If you wear your hair natural, you are probably familiar with
co-washing, or washing their hair with conditioner only. Conditioner
washing avoids harsh results from frequent washing with shampoos and
helps to keep natural black hair soft and manageable. Co-washing can be
done as often as you'd like, even several times a day (this is a plus
for natural hair wearers in the hot days of summer).

Oftentimes the question of "How do I co-wash my hair?" comes up. The
answer would seem simple, but there are some steps you can take to get
the most benefit from this technique and do it with ease.

* First, find a conditioner that works for your hair type.

* Get to know your ingredients. The long, hard-to-pronounce ingredients
on the label can be overwhelming. But with familiarity, you can learn
to spot which ingredients you want to keep and which you want to avoid.
Ingredients like propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol and panthenol are
common. Search online for ingredients lists. One such list can be found
at http://sci-toys.com/ingredients/ingredients.html.

* Recommended: Purchase an extended shower head/hose. Handheld shower
heads with variable sprays offer the best control for rinsing the hair
and are often well worth the investment.

* Rinse the hair with warm water. Avoid water that is too hot (if it
initially stings the back of your hand, it's too hot). Cleansing
results from the action of water plus cleanser (shampoo and/or
conditioner) and agitation (hand movements through the hair). Warm
water will clean hair well while hot water can be damaging. While
rinsing with water, gently comb your hair with your fingers.

* Apply your conditioner. This can be done in several ways.
Pour a line of conditioner into your hand (as opposed to pouring a
dollop) and apply each line onto parted hair sections. Work the
conditioner from the roots to the tips. Continue until all the hair is
covered.

Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large bowl, preferably
plastic. With the shower head, add water to the bowl and mix the water
and conditioner well with your hands. Bend your head over the bowl.
With a cup or other small container, scoop up some of the mix and pour
it onto your hair. You can then lean further over into the bowl and
wash your hair with your hands directly over the bowl if you'd like.
This allows for even coverage, but note that the conditioner will be
more dilute.

Squeeze your normal amount of conditioner into a large clean spray
bottle and mix with water. Shake well and spray liberally onto the
hair. Again, this mixture will be more dilute than a direct
application. This method is great for those who only have minutes to
spare in the mornings. Make a large batch of diluted conditioner, spray
your hair and rinse out after bathing.

* Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb with rounded-edge teeth. This
step is optional, as there remains a debate as to whether combing while
wet does more damage to hair than combing while dry. It has been said
that combing while wet can stretch the hair past it's longest point,
thereby causing breakage. However, many who wear their hair natural
report that combing while the hair is fully conditioned is the best
time for them, as the hair is soft and pliable, leading to less
breakage. In either case, comb hair gently by grabbing one small
section at a time. Comb from the TIPS first, ensuring there are no
snags then work your way to the roots. It's ok if you cannot comb from
root to tip in one stroke. The main idea is to ease tangles and
distribute the conditioner evenly.

* Allow the conditioner to set on your hair for at least a few minutes
if possible. Both steam from the shower and the conditioner itself will
work on your hair during this time. Give yourself a nice salt or sugar
scrub while your hair is being conditioned.

* Rinse your hair well, again with warm water. Ease your fingers
through each section while the water flows through to remove any
remaining conditioner.

* Optional: Apply your hair products at this step -- while your hair is
dripping wet. Many naturals swear by this technique and believe the
best absorption is gained at this time. At the least, your product(s)
can be more evenly distributed throughout your hair while it is sopping
wet.

* It's time to dry. Just as with the application, there are several
ways to dry your hair.
Dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing your scalp and hair with a towel at all
costs! Instead, simply dab and pat your hair dry, or grab sections and
squeeze excess water into the towel.
Shake and go. Lay your towel across the back of your shoulders
(lengthwise shoulder to shoulder). Grab the bottom corners of the towel
and raise it up to your head, almost over your head. Think of Batman's
cape raised up as he jumps off a tall building! With the towel raised,
shake your head from side to side (ear to shoulder) and left to right
(like saying no), shaking excess water into the towel. This is what I
call the "no touch" method. Sometimes drying the hair directly with a
towel can remove products you've just applied, even helping to separate
your freshly-formed coils and spirals. You want your coils to group
together to avoid the frizzies. This method is perfect for the warmer
months when you possibly can afford to go longer periods with damp hair.

