African Pride Hair
6 Amazing Aloe Vera Hair Benefits
Natural and textured hair of almost every type has a tendency to be dry and fragile, but this is especially true for all those type 4c girls out there. This means your curls and coils require a specialized routine to keep hair healthy, strong, and moisturized. It can be difficult to find proper formulas and products that are both safe and effective. This is especially true if you’re transitioning to going natural, new to caring for natural hair, or were raised with family members who have a completely different hair type or texture than your own. There are a million ingredients and formulas that can make shopping for the right curly hair products a challenge, but don’t fear! The primary thing to remember is that your natural hair requires formulas that are uniquely made to nourish your unique coils and curls. So it’s recommended to use safe, natural ingredients and gentle sulfate-free products. We understand it can be tough to know which ingredients and products are right for your natural hair. That’s why African Pride intensely researches all natural ingredients to ensure we find the ones that are gentle yet effective and work best for those with textured, curly, and coily hair. Through this rigorous research, there have been overwhelming Aloe Vera hair benefits proven to nourish, hydrate, and transform your hair. Aloe Vera is probably most well known as a popular ingredient in moisturizers, lotions, and sun care products. That’s because it’s packed with an incredible amount of nourishing abilities. Just like the daily vitamin you (try) to take everyday, Aloe Vera is rich in minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids that makes it an integral part of your natural hair care routine. It’s basically a daily vitamin for hair. Beyond skincare, Aloe Vera is known to promote shine and renew moisture in dry, brittle hair as well as helping prevent hair loss, and dandruff. So what’s the best way to use this amazing ingredient and how do you integrate it into your hair care regime? We’re breaking down Aloe Vera’s surprising hair benefits, the best products that feature this ingredient, and how to reap all of it’s amazing benefits when styling and caring for your natural hair, no matter what type. What is Aloe Vera? Aloe Vera plants can be found all over the world! Aloe gel, which is the ingredient commonly used in beauty products, comes from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant. It’s a succulent plant of the genus Aloe that grows in dry, tropical climates. Most Aloe gel is harvested from the older plants that have had at least a few years to grow and nourish their leaves, giving them a higher concentration of the active ingredients found in the gel. In fact, Aloe contains 75 active ingredients like amino acids, and minerals. Humans have been harvesting Aloe gel for thousands of years, dating back to early Egypt, so you might say it’s a tried and true natural ingredient. Its rich health benefits have made it a staple in the personal care industry for countless cosmetics, lotions, hand sanitizers, sunscreens, etc, and it’s those same antioxidants, antibacterial properties, and vitamins that can do wonders for your crown of curls. How Do I Use Aloe Vera? While you can buy 100% pure Aloe Vera at many drugstores, it’s not recommended you apply this directly to your hair. That formula is best used for sunburns or cuts. Instead, look for Aloe Vera as a primary ingredient in products that combine Aloe with other good-for-you natural ingredients like Honey. Aloe Vera Hair Benefits With so many amazing and versatile benefits, Aloe Vera is a surprising workhorse of natural hair care. Let’s dig deeper into the top six natural hair benefits of this wonderous ingredient and how to make the most of it when it comes to caring for your natural hair. Wash Prep & Detangling Aloe Vera’s gentle hydrating properties make it an ideal pre-shampoo or detangling treatment. Our Moisture Miracle Pre-Shampoo uses a blend of Aloe & Coconut Water to condition, protect and remove tangles from natural coils and curls; leaving hair easy to manage during cleansing and styling. The great thing about this formula is that you can customize it to your hair needs. Before cleansing apply to dry hair and gently detangle with your fingers or a wide toothed comb. If however, you have especially dry, brittle, or tangled hair you can leave on for up to 30 minutes as a deep treatment before washing. Gentle Cleansing Unlike a lot of other ingredients found in hair care products, Aloe is gentle enough to be applied directly to the skin. This makes it an amazing cleanser for delicate curls because it is strong enough to deep clean their delicate hair follicles yet gentle enough not to damage them. Aloe Vera efficiently strips away only product buildup and excess oil, leaving natural oils and moisture intact. Cleansing the hair with aloe keeps hair healthier and softer with the integrity of your unique curls intact. Our Moisture Miracle Coconut Oil Shampoo utilizes the gentle cleansing and moisturizing properties of Aloe Vera to leave hair soft, nourished, and shiny. Deep Moisturizing Curly and coily hair patterns are much more prone to dryness, so moisturizing agents are essential in hair care products for your textured hair. Aloe Vera is a soothing humectant, which means it has the natural ability to attract and seal in moisture to hair. Rich in Vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as many minerals and fatty acids, its chemical makeup is made to nourish and replenish. Similarly, it’s structure allows for easier penetration, allows scalps and strands to soak up its deep conditioning benefits. The natural enzymes found in Aloe Vera are proteolytic enzymes, ones that help the body break down and intake protein, which helps to deeply moisturize the hair. When you’re styling any type of hair texture, look for products that contain Aloe Vera like our Shea Miracle Bouncy Curls Pudding or Curl Styling Custard. These non-sticky stylers can be used for curl definition and hold without drying your curls. Promotes Natural Growth One of the biggest roadblocks to healthy hair growth is a clogged scalp. Product build-up, dirt, and dead skin cells can clog hair follicles, not allowing for growth or deeper penetration of much-needed nutrients. Thankfully, Aloe is packed with enzymes that promote healthy hair growth as they help to hydrate the scalp and clear clogged hair follicles. Plus, Aloe has a pH level that’s similar to the ideal natural hair level balance. This helps your natural hair adapt to a healthy pH level and promotes increased blood circulation which in turn helps increase hair growth. If you’re looking to gain some inches this is crucial since good hair hygiene is necessary for growing out curls. Nourishes The Scalp Along with deeply moisturizing the hair, Aloe Vera also nourishes the scalp. It keeps moisture locked in to prevent dryness, itchiness, and dandruff. The same proteolytic enzymes also help to break down the scalp’s dead skin cells and repair them, which helps to keep the hair follicles active. Aloe Vera’s naturally antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties also keep the scalp healthy and free of infections. Those with curls, coils, and textured hair tend to have more sensitive scalps that need extra nourishment, so Aloe Vera is a must-have for scalp care. Strengthens Hair Keratin, one of the biggest buzzwords of hair care, has a similar chemical makeup to Aloe. Aloe vera, however, is gentler for use in natural hair products because Keratin can overload the hair with protein and cause breakage. Vitamins A, C, and E found in Aloe Vera also encourage a faster rate of cell turnover. This promotes the growth of new cells that keep the hair strong, shiny, and growing. For example, Aloe gel is often commonly used in sunscreen products and to soothe skin after heavy exposure to the sun. Those same collagen and cooling properties that work on the skin can also repair any sun damage that your hair may have. Keeping the hair strong against breakage with Aloe Vera will help hair continue to grow resilient and maintain its healthy structure.
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What Big Hair Changes Should You Make This Summer?
