5 Common Pitfalls of Transitioning

Four years ago when I transitioned to natural, there wasn't as much information out there about transitioning as there is now. But, I still see transitioners who still have a lot of misconceptions about becoming natural.

Common Transitioning Pitfalls

Pitfall #1. Looking for THAT Magic Product. There is NO magic product that will grow your hair. Save your money and stick to the basics. Don't be fooled by gimmicks. Quality products don't have to cost a lot. Find what works for your hair.

Pitfall #2. Hair Type Obession. Your hair type is NOT as important as density and porosity. Knowing whether you have fine, coarse, and porosity levels can better assist you with product selection than hair type. For example, my mom whose hair is coarse and my niece whose hair is fine BOTH use Wen products. These products work well for them even though one is a 4c and the other is a 3a/b.

Pitfall #3. Coveting Another Natural's Hair.DON'T compare yourself to other naturals. Everyone's hair grows at different rates and the hair growth cycles are different. You may grow slower, the same as or faster than other naturals. Stop coveting their hair growth and texture. Be YOU!

Pitfall #4. Entertaining haters is like inviting a mosquito to a picnic. Listening to negative people will drive you insane. If you spend ALL your time and attention on them then you will be perpetually unhappy. STOP and focus on enjoying your natural hair journey.

Pitfall #5. Making YouTube THE authority on Haircare.YouTube videos are wonderful and provide information BUT you must also research for yourself. Because our hair is so unique, what works for some doesn't work for all. The beauty of the natural hair journey is that each one is tailor made for the individual.

Having so much information available can be both reassuring and confusing. It can be like going on a trip using GPS when a road has been closed or detoured. It's also like that awkward moment when you arrive to the party at the wrong address. You've gotta trust your instinct, because if you don't then it could be the difference between having a successful journey and one that is full of frustration and disappointment.

Are you a veteran natural, transitioner, or newbie? What lessons have you learned? What tips do you have for transitioners?

Practical Hair Length Retention for the Forgotten Natural

Many of the hair growth and retention articles and videos provide standard hair growth tips- moisture, protective styling, healthy eating, and exercise. But, when you're a "forgotten" natural, you are a part of the groups who do everything right AND it still doesn't work, it can be very frustrating.  So, what's a forgotten natural to do?

Looking back on my natural hair journey I realized that although I thought I was doing the right things, I actually wasn't. My hair literally stayed the same length for 2 yrs until I found Youtube, began watching, and reading information about hair for myself. The next 2 yrs of my hair journey my hair grew longer and I was finally beyond the TWA stage.

Here are some tips that I learned along the way to moving from my growth plateau:

#1. Closely examine your hair regimen. Are you cleansing too frequently or not frequently enough? Are you using damaging hair tools (combs, brushes, clips)? Do you have a moisture/protein balance for your hair? Have you tried protective styling (no/ low manipulation)?

Don't try to completely follow someone else's routine. You may borrow parts of someone's regimen, but work on designing one for your OWN hair. For instance, I tried co washing and my scalp TOTALLY rejected the idea. But, using little shampoo on the scalp and generous conditioner on my hair works well for me. Unlike some naturals, wearing protective styles like mini twists for months does not work for me. But, I can wear my hair in twists for 7-10 days then cleanse and condition.

#2. Review your staple products. For years I was a severe PJ (product junky) buying every line of products that promised beautiful curls and coils. I kept switching from product to product and my hair suffered breakage and baldness. The light bulb went off when I found the right products that contained the right INGREDIENTS. I began product looping and using products within the same line and/or products with the same top 5-10 ingredients.

#3. Look at your diet. I had to have a serious talk with myself because I was eating too many empty calories (sweets and fats). I began drinking a lot more water and green tea. I added more fruits and vegetables to my meal. I even began taking a healthy lunch to work. I added a great multivitamin like Nature's Way Alive Women's Energizer to my diet.I felt better and it helped my hair to grow back in the bald areas.

#4. Consider going to the doctor and/or dermatologist. My balding and thinning areas were a result of a skin condition known as seborrhea dermatitis. The dermatologist was able to provide a prescription shampoo and ointment to help with the reddening, dryness, and itch. My condition has lessened, but I now use natural remedies, such as Chagrin Valley Neem & Tea Tree Hair/Body & Cafe Moreno bars to control my condition.

