Foods for Healthy Hair

I've always been a pretty healthy eater, but lately I've been stepping it up a little. I do it for my health, to shed a few pounds for the summer, and to keep my hair healthy. These are my top foods (or beverages) for healthy hair that I've incorporated into my diet:

1. Water. Hair is made up of about 25% of water, so when we drink enough water, our hair will stay shiny and moisturized. Water also flushes out all of the bad toxins in our body. I discussed water in this blog a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, I didn't stick to my water routine very well. I don't know if it was because I was sick of running to the bathroom, or if I just got lazy. Anyway, I started it back up when I was pregnant and kept it up while I was nursing, but then I fell off again. In January, I promised myself to drink at least 60 oz of water every day. This meant I basically had to cut out any other beverages. I lost 5 pounds in one week! That alone was motivation enough to keep going. Some of things that help me with my water commitment are drinking it at room temperature (I can drink more this way), setting time goals (i.e. I have to drink 30 oz before 10am), and halting water 2 hours before I leave work (so I don't have to go to the bathroom on my way home!). I rarely even think about drinking soda or sugared juices now.

2. Flaxseed. Flaxseed is rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are essential for glowing skin and hair. I started taking flaxseed oil pills in 2008 to help the condition of my hair, but I had an allergic reaction to them. About 6 months ago, I decided to try just plain flaxseed. I mix a teaspoon into my oatmeal every morning. Salmon is also a good source of Omega-3.

3. Protein. We all know that our hair is made up of protein (called keratin), so we need to add protein back into our hair to make the strands thicker. I especially need more protein after the thinning I experienced postpartum. I maintain a high-protein diet of hard-boiled eggs, chicken, fish, and lean beef, pork and lamb.

4. Vitamin C. The body needs this vitamin to produce collagen and sebum, the oily substance, secreted by our hair follicles which naturally conditions the hair. Even a mild vitamin C deficiency can cause split, dry ends. I make sure I bring at least 2 pieces of fruit to work every day, and usually one of them is a fruit containing vitamin C. Lately, my favorites have been strawberries, tangerines and pineapple. You can also get vitamin C through broccoli, asparagus, spinach and other dark leafy vegetables, which I eat daily.

5. Nuts. Nuts contain the mineral zinc, which aids in tissue growth and repair, including hair growth. It also helps keep the oil glands around the hair follicles working properly. If you don't have enough zinc in your diet, you could experience excessive hair shedding. I also like nuts as healthy afternoon snack, so I avoid potato chips and other food I shouldn't be eating!

6. Carrots. Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A which are high in anti oxidants. Anti oxidants can help you balance the pH levels of the skin and also helpful in preventing the damage caused by the free radicals on the skin. Carrots can also help aid in hair loss. I bring carrot sticks to work as a snack, but I also juice carrots on a regular basis. They say that one ounce of fresh carrot juice can provide about 800% of the daily requirement of the vitamin A to the body. It can also help to burst the energy levels of a person. Carrots also contain vitamin C.

Other foods I eat to make sure I get the necessary minerals and vitamins are whole grains, shellfish, soy milk, lentils and beans. I take a daily multivitamin to make sure I get what my body and hair need as well.

No Photos

I haven't posted any photos recently because my camera is broken :-(

I actually tried to take it apart and fix it, but that was a disaster. I told my man to bring me an eyeglasses repair kit on his way home because I needed a tiny screwdriver. He said he would rather bring me a new camera, lol. I've had my camera for about 6 years, so I guess it is time for a new one. Even my stepdaughter told me that cameras have come a long way in the past 6 years. Alright, alright. They said they'll buy me a new one for my birthday next month, but I want one now. I need to take pictures of my hair, but I also just like taking pictures in general. How am I going to go another month without taking pictures of my baby and the rest of my family?! I know a lot of people do it, but I hate how photos from my phone come out. If I see one I like on sale, I might have to buy it myself.

Anyway, my hair is doing really well. I'm loving the products I've been using, and my hair has been so manageable. I'm focusing on retaining moisture through conditioners, so during the week, I've only been sealing with oil at night. It seems to be working pretty well. I'm convinced that either I wasn't using the right moisturizers and/or I needed a better conditioner. Well, I've been using Kenra for my deep conditioning for the past 3 weeks and it's been wonderful. Wouldn't it be nice to not have to use moisturizer at all?

I also think using the black rinse has conditioned my hair and helps it retain moisture. My natural hair color is a "dirty" shade of brown, and I have almost always had a hard time keeping it moisturized without a color rinse. My son has the same issue. Even though his texture is different from mine (probably 3c or something), his hair seems like it's always dry. I didn't get a chance to do it this winter, but next year I will be sewing satin linings in his hats like I do mine!

Product Review: Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner

I finally decided to try the popular Kenra Conditioner. I had a coupon, so I got it at a great price. My old faithful, ORS Replenishing, hasn't been wowing me lately, so I've been on a hunt for an ultra moisturizing conditioner to deep condition.

