Henna Shampoo Bar: HIT or MISS?

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Chagrin Valley shampoo bars! When I saw that Ms. Ida (creator of CV Soap and Salve) decided to make Henna shampoo bars, I literally squealed with delight. Yep, I love her products that much! So, I scrolled down the page and I saw that the henna bars come in three assortments: chestnut, auburn, and strawberry. I figured that since I was curious about henna, then what better way then to try a shampoo bar. Through some research I learned that henna is a natural dye. I was intrigued by the concept of putting henna in a shampoo bar. I wondered if the shampoo bar would have the same effect as actual henna.

Since I could hardly wait to order these shampoo bars, I ordered them on the date they were available,Friday,
January 4,2013. The service is excellent and my order arrived on Wednesday, January 9th. I could smell the herbal scent of my order even before opening the package! The shampoo bars come in a small paper bag with a neat label on the front stating the name and ingredients. The ingredients are saponified oils of babassu, sunflower, coconut, castor, organic palm, water, organically grown henna; organic coconut milk, indigo; organic black walnut hulls; cloves; and rosemary oil extract.

I took the bar out and I noticed that it was about the same color and consistency as the Cafe Moreno bar but it was a little darker. I sniffed it and the herbal scent was very light. I began to cut a strip of the bar, so that I could efficiently save it. It is common knowledge that the best way to use a shampoo bar is to cut it and store the rest for later use.

1st Trial: Wednesday, January 9th
I prepooed/ deep conditioned with Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp & Tamanu Grow & Strengthen Treatment Masque. While smoothing it down I detangled my hair and twisted it into about 6 loose twists. Then, I let it sit in my hair for about 30 min. Next, I hopped in the shower rinsing it thoroughly from my hair. After all traces of my prepoo were gone, I took the Henna shampoo bar and rubbed it clockwise on my crown of my head. Bubbles burst forth instantly and I massaged my scalp. Per the Chagrin Valley website advice, I left the Henna shampoo bar lather on my head for several minutes. Finally, I rinsed my hair then used the Butter conditioner bar. Rinsed and added my TRESemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture conditioner (mixed with aloe vera juice, Jamaican Black Castor oil, and grapeseed oil).

Please note: I noticed that my hair felt VERY soft after rinsing out the Henna shampoo lather. With ingredients such as organic henna, hibiscus, and coconut milk, it is no wonder my hair felt like silk. Also, I noticed that my curls were drooping slightly. I began to wonder if it was the henna, because someone (I can't remember who) mentioned that it might loosened the curl pattern. Once my hair dried (a la white t-shirt turban style), I felt VERY soft hair.

2nd Trial: Sunday, January 13th
I decided to prepoo with TRESemme Luxurious Moisture mixed with Jamaican Black Castor oil and grapeseed oil. I detangled and put my hair into about 6 large twists. I let the mixture stay on my hair for about 30 minutes then I hopped into the shower to rinse it out. Next, I rubbed the henna chestnut shampoo bar clockwise on my head several times. My hair ended up with more lather on my head this time. I let the henna lather stay on my head for several (maybe about 10 minutes) then I rinsed it out. My hair felt clean but not squeaky clean like the first time. This time instead of using the butter conditioner bar and then the rinse out conditioner, I went straight to the rinse out conditioner. I used Yes to Blueberries Healthy Hair Repair conditioner. I was able to easily detangle and my hair felt very soft and moisturized. It seems as though my curls are slightly looser but they still apprar to look like little spirals the size of coffee stirrers.

My final verdict? I absolutely LOVE the new Chagrin Valley henna bar. Although it is too early to tell if it will highlight my hair, I can say that it works well to cleanse and soften my hair. Detangling was almost as easy as when I use my beloved Babassu Marshmallow shampoo bar by Chagrin Valley. Since using the bar, I have not had itchy scalp. That's a great bonus! The only other CV bar that helps me specifically ward off the itchies is the Cafe Moreno bar, so I'm definitely a new fan of this Henna Chestnut bar.

I plan to use the henna shampoo bar in my rotation. Currently, I rotate the use of the following shampoo bars: babassu marshmallow, neem & tea tree hair/body bar, cafe moreno, olive babassu, and butter conditioner bar. Shampoo bar rotations are based on the condition of my scalp and hair for that particular week. I plan to give a more detailed description of how to rotate shampoo bars in an upcoming post. Also, I purchased Chagrin Valley Rosemary Mint and Coconut Milk shampoo bars. I will post detailed reviews once I use them.

