Tips On How To Summer-ize Your Hair

Summer is here and the heat has officially begun to wreak havoc on our hair! Remember that dryness is the enemy (why? because it leads to breakage), so here are a few tips to help your hair stay hydrated, leading you to retain length throughout the summer.

1. Co-wash frequently. This is one of the best ways to instantly infuse moisture into the hair. As opposed to shampoo, it cleanses the hair without removing your natural oils. Do this 2-3x/week.
   
2. Increase your deep conditioning. Instead of deep conditioning once a week, increase it to 2-3x/week. Remember, water is your friend!
   
3. Moisturize & Seal often. You should be moisturizing internally (i.e. drinking 8 glasses of water a day) and externally. Moisturizing your hair with a water based moisturizer (water should be the first ingredient) at least twice a day should do the trick (depending on your hair type). If you are the type to lightly spritz throughout the day, try a mixture of Aloe Vera Juice, Water, Glycerin and Coconut Oil in a spray bottle for softness and moisture. This will also help cool your scalp.
   
4. Introduce humectants in your regimen. Humectants draw moisture from the air into your hair. So take advantage of those hot humid days by adding Honey, Glycerin or Castor Oil to your Moisturizers and/or Deep Conditioners. Or you can purchase moisturizers with at least one of these ingredients to increase hydration. Your hair will thank you.
   
5. Rock a damp/wet bun. Dampen your hair with water (if you haven't co-washed or deep conditioned first), apply your moisturizer then seal, immediately bun your hair. Damp bunning a simple and an easy way to lock in moisture.
   
   



6. Wear a hat. This will ensure maximum protection from the sun and keep you cool.
   
7. Baggy your ends. Moisturize and seal then baggy for a few hours or overnight. This will give your hair a quick pick-me-up of hydration.
   
8. Protect your hair with Protective Styles. Opt for easy styles. Rock a chic side bun, french braid or half wig for protection against the heat. These low manipulation styles will help lock in moisture, prevent breakage and help retain length.
   
   
   



9. Beat Frizz. Keep your ends covered in the styles listed above and/or invest in an anti-frizz leave-in solution i.e. Leave-in Conditioner, Serum etc. to apply on the hair while damp for better results. Remember, frizz is caused by dryness, therefore; the best way to prevent dryness is to keep the hair moist and don't touch it (constant manipulation of the hair can cause frizz)!
   
10. Put down the Blow Dryer & Air Dry! Using heat frequently while in the heat can really rob the hair of moisture leading to unnecessary dryness and breakage. Put down the blow dryer and try air drying for a change. Give your hair a break. It may take a little longer but it's much healthier.
    

♥ Sunshyne

Hair Question: Is there anyway to prevent burning when I relax my hair?

Question:

"Is there anyway to prevent burning when I relax my hair? I switched to a lye relaxer (ORS) and it burned the heck out my scalp the last two times I used it. I based my entire scalp both times.

First I used regular, then I used extra strength lye relaxer. I assumed that extra strength would help it process faster therefore I would experience less irritation, but it burned twice as much.

I love the results better than no lye (I don't that gritty mineral build up feeling), so I don't want to go back, but the pain is really bad."

Advice:

I'm sorry to hear that the relaxer burned you badly. The reason why you burned could be due to several factors:

1. You washed too close to your relaxer day - It's important to wash 4-5 days prior to a relaxer retouch. Washing too close to your relaxer date can cause burning and irritation during the relaxer.

2. You itched/scratched your scalp - Keep your fingers AWAY from your scalp. Scratching your scalp can lift skin cells off of your scalp leaving it exposed to the relaxer, therefore, causing a burning sensation.. It will seep into the cracked skin and burn you.

3. Lack of Detangling - Pulling through the hair while you are relaxing can cause irritation because the hair is being tugged from the scalp leaving your scalp more sensitive and prone to burns.

4. The oil you used was not thick enough for your sensitive scalp - Use a thicker oil like Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Avocado Oil etc. to base with. These oils will provide a light coating over the scalp to prevent burns and irritation yet still allowing the relaxer to penetrate and straighten the hair to your liking.

5. You used the teeth of the comb to smooth the new growth - Make sure you are using the BACK of a comb or your hands so that you are not disturbing the scalp. Using the teeth section of a comb to smooth may scratch the scalp allowing the relaxer to get in contact with fresh skin which then causes burning!

