We all love natural hair, but it can sometimes be overwhelming and tricky. For those who had transitioned or had a big chop, the journey usually starts off with a buzz, but as time passes, being a naturalista becomes the norm, the excitement reduces and so does the enthusiasm to continuously maintain and style your kinks. However, some women’s spark with their kinks never die in fact, they always seem to come up with fresher ways of reviving or to sophisticate their kinks. We’ve come up with 5 natural hair tips to help you with your natural hair journey.

 

Trim and shape your hair

Sometimes the only thing holding your hair back from being as healthy as possible is getting a professional trim or by cutting off what is damaged. Keeping your hair shaped is important too if you wear your hair out often. Split ends will happen to the best of us which is why trimming your hair 4-6 times a year is recommended for healthy hair. You want to get your hair trimmed by a professional for two reasons, their shears, and attention to detail. If you trim your hair with scissors, you are already setting your hair up to split because scissors are not sharp enough for a clean cut and if it isn’t a clean cut it will split right after the cut.

 

Protective Styling

Having your edges tucked away in weaves, wigs or braids guarantees less breakage. But that doesn’t omit the fact that you may still need to sleep with a satin head scarf or wear a satin wrap beneath  wigs to protect your edges.

Product selection

Choose products that do the Job for YOU. Please don’t expect products to work miracles on your hair as it did for your friend, relative, or colleague.

 

Maintain moisture and hydration.

A moisturizer will have water as the first ingredient. If you look at the definition of moisture, water is present; water opens up the cuticle to allow the other ingredients to penetrate and work on a deeper level. Using oils and butter as moisturizers are not going to be as effective. Oils will nourish, seal and even soften the hair temporarily and so will butter. If you use a water-based, creamy moisturizer daily or as needed this will be more effective.

Protect your hair for bed.

Your satin scarf and bonnet should be cherished.

 

 

Whenever we jump-start our mornings with a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh figs, sesame seeds or chocolate, we feel more energetic and ready to take on the day. But did you know this breakfast super food also boasts beauty benefits?

Colloidal oatmeal, a natural product produced from finely ground oat grains that are boiled to produce an extract, is full of vitamins, minerals and lipids that add moisture to benefit the condition of one’s skin. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Stuart told said, “Oatmeal contains both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and as such is ideal for sensitive skin and to treat a variety of skin disorders (i.e sunburns, eczema and poison ivy).”

Here are five ways to reap the beauty benefits of oatmeal:

1. Bath Soak: For a truly relaxing bath, pour a cup of plain oatmeal into your tub as it fills up with warm water. Then add a few drops of lavender oil or a pinch of dried lavender. Soak in this aromatherapy solution for 15 to 30 minutes. The oatmeal will cleanse your skin and lock in moisture , while the lavender produces a calming, soothing scent.

2. Itchy Skin Remedy: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “itchy, dry skin often has a high pH level, but oatmeal can help normalize your skin’s pH , which can relieve itchy, uncomfortable skin. Oatmeal baths also soften and moisturize your skin, which helps lock in moisture and protect skin from exterior irritants.

3. Face Wash: Oatmeal contains chemicals known as saponins that are characterized by their intense cleansing properties. Saponins are commonly added to shampoos and detergents for its emulsifying and foaming abilities that create a rich lather. It’s believed that this makes oatmeal ideal to use as a face mask, cleanser or soap for every skin type, especially sensitive skin. For a simple homemade recipe, mix whole oatmeal with warm water into a paste and add a teaspoon of honey. Rub the cleanser onto your skin in circular motions to cleanse face. The antibacterial action of honey will also help to relieve inflamed skin and alleviate dryness.

4. Exfoliator Treatment: If over-the-counter scrubs tend to leave your skin raw and red, try exfoliating with a do-it-yourself treatment with blended colloidal oatmeal, coconut oil, brown sugar and lukewarm water. You’ll get the same cleansing and buffering properties without all the unnecessary harshness. Plus, the coconut oil will give your skin a healthy-looking glow.

5. Dry Shampoo: Just as oatmeal works wonders at removing excess dirt and debris from the body, it can also help to reduce the appearance of dirty hair. Blondes can brush through a light dusting of finely ground oats throughout their strands to soak up excess oils. Your homemade oatmeal dry shampoo will also help to relieve an itchy scalp.

Do you already use oatmeal in your beauty routine? Share your secrets with us!

WHILE THERE MAY NOT BE AN EASY CURE FOR PREVENTING YOUR SKIN FROM PRODUCING TOO MUCH OIL, THERE ARE WAYS TO CONTROL THIS SKIN CONDITION. OILY SKIN OCCURS WHEN THE SEBACEOUS GLAND PRODUCES MORE OIL THAN USUAL LEADING TO AN IMBALANCE IN THE SYSTEM. READ ON TO LEARN WHAT OPTIONS WE SUGGEST FOR MANAGING YOUR OILY SKIN.