It’s safe to say 2020 hasn’t exactly gone the way most of us planned. Yet sometimes change is a necessary and powerful thing, no matter how uncomfortable it might be at the time. As most of us emerge from quarantine and are finding new ways to embrace the beauty of our melanin we are looking to make some physical changes too. This summer, after spending months on lockdown, so many of us want to re-enter the world like a butterfly emerges from a cocoon. We want a fresh look, to reinvent ourselves, and to find a standout way to celebrate our unique individual hair types. Knowing which summer 2020 natural hair trends are best for you and your hair can be difficult and so can the decision to make a dramatic change. We’re helping you out by breaking down the top five natural hairstyles for the summer, what to expect when getting each of the hairstyles, how to best maintain them, and how to know what big change is the right one for you. Why It’s The Perfect Time For A Change It seems like everything right now is changing, and most of it is for the better. There has been a major push to devote 15% of retail shelves to black-owned businesses and products, to cast more black models in mainstream ads, and to celebrate natural hair in all its glorious forms. Recently, there’s been a definite increase in textured hair influencers, celebrities, and a larger social media presence of natural haired-beauties. There has also been a shift for mainstream media to include more diverse content and stores to have more readily-available natural hair products. With all these improvements it’s no wonder why so many of us with curls and coils are excited to explore new ways to style our hair that go beyond the traditional weaves and chemical relaxers. We love the creativity of protective styling and Instagram-friendly hair trends that are much more inclusive. Now is the perfect time to celebrate your hair and learn new ways to embrace and style it. Let’s also not forget, summer is a time to have fun! There’s something about the sun shining that makes us want to wear happy floral prints, bright lipstick, and rock a bold new ‘do. Though you should have fun styling your hair all year round, summer presents the perfect opportunity to be as playful as you want with your hair. Discover The Top Natural Hair Trends The beauty of textured, curly, and coily hair lays in its versatility. From extravagant braids and edgy cuts to an effortless wash-and-go, there are endless styling opportunities for you to choose from. We’ve detailed the five biggest natural hair trends for 2020 below but keep in mind, this is not the time to play it safe. The best natural hairstyles this summer are all about being bold and taking risks. The Big Chop Structured cuts are all the rage right now and for good reason. There’s something so elegant and timeless about a short ‘do (hello Halle Berry!) especially in the hotter summer months. The bonus? In addition to looking fabulous, making the big chop helps your hair grow back stronger and healthier than ever. Going short can mean something different for everyone since there are a variety of different styles to choose from. When going short for example, you can opt for a buzz cut, a tapered cut, or an undercut. A full buzz cut or fade is the most “drastic” natural hairstyle change but it comes with the least amount of maintenance. It takes hours off your hair care routine and you don’t have to always worry about going to bed with a scarf or bonnet. Plus it’s easy to dress up, it makes your makeup (especially a bold lip) pop and allows you to go extra funky with your jewelry. A tapered cut or ‘fro leaves you with slightly more hair than a full buzz cut as the hair on top of your head is longer than the sides and back. While you can always go for a full high top, this updated version is customizable to your unique curl pattern and personal style. Having shorter sides lets the hair on top to look bigger and longer, allowing your curl pattern to truly shine. As opposed to a buzz cut, this style will require more upkeep and trips to the salon as you’ll need more frequent cuts to maintain the structure of the hairstyle. Lastly, an undercut is probably the most edgy of all three haircuts but is still super versatile and feminine. For this look you don’t need to cut all your hair but just the lower portion which usually involves shaving a spot at the nape of your neck. While you can play up undercuts, they are also super easy to hide simply by letting down your curls to cover it when you want to. What’s great about undercuts is how much you can customize them, from borders and faded edges to intricate lines and designs, you can really make this style your own. Plus, they add some pizazz to updos and ponytails. Just be sure to communicate with your stylist about what your goals are (it’s always good to bring an inspo pic to your appointment). What to know: While some of the hairstyles on this list are achievable at home, you shouldn’t attempt a DIY haircut, especially one as bold as these. Go to a professional stylist and make sure they are cutting your hair dry. This is super important as your curls look and feel different when they’re wet versus dry. Cutting dry makes sure your haircut is even and allows all your different curl patterns to be taken into account. Another thing to keep in mind when making the cut is that short hair isn’t immune to dryness or damage and just because there is technically less hair, you shouldn’t neglect it. In fact, you should treat your shorter strands with extra love. Employ the LOC method and keep your curls hydrated and healthy so they can grow back better than ever. With a unique blend of Castor oil, Argan oil, Coconut oil, Olive oil, and Grapeseed oil, our African Pride 5 Essential Oils is the perfect formula to nourish strands and lock in moisture. Is it right for you?: A big chop is great for everyone but especially if you’re not afraid of an edgy look, you live in a warm climate and want to keep cool, you don’t have time and/or dislike the upkeep of longer hair, or you have severely damaged hair. Embellished Braids Whether you’re going for trendy knotless box braids or those ever-fabulous Gabrielle Union braids give your summer hairstyle a little more oomph with some extra decoration. This style has been gaining traction, especially on social media, and for good reason. Embellished braids can be adorned with almost any hair jewelry like yarn, beads, cuffs, shells, and rings to make a statement and showcase your personality. They are also a great way to pay homage to your ancestry. Fulani braids for example, are a meaningful historical hairstyle from West Africa and incorporate a unique braided pattern with beaded accessories. From extra-long braided cornrows, colorful extensions, or short braided buns, this hairstyle can be customized to your hair type and curl pattern. What to know: This can be DIY’d and customized to your preference which makes it a very versatile style. However, it typically looks best when combined with hair extensions. While you can do this hairstyle at home it will take some practice, work, and patience. It might be easier to get it professionally done or employ the help of a friend or relative. This hairstyle also requires a fair amount of products like yarn, string, smoothing cream, and our Black Castor Miracle Extra Hold Braid, Loc, & Twist Gel so be sure to gather everything you need before you get started. Is it right for you?: This isn’t always the most practical of hairstyles as it typically only lasts about 2-4 weeks. This is the perfect look however, if you are planning on attending a special party or event, want to practice your DIY skills, or need a fresh look for the ‘gram. Passion Twists The product of goddess locs and Senegalese twists, this stop-and-stare hairstyle has been everywhere lately. It’s effortless-looking boho vibe makes it the perfect summer hairstyle. Miami-based hairstylist Kailyn Rogers created Passion Twists as she wanted a look that was easy to maintain but still glamorous. These twists work on every type of hair and length, though will tend to work best with shoulder length hair or longer. To achieve this look, approach it as you would with any two-strand twists. Start with clean, dry, and stretched hair, next section your hair into several small sections, smoothing with a hydrating gel. Twist hair around Water Wave braiding hair and tie around root, twisting hair all the way to the ends of hair. Repeat this all over your head until every section is twisted. What to know: Unlike other intricate protective hairstyles and locs, Passion Twists are easy enough to install by yourself at home. While you can attempt this style on your natural hair you will likely need to incorporate special passion twist extension. These fabulous twists can last up to 2 months, depending on your hair type and how well you maintain them. Is it right for you?: You want a show stopping look that’s slightly more toned down than embellished braids. You want a relatively low-maintenance protective style that captures a carefree boho look. Get Bangin’ Most of us grew up thinking having bangs only worked on straightened hair, oh how wrong we were. Curly bangs are a youthful way to frame your face. This is also a great look for those a little on the fence about making a drastic change. The great thing about bangs is that they allow your natural curl texture to shine. If you’re worried that bangs won’t be very versatile don’t worry. You can slick or braid them back, let them flow, or part them to the side, there are so many styling options. Plus, when the rest of your hair is in a protective style it’s a striking look to leave your bangs out. Be sure to create standout definition in your bangs by applying a hydrating cream like our Moisture Miracle Flaxseed Oil Curling Cream. What to know: Coily and 4C girls shouldn’t fear this look, it’s a great way to showcase your curls and coils and will work no matter your hair type. However, this hairstyle requires regular trims to keep hair out of your eyes, typically every four to six months. Is it right for you?: Bangs work for every type of hair and curl pattern! However, if you’re a super active person who works out daily, bangs might be more of a nuisance as you won’t want anything in your face The Natural Wash n’ Go Being quarantined for months led to an explosion of people embracing their natural hair type and texture. Indeed it became much easier (and cheaper) to go all natural and it gave most of us the time our natural curls and coils needed to repair and flourish. African Pride’s foolproof Coily Girl Method is a 5-step wash day routine that ensures hydrated, nourished hair. You can read about this method in more detail here. To begin, detangled unwashed hair with a gentle Pre-Shampoo. This lightweight cream moisturizes and detangles hair using the natural benefits of Aloe Vera and Coconut Water. It works to condition, protect and remove tangles from natural coils; leaving hair easy to manage during cleansing and styling. Next, clean and condition hair with our sulfate-free Coconut Oil Shampoo and Coconut Oil Conditioner. This moisturizing combination removes dirt and buildup without stripping your strands of their natural oils. Still skipping shampoo? Studies have shown that this can be damaging to your hair’s overall health. The last thing you want to do after all that work is to have your coils dry out again right? Adding a few spritzes of Leave-In Conditioner ensures curls are hydrated and manageable. Next you want to define moisturize curls. Whether you’re doing a twist out, braid out, or finger coils, our Flaxseed Oil Curling Cream provides tons of moisture and definition without all the frizz and flakes. If you are putting your hair into a protective style or letting your curls flow, it’s important to seal in all that moisture. Apply a few drops of our nourishing African Pride 5 Essential Oils to replenish your hair’s natural nutrients, protect against breakage, and promote natural hair growth. What to know: Your unique curls are a part of you and elevate your natural beauty. Caring for your curls is just as important as how you take care of the rest of your body. Depending on your exact hair type and pattern you may need to alter the frequency of these steps or how much product you use. Wash-and-go’s are all about embracing your natural texture. It’s important to work with your hair and not try to fight against its natural shape. Is it right for you?: This is right for everyone! Especially those with dry hair or coily curl types.