Hair growth is probably one of the biggest areas of concerns for naturals. But, the key is to remember than unless there is a medical condition then hair will grow. The goal is to retain length.

My Fav Product Staples
#1. Chagrin Valley Shampoo Bars- Babassu & Marshmallow, Cafe Moreno, Olive Babassu, Butter Conditioner & Neem & Tea Tree Hair/Body Bar

#2. Shea Moisture Yucca & Aloe Thickening & Growth line.
Anti Breakage Masque & Hair Milk

#3. Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie & Curling Souffle

#4. Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp & Tamanu Hair Treatment Masque & Edge Taming Taffy

#5. Wild Growth Hair Oil

#6. TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture conditioner

#7. Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, & Grapeseed Oil

#8. Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier

Curly to Straight: Tips for Safely Straightening Natural Hair

Do you know the number one reason why many naturals say they want to flat iron but don't? Yep, you guessed it. Heat damage. I have learned some really great techniques for avoiding heat damage. In fact, these techniques have helped me to retain length despite heat styling my hair several times this year. Heat styling is a treat, but just as with treats the key is to not over indulge. It can be done safely without damaging the hair. Also, for many naturals it is perfect for length checks and trims.

How to Safely Heat Style in 10 Easy Steps

1. Cleanse the hair with a moisturizing heat protectant shampoo.

2. Use a good moisturizing rinse out conditioner.

3. Follow up with a deep conditioner OR use the deep conditioner as a prepoo.

4. Thoroughly detangle with a large tooth comb designed for curly hair. CAREFULLY get all tangles and snarles out.

5. Section the hair and apply leave-in. At this point you can opt to air dry OR proceed to blowdrying.

6. IF you blowdry (on a low setting) apply a heat protectant spray and lightly braid in big sections. I prefer 4 easy to work with sections.

7. Next, adjust the heat for YOUR hair. Safe heat styling depends on the temperature that is right for your hair.

8. Be sure to apply a heat protectant BEFORE flat ironing in sections.

9. Take your time and clamp the flat iron as close to the roots as you can get. SLOWLY move the flat iron in a downward motion. Some people use the comb chase method where you put a comb in front of the flat iron with your hair and move it down.

10. Allow your hair to cool before thoroughly combing it.

Great Heat Protectant Products I Use

#1. Nubian Heritage Black Seed & Honey Heat Protect line
-Their shampoo, cream conditioner, heat protectant spray, and mousse smell lovely and provide excellent heat protection.

#2. TRESemme Luxurious Moisture or Smooth & Silky conditioner- These are awesome rinse out conditioners and provide excellent slip when detangling.

#3. Kinky Curly Knot Today- I use this product as my leave-in BEFORE I apply heat protectant and proceed to style. It has plant and fruit extracts, so without water in its ingredients list, it is perfect for keeping my heat styled hair from reverting.

#4. Wild Growth Hair Oil- This oil works wonders as a pressing oil. I apply a small amount according to the directions to my sectioned hair. After adding this oil to my straightening regimen, I got my hair smoother and straighter when heat styling.

Do you have any tips/ techniques for safely heat styling natural hair?

Type H-Happy I Have Hair

There's a new movement blowing through the natural hair community-type H hair. What is type H hair? Well, unlike the other hair types, type H is pretty easy to spot. For one, you don't have to ask people to inspect your hairballs to see if your hair swirls, bends, leans, or swoops.

You might have type H hair if...

-Your hair does it's own thing.

-Pineappling makes your hair look like crouching porcupine, hidden rooster.

-You tried to make your hair look like the YouTube video and it came out TOTALLY different.

-You have little hair buds growing in the spots that used to be smooth as a baby's butt.

-You've just given up chasing that perfect afro, perfect twistout, perfect style pipe dream.

All my type H brothas and sistas-- UNITE! Throw your hairballs up in the air and wave like you just don't care. Hah! No, but seriously the last time I looked in the mirror and began to wish my hair looked like Oh, So Perfect Never a Bad Hair Day Waist Length Natural... I remembered not too long ago when I was just wishing my hair would grow. *Le sigh* How soon we forget.

Viva le type H hair!  *Starting the Type H revolution one hairball at a time!

Follow me on Twitter @Ravenpriestess1.

Be Featured As a Forgotten Natural Beauty Icon

Are you an inspirational forgotten natural? Every month I will feature an inspirational "forgotten" natural on my blog.

