Your skin shouldn’t get all the love and pampering; your hair is important too.
Taking good care of your hair is essential. And having your hair essentials is very good too.
You may not have time to see your stylist, and you may even prepare to work on your hair yourself.
Here are the hair care products and tools most women should have on hand.
Hair Brushes
The higher quality your hairbrush, the healthier your hair.
Don’t fret about spending money on a good brush because they’re worth it and last a lot longer than a cheap one; plus, they would do your hair better.
The Right Shampoo for Your Hair Type
Shampoos work by cleansing your hair of dirt and oil.
It’s important to buy shampoo formulated for your hair type.
A Curling Iron and Flat Iron
It’s good to have these on hand if you want to change up your look.
They both work on all hair types. Curling irons will add volume to flat hair and structure to wavy hair.
Flat irons help tame curls and flatten straight hair even more so it falls like a sheet. Always use a flat iron with ceramic plates, it is much safer on hair.
An Ionic Blow Dryer
Get a good blow dryer. The more powerful your dryer, the better.
A strong, ionic blow dryer, will speed drying time which reduces your hair’s exposure to damaging heat. If you have thick hair, you’ll want a dryer with at least 1,875 watts.
If you have finer hair than most people, make do with 1,500 watts.
Conditioner
It is important to condition your hair after every shampoo.
Hair pros will tell you conditioner can help repair heat- and chemical-damaged hair. The truth is conditioners protect your hair from these things.
If you want to spend less time brushing out long wet hair, condition the ends. Your comb will zip right through your hair.
DIY: Hair Steam
Yes, I wish that was my hair in the picture too.
Ladies, don’t you just love how these days most of the stuff in your fridge can be used on your hair? I mean food stuff would not go to waste anymore. I am serious, though. With the rise of the naturalistas and team naturals, many natural hair gurus have let us in on exciting, never been thought of products for luxurious hair. With these products from the house, you may not need even to visit the salon.
Before we get started, I am just going to list the cool items that can be used to steam your hair and also in a sandwich.
Honey
Shea butter
Yogurt
Avocado
Egg white
Aloe Vera
Mayonnaise
; Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Sweet Almond oil, Coconut oil, Argan oil
Though not all at the same time. I am going to share the simplest method to steam your hair with the right products all by yourself. Your hair will instantly feel stronger. Try these;
Egg, Conditioner and oils
Mix the egg, a conditioner of your choice and one of the oils mentioned above in a small bowl. Partition the hair into four or more parts. Use a small comb or your fingers to apply evenly around the hair. Cover with a shower cap for at an hour. You can do other chores at this time. You may also sit under a dryer at mid temperatures, definitely not hot to cook the egg. Then wash out completely with lukewarm water and dry. In this formula, the oils would provide moisture and shine. This is a simple protein treatment. Obviously, the egg is the protein which helps strengthen the hair bonds from the follicle.
Yoghurt, Aloe Vera juice/gel and oils
Protein is a vital part of yoghurt; it also contains lactic acid; an alpha hydroxy acid which strips the outer layer of the hairs’ keratin, helping to improve absorption of other nutritious products like the Aloe vera gel/juice. For the Aloe Vera, you can simply open one of the leaves and apply directly to the hair. It is a great conditioner, and the oil will help lock the nutrients in.
Mayonnaise, Honey and Oils
Mayonnaise is pretty much eggs and vegetable oil, so it’s a great alternative to using actual eggs, mixing it with Honey will give it the moisture balance and the oils will seal everything in.
Like in the method mentioned in the first option, mix all ingredients together and apply to the hair. Wash out completely.
DIY Beauty: Whipped Body Butter
This Body Butter is great for sensitive skin and also great for Babies. It makes use of Shea butter and Cocoa butter which is a highly moisturising combination. Try it, and you will love it!
Ingredients
½ cup Shea butter
½ cup Cocoa butter
½ cup Coconut oil
½ cup Light oil (e.g. almond oil, jojoba oil or olive oil)
20 drops of Lavender essential oil
Procedure
Using the double boiler method, combine all the ingredients except the essential oil
Melt the mixture over medium heat while stirring
Remove the mixture from heat and allow to cool slightly
Add the essential oil
Place the mixture in the fridge for an hour and allow it to harden just slightly
Whip with a hand mixer for about 10 minutes
Return to the fridge for another 10 -15 minutes to allow it set
You are done! And your whipped cream is ready for use.
Store your butter in a glass jar and place in a cool area.
Use it as you use your body cream.
Tips
For the Double boiler method; place a pot with water on the stove, place a smaller pan or bowl with the ingredients into the pot and put on the heat
You can use any essential oil of choice in step 3.
Trending Hairstyles For The Holiday
While finding the perfect outfit to wear during this holiday is incredibly important, finding the ideal Christmas hairstyle is just as essential.
A lot of times you may look to magazines, friends, Instagram and YouTube videos to find the perfect holiday hairstyle and while there is an amazing inspiration through these sources, we’re constantly looking at runway shows for hairstyle inspiration.