For more information or to order Chagrin Valley shampoo bars please visit http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/

Are you a shampoo bar user? If so, which shampoo bars do you enjoy? If not, then share which shampoos you use to highlight your natural color.

A Forgotten Natural Hair Journey-Part 1

When I became natural it was not out of following a trend or because I needed something else "to do" with my hair. I became natural out of a necessity stemming from my scalp condition and hair loss. I remember my stylist saying that I had a scab and small bald spot in the top of my hair and that I needed to go to the dermatologist. Yet even after the discovery of the bald spot, I still wanted to continue to get the chemical processing done to my hair. I felt I needed the relaxer, because I felt my hair was not the "right type" to go without chemicals. As I sat in the dermatologist's office, I felt despair and confusion come over me. My dermatologist told me I had a condition called "seborrhea dermatitis". I asked him if I could still get relaxers and his exact words were "Not if you want hair". He then encouraged me to go natural.

My first exploration into natural hair started with a small natural hair salon that specialized in using natural products to achieve various styles. I remember going to the natural stylist and having her recoil from me as she looked at my scalp. "Ewww.. what is that? I can't touch that can I?" I felt tears gather in my eyes, as I told her that I had seborrhea dermatitis. She asked me what it was and then told me to go to the doctor's and get a note because she didn't want to catch anything. At that point, desperate to get my hair done, I complied with her request and the doctor did produce a note and pamphlet about my condition. After I returned with the note, still not convinced she made excuses about doing my hair, so the owner agreed to do my hair.

I went to the natural hair stylist for several months until one day she decided to allow a novice stylist to do my hair. My two strand twists that she did ended up unraveling and the cheap products that she used made my scalp condition flare up. The little bit of progress that my hair made was lost and so, I lost more hair. I felt so discourage and then, proceeded to begin doing my hair myself.

During my first year of transitioning to natural I was miserable. I wish I had the wonderful big chop experience that many of the YouTube gurus talk about. I wish my TWA hadn't been affected by my scalp condition and hair loss. When I began watching YouTube and visiting the hair forums, I gained inspiration but I also felt discouraged. My hair wasn't growing the average 1/2 inch per month and the styles that they could do, I never even came close to.

To be continued... Part 2- How the Bald Spots Disappeared & My Self Esteem Soared.

How have you overcome hair set backs and challenges?

Pretty Coverups and Lovely Accessories for the Forgotten Natural

Winter is the PERFECT time for lovely coverups, such as scarves, hats, and wraps. Why? Because if you live in a cold climate then these accessories can be your greatest ally if you are having a bad hair day OR you have hair loss. Using a cute beanie to coordinate with an outfit or a bodacious scarf to bring out the color of your hair, complexion, or eyes can turn a "blah" into an "oh, yeah"! Don't let your hair be the reason why your smile is dimmer or your eyes lose their shine.

How many times did I cry over the hair loss I suffered in the crown of my head? Well, too many times to remember. Years ago, I remembered the time I used a handheld mirror to look in the back of my head to see that my weak spot had grown to a bigger area and there was absolutely no hair there! I was completely  mortified when I saw I had no hair there. Worse still, being a teacher I knew that I had many eyes on me everyday and that was just going to be torture. I remember walking down the steps from lunch leading my students to the classroom when a female loudly exclaimed "She's bald!" After that comment I was quite self conscious and for an entire year I began wearing scarves to cover up my bald area. Thankfully, now that spot in the top of my head is covered with hair and no one would ever know that I was once bald in that area. I've never been one to wear wigs, but I was almost at that point until I discovered the beauty of wearing scarves and hats.

Beanies and hats are great for casual days or you can get fancy and coordinate them with dress up outfits. Great stores like Charming Charlie have an assortment of beanies and hats that are colorful and some even have added garnishments like bows and pins. I usually keep mine plain but on occasion I will add my own design.

Scarves are excellent and provide a fashionable accessory for any occasion. I can wear my scarves to work, church, on a date, or just a relaxing day at home. I've found many of my scarves at the local Five & Below Store, fabric store, and discount department store. You can get the nicest scarves for just a little bit of many.

Using both of these accessories have literally changed my life. It gave me that confidence that I needed and helped relieve unnecessary stress. I did not have to worry about people seeing my baldness and staring at me. Unless you have suffered hair loss as a woman, than you couldn't possibly understand the cruelty that so called adults can put others through. I will actually share more of my experiences on suffering baldness in the past and how I dealt with the stress in an upcoming post.