Forgotten natural beauties are those naturals, who have fought illnesses, scalp conditions, and/or overcome incredible odds during their natural hair journey. Featuring inspirational stories are close to my heart as I have suffered with a scalp condition for years and at one point I had visible hair loss. Years later no one could tell because my hair grew back under a doctor's care and also using natural remedies.


ALL forgotten beauties are welcome! Beauty comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes! This blog is for ANYONE who is a forgotten beauty. Whether you have curls, coils, or kinks, we want to feature YOU!


Share your hair journey!
If you are interested in being featured on my blog, please email me a before/after picture of yourself at ravenpriestess123@gmail.com and I will send you an interview questionnaire to complete.

Kick That Itch to the Curb! Itchy Scalp Fighters!!!

As someone who suffered from an intense, itchy scalp, I can truly say that it can almost drive you over the edge! When I became natural 4 yrs ago, I thought I'd never find relief from my scalp condition. While the doctor prescribed medicine helped some, my recurrences prompted me to learn more about natural remedies.
Here are some natural remedies that are tried and true to chase the itchies away!
#1. Tea Tree Oil-- Centuries old uses for tea tree oil as an antifungal proves that nature truly has some of the best remedies.The Aborigine people native to Australia used tea tree oil for many medicinal purposes. Try it in a spritz bottle or find a great shampoo like Giovanni Triple Tea Tree Treat for scalp relief.
#2. Neem Oil-- In India people use neem oil to treat all kinds of scalp irritations. Although the scent is not the best, neem has many benefits. Try a neem based product like Chagrin Valley Neem & Tea Tree Oil Hair/Body shampoo bar.
#3. Apple Cider Vinegar-- This wonderful natural remedy is convenient and cost effective. Mix apple cider vinegar with distilled water in a spritz bottle and spray to relieve an itchy scalp. Visit your local grocery store and pick up a bottle.
#4. Aloe Vera-- The miraculous aloe vera plant has several medicinal benefits. Native people used the plant extract to treat skin ailments as well as cuts and burns. Pick up a plant and break off it's leaves to get the extract.Apply it directly to the scalp. Or try a gentle shampoo and conditioner like MillCreek Botanicals Aloe Vera.
My Top Shampoo Picks for Itch Relief
#1. Organix South Thera Neem
#2. Chagrin Valley Cafe Moreno
#3. Giovanni Triple Tea Tree Treat
#4. Selsun Blue Naturals
#5.  Shea Moisture Black Soap
#6. MillCreek Botanicals Tea Tree
#7. Head & Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care 2 in 1
My Fav Nix That Itch Recipe

1-2 drops each of tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavendar oils mixed in 2 tbsp of jojoba oil. This itch remedy can be mixed and added to water for quick relief from itching and flaking. Use pure essential oils to get the full effect. Keep in mind that essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, lavendar, and eucalyptus oils must be mixed in a carrier oil. Jojoba is used because it is closest to the scalp's sebum.

This information presented here should by no means replace a doctor's diagnosis as some skin conditions may require a doctor's prescription.
Which remedies and/ or products help you combat an itchy scalp?

Product "Looping"

How Does Hair Product "Looping" Work?

Hair product "looping" is a term that I have begun using to describe the process of using products with similar ingredients. The concept is pretty similar to how manufacturers promote using products from the same line. You are probably familiar with the common disclaimer "works best with other products from this line" printed on the products. I call it a product "loop" because just like a loop creates a circle, the products wrap and overlap with one another. There are several ways to product loop.

#1 Loop Products from the Same Line

 The most common one is to use products from the same product line.For example, I used Shea Moisture Growth & Thickening line shampoo, conditioner, and hair masque with a lot of success for many years.

#2 The Elixer-5 Common Ingredients

Another way to product loop is to pick products that have 5 common essential ingredients. After moving toward using products from other companies, I discovered by accident that using products with at least 5 common ingredients worked well for my hair. I call these ingredients my hair elixers. My theory is that every person has about 5 ingredients that work well with their body chemistry. Mine happen to be castor, jojoba, grape seed, coconut, olive oils, shea butter, and aloe vera juice/or gel.

#3 Create Your Own Loop

The final way to product loop is to add in your own hair elixer. I've started doing this with my conditioners. I'll add in the oils with about 2 tbsp of aloe vera juice a la Youtube Kimmaytube recipe. Also, my stylers contain these ingredients, so the final result is moisturized, growing hair. I have been applying my product looping theory since this summer and I have noticed less breakage, knots, and frizz.