CLEANSING YOUR FACE: WASH THE FACE USING A GENTLE CLEANSER TO AVOID IRRITATING THE SKIN. USING HARSH CLEANSERS ON THE FACE CAN ACTUALLY CAUSE IT TO PRODUCE MORE OIL TO COMPENSATE FOR ALL THE NATURAL OILS THAT WERE REMOVED BUT IF USING A GENTLE CLEANSER ISN’T WORKING FOR THE SKIN THEN TRY A CLEANSER THAT CONTAINS BENZOYL PEROXIDE, SALICYLIC ACID, GLYCOLIC ACID OR BETA-HYDROXY ACID.

ASTRINGENT PADS: THESE CAN BE USEFUL TO REMOVE EXCESS OIL WHEN ONE CAN’T WASH THE FACE. KEEP SOME IN THE PURSE OR AT THE OFFICE.

CLAY MASK: THIS DRYS OUT THE SKIN AND REMOVE MOST OILS ON THE FACE, SO IT IS BEST TO USE THE MASK SPARINGLY. SAVE THE MASK FOR SPECIAL EVENTS WHEN ONE NEEDS SKIN TO BE OIL-FREE FOR A LONG TIME.

MOISTURIZING: MOISTURIZERS THAT CONTAINS OILS LIKE SHEA-BUTTER AND PETROLEUM SHOULD BE AVOIDED, THESE INGREDIENTS RATHER ADDS EXCESS OIL TO THE SKIN AND CAN EVEN CAUSE BREAKOUT. CHOOSE MOISTURIZERS THAT CONTAINS DIMETHICONE AND LABELED OIL-FREE.

MATTE PRIMER: USE THIS AFTER ONE HAS CLEANSED AND MOISTURIZED THE SKIN BEFORE APPLYING MAKEUP FOUNDATION. MATTE PRIMERS HELP ABSORB EXCESS OIL THROUGHOUT THE DAY. GO FOR OIL-FREE AND NON-COMEDOGENIC MAKEUP PRODUCTS.
FOODS: EAT FOODS THAT ARE HIGH IN FIBER SUCH AS LEGUMES, FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND GRAINS. VEGETABLES SHOULDN’T HAVE EXCESS OIL OR BE OVERBOILED

WATER: DRINK PLENTY OF WATER, IT HELPS KEEP THE SKIN HYDRATED AND ALSO FLUSHES TOXINS FROM THE BODY. GETTING ENOUGH WATER IS ESSENTIAL IN KEEPING THE OILY SKIN IN CHECK.
DERMATOLOGIST: TALK TO A DERMATOLOGIST IF ONE CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS. ASK ABOUT ACCUTANE/REACCUTANE TREATMENTS, IT’S HIGHLY EFFECTIVE FOR OILY SKIN CONTROL. PREGNANT WOMEN OR WOMEN WHO MAY BECOME PREGNANT CANNOT USE ACCUTANE BECAUSE IT MAY CAUSE BIRTH EFFECTS.

TIPS: KEEP BLOTTING PAPERS IN THE PURSE TO DAB AWAY EXCESS OIL DURING THE DAY
LOOK FOR PRODUCTS THAT COMBINES MOISTURIZERS, SUNSCREEN AND FOUNDATIONS SO THAT ONE MAY NOT HAVE TO PUT ON MANY LEVELS

ENJOY YOUR BEAUTIFUL FACE!

If you ask someone how to look more attractive or beautiful, in all probability, the first thing you’d hear is to just be yourself, isn’t it? But is that really working for you?

Everyone in one way or the other is beautiful to someone. But not everyone is beautiful to everyone. No offence intended here, but it’s the ugly truth in life that sometimes, being yourself just doesn’t work for most of us. A girl’s attractiveness isn’t just skin deep. And so these are the 7 well noted tips you that makes you more appealing.

CONFIDENCE! Being clad in clothes that looks nice on you and having all the the best grooming before going out to wherever, you still remain beautiful, nothing extra. When you are in town what gives you that extra beauty is your confidence. Being confident makes your beauty stand out and that is extra. Take long struts when walking and look focus not too serious.
SMILE!  Never replace a smile with anything. A smile cum confidence gives extra beauty. Smile not only to people  you know but to all people. Smile in your conversations with whoever, Practice the art of smiling even in situations that gets on your nerves.