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Natural Hair Care 101: Choosing The Right Oil For Your Hair Type
Natural hair care is an art. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to caring for the beautiful array of textured hair types. There are, however, some universal best practices to whip your hair into shape and maintain its health. Of the many natural hair care products on shelves, hair oils are possibly one of the best tools for healthy scalps and happy hair. Outside the LOC method however, frequently using hair oils tends to get overlooked. No doubt you’ve used coconut oil before, by far the most popular hair oil for textured hair. If coconut oil hasn’t worked perfectly for your hair type you might have given up on hair oils or been skeptical about say olive oil hair benefits or using avocado oil for hair care. It’s time to reconsider hair oils in your hair care regime. With dozens of different oil types and a multitude of benefits, hair oils deserve a place on your #shelfie. What’s great about hair oils is how incredibly easy they are to use. You can use them on wet, dry or damp hair, and mix and match different formulas based on your hair needs. Whether you’re transitioning to natural styles, want to gain some inches, care for a dry scalp, or keep hair protected under wigs, there’s an oil out there for you. With oils going more mainstream it can be confusing to know which ones are going to be best for your individual hair type. Not to worry, we’re breaking down every type of hair oil and how to choose the right one. Plus, some tips and tricks for the best ways to use oils and actually see results. Why You Should Be Using Hair Oils With numerous benefits and tons of different types, hair oil is a staple in our hair care routine. Hair oils have a multitude of benefits that help promote good hair and scalp health. Some of these benefits include increased shine, softness, and manageability, added hydration and locked in moisture, growth and length retention, soothed scalps, and replenished hair. Another great thing about hair oils? They are extremely versatile and can be used as a pre-shampoo, deep conditioner, sealing agent, curling cream, and more. Plus, they feel great on your hair. Use an oil to give yourself a relaxing scalp massage that also stimulates hair growth and relives a dry, itchy scalp. Despite popular belief, when using a quality oil formula your hair won’t feel heavy or weighed down. Instead, it will almost instantly feel hydrated and healthy. Sealing Oils vs Moisturizing Oils Typically all hair oils will fall into one of these two categories. Sealing oils do exactly that, they coat strands to lock in moisture and maintain styles. Popular sealing oils include: Black Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Grapeseed Oil. Moisturizing oils on the other hand have the ability to penetrate the hair shaft and provide a hearty dose of moisture from the inside out. Unlike sealing oils, they can be applied directly to the scalp. Popular moisturizing oils include: Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, and Olive Oil. How To Properly Use Hair Oils You might talk to some people who are adamantly against using oils on their hair, usually because they’ve had poor experiences in the past. The number one reason people don’t think hair oils work for them is improper use. Slathering on some oil to your strands might seem like the easiest way to receive its benefits however, there are much more effective ways to enjoy the benefits of using hair oil. There are few ways to use hair oil properly. The first is to massage the oil directly into your scalp and/or hair strands. This stimulates blood circulation which promotes hair growth while gently massaging a few drops of oil into strands will add extra shine and softness. The second way to use hair oil is when they’re formulated with other ingredients. For example, our Black Castor Miracle collection utilizes the growth benefits of black castor oil with other good-for-you natural ingredients. Instead of figuring out how much oil to use, simply apply conditioner, cream, and sprays to hair and reap the benefits. Choosing The Right Oil For Your Hair When it comes to any natural hair care products, your unique hair texture and type will determine which formula is best for your hair. When it comes to oils, hair texture certainly plays a part in that choice but choosing the right oil comes down to your hair goals. Coily, type 4 girls will likely opt for more moisturizing oils as coils tend to dry out much more than type 3 or type 4 hair. However, all these hair oils will provide a certain level of moisture and shine. A better way to choose the right oil for your hair is to consider what benefits you want out of it. Do you need lots of moisture? Shine? Do you want to kickstart hair growth or prevent future hair damage and breakage? The easiest way to pick the right oil is to start backwards. Think about the ultimate end result you’d like to see in your hair and choose the oil that will help deliver that. We’ve made this selection process even easier. Below we’ve broken down every kind of hair oil, what they do and how they work. Argan Oil You want: Smooth strands, repair for damaged hair. How it works: Extracted from the kernels of Argan fruit, Argan oil fights frizz and adds a boost of shine to dry, tangled, or damaged natural hair. Argan oil contains natural antioxidants and Vitamin E which makes it great at restoring and renewing damage caused by chemicals, heat, or over styling. Try it in our African Pride 5 Essential Oils and Argan Oil Curl Mousse. Avocado Oil You want: Effective sealant, hair protection, and overall healthy hair. How it works: Rich in fats, nutrients, vitamin A, B, D, E, and packed with protein like amino acids, iron, copper, and folic acid this oil is ideal for getting healthier hair. These vitamins and nutrients promote healthy hair growth and a healthy scalp while the fatty acids and emollient properties help to make hair feel soft and shiny. Try it in our Hair Growth Oil. Baobab Oil You want: Damage repair, dry scalp help. How it works: Derived from the seeds of the fruits of baobab trees, this oil is known for its moisturizing qualities, and high vitamin content. Packed with vitamin A, D, E, and F, and omega-3 fatty acids, Baobab oil is not only moisturizing, but helps repair damaged skin cells. It absorbs easily into hair and skin without a greasy residue or overwhelming scent. Try it in our African Pride Leave-In Cream. Black Castor Oil You want: Growth baby! How it works: Castor oil comes from the seeds of the tropical Ricinus communis called castor beans. The beans are harvested and pressed, sometimes with chemicals depending on the manufacturer, creating a thick oil rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids. These fatty acids help stimulate circulation in the scalp which leads to increased hair growth. Castor oil is also an effective humectant, as it moisturizes and conditions naturally. It locks in moisture and shields strands from dust and dry air, making it ideal for keeping your wash-and-go hair hydrated in warm temperatures. Try our entire Black Castor Miracle collection. Coconut Oil You want: Deep conditioning and hair repair. How it works: Coconut oil is a standout because of its ability to protect the hair and reduce protein loss. The fats that make up Coconut oil are mostly lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid which gives coconut oil the ability to penetrate the hair shaft, allowing its many nutrients to be easily absorbed into the hair. It moisturizes, adds shine, encourages growth, and its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties are incredibly nourishing, especially for drier scalps and tighter hair textures. The unique structure of coconut oil allows it to deeply penetrate hair strands, allowing intense moisture to hydrate curls and coils better than most other oils. Try it in our Coconut Oil Shampoo and Coconut Oil Conditioner. Flaxseed Oil You want: Less inflammation and shine. How it works: Packed with anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 fatty acids, and nutrients like Vitamin E, Flaxseed oil helps promote a healthy scalp, adds shine, and nourishes dry, brittle strands. Omega-3 fats nourish hair follicles and encourage growth plus they help prevent inflammation which leads to hair loss, dandruff, and itchy scalps. Try it in our Flaxseed Oil Curling Cream and African Pride Gel N’ Cream. Grapeseed Oil You want: Moisturizing, strengthening, and dandruff help. How it works: This under the radar lightweight oil is perfect for those with thinner hair that want a weightless feel. Extracted from the seeds of grapes, this oil contains powerful antioxidants and a compound known as OPC which is shown to have potent antioxidants that have deep moisturizing properties and help prevent premature aging. With a silky feel, this oil provides shine, softness, and moisture. Plus, dandruff sufferers may find relief from regular grapeseed oil scalp massages. Try it in our African Pride 5 Essential Oils. Jojoba Oil You want: Hair growth, soft strands. How it works: Derived from the bean seed of the Jojoba plant, this multipurpose oil has antibacterial properties which have the power to promote new cell growth (leading to increased hair growth) and detox and fight scalp inflammation and infections. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, jojoba oil also regulates sebum production which ensures scalps and strands are nourished and hydrated. Try it in our Leave-In Moisture Butter. Sweet Almond Oil You want: Stronger hair, nourishing sealant. How it works: Containing high levels of protein, and vitamin A, B, D and E, this lightweight oil helps bring dry, dull, damaged, or lackluster hair back to life. Sweet Almond Oil however, can do so much more including: softening strands, stimulating hair growth, and soothing an itchy scalp. Plus, it works great as a light sealant, whether you use it only for dry ends or as part of the LOC method. Try it in our African Pride Leave-In Conditioner. Soybean Oil You want: Moisture retention and shine. How it works: Soybean oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the soybean. It’s full of good fatty acids, manganese, and vitamins plus, the lipids in the oil helps hair treatments to absorb better into your hair. Overall this oil is best for improving moisture retention and shine. Try it in our Hair and Scalp Sealing Oil. Tea Tree Oil You want: To relieve a sensitive scalp. How it works: Discovered in Australia long ago, indigious peoples realized its many benefits and began using the oil as an antiseptic to heal injuries and infections. Gentle enough not to irritate sensitive skin yet strong enough to treat itchiness or psoriasis, tea tree leaves hair moisturized, refreshed, and soothed. Its antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties also help treat dandruff and dry scalps. Try it in our Anti-Breakage Cream and Olive Miracle 2-in-1. Olive Oil You want: Hydration, sealed in moisture. How it works: This common kitchen staple originated in ancient Egypt who discovered the power it possessed in beauty and hair care. Rich in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin E, and fatty acids, Extra Virgin Olive Oil nourishes dry scalps, seals in moisture, and helps prevent breakage. Try it in our entire Olive Miracle collection.
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6 Signs It’s Time To Wash Your Protective Hairstyle
Protective styles, whether you are fully natural or not, are integral to maintaining the overall health of your hair. From intricate twists to classic braids, these chic styles protect your curls and coils from heat styling, breakage, and environmental damage while contributing to moisture and length retention. Oh, and they look pretty great too. However, one of the biggest misconceptions about wearing protective styles is that you can just set it and forget it. While putting your curls into braids, twists, or other protective styles will definitely require less daily upkeep, they will still need a wash day. We get the desire to keep your protective hairstyle in for as long as humanly possible. After all the time, effort, and money it takes to get your strands on point you don’t want to risk subjecting it to a wash and have your stunning style fall apart after only a week or two. Washing black hair, regardless of your texture type, is an essential part of the natural hair care process. It can be tricky however, to determine exactly when you should be washing it, especially if it’s in a protective style. Fortunately, there are six telltale signs that it’s time to suds up your strands with some Shea Miracle shampoo. Discover when it’s time to wash your protective style by signs you might be overlooking, plus the best ways to care for your hair before, during, and after your protective style. The Basics of Washing Black Hair When it comes to natural hair care, having a tried-and-true wash day routine is paramount. Most of us however, tend to let the dedicated care stop once our hair has been styled. Pre-care and post-care is equally important in maintaining the health of our hair and the integrity of our texture or curl pattern. Your wash day routine will no doubt be specially tailored to your individual hair type and texture, but there are some universal basics to follow. First, you should always, always detangle before washing. Reach for our Moisture Miracle Pre-Shampoo and gently work through strands with your fingers or a wide toothed comb. Second, when washing and conditioning, spend the majority of your time working product through your scalp where dirt and oil accumulates. If your hair is tightly coiled, long, or thick, separate hair into sections and cleanse one section at a time. Third, be sure to apply a generous amount of Moisture Miracle Leave-in Conditioner while your hair is still soaking wet. Pre-Installation Natural Hair Care Many of the best protective styles have a fairly long install time, so you’re likely planning it at least a few days ahead. In the days leading up to your install, ensure your hair is ready for the process. Schedule wash day right before you plan to put hair in a protective style and take special precautions to make sure your hair is healthy, moisturized, and in the best condition for manipulation. In addition to pre-shampooing and washing with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, do a Deep Penetrating Conditioner Moisture Restore Treatment that will infiltrate and strengthen strands. Distribute the product evenly from roots to ends, detangle, cover the hair with a plastic cap, and apply moderate heat for up to 30 minutes before thoroughly rinsing. Since your hair won’t be properly washed for an extended period of time while it’s in the style, make sure your hair is free of any product build-up before installation. Starting with a clean base, especially a clean scalp, helps your hair to stay healthy through the duration of your protective style. When To Wash Your Protective Style You know what’s a fun experiment? Waiting to see how long you can keep a protective style in. While things might get dire towards week four, it’s good to see exactly what your hair can handle and when it starts displaying signs of needing a wash day. Regardless of hair type, length, texture, and density there are some universal signals that it’s time to wash your natural hair so you don’t always have to experiment. But don’t fret! This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to take hair out of its style and re-do it. Instead reach for a Braid & Scalp Cleansing Rinse and read about the best ways to wash your braids with our frizz-free Braid Cleansing Hacks. Now, let’s dive into the six most common signs that it’s time to wash your protective style. Your Scalp Is Itchy Natural hair has a tendency to be dry so some itchiness, especially right after getting your hair done or wearing tight braids is normal. However, if you notice you have uncontrollable itchiness that no matter how much you scratch (please don’t scratch!) won’t go away it’s likely your scalp is feeling extra dry and neglected. Similarly, it’s more likely that over time the scalp gets increasingly clogged up with grease, oils, dirt, and other products. In addition to being super uncomfortable, not caring for a dry, itchy scalp can lead to an increased inflammation and infections. Plus, clogged hair follicles can impede healthy hair growth. To remedy an itchy, dry scalp take hair out of its protected style and wash, paying special attention to conditioning the scalp. Don’t want to take your hair down? Give your scalp frequent massages with African Pride 5 Essential Oils to help replenish moisture. Need more help for your scalp? Learn about 5 Natural Hair Remedies For A Dry Itchy Scalp by clicking here. Your Scalp Is Greasy On the opposite side, it’s possible that instead of being dry your scalp is extremely greasy. An oily scalp can happen for many reasons, for example: increased sweating from working out or being outside in the sun and heat, using the wrong hair care products that soak into the scalp and unfortunately, even your genetics. Now, oily hair does tend to get a bad rap but not all oils are bad. In fact, the sebum that your scalp naturally produces is key to shiny, happy, and healthy hair and you don’t want to strip those natural oils from your scalp. Wait to fully wash hair until it’s unusually greasy to the touch. Instead, fill up a spray water bottle with warm water (you can also add some leave-in conditioner or your favorite oil) and spray generously all over your hair. Don’t rinse! Instead, soak up any excess product with a towel. Your Strands Feel Like Straw Okay chances are your hair is typically dry no matter what, especially if you have a tighter texture. Curly and coily hair is prone to dryness so it’s important to be regularly moisturizing the hair to help it fight breakage. The signs you’re looking for however, aren’t just if your strands are dry, but if they’re drier than usual. This means your hair is sticking straight up (even in braids), you see increased frizz, and strands feel incredibly dry and damaged to the touch. While you don’t necessarily need to take hair out of its protective style, be sure to apply a hydrating braid spray, leave-in conditioner and a blend of natural oils to seal moisture into hair strands. You can either apply directly or mix a nourishing blend of oils with water in a spray bottle. Water is one of the best moisturizers for natural hair, so to get extra nourishment use a water-based product. Using products that contain water as a primary ingredient will also help prevent heavy product buildup that will impact the health of your scalp. You See White Stuff Flakes or ‘white stuff’ can be a mixture of product build-up or dandruff. Dandruff is a direct cause from dry scalps. Typically, a dry scalp on textured hair types tends to occur because the hair follicles are lacking moisture, whether it’s added moisture from products or naturally produced