For those of you who have baldness or who have experienced baldness like me what advice can you offer other forgotten naturals on how to fashionably hide weak and bald areas?

The Best & Worst Hair Practices of 2012

Every year we look back on the year's past and think back to the good, the bad, and the ugly. In this post I will share my opinion on some of my best and worst hair practices of the past year. Maybe you can relate to having those mountain moments and pitfalls. Lessons can be learned from our best and less than stellar times. It is in our mistakes that we can pinpoint the issues and work towards a better resolution.

THE WORST HAIR PRACTICES OF 2012
1. Cleansing my hair with shampoo always took my hair through trauma. Even the most gentle shampoos would cleanse my hair but then I'd end up using A LOT of conditioners to moisturize.

2. Finger detangling was all fine and dandy UNTIL I saw that parts of my hair were wrapping itself around other parts causing more tangles. Also, finger detangling on my tight curls is a pain in the butt. I don't have all day to do my hair.

3. Heat styling is not damaging to my hair but I feel it takes too much time and right now I'm too lazy. I always get interested in seeing my hair straight UNTIL I have to worry about whether it rained that day and my hair reverting back to curly.

4. Monthly length checks were just a waste of time AND it made my hyper vigilant about my hair. Hair will grow but my worry shouldn't be growing a long with it.

THE BEST HAIR PRACTICES OF 2012

1. Using shampoo bars instead of shampoo has changed my life. Chagrin Valley shampoo bars are so awesome and makes my curls really moisturized. My hair is in love with these poo bars. Also, it appears that my hair is growing so well since using them. I have an assortment in my bathroom cabinet. I also use them as body bars.

2. Protective styling has helped me to forget about my hair and retain length. I get less breakage and knots when I protective style. If all goes well then I will retain a great amount of hair by the end of next year.

3. Adding Jamaican Black Castor oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil to my deep condition and rinse out conditioner has helped me to have softer, more moisturized hair. After doing this for the last few months, I've been wondering why I never thought of this before!

4. Scalp massages using natural oils are very soothing. Also, scalp massages are known to stimulate hair growth. I enjoy stress relieve and hair benefits from just a couple minutes of a massage.

Looking back on 2012 what would you say are your best and/or worst hair practices?

When Natural Hair Products Attack!!!

A natural product promises shiny, luxurious, bouncy curls. BUT...Every hair product isn't for every head of hair. Some of us thrive on coconut oil, others olive oil, and still others may prefer silicones. Whatever your "hair elixer" is I'm sure there has been a time in which you've learned which products and/or ingredients are THE ENEMY. Trying to make a product work when clearly your hair hates it, will be to the detriment of your hair's well being.

Testing, testing...1,2,3 Test out new products on a small portion of your hair or on your inner wrist to see if there is an allergic reaction. Years ago I learned this the hard way when I slathered on some natural hair butter only to have the most intense itching ever! I immediately shampooed the product out of my hair before hair loss could occur. NEVER continue to use a product if it causes severe itching or redness. Doing so may cause hair and/or scalp damage.

Smell check and all that weirdness. If you can take a whiff, pop the top and sniff. Why? Because if you have a sensitivity to smells then a strong fragrance will bother you to no end. If you can't sniff a product then make sure to check the return policy and keep your receipt just in case you need to return the product.  I had this unfortunate encounter with a conditioner that smelled like flowers on adrenaline mixed with popcorn toes. I mean, the smell made me literally sick. Now, I learned the hard way that some products are too sickly sweet for me to use.

Just a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Surprisingly, some companies still give out free small samples (or for a small fee). This is an excellent way to try out products and avoid the money pit of product junkyism. For instance, Miss Jessie's and Original Sprout are two GREAT companies that sent me samples FREE of charge. Another way is to become a part of a natural hair forum and swap products for other products. Often times, naturals will have bottles that are more than 60% full of product to swap or even sell for a reduced free. However, if you choose to swap or sell on the hair forums makes sure that it's from a reliable user with a good reputation. Many forums post great swapper recommendations or swapper complaints for users to get the scoop on who is reliable and who is super flakey.

Naturals like myself who have chemical and/or dye sensitivity or skin conditions have to be careful about product selection. What advice do YOU have to offer to sensitive naturals?