@toney_tengey
CLOTHING AND FRAGRANCE! Dress appropriately without appearing like you’re trying too hard. If you’re lost and don’t know where to start, take a look at a celebrity who looks similar to you or has the same body structure. As humans, smell plays a big part in the game of attraction, and if you smell wonderful and leave a waft of the perfect womanly silage behind you, it’s something no guy can forget, be it on a date or when you try to impress a guy as you walk past him! Find “your” perfume and always stay faithful to it. Often people are associated with a special smell, let yours be sweet!
FRIENDLY AURA! Your aura is something that envelopes you all the time, and you can’t fake it. Have you ever sat next to someone only to feel really uncomfortable and awkward all of a sudden for no reason at all? Or have you disliked someone the very first time you spoke to them? On the other hand, did you feel really comfortable around someone as soon as you said hello for the first time? When you meet someone, whether you realize it or not, your aura intermingles with their aura that’s around them, and if one of you feel negative, it rubs on to the other person. Fill your mind and thoughts with warm positivity and a friendly attitude. When you feel positive, your positivity will draw others to you all the time.
YOUR POISE! Walk, talk and behave like a lady. If you stand tall, walk gracefully and look elegant wherever you are, you’ll definitely be noticed and liked by the opposite sex. Remember, guys find girls fascinating because girls are so different from them. Show off your femininity with grace, and you’ll sweep every guy off the floor with your beauty and poise.

@Lharley
GOOD VIBES! It is good to mind your business. But remember you have to be extra beautiful. So the next time you see the person next to you down, spread some good vibes by encouraging the person with some words of love.
And always remember that beauty comes with a cost, practice is what will give you that extra beauty.
GLAM UP! It’s not silly at all to spend a while everyday to take care of your appearance before you step out. If it helps you feel more beautiful, use cosmetics and work with different brushes and colors. You’ll feel more glamorous, more confident and happier with yourself.

AUTHOR T.T.

I mean who doesn’t want their nails to grow fast and strong when they add beauty to your hands?  And did you know healthy nail growth reflects the state of your overall health.?  If you’ve been wondering why your nails haven’t been growing properly lately, it may be due to some minor changes. It’s okay, here are some tips we have put together to help you get stronger and healthier nails. Use this as a starting point, and you’ll be on your way to achieving your “nail goals”!

  1. It’s important to maintain a balance diet

  2. Moisturize your cuticles regularly

  3. Wear a base coat always

  4. When necessary, use nail hardeners

  5. Get regular manicures and pedicures

  6. Avoid glue on your nails

  7. Keep things clean and simple

 

Gone are the days when there was no air refresher, body odor spray, tooth paste, fridge, water filters etc. how did our grand parents survive that era?  It is important to know right from the get-go that activated charcoal is not the same thing as charcoal for your grill or charred wood from the fire. Please don’t try to substitute or make your own!
Here are some benefits of activated charcoal

Teeth Whitening

Have your teeth become stained from coffee, tea, wine or berries? Activated charcoal helps whiten teeth while promoting good oral health by changing the pH balance in the mouth, helping prevent cavities, bad breath 

To whiten your teeth naturally, wet a toothbrush and dip into powdered activated charcoal. Brush teeth as normal, paying special attention to areas showing the most staining. Sip a bit of water, swish through mouth thoroughly and spit. Rinse well, until spit is clear.

For best results, brush your teeth with activated charcoal two-three times per week.

Note: If you have crowns, caps or porcelain veneers, it’s possible that activated charcoal will stain them. also, if your teeth become sensitive, quit using it.

Odour Prevention And Stain Removal

Activated charcoal is fabulous at absorbing odors, which is one reason it’s used in air filters and even in certain wound care situations where odor becomes an issue. It also serves as stain remover.

Water Filtration

Activated charcoal also helps remove contaminants from water. It is used in the Berkey system that our family used for years and even in most water pitcher systems. The 14-stage filter we have now also uses charcoal to filter water

Poison and Toxin Remedy

Activated charcoal is sometimes used to help treat a drug overdose or a poisoning.When you take activated charcoal, drugs and toxins can bind to it. This helps rid the body of unwanted substances.

When used along with other treatments, activated charcoal may be effective for an acute poisoning. But it is not useful in some cases, including poisoning from:

  • Cyanide
  • Lithium
  • Alcohol
  • Iron tablets

Alleviates Gas & Bloating

One activated charcoal use often overlooked is to alleviate uncomfortable gas and bloating. It works by binding the gas-causing byproducts in foods that cause discomfort.

Thinking of  to how make this Christmas one of a kind?. Thank your stars we came up with 4 ways you can have an exceptional Christmas.
1.Make notes: First of all, find time and figure out what made the previous Christmas boring or unfulfilling and then think of how you can make the  forthcoming one memorable. Write down your ideas.
2.Prepare: Everything exceptional is worth preparing for. Don’t  wait till it’s Christmas before you find the right to clothes and shoes to wear or that perfect place to dine or  even where to get your favorite wine. Do all these ahead to save yourself the stress and hustle during Christmas.
3.Show love: Show yourself love by showing others love. Pamper  yourself by helping others out with their problems if you can. You will see how amazing your Christmas will be if you are to do this.
4.Let it go: Christmas brings the year  to an end and you may burden probably because you’ve  set goals you couldn’t to achieve before the year came to an end. Sweetheart, there is more to look to in the year, so free your mind of all this thoughts of failures and disappointments and make your Christmas an exceptional and fruitful one.
ENJOY THIS CHRISTMAS WITH THESE TIPS.

AUTHOR T.T