in the form of sebum. When the dryness gets to a certain level the scalp may get itchy and eventually the skin begins to flake off, turning into dandruff. The best way to deal with flakes and dandruff is through scalp care and proper washing. Grab our African Pride 5 Essential Oils and rub into the scalp with your fingertips in a gentle, circular motion. This is not only therapeutic, alleviating stress and giving you a moment of relaxation, but its unique blend of olive oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, and more helps soothe irritation, calm itchiness, and hydrates your dry scalp. Washing black hair properly is a big factor in your overall scalp health. Products with sulfates, alcohol, or other harsh chemicals can dry out hair and can end up damaging the delicate follicles of the scalp. Our Coconut Oil Shampoo is a gentle cleansing formula that removes dirt and buildup without stripping the hair of its natural oils. Plus, it’s formulated specifically for textured, curly, and coily hair so it will deliver moisture and care directly to where it’s needed. Your Hair Doesn’t Smell…Great Warm weather is wonderful and while it means you get to spend more time enjoying the outdoors, all that activity in the heat and humidity can lead to increased sweating. During summertime the threat of hair becoming greasy or dehydrated is much more prevalent. Opting for a protective hairstyle is usually a great solution for defending your tresses against the warmer, busier time of year. However, regardless of your chosen protective hairstyle, working out, going swimming, and generally being outside will cause your scalp to sweat. The longer you have your protective style in the more it will accumulate build-up, dirt, and sweat which can cause odour. You can remedy this by spritzing hair with a leave-in conditioner and water combo or immediately absorbing sweat with a towel after working out but the best way to refresh your strands is to fully wash them. We know it can be tempting but never spray hair with perfume, most scents contain alcohol which can damage and dry out your strands. Keeping Your Natural Hair Clean In A Protective Style It’s obviously difficult to thoroughly wash your hair while it’s in a protective style, but we have to do our best otherwise the buildup will undo all its great benefits. If you notice any of the six signs listed above then it’s time for a quick wash. To wash hair without taking it fully out of its protective style, use a scalp cleanser to gently clean hair without causing frizz. Apply formula to the scalp along your part lines and massage with your fingers or a cloth until clean and then rinse with water. A wash will soothe the scalp, refresh the hair, and help the style last longer. Remember to also use moisturizing products and sprays regularly to keep hair hydrated and happy. To extend your protective style you can go as far as to redo the perimeter of the hair if you have braids or twists. After about a month, you should see enough growth along your hairline and nape for a touch up. This will give the rest of your hair more time to rest and grow by keeping it in the protective style for longer. Whenever you manipulate your hair into a bun or ponytail, be sure to coat your hands in a small amount of 5 Essential Oils to avoid any friction that would cause frizz and breakage. Continue to delicately care for your hair to keep it healthy and moisturized underneath the protective style. It can be tempting to leave protected styles in for a long time and become a little lax on upkeep but the most important step you can take in caring for your hairstyle is to pay attention to your scalp. Ultimately, it will be your scalp that tells you when it’s time to wash, so give it the attention it deserves. Happy washing!
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The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Coconut on Natural Hair
No doubt you fall on one side of the great coconut-oil-for-natural-hair debate. On the one side, people argue that its effects are over exaggerated or that falsely, it can be damaging. On the other side, people claim it’s magical properties as the cure for every kind of hair issue. The truth is somewhere in the middle. Using coconut oil for natural hair care is a beauty secret that’s been used for centuries. Well, I guess that doesn’t exactly make a secret anymore. Still, it’s nourishing properties are legendary for textured hair girls everywhere. If you’ve had trouble with coconut oil in the past, chances are that it wasn’t the right product or used in the correctly intended way. Now, natural ingredients from the earth will always do more for your skin and hair than any man-made chemical. However, it’s not the best idea to slather raw coconut all over your head. This is the case for most natural elements because their benefits aren’t fully applied if they aren’t used properly and in the right amount. African pride ingredients, like honey or coconut, uniquely piece these natural ingredients together into formulas that yield the most value for nourishing natural hair. African Pride Coconut Oil Shampoo for instance, combines the deeply moisturizing properties of coconut oil with the smoothing nature of honey that seals the moisture into the hair. Uniting the two allows for the product to take full advantage of how beneficial they can be for the hair. So, it’s a definite “do” to find products that help you get the most out of natural ingredients, and it’s a “don’t” to crack open a coconut yourself unless you’re going to fill it with a piña colada. Coconut has so many uses and comes in so many forms that it can be hard to know which is right for your unique hair type, pattern, and texture. Before we go any further though, let’s just end the debate right here: yes coconut oil is safe for natural hair. Beyond that, it can provide incredible benefits to make your hair healthy, shiny, growing, and more manageable. However, it’s important to remember that coconut oil should be used in particular ways and in specialized formulas to get these fabulous results. Let’s delve into the dos and don’ts of using coconut oil on natural hair, plus how African Pride ingredients utilize coconut in the safest, and most effective ways possible. Get to Know the Different Forms of Coconut Our favorite tropical scent comes from the coconut palm, a tree found in tropical areas that can grow up to almost a hundred feet. The coconut fruit itself is composed of the shell, water, and coconut flesh, which is also called coconut meat. Coconut water naturally occurs within the fruit, and the other parts of it can be turned into oil, milk, or cream. Each of these forms of coconut are unique and have different purposes, but the nourishing properties of the fruit exist in them all. Coconut water is the only form that exists without any manipulation. You can drink it straight out of a young coconut fruit before it matures and hardens into coconut meat. Coconut water is about 94% water and has virtually no fat or proteins, only carbs. It’s popular as an all-natural hydrating, low-calorie drink full of potassium. Coconut oil is made by pressing coconut meat with a special machine and comes as either “virgin” or “refined.” Virgin coconut oil is often cold pressed and retains slightly more nutrients as well as its coconut taste and smell. Refined coconut oil is achieved by pressing and then steaming dried coconut meat to eliminate the coconut taste and smell. Coconut milk is a processed byproduct of the fruit. It’s made by simmering the grated flesh of mature coconuts in hot water. It can be thicker or more liquified depending on how much water is used. Regardless, its composition remains about 50% water and the rest is largely saturated fats. Coconut cream is essentially the same as coconut milk, but is thicker and has a lower water content. It’s similarly high in saturated fats and is not to be confused with cream of coconut, a version of it that has lots of added sugar. Each of these different forms of coconut has their own benefits for different uses. Apart from the cream, they all have an advantage that can be applied to hair health. We want you to get the absolute most out of coconut in its ideal forms, so we’ve applied each one to various products in our collections. Why Use Coconut Oil on Natural Hair? Using oils on natural hair is great for nourishing strands and sealing in moisture, but some oils are more effective than others. Coconut oil is a standout among the rest because of its ability to protect the hair and reduce protein loss. The fats that make up coconut oil are mostly lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid. This gives coconut oil the ability to penetrate the hair shaft, allowing its many nutrients to be easily absorbed into the hair. It thoroughly moisturizes, adds shine, encourages growth, and can even act as a natural sunscreen. It also contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that are incredibly nourishing, especially for drier scalps and tighter hair textures. The unique structure of coconut oil allows it to deeply penetrate hair strands, allowing intense moisture to hydrate curls and coils better than most other oils. When Shouldn’t You Use Coconut Oil on Hair? Unfortunately, coconut oil isn’t for everyone. Like with most oils or even shampooing, overuse can lead to stripping hair of the natural oils hair needs. Similarly, different hair types and patterns respond to ingredients differently. Those with thin hair should use it sparingly and avoid applying raw