Of course, many looks on the runway may seem a little out there, but luckily, there are many designers who opt for simple, cute hairstyles that can be worn outside the runways—especially to holiday outings.
From braids to fringe to pixie cuts, these runway looks show exactly how to style your hair for the holidays no matter where you’re going—from the beach to a family dinner.
The hairstyle for this season is Pixie cut.
These short hairstyles will flatter anyone and show off your best features!
Try a pixie haircut today!
Image via pophaircut.com
Image via short-haircut.com
How to Restore Old Weaves
I know how many times I have thought of vamping my old weave but out of laziness just drop it off at a salon or buy a new one. Well, times are changing especially now when saving money is very important.
If you live in the tropics like we do, it is inevitable that your weave no matter how expensive would not need some sprucing after a while. You know when it is new it is soft and silky, you can run your fingers through it easily. As it gets older, it becomes harder to comb. It becomes fuzzier than it used to and the ends become tangled. This happens because of sweat and humidity acting on it.
First thing;
1. Detangle
You do not just put it in water immediately. It would make the weave more difficult to comb and cause a lot of shedding. So comb first from bottom up
2. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need help with the combing. Something to soften the hair, try a conditioner. You would be able to comb easier
3. Get rid of the build up
Of depending on how long you have had your weave in, you would have applied all sorts of hair products to it. make the weave greasy and less bouncy.
You have two secret weapons; Use bleach or a gentler method with apple cider vinegar
For the bleach; use one part of bleach with two parts of hot water. Immerse the hair in the solution for two minutes and comb out
For the apple cider vinegar; soak hair for about 20 minutes in a solution of apple cider vinegar and water
4. Shampoo
Wash out with shampoo and condition. Remember this is not laundry, so no excessive scrubbing
5. Rinse out and air dry
That’s the final stage. Avoid direct so you don’t mess up your good work
Viola !
DIY: Homemade Baby Soap
Would you like to learn how to make your very own homemade soap? This all-natural soap is simple and inexpensive.
Ingredients
Black soap
3 tbsp. Shea butter
2 tbsp. Glycerin
3 tbsp. Jojoba oil
2 tbsp. Almond oil
2 tbsp. Castor oil
2 tbsp. Aloe Vera gel
2 tbsp. Camwood (Osun)
Mini Mortar and Pestle
Tbsp. – Tablespoon
Procedure
Cut theblack soap into pieces
Place into the mortar and pound well until smooth
Add the other ingredients (Shea butter, Glycerin, Jojoba oil, Castor etc.) and very well to mix them together
Pour the mixture into a mould or container
Store the mixture for a few weeks in a cool, place to allow it cure
Your baby soap is ready for use.
Tips
The Mini mortar, Black soap and Osun in most local markets the herb sections.
You can use any small bowl as your mould, as long as it is lidded
Allowing your soap to cure (step 5) ensures you get a longer lasting soap bar with very rich lather
Using Beer For Long Healthy Hair
For centuries, the popular drink, beer has been used to make bread, batters, and cakes – and often to cool off at the end of a long day at work.
However, the dominant proteins, yeast and B vitamins content in this age-old drink can also soften and volumize your hair.
Whether you add it to your hair mask or a quick rinse, beer is an all-natural treatment for your hair.
One of the many advantages of beer is its ability to induce hair growth.
If you are looking towards triggering hair growth, there is nothing better than adhering to this option, beer for hair growth.
Beer for the hair is safe, simple to use as well as free from all kinds of side effects.
Along with vitamin B, the protein content in malt and hops (which are active ingredients of beer) have been proven to repair damaged hair.
The sucrose and maltose sugars present in beer will help tighten and strengthen hair cuticles for an enhanced shine.
Beer is useful for controlling dry scalp along with improving the lustre and quality of hair.
Beer contains a natural ingredient known as silica. Silica is known to add volume to the hair and make it thicker. So beer is an excellent choice when it comes to natural ways of adding volume to the hair as well as enhancing hair growth.
How To Use Beer For Your Hair
You can use beer as a hair rinse or use it as an ingredient in your hair mask.
Beer Hair Rinse
Ingredients:
1 oz. distilled water
1 oz. beer
2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
7 drops lemon essential oil (or your favourite scent)
Directions: Shampoo and rinse hair as usual. Pour the beer mixture on your hair and work it through. Rinse off with lukewarm. Do not use hot water. Do this once a month for fine strands.
Hair Mask:
Mask with beer and eggs (for oily and normal hair only)
Directions: Add one egg yolk to 100 ml beer and mix it. Rub mixture into scalp and distribute the rest of it by hair length.
Wear a shower cap and keep a mix of eggs and beer on for 20 minutes. Rinse it off with water. Your hair will be shinier and will grow faster.
Mask for dry hair
Add in a glass of warm, flat beer, a teaspoon of olive oil; mix it and apply it to your hair. Keep mixture for 20 min and rinse it out with water. You can use shampoo if you feel it is necessary.