Product Description
Improves elasticity and manageability in dry, damaged hair
Wheat proteins moisturize naturally curly and coarse hair
Readily detangles and imparts shine
Hydrate excessively dry, brittle, and coarse hair
Deep penetrating formula replenishes moisture for greater elasticity

Ingredients
Water (Purified), Hexadecanol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Cetearyl Alcohol (Emollient), Ceteareth 20, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Panthenol, Isopropylparaben, Benzophenone 4, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), FD&C Yellow 5 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow 6 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red 40 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue 1

Directions
After shampooing, work small amount of product throughout the hair. Leave product on hair for one minute. Rinse with warm water.
Additional Uses
Add maximum moisture by applying Moisturizing Conditioner, covering hair with plastic cap and placing client under warm dryer for 10-15 minutes.
Revitalize old perms by working Moisturizing Conditioner and Styling Gel into relaxed curls and diffusing with a blow dryer.
Work small amount of Moisturizing Conditioner into dry hair ends to control frizz.

My Experience
Usually I don't try 2 new products at the same time, but I was so excited about my new purchases, that I used this after using the Burt's Bees pre-shampoo treatment. I shampooed with Elasta QP Creme Moisturizing Shampoo, did a 2-minute protein conditioner rinse with Mane n Tail, and then deep conditioned with the Kenra. It has a lovely coconut scent- another reason I couldn't wait to try it! I used maybe a little over a dime-size amount on each half of my hair. I left it on for a total of 45 minutes, 15 minutes with heat. Some of the reviews I read about this conditioner said that it didn't have any slip unless you add oils to it. Since it was my first time using it, I didn't add any oil because I wanted to see how the product would work on its own. Also, I'm not that concerned with slip anymore. It usually doesn't determine how moist or bouncy my hair comes out when it's dry. I also don't detangle my hair during my wash and condition process until I apply my leave-in conditioner- I lose A LOT less hair this way. When I was ready to rinse the Kenra out, I could see how moist my hair was. I proceeded to roller set my hair. When I took my hair out, I was in love. My hair looked thicker and shiny, felt moist and was bouncing all over the place! I didn't even need a moisturizer, so I just sealed my ends with a little oil. I pin curled my hair and went to bed, and when I woke up, I loved my hair even more. I got tons of compliments at work. This will definitely be a staple in my routine. I'm not sure if it was the Kenra, the Burt's Bees, or a combination, but I'm really happy with my hair. It is pricier than the other conditioners I use, but I don't think it's outrageous. My results are worth paying $14 (or less with a coupon!). I also didn't need a lot, so I think my bottle will last me a while.

This does contain protein, but I consider it a moisturizing conditioner. Also, my hair is loving protein right now.

Product Review: Burt's Bees Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment

I've read reviews about Burt's Bees Pre-Shampoo Treatment, but have never seen it any stores. I had a coupon for drugstore.com, so I decided to try it. I usually pre-poo with vatika oil or Organix conditioner, but lately I haven't noticed a difference when I pre-poo.

Product Description
Avocado Butter Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatment restores body, shine and manageability to dry and damaged hair. Perming, coloring and styling can leave your hair looking dry and damaged. This luscious formula combines Avocado and Olive oils to penetrate and replenish natural moisture to your hair and scalp. Rosemary, almond oil and nettle extract condition your hair leaving it soft, with a glossy shine.

Excellent for both women and men alike
Avocado Oil softens and conditions dry, flaky skin and scalp. Also stimulates hair growth
Makes a great styling aid too!
99.25% natural
Not tested on animals

Ingredients
Vegetable Glycerin, Olive Oil, Avocado (Persea Gratissima) Oil, Oat Flour, Lecithin, Sucrose Stearate, Sucrose Distearate, Magnesium Stearate, Citrus Rind Oil, Oat Kernel Oil, Chlorophyll, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E) (Vitamin E), Nettle (Urtica Dioica) Leaf Powder, Rosemary Leaf Powder, Vegetable Oil, Fragrance (Parfum)

Directions
Massage a generous amount (amount will depend on the length of your hair) of the treatment into wet hair and scalp, and comb through from your scalp to your hair's ends with a wide-tooth comb. Leave the treatment on your hair for at least 5 minutes and up to 20 minutes for maximum conditioning. Rinse hair and scalp thoroughly. Shampoo as usual. Use daily or as needed. To use as a styling aid, rub a small amount into palms and apply to damp or dry hair. Style as usual.

My Experience
I sprayed water on my hair to make it damp. I had read that the product was really thick and hard to get on, but I didn't experience that at all. It's thick, but it wasn't hard to apply. I did put some vatika oil in my hair earlier in the day, so maybe that's why it was easy. It has a sweet, citrus scent. I immediately noticed how shiny my hair was after I put in about a quarter size amount. As each minute went by, I felt like my hair got softer. I left it in for about 30 minutes before I washed it out. During my whole shampoo process, my hair felt moist and strong. Sometimes I do feel like I'm losing moisture as a shampoo, but not with this. I continued to deep condition and rollerset, and my hair was so shiny and moist. I didn't even need a moisturizer after I took out my rollers. Overall, I loved this product. I plan on using it weekly.