Blow dry, but with care. When blow drying, the use of a diffuser is
best. A diffuser will spread the heat from your dryer more evenly and
minimize potential heat damage. You can find diffusers at most beauty
supply stores at a minimal cost. If you do not have a diffuser, use the
low heat or cool setting and blow dry from at least six inches from the
furthest part of your hair. Remember, you are not trying to get the
hair bone dry -- just dry enough to style and go out.

In summary, with the above methods you'll find shampooing your hair by
co-washing is a great alternative to traditional shampooing which can
strip your hair of much needed oils and moisture. With just a touch of
practice, getting in and out of the shower with a clean head of hair
will take less time than applying your makeup, and your hair will
benefit greatly from it.

--
Posted By Miss Sixx to Au Naturale by Miss Sixx at 10/31/2009 09:25:00
PM

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

In this award winning documentary about African American culture, Chris
Rock asks, "What's your definition of good hair?" The answers are as
varied as the hair itself. One woman interviewed said, "Someone that
looks relaxed and nice. If your hair's nappy, their not happy." Chris
Rock will take you back to your roots. Vanity Fair says Good Hair
is "Hilarious!" Variety claims "Audiences will wig out!"

When Chris Rock’s daughter, Lola, came up to him crying and asked,
“Daddy, how come I don’t have good hair?” Rock, known for making
people laugh, was baffled, and committed to finding the answer for his
little girl.

Rock's fact finding mission catapults him into a multi-country tour
determined to dig deep into black community and cultures. What Rock
discovers is the world of relaxers and straighteners, weaves and
extensions. Celebrities Nia Long, Kerry Washington, Al Sharpton, Maya
Angelou, Ice-T and more, share their personal stories in Good Hair, a
Sundance Festival film.

Speaking of Relaxers and Straighteners, these harsh chemicals -
sometimes referred to as "creamy crack" - are a huge money making
business. It's not unheard of for a treatment costing $5000.00 or more.

Horror stories of chemical burns and hair loss. This practice of
straightening, relaxing and totally changing a black woman's hair has
been described as a "torture session", and one that they put themselves
through time and time again to achieve the perfect look. Sodium
hydroxide can burn through your skin, but these women - and men - are
willing to take the risk.

There are so many pressures for black women to straighten their hair.
The lighter, the brighter, the better, the prettier, they want to go
like this - as Farrah Fawcett swings her head around, her golden mane
flows from one side to the other - that's how some black women perceive
beautiful hair.

Just don't touch the hair! Anyone that has gone through the grueling
process of extensions and expensive weaves, will not want you to touch
it. "Weave sex is awkward, just stay on top," says one woman with a
gorgeous head of hair.

The documentary isn't all serious and straight. Although Good Hair is
downright shocking and truthful in some scenes (it is a documentary
after all), it's also full of Rock's hilarious comments, innuendos and
big-hearted laughs. Human hair is India's biggest export. Rock then
goes on the streets with bags of hair and shouts, "Black Hair! Anyone
want to buy some black hair?" You have to laugh at that, even though
you know where it comes from.

Good Hair will be released in certain cities on Friday, October 9th,
and nationwide on October 23rd.

*Good Hair is the recipient of A Special Jury Prize: U.S. Documentary.

See the official "Good Hair" Trailer here.

--
Posted By Miss Sixx to Au Naturale by Miss Sixx at 10/11/2009 08:52:00
PM

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thank u... I thought it was me... Thanks for the encouragement :)
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: "Michelle (dredfoxx)" <dredfoxx@...>

Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:17:47
To: <BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [BlackTresses] Newbie


I am a few months short of 7 years, and in spite of what I have read over
the years where people insist that the fuzzies go away, I am convinced that
they DO NOT. Seriously. And as for how long your re-twist lasts, I have
never had it last for more than a week TOPS, and that is ONLY if I do not
work out, get my hair wet or damp or tousle it in any way.