6. You did not pay attention to the time limit - Be on point with how long you leave the relaxer on to process for. Follow the directions on the relaxer jar.

7. You worked out or did some physical activity before your relaxer - Do not exercise for 2 days before you get a relaxer. The sweat in your scalp opens up your pores making it very susceptible to burning.

I highly recommend (for sensitive people like yourself) that you base your scalp the night before and the day of your relaxer, in sections. This will ensure that you do not get burned since you are highly protected. Don't forget to base the entire perimeter of your hairline, ears, behind your ears, nape etc.

Please keep in mind that the problem could also be because of your high sensitivity and this particular relaxer may not be the right "fit" for you. Using a relaxer specifically for sensitive scalp may be the best route to go i.e. Affirm FiberGuard Sensitive Scalp Creme Relaxer, Vitale Mo Body Sensitive Scalp Relaxer, Mizani sensitive scalp etc.

Overall, when getting a re-touch, just leave your hair alone! Do not touch the scalp, itch or scratch. Low manipulation is key.

Hope that helps,

♥ Sunshyne

Low Manipulation Vs. Protective Styles

Question:

"Is a braid out a protective style?"

Advice: It's so funny how often I get this question, but the answer is No!

A braid out is considered a low manipulation style. Low manipulation, basically means styling the hair with no direct heat. Braid outs, twist outs, bantu knots, pin curls, flexi rod sets, roller sets etc. are all under the category of low manipulation styles. These styles require no direct heat (blow dryer or flat iron) and barely any energy or skill on your part. They are easy to do and healthier style choices since direct heat is the quickest way to dry out the hair.

A protective style is where your ends are protected, shielded away, and invisible to outside elements i.e. weather (rain, snow, wind, sun etc.). These styles really help in retaining length. Some examples would include buns, braids, cornrows, wigs, weaves, lacefronts, french braids, up-dos, phony ponies etc. Protective styles can be considered as low manipulation styles, however, low manipulation styles are not protective styles.

I hope that clears up any confusion.

♥ Sunshyne

How I Went From SL to APL in 7 months - My Old Regimen!

Hair Question:

"What was your regimen that made you get from shoulder length to arm pit length?"

Answer:

I get this question frequently so it's better that I answer it in a blog post. It took me 7 months (October 2007 - May 2008) to get from shoulder length to arm pit length. My regimen was pretty simple, however I used way more products back then.

Here's what I use to do:

I shampooed and deep conditioned with heat & oils every 3-4 days (Mondays and Thursdays). My deep conditioners were always moisture based mixed with oils & honey since my hair was moisture deprived at the time. I did my protein treatments 1x/month. I air dried 99% of the time, moisturized & sealed twice a day, put my hair in a bun daily, and co-washed maybe once a week. Overall, I did more moisture over protein, which helped me retain a lot of length and prevent breakage.

Here are the products I used to use:

Shampoo:

Creme of Nature Detangling Shampoo (green label)
Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo

Moisturizing Deep Conditioners:

Elasta QP DPR-11
AtOne Botanical Reconstructor with Moisture Recovery
Creme of Nature Nourishing Conditioner
Herbal Essences Replenishing Conditioner

Protein Conditioner:

Mane N Tail Original Conditioner
Aussie Moist mixed with 1-2eggs and EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

Leave-in Conditioner:

Elasta QP HTWO Leave-in
Elasta QP Oil Recovery
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-in Creme

Moisturizer:

Wave Nouveau Moisturizing Finishing Lotion sealed with Safflower Oil or Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil

Co-wash Conditioners:

Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner
Herbal Essences Replenishing Conditioner
Herbal Essences None Of Your Frizzness
Suave Tropical Coconut
Pantene Fortifying Conditioner
Aussie Moist

Some Techniques That Helped Me:

1. Baggying overnight
2. Damp Bunning daily
3. Doing the scarf method to lay down my new growth in the front while stretching.

Tip: As you carry on in your journey, your hair needs will begin to change. What worked back then wasn't going to get me to BSL because the extra moisture was thinning out my ends - so changes had to be made. Going from APL to BSL, my hair required more protein, less shampoo and less products. Be open to making changes in your hair regimen so that your hair will continue to progress allowing you to reach your hair goals quicker.

♥ Sunshyne

Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil - Love it or Hate it?

