.
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I love nail polish but hate toxic chemicals. I try to minimize exposure to hard chemicals, and many traditional nail polish brands are packed with them. This has been a huge problem since I've been really feeling nail polish in fun colors for the summer. It adds much desired pop and personality to my personal style.


Like almost everything else in my life, I try to add a "greener" living twist. Many traditional polish brands include a long list of ingredients that are harmful to both people and the environment. Many of those ingredients even cause nail damage. There is no 100% nail polish, but there are many options now that are free from three main carcinogens (toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and formaldehyde). These two are even vegan, if that is a thing for you...

These wear as long as the other stuff. For me it is a solid week for manicures and about 4 weeks for pedicures. My pedicures last insanely long...


I am loving the glittering green's and the pink was a fun little addition. You can find Mineral Fusion at natural food stores, their website and on Amazon.

Make sure to follow me on Bloglovin' to be notified of new posts.

Natural Nail Polish

I love nail polish but hate toxic chemicals. I try to minimize exposure to hard chemicals, and many traditional nail polish brands are packed with them. This has been a huge problem since I've been really feeling nail polish in fun colors for the summer. It adds much desired pop and personality to my personal style.


Like almost everything else in my life, I try to add a "greener" living twist. Many traditional polish brands include a long list of ingredients that are harmful to both people and the environment. Many of those ingredients even cause nail damage. There is no 100% nail polish, but there are many options now that are free from three main carcinogens (toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and formaldehyde). These two are even vegan, if that is a thing for you...

These wear as long as the other stuff. For me it is a solid week for manicures and about 4 weeks for pedicures. My pedicures last insanely long...


I am loving the glittering green's and the pink was a fun little addition. You can find Mineral Fusion at natural food stores, their website and on Amazon.

Make sure to follow me on Bloglovin' to be notified of new posts.
Read more

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