Fact is, my experience is that retwists simply do not last that long but I
guess like everything else it depends and varies from person to person. If
my locs get wet whether it is from water or from sweating while working out,
in maybe 2 days they will look like I have done nothing to them. *shrug*
They are clean but super extra fuzzy.

Like someone else suggested braiding them helps keep them looking styled
even when the roots are no longer super neat and tightly retwisted. As for
your locs in the front...been there done that too. Once you get some length
that problem goes away.

The frustration is part of the process chickie. {{{HUG}}}


On Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 7:39 PM, <missixx1971@...> wrote:

>
>
> Hi... I'm locked almost two years... I must admit I'm getting frustrated..
> My hair is super curly and my loc always appear frizzy...mainteince ( re
> twist) last only a few days to a week.. And I'm in that in between
> stage...not long enough for a pony tail but looks horrible hanging down (
> the front drops forward like bangs ) sigh...just frustrated...extremely
> frustrated....
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Yummydread <mzyummydread@... <mzyummydread%40tmail.com>>
>
> Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:54:26
> To: <BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com <BlackTresses%40yahoogroups.com>>
> Subject: [BlackTresses] Newbie
>
> Hi all I'm new
> I've been locked for about 4 years...
>
> I love it
> Dreaming of Rainbows......
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I am a few months short of 7 years, and in spite of what I have read over
the years where people insist that the fuzzies go away, I am convinced that
they DO NOT. Seriously. And as for how long your re-twist lasts, I have
never had it last for more than a week TOPS, and that is ONLY if I do not
work out, get my hair wet or damp or tousle it in any way.

Fact is, my experience is that retwists simply do not last that long but I
guess like everything else it depends and varies from person to person. If
my locs get wet whether it is from water or from sweating while working out,
in maybe 2 days they will look like I have done nothing to them. *shrug*
They are clean but super extra fuzzy.

Like someone else suggested braiding them helps keep them looking styled
even when the roots are no longer super neat and tightly retwisted. As for
your locs in the front...been there done that too. Once you get some length
that problem goes away.

The frustration is part of the process chickie. {{{HUG}}}


On Thu, Sep 24, 2009 at 7:39 PM, <missixx1971@...> wrote:

>
>
> Hi... I'm locked almost two years... I must admit I'm getting frustrated..
> My hair is super curly and my loc always appear frizzy...mainteince ( re
> twist) last only a few days to a week.. And I'm in that in between
> stage...not long enough for a pony tail but looks horrible hanging down (
> the front drops forward like bangs ) sigh...just frustrated...extremely
> frustrated....
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Yummydread <mzyummydread@... <mzyummydread%40tmail.com>>
>
> Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:54:26
> To: <BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com <BlackTresses%40yahoogroups.com>>
> Subject: [BlackTresses] Newbie
>
> Hi all I'm new
> I've been locked for about 4 years...
>
> I love it
> Dreaming of Rainbows......
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hey Newbie...
Ah!!! To have baby locs!!! I remember the days. Unfortunately, with more loose
coil patterns, it is quite the norm to have the "Halo" as I like to call it. It
will not change regardless of length. I have been maintaining the locs of a
brother who has a halo for 6 years now. He manages to keep it nicely for about a
week before frizzies set in. I suggest that if you are getting your hair palm
rolled, you try a different technique.
Good Luck!
Tonia
Loc'd 6 years strong!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----
From: carwillis70x7@...

Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:45:24
To: <BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [BlackTresses] Newbie


My suggestion is to be patient through your process, they will look great once
you get a little hang time.  Even with the front hanging in your face, keep
train them to go the direction you want, once you get a little weight they will
hang the way you want.  All in all patience is the key
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: missixx1971@...

Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:39:06
To: Black Tresses<BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [BlackTresses] Newbie


Hi... I'm locked almost two years... I must admit I'm getting frustrated.. My
hair is super curly and my loc always appear frizzy...mainteince ( re twist)
last only a few days to a week.. And I'm in that in between stage...not long
enough for a pony tail but looks horrible hanging down ( the front drops forward
like bangs ) sigh...just frustrated...extremely frustrated....
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: Yummydread <mzyummydread@...>

Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:54:26
To: <BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [BlackTresses] Newbie


Hi all I'm new
I've been locked for about 4 years...

I love it
Dreaming of Rainbows......



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Also do you tie your hair every night? This also helps but only use a
silk or satin scarf...do you maintain your own hair or a professional?
When a professional does my hair its good for about a month. My stylist
blow drys my locks  after he twists them.

On Tue, Sep 29, 2009 12:21 am, carwillis70x7@... wrote:
> My suggestion is to be patient through your process, they will look
> great once you get a little hang time. Even with the front hanging in
> your face, keep train them to go the direction you want, once you get a
> little weight they will hang the way you want. All in all patience is
> the key
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: missixx1971@...
>
> Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:39:06
> To: Black Tresses<BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: Re: [BlackTresses] Newbie
>
> Hi... I'm locked almost two years... I must admit I'm getting
> frustrated.. My hair is super curly and my loc always appear
> frizzy...mainteince ( re twist) last only a few days to a week.. And
> I'm in that in between stage...not long enough for a pony tail but
> looks horrible hanging down ( the front drops forward like bangs )
> sigh...just frustrated...extremely frustrated....
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Yummydread <mzyummydread@...>
>
> Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:54:26
> To: <BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: [BlackTresses] Newbie
>
> Hi all I'm new
> I've been locked for about 4 years...
>
> I love it
> Dreaming of Rainbows......
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
Dreaming of Rainbows......

After u twist your hair..braid it...it stays longer

On Mon, Sep 28, 2009 7:26 am, missixx1971@... wrote:
> Hi... I'm locked almost two years... I must admit I'm getting
> frustrated.. My hair is super curly and my loc always appear
> frizzy...mainteince ( re twist) last only a few days to a week.. And
> I'm in that in between stage...not long enough for a pony tail but
> looks horrible hanging down ( the front drops forward like bangs )
> sigh...just frustrated...extremely frustrated....
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Yummydread <mzyummydread@...>
>
> Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:54:26
> To: <BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: [BlackTresses] Newbie
>
> Hi all I'm new
> I've been locked for about 4 years...
>
> I love it
> Dreaming of Rainbows......
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
Dreaming of Rainbows......

My suggestion is to be patient through your process, they will look great once
you get a little hang time.  Even with the front hanging in your face, keep
train them to go the direction you want, once you get a little weight they will
hang the way you want.  All in all patience is the key
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: missixx1971@...

Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:39:06
To: Black Tresses<BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [BlackTresses] Newbie


Hi... I'm locked almost two years... I must admit I'm getting frustrated.. My
hair is super curly and my loc always appear frizzy...mainteince ( re twist)
last only a few days to a week.. And I'm in that in between stage...not long
enough for a pony tail but looks horrible hanging down ( the front drops forward
like bangs ) sigh...just frustrated...extremely frustrated....
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: Yummydread <mzyummydread@...>

Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:54:26
To: <BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [BlackTresses] Newbie


Hi all I'm new
I've been locked for about 4 years...

I love it
Dreaming of Rainbows......



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi... I'm locked almost two years... I must admit I'm getting frustrated.. My
hair is super curly and my loc always appear frizzy...mainteince ( re twist)
last only a few days to a week.. And I'm in that in between stage...not long
enough for a pony tail but looks horrible hanging down ( the front drops forward
like bangs ) sigh...just frustrated...extremely frustrated....
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

-----Original Message-----
From: Yummydread <mzyummydread@...>

Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:54:26
To: <BlackTresses@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [BlackTresses] Newbie


Hi all I'm new
I've been locked for about 4 years...

I love it
Dreaming of Rainbows......



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi all I'm new
I've been locked for about 4 years...

I love it
Dreaming of Rainbows......

thank you.  this was really helpful. i'll try the soap. i have a lot of hair

Many new naturals are left with a counter full of products for relaxed
hair that no longer work on their newly chemical free tresses. One of
the most common questions I hear is: “What products will keep my
natural hair soft and moisturized?” Well below are a few fav's that are
easy on the pockets and easy to use..