Lately, many have been inquiring as to whether or not I've tried the New Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil and how I like it. I'll be more than happy to answer those questions:




Have your tried the Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil?

- Yes, I have.

Do you like it?

- Yes!! It's a fabulous product :-)

How long have you been using it?

- For about 1-2 weeks now.

What do you like about it?

- The scent of course!! As soon as you open the bottle and take a sniff, you barely smell that over-barring burnt smokey scent. The lavender smell is very relaxing. I find that when I apply it, my hair smells very fresh and clean. The Lavender scent lingers for few hours. However, I've never had a problem with the original scent (I guess I just got used to it).

Would you replace the Original JBCO for the Lavender JBCO?

- To be honest, no. I think I will use both but alternate between the two. I've never had a problem with the original, so I don't see the need to replace it.

Overall, how would you rate the New Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil?

- I give it 2 thumbs up!! I also like how the label reads "No Salt". That's a bonus!

♥ Sunshyne

Tips On How To Winterize Your Hair

For those who live in colder climates (including myself), all know that winter will soon be approaching. The heavy winds, snow, and drier air can take a serious toll on our hair if we don't take the necessary measures to protect it.

Here are several tips to help you prepare your hair to withstand the harsh winter weather:

1. Cut down on Wash N Go's & Co-washes (walking outside with a wet head will probably get you sick). Co-washing 1-2x/week should be sufficient.
2. Wash your hair in the evening so that your hair air dries overnight as opposed to when you're outside.
3. Wear your hair up! Winter calls for thicker clothing, so wearing your hair up will protect your ends from snagging on wool coats, turtle necks, or sweaters you may be wearing.
4. Moisturize more often! Ever notice how your skin needs more moisture in the winter? Well so does your hair. Moisturizing morning and night will help combat dryness.
5. Bring out the heavier products! For example, Cholesterol Conditioners, Pomades, Butters (Shea, Cocoa, Mango).
   
   
   
   
   
6. Increase and Intensify your Deep Conditioning Sessions. The dry heat inside the house and the cold air outside can pull moisture from the hair. Remember to deep condition with a heat source (steamer, hooded dryer, heat cap) for at least 30mins.
7. Seal in your moisturizers with heavier oils. For example Castor Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil, or an Oil Based Moisturizer. This will provide extra protection from the brisk weather.
8. Try Hot Oil Treatments. You can do them as a pre-shampoo treatment (20mins with heat) or after you shampoo. For an extra kick, mix oils into your deep conditioners for a 2in1 treatment.
   
9. Add a satin/silk lining into your winter hats. You can even wear a satin or silk bonnet underneath your hats to prevent your hair/ends from drying out.
10. Hide your hair! Increase your protective styling. This will help retain length and lock in moisture. You can try buns, French Twists, Braids, Wigs (Half or Full), Weaves etc.
    

♥ Sunshyne

Hair Question: Is Lanolin Good For The Hair?

Question:

"I am curious about the lanolin oil in the hollywood beauty castor oil. I've been reading that lanolin is a bad ingredient to have in any of your hair care products, so what about the hollywood beauty castor oil with mink oil? Is that ok to use ?"

Advice:

Lanolin is a very greasy material produced by the sebaceous glands of sheep. Lanolin is a mixture of fatty acids, wax esters, and a complex mixture of other organic compounds. In its natural state, lanolin contains about 25-30% water by weight. When applied to skin or hair, it is very effective at penetrating the surface and enhancing moisture retention. Lanolin is also beneficial because it continues to absorb moisture from the air, and can thus act as a humectant for the skin or hair.

Lanolin is sometimes considered to be too thick and greasy to be used liberally on curly hair, as it can really weigh down the curls and create frizz, but this is really dependent upon the degree of curl. A person with extremely curly hair would find it very beneficial to their hair. Its unique and complex chemical composition should make it very easily removed from the hair with a gentle shampoo or conditioner wash.

In summary, lanolin is an excellent conditioning agent for hair, but consideration of hair type should be used when selecting products for hair. People with extremely curly hair (such as those with 3C, and the 4’s) can most likely use lanolin-containing products in their regimen and enjoy soft, smooth hair without losing curl or gaining frizz. Those with wavy or slightly curly hair (such as 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B type) may find products containing lanolin to be too heavy.

Source

♥ Sunshyne

Hair Question: Castor Oil Vs. Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Question:

"Do you like the regular castor oil? Did you notice a difference between the regular castor oil and jamaican black castor oil on your scalp..which one is better?"