coconut oil directly to the scalp. Since coconut oil is a heavier oil, all hair types will benefit from using smaller amounts of real coconut to strands. How Should You Use Coconut Oil on Hair? When used properly, typically mixed with other ingredients and in smaller amounts, coconut oil can do amazing things for your natural curls and coils. To get the most out of coconut oil, you should opt for formulas that mix coconut oil with other nourishing ingredients like honey or olive oil. Similarly, you should look for water-based products that help to dilute the concentration of coconut oil. Because coconut oil is a thicker consistency than most oils, it can lead to product build-up on the scalp leading to irritation. Never apply raw, 100% coconut oil to your scalp (or any parts of your hair for that matter). Only use coconut oil when it’s mixed with other natural ingredients in a specialized formula. We’re breaking down below the best coconut oil formulas to look for and how to use them to receive the full benefits. African Pride Coconut Products combined it with other all-natural ingredients to ensure it’s maximum benefits without any negative side effects. Our best-selling sulfate-free Coconut Oil Shampoo for example, blends coconut oil with honey to get the most out of the coconut oil. The honey adds shine and retains moisture while the coconut oil deeply conditions, hydrates, and helps repair dry or damaged hair. We’ve also made it the star ingredient of our Coconut Oil Conditioner, African Pride 5 Essential Oils, and African Pride Leave-in Cream. Each uses the benefits of coconut oil combined with other natural ingredients to thoroughly moisturize all of your curls and coils. African Pride Coconut Milk & Coconut Water Coconut water has more sugar and electrolytes while coconut milk has more healthy saturated fats, but they are both packed with amazing nutrients for the hair. Coconut milk has small amounts of Vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6, but is also packed full of minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. It also features the same lauric acid as coconut oil that allows the hair to fully receive its catalogue of nutrients. Coconut milk conditions the hair, promotes growth, and restores moisture. It’s featured in our African Pride Moisture Miracle Leave-in Conditioner and Deep Penetrating Conditioner Treatment. Coconut water, on the other hand, is great for stimulating the scalp and cell growth. It improves blood circulation and strengthens the hair strands. Coconut water is also composed of lauric acid, but it infiltrates the hair strands as a more lightweight moisturizer. Its sleek and smoothing properties add softness and shine, ideal for taming frizz and untangling knots in curly hair. Coconut water can be found in our Moisture Miracle Pre-Shampoo, African Pride Detangling Masque, and Hold & Cover Edge Gel. Each of these effective yet nourishing products leverage the nutrients of coconut water in formulas made to delicately protect and nourish the hair at its most vulnerable. African Pride Ingredient Commitment Your natural curls and coils form a crown that must be properly cared for and admired. It’s our passion to provide products uniquely made for textured hair, not only to manage and style it, but to nourish and protect it. That’s why we continue seeking out the best natural ingredients and finding innovative ways to apply their benefits in creative combinations. Each product in our catalogue is uniquely formulated to fit different needs for your individual curls and coils. We also strive to provide the best of the best because it’s what your natural hair deserves.
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8 Ways to Protect Your Natural Hair at Night
At the end of a long day of living your best melanated life, the last thing you feel like doing is worrying about your curls. However, it’s so important to have a proper nighttime hair care routine. A healthy nighttime hair routine will not only extend your new ‘do but lessen the amount of care you need to do down the line, like early the next morning. When you wash your makeup off at night it means less masks and exfoliating later. The same goes for your natural hair care. Properly give your curls and coils love now and you’ll deal with less restorative damage control later. Putting in a bit of effort to ensure your curls and coils are protected and moisturized all night will make all the difference as you continue styling it. Preserving your hair while you sleep is not only good for hair health, but also for the convenience of stretching out how long you can make a style last. Every curly girl has a unique hair texture, pattern, length, and density that will dictate what protective nighttime style and methods work best for them. What’s universal however, is not wanting to wake up to a frizzy, dented mess on top of your head. Simply tying your wash-and-go into a ponytail or slathering up your box braids with gel won’t do the trick. While you dream peacefully, African Pride is here to help keep your curls safe with a few simple tips. Let’s dive into our top 8 proven ways to protect your precious natural hair at night Check in With Your Curls (and Yourself) Before you begin trying to settle your hair for the night, do a little check-in with your strands. Mornings can be so crazy busy you likely won’t have the time to fully evaluate the current state of your tresses. Use the evening to look for any flaking, dryness, or breakage so that you can better care for your natural hair in the future. Similarly, now is a great time to assess whether or not it’s time to wash or rinse your current protective style. it doesn’t all have to be so scientific. Before hitting the hay use this time to mediate, take deep breaths, give yourself a scalp massage, and take care of you! Drink Plenty of Water What you do internally matters just as much as what you do externally. Your overall health is super important for many reasons, not to mention this that it relates directly to the health of your natural hair. You should be drinking lots of water throughout the day but be sure to drink at least one more glass of water before bedtime to maintain your hydration level overnight. Nourish Your Scalp If you noticed any flakes or dry patches while checking your curls or have been experiencing an itchy scalp, add some much-needed hydration directly to the scalp. This is also a great general practice to do for most curly girls whether you have an itchy scalp or not. Simply grab a small amount of our African Pride 5 Essential Oils blend and give yourself a soothing scalp massage. Be sure to use your fingertips and not your nails so the nourishing oils like Vitamin E can nurture the scalp without causing damage to the delicate hair follicles. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize Hopefully in the morning you did your due diligence and moisturized your curls. But that leave-in conditioner meant to fight dryness all day long? Well, the day is over and all that moisture has likely dried up. Left untreated, that dryness can cause breakage while you sleep, as well as flattening and frizzing any style you might have been hoping to carry through to the next day. Instead, rehydrate your strands with a lightweight moisturizer, like as a water-based leave-in conditioner.Our African Pride Moisture Miracle Leave-in Conditioner works to replenish moisture and refresh your curls throughout the night. If you’re trying to extend the wear of your wash and go be generous with how much you apply, but be sure to distribute it evenly with a wide tooth comb or gently rake through strands with your fingers. Seal in Moisture Now that you’ve thoroughly moisturized your hair it’s important to seal all that good moisture in so that it holds throughout the night and into the next day. If you’ve got your curls in a protective style, we recommend using our Hair & Scalp Sealing Oil. It’s uniquely made to keep braided, twisted, or weaved styles fully conditioned, soothed, and hydrated. If you’re rocking your natural free locks, bring back the same essential oil mix you used on your scalp earlier and work the formula into your strands from roots to tips. Pay special attention to your ends since they lose moisture the fastest. Now that you’ve got your hair properly refreshed, moisturized, and sealed it’s time for your bedtime styling. Use a Protective Style Keeping hair moisturized, growing, and shielded from the elements is easy for protective styles to manage during the day. To do the same at night however, they may need a bit of a fix. If you have a braided style, divide hair into sections and make one or two big braids to keep everything neat so nothing ends up crooked as you toss and turn. This method can also work for twists if you braid them loosely to keep them from bending as you sleep. If your hair isn’t already in a protective style, a single loose braid will keep your natural curl pattern intact, or you can go for mini braids that will add a crimp to your curls. If you have a bit more time, a quick two-strand twist or chunky twist can get your hair in line for bed and prevent frizz the next day. These styles will not only protect your hair at night, but are also easily undone for a fast, cute look in the morning. One of the best ways to keep your wash-and-go intact is using the pineapple method. The pineapple method is an easy way to prevent your curls from getting squished and flattened underneath your head while you sleep. To pineapple your hair, simply flip your strands all