What They Don’t Tell You about Eyelash Extensions
In the spirit of beauty and all the things I was learning from social media, I decided to get eyelash extensions. I am not talking about the ones you get stuck on when trying to slay with your Aso Ebi at that society wedding. I am talking Silk Lash Extensions, natural looking (Kardashian-esque), individually attached which last at least three weeks before you need refills.
Honestly, they are beautiful. I still have the eyelashes on as I type this and I get at least one compliment a day.
Here is what I wish someone had told me before I got them;
Do a Patch Test
This is the most important thing. You should try out the lashes before you get the full installation. I was thinking Nothing dey kill black man and it turned out the glue was too strong for me, and I had bloodshot eyes for two days. Some people have allergic reactions to the lashes or the glue. If you do a patch test the technician can try a different brand that would be less intrusive
Talk to your Stylist
If you go to a he/she would be able to pick the best style of lashes to suit your features. it is best to state your preference so you don’t end up with lashes too full or too long to be taken seriously at work
It takes about three hours to get silk lash extensions fitted in
The lashes are attached to each single to give a natural look. You cannot count your but it turns out your technician can and will
You get addicted
I used to think, ‘Who has time to be doing this all the time?’ Err It turns out I do. After seeing yourself as a diva for weeks, It is hard to go back.
Let me know If you get them.
Lifestyle: 8 Fun Things To Do During Your Leisure Time
You don’t have to sleep every time you are less busy. You need to be physically active if you want to live a healthy lifestyle.
Getting a good sleep in the night and a 30-minute nap during the day is enough sleep for you.
When you are not busy, find something to do to keep you active.
There is a list of fun things you can do instead of sleep or lying down doing nothing.
Here are 8 fun things to do during your leisure time.
Reading
Read novels, magazines, read stories and articles online.
Look for an endless supply of stuff to read on the Internet, pick up books at bookstores, or take advantage of your free library card and gain access to everything from the old classics to the latest best-sellers.
Walking
Asides its benefits to the cardiovascular health, walking is an excellent way to clear your head, let off some steam, and just enjoy the outdoors.
You can walk the trail at your local park or just walk your neighbourhood after your dinner. The benefits are the same, and it’s free.
Play Cards
Playing cards is a fun and easy way to relax and unwind, and it is also a great option when your Internet connection mysteriously goes down, and you decide to reinvent family time.
Puzzles
Play puzzles. Puzzles are cheap and easy to find.
And depending upon your level of patience, puzzles can be a wonderful way to spend a quiet evening at home. You can go for the jigsaw, crossword puzzles or Sudoku.
They help improve concentration, memory, and critical thinking.
Learn dancing
Asides being a fantastic form of exercise, dancing is intensely expressive, allowing you release your tension while working up a sweat.
Learn dance styles, such as Salsa, Latin, or Hip Hop on YouTube or just turn on your radio and go freestyle.
Visit homes
Visiting shelters, orphanages, nursing homes will be a new experience. Your stay will mean a lot to them, and the interactions can be fun and productive for you.
Browse the internet
You can learn a lot on the web. Visit blogs, forums, websites, read news, watch videos online.
Visit Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms to connect with your friends and have fun.
Watch movies
You can either go to the cinema to see a film or watch by yourself at home.
Watch a comedy and laugh the stress off.
How to prevent Oily skin
Oily skin can clog pores and lead to acne problems, but don’t worry; here are a few easy ways to prevent oily skin
1. Wash your Face
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle facial cleanser. Using a basic face cleanser is the best way to avoid oily skin.
When washing your face, use lukewarm water as hot water may dry out or irritate your face. You should also stay away from harsh soaps or cleansers.
Also, ensure you wash your makeup off completely before going to bed at night as makeup will clog your pores if not completely removed.
2. Use oil-free and Moisturisers and Sunscreen
Oily skin still needs to be moisturised, and it also has to be protected from Ultraviolet radiation, but avoid using oil-based products. Before you buy any facial or skin care products, check the ingredients and ensure they are not oil-based.
3. Eat Healthy
Foods rich in antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids will help improve the appearance and texture of your skin. Reduce (Avoid, if possible) the intake of sugar and fried foods as they cause oily skin.
Foods rich in anti-oxidants include beans, apples, whole grains and peppers while Omega-3 fatty acids foods include salmon and tuna, you might also consider taking fish oil supplements.
Ensure you eat fresh fruits and vegetables as much as possible.
4. Drink plenty of Water
Water is life; you should drink at least 8 glasses of Water daily. Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin.
5. Exercise
Physical activity provides a range of benefits including preventing oil. Regular exercise will help keep your skin healthy and smooth.
Ensure you take a shower after your exercise to wash away the sweat and bacteria.
6.Sleep well
Lack of sleep interrupts your body’s ability to maintain healthy skin. You need 7-9 hours’ sleep every night.
