Is it Contradictory to have Natural Hair and still wear makeup?
I came across this debate on Facebook today and have had conversations about this with some other naturals.
Some people make the decision to go natural and decide that they want to alter their entire being in that aspect. They decide to go natural with what they put in and on their body. Only eat certain types of foods, don't wear makeup, etc, and thats okay. Then there are others who have embraced their natural hair status but still appreciate those little things that we as women occaisionally like indulge in to pamper ourselves, and thats okay too. For me, being natural doesn't define who I am as a person, it is merely a decision I have made about my hair. I have accepted my hair the way it is and love it. As much as I love my hair I also love makeup. I love the things you can do with it artistically I love putting it on woman and making her smile at herself in the mirror just because I put a little gloss or mascara on her. I look inside her and help her to bring that to the surface, and there is nothing wrong with that either.
You are a woman, natural or not, and if putting on some lipgloss or some lashes makes you feel good about yourself do it. People go natural for different reasons. There are some people who have decided to go natural for whatever reason and aren't totally comfortable with it. I know people who have big chopped and don't feel feminine because they've always had long hair. Well your hair isn't what makes you a woman. So do what makes you feel good about you. Put on some makeup if you want to, polish your nails, throw on some banging jewelry. For some of us this natural hair journey is about embracing our hair and not conforming and chemically altering it to please other people. The consistent message here is to do what makes you happy not other people. If putting on makeup makes you happy, do it. There is no wrong or right.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
and the Journey continues
100+ degrees and I'll have to say my hair seems to be enjoying being protected from all this heat and humidity! I have tried assorted styles with braids and twists still not comfortable with my little puny bun. I have purchased hair for my senagalese twists and will be getting them done in a few weeks, contemplating a sew in this week to hold me out til then. I have been following my regular regimine and am tweeking it a little bit. A wonderful long time friend of mine and natural hair guru known to you all as Kinkerbelle doesn't shampoo her hair at all. She co-washes only and doesn't occasional bentonite clay masks, so I will give that a whirl for the duration of my protective style challenge. Co-wash only. I recently picked up the Trader Joes Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner for this. Her hair is presently about midback length, healthy and gorgeous!
I have found that these essential oils stimulate growth so I will be coming up with some combination of these diluted with Jojoba oil, EVOO and coconut oil to do my scalp massages every other day alternating with my back 2 da basics shea whip.
BASIL, (Ocimum basilicum). Basil oil is a powerful scalp stimulator. When applied to the scalp you can actually feel it working. It produces a warm, slightly tingling sensation. When I use basil I do not have to use a conditioner.
CARROT SEED, (Daucus carota). Carrot seed oil is superior for hair and skin that is in need of nourishment, moisture and elasticity. It is indicated for alopecia areata, fragile hair, brittle hair and falling hair. It is calming to the skin and scalp. Carrot seed oil is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, essential fatty acids and other nutrients. It is expensive and harder to find than most essential oils.
CYPRESS, (Cupressus sempervirens). Imagine your self in a quiet forest surrounded by tall Cypress tress. The aroma of cypress oil can transport you to that soothing place. Cypress is used to reduce oiliness in the scalp and is good for dandruff. I use cypress if I am making a nighttime scalp formula that I will leave in while I sleep. It clears the mind and prepares it for sleep. It is important to use only the smallest amount (1 drop) in your formula or it could have the opposite effect.
LAVENDER, (lavendula vera) Lavender oil is a standard in hair and skin care. It has cell-regenerating properties. It is used to promote hair growth and to prevent future loss. It is effective for all hair types. Because it has the ability to regulate sebum production, it is useful for either oily or dry scalp. Lavender is often paired with rosemary in scalp and hair formulas. Together they produce an outstanding synergy for hair care.
Lemon, (Citrus limon) the essential oil comes from the rind, which is high in Vitamins A, B and C. Lemon oil is very versatile. It can be used for dry or oily hair because it helps to regulate sebum production. It is anti-aging and promotes cell-regeneration. It helps to restore the hairs natural ph level. Lemon oil can produce a healthy shine, especially to blonde hair.