Advice:

I used the regular Home Health Castor Oil on my scalp for approximately a week before re-purchasing my beloved Jamaican Black Castor Oil (when I ran out). So, within that week, I did about 3 applications and I must say that I didn't like it much. Personally, I find that the regular Castor Oil is just too thick. It never really absorbed into my scalp the way JBCO does, so it left a weird coating on my strands. My roots were drier than normal, long story short...I just gave it the boot!

When I use JBCO, my roots/new growth stays soft, moist and shiny!! It acts like a humectant drawing in moisture. I definitely feel the difference between the two. JBCO is much thinner/lighter in consistency and it absorbs into the hair much better.

If I had to pick between the two, it would be Jamaican Black Castor Oil all the WAY! PLUS...It's raw and unrefined, meaning that it went through less processing, contains more nutrients (more potent), and it's not deodorized so it has a strong/rich color & scent.


♥ Sunshyne

Hair Question: Protective Styles For Neck Length Hair

Question:

"My hair is a little past NL, it doesn't fit into buns properly...it actually looks ridiculous....can you suggest another protective style for neck length hair?"

Advice: The answer is quick and simple. Neck length hair doesn't necessarily need to be protected in the form of buns. The hair is not long enough to the point where it's brushing against clothing and other elements causing breakage, so there's no real need to begin protective styling as yet. Once the hair is shoulder length and beyond, then you can begin to protective style the hair/ends.

In the meantime, opt for low manipulation styles i.e. twist outs, braid outs, braids, pin curls, wigs, weave etc. These styles will add more character to your do. If you're not feeling the options above, you can always add cute accessories i.e. headbands, pin up your ends in a fancy clip and go!

♥ Sunshyne

Hair Question: Protein Conditioners vs. Protein Reconstructors

Question:

"I'm so confused, what's the difference between protein conditioners and reconstructors??"

Advice: Good question! I've always understood it as, protein conditioners are typically surface-acting conditioners, meaning that they contain larger protein molecules, therefore, they do not penetrate the cuticle layers deeply. Since the molecules are fairly large, they tend to wear off easily in a few days. Moisturizing agents can be found in these conditioners, so you may not need a moisturizing conditioner afterward.

Now, onto reconstructors. These contain the highest quantity of protein and provide very little conditioning. They're more concentrated containing smaller hydrolyzed proteins that penetrate and bind to the cuticle layers a little more deeply. The results are usually more dramatic and longer lasting than protein-based conditioners - their sole purpose is to repair/reconstruct the hair shaft...so these treatments don't offer much conditioning, and generally have to be followed up with a moisturizing conditioner.


♥ Sunshyne

Hair Question: How to get Thicker Hair

Question:

"How do I get thicker hair?"

Advice: I get this question almost every single day. I, too, used to ask this question a lot when I first started out my Hair Journey. I never understood how to get my hair thicker. I was told that Biotin, MSM etc. etc. were the main contributors in having thicker hair.

Truth be told, they are not "mandatory" for thick luscious hair. From my experience and research, I've come across some tips that can help those looking to increase the thickness of their hair. Check them out:

1. Add Castor Oil into your regimen. It nourishes and thickens the hair i.e. as a sealant, prepoo, scalp oil, or in your conditioner.
2. Deep condition often. As we all know deep conditioning gives the hair strength and moisture. As you continue to Deep Condition regularly, you will notice your hair getting stronger and thicker.
3. Use Protein Conditioners once a week or bi-weekly. Protein causes the hair to swell in diameter. Protein treatments toughen the strands preventing breakage.
4. Use conditioners with Panthenol in the ingredients. Helps to thicken each hair shaft naturally. Panthenol penetrates the hair shaft and root, and can thicken the hair by up to 10%.
5. Prepoo with Amla Oil. Over time Amla strengthens and thickens the hair.
   
6. Relax only the new growth and protect the previously relaxed hair with a light coating of oil or conditioner. Relaxing previously relaxed hair causes thinning and can be very damaging to the hair. You will immediately see a difference when you relax the new growth only.
7. Less Heat. Opt to air dry, roller set or braid the hair instead. Applying heat in excess can cause thinness.
8. Cut off thin ends. Remove thin ends. They don't look cute and it can make your hair appear much thinner than it really is. You'd be surprised. Do no hold onto them for length sake.