I'm curious to see how this works as a styling aid, although I'm cautious, since most styling aids don't do much for me. I'm going to wait until I'm past 6 weeks post-relaxer to see what it does for my new growth.

Product Review: Silk Elements ColorCare Sulfate Free Shampoo

I've been looking for a moisturizing shampoo for a while now. I've been using ORS Creamy Aloe or Creme of Nature or Elasta QP. The ORS is really just for clarifying, so I shouldn't use it weekly, and the Creme of Nature has been discontinued- I just found a stray bottle at the store. The Elasta QP is good, but I want something that I can see gives my hair the moisture it needs. I usually like products that are for colored treated hair because they usually provide more moisture.

Product Description
Silk Elements ColorCare Sulfate Free Shampoo is specifically formulated with a UV protector and silk protein to help prolong hair color vibrancy.
•Helps prolong hair color vibrancy
•Leaves hair soft and smooth
•Provides luxurious lather
•Hair left healthy looking

Silk Elements ColorCare Sulfate Free Shampoo is specifically formulated with a UV protector and silk protein to help prolong hair color vibrancy while providing essential moisture and conditioning to color-treated hair. Luxurious lather that gently and effectively cleanses. Hair is left soft, smooth, nourished, radiant and healthy looking.

Ingredients
WATER ,SODIUM C14-16 OLEFIN SULFONATE ,ISOPROPYLAMINE DODECYLBENZENESULFONATE ,GLYCOL STEARATE ,AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFOSUCCINATE ,FRAGRANCE ,PEG-150 DISTEARATE ,PPG-2 HYDROXYETHYL COCAMIDE ,PANTHENOL ,HYDROLYZED SILK ,HYDROLYZED KERATIN ,POLYQUATERNIUM-11 ,HYDROLYZED VEGETABLE PROTEIN PG-PROPYL S ,SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL ,CINNAMIDOPROPYLTRIMONIUM CHORIDE ,HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED EXTRA ,BUTYLENE GLYCOL ,DMDM HYDANTOIN ,IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE ,SODIUM CHLORIDE ,TETRASODIUM EDTA ,PHOSPHORIC ACID ,RED 33

My Experience
The first time I used this was after applying a color rinse. I usually shampoo my hair with a moisturizing conditioner after a color rinse to get all the color residue out, and to add moisture back into my hair. I used this a second time for a normal wash. I didn't like this product either time. It did nothing for me. It didn't feel like it moisturized or cleaned my hair and scalp well. It felt like it tangled my hair and made it a little drier.

This is the third product from the Silk Elements line that I didn't like. I didn't like the conditioner or the moisturizer. I'm all set with Silk Elements!

February 2011 Relaxer

I got a relaxer on Saturday after a 10 week stretch. It would be nice to go longer, but I think 10 weeks is my limit at this point. I didn't have a lot of shedding, but my hair was hard to style and my ends really needed a trim. I told my stylist to give me a good trim. It looked like she was cutting a lot and I saw a lot of hair on the floor, but my hair is still just hitting arm-pit length. Either I had more new growth than I thought, or I didn't need as much of a trim as I thought. Anyway, I'm happy with my ends now.

My main focus right now is moisture and thickness. I've been looking at a lot of old pictures of my hair lately, and I've realized that my hair has never been that thick (except when I was pregnant). I think it just looked thick because I had a short cut with layers for so long. I thought about getting layers this weekend, but I need to think about it a little more. I also haven't been good at keeping curls in my hair. Lately I've just been cross wrapping it at night instead of putting my hair in pincurls, flexirods or bantu knots. The weather has really been getting to me- I'm so unmotivated to do anything extra.

I need to find a way to keep moisture in my hair! I know the biggest reason for this dryness is the weather, because my baby's hair has been dry too. When we were in Jamaica a couple of months ago, both of us were able to retain moisture in our hair, so I know it's the dry, cold air that's doing it to us. I've been using a humidifier at work and home, and I'm drinking a lot more water, but I need something else...steaming? better conditioner and/or moisturizer? Probably all of these. I guess my hair has the winter blues just like I do!

Back to Black

I did it. I colored my hair black again. I really missed the shine and the thicker/healthier look. I wanted to use Adore semi permanent, but the beauty supply store I went to was out, so I used black from The Beautiful Collection. I did my normal wash, protein condition, and moisturizing deep condition (I added aloe vera juice to my conditioner). I just bought Giovanni Vitapro Fusion Leave-In, so I used that in addition to my diluted Infusium 23. When I took my rollers out, my hair looked like this:


I was really happy I decided to go back to black. My hair is so shiny, looks thicker and there are no grays in sight! Here it is after my saran wrap:

I also bought a 1/2 inch ceramic flat iron for my roots. I only used it for my roots in my part, and my edges. It made a huge difference. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to stretch my relaxer to 12 weeks, but now I think I can make another 3 and half weeks. Hopefully...