the way towards the crown of your head and secure it into a very high ponytail on the top of your head. Tie it loosely and use a scrunchie or headband to prevent any dents. If you can find one made of satin, that will give you a gentle hold that won’t cause frizz. Avoid Applying Heavy Products to Hair Sometimes you want to make sure your pretty protective style doesn’t budge overnight and so in order to secure it you slather your twists, or braids with gel. Unfortunately, since most traditional gels are incredibly drying this will end up damaging your strands and diminish any of the moisturizing you did earlier. Avoid using gel or mousse products on your natural before bed and instead opt for a lightweight cream like our African Pride Moisture Miracle Leave-In Cream or curling cream with hydrating ingredients Sleep on Satin You’ve likely heard this before a million times but it can’t be stressed enough. Always. always wear a bonnet to bed and use a silk or satin pillowcase. The friction caused by your hair rubbing against cotton can cause breakage and frizz. Cotton also absorbs moisture, leaving your curls dried out by the time you wake up. Using a satin pillowcase and/or bonnet helps to keep your strands full of moisture as satin won’t damage your natural hair, cause tangling, frizz, or split ends. Bonus points, satin is also known to help your skin breathe. It’s one of the easiest ways to ensure you wake up flawless. By following these 8 easy steps you’ll be rocking healthy, nurtured, hydrated curls every morning. As you rest, just know your curls are spending all night protected and nourished now that they’ve gotten their own special place in your nighttime routine. Sweet dreams! DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at care@africanpride.com
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The Amazing Benefits of Using Tea Tree Oil on Natural Hair
As long as humans have been around, we’ve been exploring all types of natural remedies for aches and pains. As you might have discovered, lemon and honey can work wonders for the common cold, aloe vera can treat wounds and burns, and cocoa butter can heal scars. Our amazing planet has so much to offer in terms of natural ingredients for all types of uses. We love using these special ingredients in our natural hair care formulas since we know they’re tried and true and have been beloved for centuries. Tea tree oil is one of these amazing ingredients with numerous health and beauty benefits. You might associate this oil with intense lice-killing treatments as a kid and consequently aren’t appreciating all it can do. Tea tree oil can certainly help heal cuts, treat psoriasis, and kill lice, but it can do so much more. Discovered in Australia long ago, indigious peoples realized its many benefits and began using it as an antiseptic to heal injuries and infections. Decades later, tea tree oil made its way into the skin care and hair care industries, and for good reason. Gentle enough not to irritate sensitive skin yet strong enough to treat cuts, itchiness, or psoriasis a few of the amazing benefits of using tea tree oil for hair are refreshed, moisturized strands, soothed scalps, and so much more. Not sure why you need to incorporate this natural ingredient into your hair care regime? Well it’s time to stop overlooking this multi-functional beauty oil. Let’s dig deeper into what tea tree oil can do for your natural hair. Prepare to be amazed. Why Tea Tree Oil Is Great For Natural Hair Natural hair is delicate and prone to dryness. As such, it’s super important that you are using gentle, hydrating products whenever handling your curls as they need as much moisture as possible. Similarly, It’s equally as important to have a proper wash day routine that maintains your hairs natural oils and eliminates any dirt or product buildup. Tea tree oil is a powerhouse ingredient that works best when it is mixed with a “carrier oil” that dilutes it to make it safe and gentle enough for direct use on skin and hair. That’s why it’s a staple ingredient in our African Pride Olive Miracle collection because olive oil and tea tree oil make an amazing combination for curly and coily hair. The tea tree oil deep cleanses while the olive oil seals in moisture and prevents breakage. Your curls and coils are often saturated with a lot of different products for styling and retaining moisture but tea tree oil provides intense nourishment and deep conditioning so your crown stays both healthy and soothed. Top Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil For Hair Whatever your hair care concern is, we can almost guarantee tea tree oil can remedy it. Dry, itchy scalp? Tea tree oil has got you covered. Lackluster locks? Reach for that oil. Hair won’t grow? All you need is some tea tree. While there are so many benefits to using tea tree oil on your natural curls and coils, we’ve broken down our top four. Caution: luxurious strands and soothed scalps ahead. Deep Cleansing If you’ve used any product with tea tree oil before, you probably recognize that signature refreshing tingle it often gives skin. For your hair and scalp, that tingle is a soothing and therapeutic experience. Tea tree oil offers a deep clean that won’t strip away your hair’s natural oils and moisture it needs to live its best life. Curls and coils are prone to dryness so it’s common to clog the scalp with buildup from all the hydrating products it needs. Tea tree oil gives wash day a big upgrade by easily clearing away product buildup, excess oil, and dead skin. The intense cleansing penetrates each hair strand and nourishes each follicle on the scalp for healthy curls. It also works wonders (especially in combination with other ingredients like coconut oil or olive oil) for an extra boost of moisture. Scalp Care The most delicate and sensitive area of hair is naturally the most prone to irritation. The scalp needs consistent cleansing, protecting, and conditioning. Tea tree oil targets the scalp to not only do all three of those things, but also to unclog its follicles and pores. This decreases the chances of infection and prevents ingrown hairs which can cause inflammation. Trusted research also shows that tea tree oil’s antimicrobial and antibacterial properties can fight existing infections in the scalp and prevent new ones. Its stimulating clean increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the scalp’s hair follicles and helps balance its pH level. The scalp is the foundation of the hair and tea tree oil keeps it flake-free and thriving so your curls can do the same. Promoting Growth Keeping the hair clean, healthy, and moisturized is the best way to get those inches rolling, but tea tree oil goes a step further to encourage it. Keeping the scalp’s pores unblocked and improving blood flow to your roots helps keep the growth active. The increased oxygen and nutrient supply to the scalp helps the follicles to grow stronger hair that’s less prone to breakage. So if all the detangling and styling has left your hair thinning, you can count on tea tree oil to thicken up your new growth. Its deeply nourishing properties swiftly eliminate any clogged follicles, product buildup, or minor infections that may be getting in the way of healthy hair growth. Treating Skin Conditions Without proper care, the scalp can become prone to certain conditions that can be very uncomfortable. Luckily, tea tree oil is a great natural remedy that can fix many of these common ailments. Minor infections often cause itchiness and dryness, so tea tree’s antifungal and soothing properties are an effective first line of defense against them. Dandruff is actually a fungal scalp condition that’s a bit more scientific than just dry skin flakes. It’s caused by a sensitivity to the presence of oleic acid, a byproduct that exists when a naturally occurring microbe feeds on sebum, your skin’s natural oils. When a person is sensitive to the acid, the scalp becomes inflamed, which signals the body to try to get rid of the irritation by shedding skin cells faster. A clinical study proved how the actual causes of dandruff make tea tree oil an effective option for treating it. Its antifungal, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties treat the condition as a whole instead of just washing out the flakes. Conditions like psoriasis often show up on legs, arms, or stomach, but sometimes they can occur on the scalp. This skin disorder causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, turning into dry, itchy patches with white scales. It’s often triggered by stress, illness, or cold temperatures and currently has no cure. Since it’s an inflammatory skin condition however, tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties can calm irritated skin and reduce itching. Adding Tea Tree Oil To Your Hair Care Regime Whether you suffer from an itchy, irritated scalp, dry curls, or other similar hair frustrations, adding tea tree oil into your natural hair care routine is always a good idea. The plant extract’s nutrients and deep cleansing properties help protect the scalp against irritations so preemptive use is recommended. For example, before putting hair into a protective style or under a weave, give strands and scalp a quick dose of our Hair And Scalp Sealing Oil to lock in moisture, calm any itchiness or irritation, and prevent future dryness. Similarly, on wash day reach for a restoring and rejuvenating shampoo/conditioner combo like our Olive Miracle 2-1 formula to help repair any damage or breakage and say hello to healthier, happier hair.