The Novice's Guide to Unlocking the Mysticism of Black Hair

Becoming natural has uncovered a mystical world I never knew. Not that I wasn't aware of my hair's own uniqueness as a relaxed head, but when I encountered my natural hair as an adult, some truths began to magnify for me. I think this is why so many of us black women have become intrigued and even a little obsessed with our own hair.

Enlightened Truth #1.Every person has a unique curl, wave, and kink different from the next person. My curl type is actually a mixture of type 4a/4b with some type 3c mixed in. Even with a mostly type 4 head, I still haven't seen anyone with hair JUST like mine.

Enlightened Truth #2. Curls morph after growth occurs. Now I noticed this phenomenon after looking back at my old photos and watching numerous YouTube videos of lovely ladies showing TWA, medium length, and long hair. It seems as though the curl is different, but what happens is the weight stretches the curl. With this occurring often times naturals find that they have to tweak their hair regimen.

Enlightened Truth #3. You can't ALWAYS follow the hair product directions. I used to follow ALL hair product directions to a "T" when I realized that my curls sometimes yearn for a different approach. Most conditioners and hair milks say use " a quarter sized amount", but my hair craves slightly more. I'm not heavy handed; my hair is greedy. Maybe when and if my hair dryness issue goes away then I can follow those directions. Until then, I'll just stick to NOT following all the directions.

Enlightened Truth #4. Following some hair trends can set you WAY back in your hair journey. We've all heard how some new product or hair tool is all the rage, so we rush out and get it. Guilty as charged. I purchased slyly marketed, expensive stuff just for my scalp to turn red, flake, and suffer severe hair fall. I now know that I have to be strategic in my spending and read DETAILED reviews before purchasing. This saves my hair, money, and time.

Enlightened Truth #5. Hair styles CAN be copied or improved to fit MY face, personality, hair type, and hair length. Before I became comfortable in my natural hair journey, I tried to copy hair styles that I saw perfected on YouTube. I was constantly mad and disappointed. UNTIL I learned to practice, practice, practice. Many hair styles I saw were done on hair types/ densities different than my own. So, using the technique AND modifying them helped me to perfect my own styles.

What are some enlightened truths you've learned a long the way in YOUR hair journey?

Do it Now! How to Set NOW Goals in 2013

Happy New Year 2013! The New Year is an exciting time to re-evaluate life. For me, I have decided on just ONE goal and that is to be the best ME. This means being the best in every area including relationships, finances, family, and professional. Here I am going to focus on sharing two areas- finances and relationships.

I like many other naturals I know struggle with having balance between enjoying great products and managing money. There is ALWAYS some new product that is tempting us to buy. Pretty packages, promises of awesome performance, and that one product review is like dangling a carrot in front of a hungry rabbit. But, in order to become more financially sound we can't throw ourselves off our own fiscal cliff.

NOW Goal #1.Have a financial plan for managing product indulgence. I've decided to only buy what I need to re-stock my staple items BUT splurge one time per school quarter. There are four quarters in my school year (I am a teacher) and we are currently at the end of the 2nd quarter. That gives me technically 3 passes left to splurge until the end of the school year. If you are a college student and on a semester schedule then you may give yourself one pass per semester and one during the summer break. Adjust your spending schedule to meet YOUR financial goals.

My second area that I am focusing on is relationship. More importantly, my relationship with myself. It is my belief that I can't even begin to love and accept others until I first wholly love and accept myself. I am my own worst critic. I admit that I beat myself up TOO much and focus on things that don't matter.

NOW Goal #2. Engage in DAILY affirmations to boost confidence, love, and positive energy. I used to post and read my inspirational scripture everyday. It gave me a positive start to my day. My mother gave me one of those little Bible scriptures for any situation type of books. I need to revisit that and write down the ones that apply to whatever I'm going through.

NOW Goal #3. Garbage in, garbage out. Managing my own perspective and narrative about myself will help me become the BEST me that I can be. If I am reading a book or watching a TV show or movie then it must have some type of optimal benefit to me whether it is super entertaining, informational, or inspirational. Also, I have decided to stop watching media that sheds people of color, particularly African Americans in a bad light. Why? Well, frankly I'm now seeing the world with new eyes and I see too many examples of colorism, racism, sexism, and classism. As an African American woman I now that I am not the world's standard of beauty, but I am beautiful, created by God and I don't need negative images to tear at my psyche.

What "now" goals will you aim to work on in 2013?