*Please remember it does take time and patience for the thickness to come, but if you are consistant, it will come.*


♥ Sunshyne

Hair Question: Prevent Static Flyaway Hair

Question:

"What does it mean to have static hair? My hair just stick right up after it dry, not all of it, but like certain pieces."

Advice: Static hair is caused by dryness! It is very common to have static in colder months than it is in warmer months/climates. Dry hair tends to carry positive electrical charges when combed with a plastic comb and then they begin to repel each other the more you comb. When there is less moisture and friction, this only causes more static to arise. Static/flyaway hair is common amongst those with thin, fine, straight or dry hair.


Some ways to prevent it:

• Moisturize your hair.
• Use a leave-in conditioner before air drying or blow drying.
• Stop washing your hair with harsh shampoo's that strip the hair of it's natural oils
• Use a ionic ceramic blow dryer and flat iron when applying heat to your hair. These tools dry the hair without robbing the hair of moisture and it reduces flyaway hair.
• Use hard rubber, metal or wooden combs since these do not cause static electricity.
• Use a dab of serum after you've finished styling your hair to give your hair just enough weight for it to lay down.

♥ Sunshyne

Hair Question: Do You Use Growth Aids?

I get this question ALL THE TIME! The answer is...NO. I do not use growth aids in my hair care regimen. I must admit, I did try it (MN and Sulfur 8) very early in my hair care regimen for 2-3 weeks but I quickly became lazy with it and my hair smelt really bad because of it...Eeeww. So I ditched it.

I think that the BEST growth aid is making sure your SCALP IS ALWAYS CLEAN. Hair does grow, whether you want to believe it or not. A clean scalp is the best way to ensure your hair growth is not stunted, blocked, or inhibited in any way. With frequent Co-washing, Deep conditioning and Shampooing (with a Sulfate free shampoo), you will notice your hair growth taking off simply because there is nothing holding it back!

I just wanted to clear the air about this question. I guess many people think that hair can only grow fast if there is some growth aid product causing it. That is false where my hair regimen is concerned :-)


♥ Sunshyne

Hair Question: How to Treat Thinning Edges

Question: " What do you recommend that I do with my edges? They are awful. "

Advice: Thinning edges are caused by slow growth, scalp infection or an excessive amount of tension/stress applied to a specific area over a long period of time. To help the hair grow back, the hair follicles need to be rejuvenated to improve blood circulation and promote more hair growth. I've noticed that products containing anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, help combat dandruff and bacteria off of the scalp. The removal of dandruff/bacteria unclogs the hair follicles allowing the scalp to breathe resulting in faster hair growth since nothing is inhibiting the growth.

Here are a couple options:

a) Rosemary Oil - Needs to be mixed with a carrier oil (too potent otherwise). Known to increase blood flow, therefore, promoting hair growth.

b) Peppermint Oil - Needs to be mixed with a carrier oil (too potent otherwise). Gives a cooling effect/tingle to the scalp, and removes dandruff. Purifies the scalp. Known to increase blood flow, therefore, promoting hair growth.

c) Castor Oil - Cleanses toxins & impurities from the scalp, nourishes and thickens the hair. Stimulates hair growth while moisturizing dry brittle hair.

d) Coconut Oil - Promotes hair growth by revitalizing and exfoliating dead skin tissue from the scalp. Great in removing dandruff so that the scalp/hair follicles can breath and the hair can grow at a faster rate.

e) Aloe Vera Gel/Juice - Includes an enzyme that is beneficial in stimulating new hair reproduction.

f) Vitamin E - Antioxidant that enhances scalp circulation. Helps to increase and improve circulation of your scalp, promoting the growth of healthy hair

g) Miconazole Nitrate - Found in Yeast Infection Creams & Neosporin. Has antifungal properties. If applied to the scalp, it will remove dandruff/bacteria off of the scalp thus promoting hair growth (caution: can cause headaches).

h) Sulfur 8 - Provides a tingling sensation to the scalp. Helps remove dandruff off the scalp. Sulfur does three important functions in our body. It brings about hair growth, strong nails and smooth skin.

i) Mega-Tek - It stimulates and promotes RAPID hair regrowth without the use of silicone, synthetic polymers, oils or petroleum based products. Many ladies have seen great results with this product.

Hope that helps!

♥ Sunshyne