Benefits of Product Looping

-Your hair becomes adjusted to the ingredients and performs consistently.

-You don't have scalp or hair issues because you are using ingredients that work with your body chemistry.

-You don't waste money chasing the "perfect product".

Is product "looping" for you?

So, is product looping for you? Everyone has their preferences and the point of the whole natural hair journey is to find what works for YOU. If it works then it's a keeper!

Chagrin Valley Shampoo Bars

How Shampoo Bars Changed My Natural Journey

I remember reading about these awesome Chagrin Valley shampoo bars on another natural hair blog and saying "I've gotta try these shampoo bars!" I had seen various reviews on YouTube, but I was apprehensive about using a soap bar on my head. Like many others I mistakingly thought that shampoo bars were just like regular shampoo... WRONG! They contain a variety of oils that cleanse, but leave my hair moisturized and tangle free. I have been using these lovely shampoo bars since September of this year and I'm glad I did!!!

Natural shampoo bars contain ingredients that soothe and  calm my scalp. Chagrin Valley shampoo bars do not contain any artificial colors or synthetic ingredients. With luscious ingredients like castor, coconut, and olive oils my hair receives the spa treatment EVERY time I cleanse and condition my hair. It is suggested that one uses an apple cider vinegar rinse after using these great bars, but I chose to use regular conditioner.

Babassu Marshmallow, Olive Babassu, Cafe Moreno, Neem & Tea Tree Oil, and Butter Conditioner bars are among my favorite Chagrin Valley Shampoo Bars. They all left my hair clean and soft. Out of all the bars my favorite has been the babassu marshmallow because the marshmallow root tea extract cuts my detangling session down to almost half the time. Meanwhile, the cafe moreno and olive babassu bars leave my hair soft. The neem and tea tree oil bar is excellent for my acne prone skin and itchy scalp. The butter conditioner bar is a wonderful co-wash or conditioner bar to follow up a cleansing session or use on its own.

Announcing Chagrin Valley Henna Shampoo Bars!

I've decided to ring in the New Year with a new addition to my shampoo bar obsession- Chagrin Valley henna shampoo bars. As a self proclaimed natural product lover, I was overjoyed to learn that my favorite soap and salve company is releasing Henna shampoo bars on January 4, 2013. I have always had a secret curiosity about henna, but I've been too scared to try henna. Well, fitting henna into an awesome bar with added wonderful oils is a bonus. I can't wait to do a review on these bars. But, in the meantime I'll hug my collection of Chagrin Valley's other bars closely to my chest sniffing in their addictive herbal smells.

For more information on Chagrin Valley's awesome shampoo bars please visit http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/products/48/49/for-the-hair/shampoo-bars

Who Are the Forgotten Naturals?

Who Are the Forgotten Naturals?

The forgotten naturals are those of us who don't have the ideal BIG, fluffy natural hair featured in the mainstream media. You see, there are many natural hair blogs that feature gorgeous hair of various lengths, but mostly, it's the eye catching gigantic, beautiful Afro textured hair. From coils to kinks to curls and waves, almost all of the blogs exclusively cater to people who fit into the natural hair mold. This blog is for those of you, who like me, don't fit into those molds. We are the naturals who have (or still) suffer through scalp conditions, health problems, and hair challenges resulting in less than perfect curls and coils. We are the ones who stare longingly at the perfect afro, twist outs, protective styles, etc. and have to tell ourselves everyday that our hair doesn't fit into the ideal.

Why Am I a Forgotten Natural?

-After 4 yrs of being a natural, my hair is below shoulder length. Contrary to popular belief, all naturals don't grow hair incredibly fast.

-For years I have suffered with seborrhea dermatitis and there was a time in which almost nothing would give me relief from my condition.

-My hair is not voluminous and I have fine/thin natural hair.

-Due to my sensitive skin and scalp I CANNOT indulge in many of the mainstream products due to strong dyes and fragrances.

-I have had to learn from trial and error that due to my fragile hair strands, many popular hair styles DON'T look the same on me and I have had to adapt it to fit my style.

It's ALL a Learning Process!

It is my hope that my blog and hair journey will help anyone who feels like a "Forgotten Natural". Please feel free to comment on hair topics that you would like for me to blog about as I want my blog to help as many "forgotten naturals" as possible.