Carol’s Daughter

Carol’s Daughter is one of the most prominent names in natural hair
care products, and with good reason. The company produces high quality,
nature based products for hair and skin. Recently, Will Smith, Jada
Pinkett-Smith and others invested 10 million dollars in the company,
which has led to an expanded product line and more advanced website.

My favorite Carol’s Daughter product is Healthy Hair Butter, which is a
soft creamy hair dress based in shea butter and almond oil, with
lavender, ylang ylang, and rosemary essential oils. It smells heavenly,
enhances the natural coil of the hair, and keeps it soft. It also
provides a gentle hold that will keep your style in place all day.
Apply a small amount to damp hair and massage in for best results.

Other Carol’s Daughter products to try: Tui Hair Oil, Hair Milk

Healthy Hair Butter - $12.50
Tui Hair Oil - $8.00
Hair Milk - $10.00
www.CarolsDaughter.com
Oyin Handmade

Oyin Handmade is an up and coming natural hair and skin product
producer, which is quickly gaining popularity among naturals. The
company’s down to earth presentation and personal touch account for
much of its appeal – but the products are also unique and what’s
better, they work!

initially tried a sample of Greg Juice on my locs, and it was the first
product that was able to keep my ultra dry hair moisturized. It is
based in spring water, glycerin, and aloe, and kicked up with an
essential oil blend that will have your hair smelling great and feeling
soft. The product is free of carrier oils, so it is a great alternative
for those who find that oils don’t work well with their hair. Greg
Juice also works best when sprayed on damp hair, and a little goes a
long way.

Other Oyin Handmade products to try: Honey Hemp Conditioner, Shine &
Define Styling Serum

Greg Juice - $9.00
Honey Hemp Conditioner - $9.00
Shine & Define Styling Serum - $5.50
www.OyinHandmade.com
Burt’s Bees

Take one look at the funny looking guy with the scruffy beard on most
of Burt’s Bees products, and you may not guess that this line of
products works great for black natural hair. Upon closer inspection,
the line includes several products that are well suited for the
chemically challenged.

The Rosemary Mint Shampoo bar is perfect for those of us with thick
hair and a lot of it. It provides much better control than liquids that
end up all over the bathtub floor, and allows you to get into all the
little nooks and crannies between your coils, locs, or braids. It’s 99%
natural, and the peppermint acts as a scalp stimulator and aromatherapy
experience all in one. You may need to use this shampoo bar a few times
to get the full effect, as it will gradually remove all of the product
build up that may be in your hair. It will leave your hair just about
squeaky clean, so follow up with a light oil to rehydrate your coils.

Other Burt’s Bees products to try: Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar
Beet Shampoo and Conditioner

Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar - $6.00
Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Shampoo - $8.00
Super Shiny Grapefruit and Sugar Beet Conditioner - $8.00
www.BurtsBees.com

When you are newly natural, you may have to try many different products
to find out what works best on your unique tresses. This process can be
frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be. Look at it as a fun and
exciting part of your natural journey - the above suggestions are a
great place to start. Try purchasing sample packs from websites or
stores, so that you can try small quantities of various products as you
determine what works best for you. Visit www.Nappturality.com’s Swap
and Sell Board for discounted or free-to-swap products. Enjoy, and try
not to become a product junkie!

--
Posted By Miss Sixx to Au Naturale by Miss Sixx at 9/12/2009 02:53:00 PM

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi,

My name is Nichole Hall and I'm a designer and creator of handcrafted
jewelry made especially for adorning sisterlocks.

I'm in Jamaica but I have my beautiful lock jewelry on sale on eBay. I
ship them from Florida. You could search for me by my member name
mrsnichole or follow this link to see the items I currently have on sale
on eBay:

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/mrsnichole_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_m\
doZ
<http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/mrsnichole_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_\
mdoZ>

Please check them out and place a bid. I know you'll love them. Thanks
for looking.

Nichole



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]