PEPPERMINT, (Mentha piperita) If I could only have one essential oil for my hair it would be peppermint. It is refreshing and invigorating, excellent to use in the morning to get the day started! Peppermint produces a cool, tingling feeling as it energizes the scalp. It is used to promote hair growth, for dandruff and itchy scalp.
ROSEMARY, (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary oil is very well known for its superior hair care qualities. For hair care, it is probably used more often than any other essential oil, especially to promote hair growth. It is a powerful scalp stimulator for hair loss and to strengthen thinning hair. It is also used to shine and condition hair and to bring out highlights in dark hair.
TEA TREE, (Melaleuca alternifolia) Tea tree oil has become very popular. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is effective against any type of fungal condition of scalp such as ringworm. It is used to heal infections and to reduce itchiness. It removes build-up on the scalp and helps rejuvenate dull lifeless hair. It leaves hair soft, clean and manageable. Tea tree has a strong, clan medicinal scent.
I have found that these essential oils stimulate growth so I will be coming up with some combination of these diluted with Jojoba oil, EVOO and coconut oil to do my scalp massages every other day alternating with my back 2 da basics shea whip.
BASIL, (Ocimum basilicum). Basil oil is a powerful scalp stimulator. When applied to the scalp you can actually feel it working. It produces a warm, slightly tingling sensation. When I use basil I do not have to use a conditioner.
CARROT SEED, (Daucus carota). Carrot seed oil is superior for hair and skin that is in need of nourishment, moisture and elasticity. It is indicated for alopecia areata, fragile hair, brittle hair and falling hair. It is calming to the skin and scalp. Carrot seed oil is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, essential fatty acids and other nutrients. It is expensive and harder to find than most essential oils.
CYPRESS, (Cupressus sempervirens). Imagine your self in a quiet forest surrounded by tall Cypress tress. The aroma of cypress oil can transport you to that soothing place. Cypress is used to reduce oiliness in the scalp and is good for dandruff. I use cypress if I am making a nighttime scalp formula that I will leave in while I sleep. It clears the mind and prepares it for sleep. It is important to use only the smallest amount (1 drop) in your formula or it could have the opposite effect.
LAVENDER, (lavendula vera) Lavender oil is a standard in hair and skin care. It has cell-regenerating properties. It is used to promote hair growth and to prevent future loss. It is effective for all hair types. Because it has the ability to regulate sebum production, it is useful for either oily or dry scalp. Lavender is often paired with rosemary in scalp and hair formulas. Together they produce an outstanding synergy for hair care.
Lemon, (Citrus limon) the essential oil comes from the rind, which is high in Vitamins A, B and C. Lemon oil is very versatile. It can be used for dry or oily hair because it helps to regulate sebum production. It is anti-aging and promotes cell-regeneration. It helps to restore the hairs natural ph level. Lemon oil can produce a healthy shine, especially to blonde hair.
PEPPERMINT, (Mentha piperita) If I could only have one essential oil for my hair it would be peppermint. It is refreshing and invigorating, excellent to use in the morning to get the day started! Peppermint produces a cool, tingling feeling as it energizes the scalp. It is used to promote hair growth, for dandruff and itchy scalp.
ROSEMARY, (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary oil is very well known for its superior hair care qualities. For hair care, it is probably used more often than any other essential oil, especially to promote hair growth. It is a powerful scalp stimulator for hair loss and to strengthen thinning hair. It is also used to shine and condition hair and to bring out highlights in dark hair.
TEA TREE, (Melaleuca alternifolia) Tea tree oil has become very popular. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is effective against any type of fungal condition of scalp such as ringworm. It is used to heal infections and to reduce itchiness. It removes build-up on the scalp and helps rejuvenate dull lifeless hair. It leaves hair soft, clean and manageable. Tea tree has a strong, clan medicinal scent.
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