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How To Use Black Castor Oil For Hair Growth And Get Results
We’ve all heard the myths, the tricks, and the old wives tales that claim to have the secret recipe to achieving long, mermaid-worthy hair. Some distant relatives claim that scratching your scalp daily with a fork is the key to long hair, others guarantee that apple cider vinegar is nature’s secret elixir to hair growth, some say you should lay upside down for a few hours a day. Black castor oil is another age-old remedy we’ve all been told is a miracle worker for gaining inches, but is this just another tale our grandmas have passed down through generations or is it actually true? Black castor oil has been commonly used in tons of hair and skin care products as it’s believed to accelerate hair growth, fight scalp infections, heal acne, and balance pigmentation. With a list like that, it does sound like a miracle product. Thankfully, most of the benefits black castor oil claims are true. It’s why African Pride created an entire black castor oil collection around this nourishing and revitalizing ingredient. Not all products however, are created equal. Specialized formulas with pure black castor oil are necessary to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefits you can. Let’s take a closer look at how to use black castor oil for hair growth and added moisture. Plus, the best methods to ensure you see results. What is Castor Oil? Unlike olive oil or coconut oil, the origins of black castor oil aren’t as commonly known. Castor oil comes from the seeds of the tropical Ricinus communis called castor beans. The beans are harvested and pressed, sometimes with chemicals depending on the manufacturer, creating a thick oil rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids. Ancient Egyptians supposedly used a version of this oil as an elixir meant to boost the immune system. There are two basic types of castor oil, black or yellow. Yellow castor oil is made by cold pressing fresh castor beans while black castor oil is made by using heat to extract it from roasted castor beans. Sometimes this is referred to as Jamaican black castor oil because that’s where the idea to roast the beans first originated. Some versions are thicker in consistency because they are boiled with ash, giving the oil a roasted scent. How Castor Oil Moisturizes Natural Hair Humectants are moisturizing agents often found in various lotions and shampoos to promote hydration. They are the base for many African Pride products because curly hair is especially prone to dryness. Castor oil is a wonderfully effective humectant, as it moisturizes and conditions the hair and scalp naturally. It locks in moisture and shields strands from dust and dry air, making it ideal for keeping your wash and go hair hydrated in warm temperatures. Many cleansing products with harsh ingredients end up causing more harm than good because they strip away the hair’s natural oils, causing increased dryness and irritation. Castor oil’s essential fatty acids help restore the skin’s natural moisture, soothing and reviving dull, dry hair from the root to tip. How Castor Oil Protects the Scalp Many oils typically offer only surface-level benefits, but castor oil thoroughly enriches the scalp with Vitamin E, proteins, minerals, and fatty acids. Trusted research shows that its high concentration of omega-9 fatty acids, specifically ricinoleic acid, gives it many anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These special properties help the scalp fight bacteria that may cause infection or irritation. Castor oil’s omega-9 and omega-6 fatty acids also help increase blood circulation and stimulate the hair follicles. All of these nutrients keep the scalp healthy and clean so it can feed your curls the nourishment they need. How Castor Oil Promotes Hair Growth Countless testimonies of curly queens have claimed they saw major hair growth after using castor oil. While using this ingredient won’t cause your hair to grow overnight, it essentially gives your hair and scalp the best possible starting point for growth. Black castor oil provides the intense moisture and natural conditioning that encourages your locks to flow and if your length has been stunted by inactive hair follicles, the ricinoleic acid in black castor oil can reactivate them and increase blood circulation, which will jumpstart new growth. The nourishing fatty acids and Vitamin E also keep hair strong against split ends, so new growth will stick around and add to your inches instead of being subject to breakage. Its deep cleansing ability also clears excess oil and buildup away from the scalp, eliminating a common prohibitor of growth. All of these things that black castor oil accomplishes each contribute to healthier, stronger hair follicles that control growth. Using Black Castor Oil for Hair Growth The primary goal of our Black Castor Miracle collection is to support hair growth in protective styles. Two of the main reasons we choose protective styles are to give hair a break from constant manipulation and to lock in moisture so it can spend more time growing and we’ve formulated each product to leverage black castor oil’s benefits throughout the entire process. The first and most important part of growing out your hair is stimulating the scalp. Essentially, the scalp is where the magic happens. Before putting hair in a protective style or in-between wash days, reach for the Hair & Scalp Sealing Oil paying special attention to massaging the formula into your scalp and midsection. Use a similar method with our Scalp Cleansing Rinse, this time leaving the formula in for 15-20 minutes before rinsing out to allow your scalp to fully soak up all the benefits. For a more intense, ultra-hydrating treatment reach for a weekly or bi-weekly deep conditioner like our Deep Penetrating Conditioner Treatment. To get the most out of this formula, apply conditioner generously to clean, wet hair, cover hair with a plastic cap, and apply moderate heat for up to 30 minutes. Rinsing thoroughly when done. Each of these products utilizes black castor oil in unique ways to nourish your curls and stimulate hair growth. While you can’t expect instant results, proper natural hair care and specialized black castor oil products will help to elongate and moisturize your curls and coils. Happy growing!
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Natural Hair DIY: How To Get Gabrielle Union’s Braids At Home
Whether you’re still sheltering in place, trying to cut back on expenses, or simply want to get better at doing your own hair, natural hair DIY’s are an affordable (and fun) way to get the latest look on a budget. Plus, they give you something to do! Having a project to dive into is always a welcome distraction. When it comes to protective styling we’ve always loved the beauty and versatility of braids and nobody rocks them better than Gabrille Union. Her signature locks are the perfect natural hair inspo, especially for the hotter summer months. Besides her fabulous hair, we love that Gabrielle Union always stands up for what’s right. She’s a powerful woman, wife, and mother and is a huge advocate for mainstream acceptance of black hair in all its unique forms. Copping her braided hairstyles might take some work on your own but the most important thing to remember (especially if you’re new to styling your own hair) is that achieving professional-level styles takes time. Don’t get frustrated, getting the perfect braids takes lots of practice and trial and error. Fortunately, getting those chic Gabrielle Union braids at home is easier than ever with our handy DIY guide. We’re breaking down her best braided styles plus expert tips and tricks to make at-home styling easier than ever. Why Braids Are The Perfect Protective Style So why braids over other protective styles? We love braided hairstyles because they’re relatively low-maintenance and can last anywhere from two to eight weeks depending on the style type and your hair texture. Similarly, they’re super versatile. So many different types of braids mean endless styling possibilities. For example, we love the look of box braids but the best part is being able to put those braids into ponytails, buns, and more to switch up your look. Protective styles have their benefits year-round, but they can be especially helpful for your curls and coils during the summer. Why? Well, protective styles do just that, they protect. In addition to keeping hair off your neck and out of your face, braids help keep your delicate ends and drier strands safe from excessive dryness. They also help keep your hair moisturized and tangle-free while retaining their natural strength and length. For instance, if you’ll be in the pool a lot and exposing your hair to chlorine or harsh UV rays, protective styles can work as a protective barrier. Before You Braid: Pre-Styling Care To make at-home DIY braiding a breeze, make sure to spend some time prepping your hair so it’s in the best possible shape for intense styling. First, since your hair won’t be properly washed for an extended period of time while in the style, make sure your hair is fully free of any product build-up before installation. Reach for a hydrating yet effective pre-shampoo like our Moisture Miracle Pre-Shampoo to prep your strands and get the most out of your shampooing. Starting with a clean base, especially a clean scalp, helps hair stay healthy through the duration of your protective style. Next, reach for a Deep Penetrating Conditioner Treatment that will infiltrate the hair strands and strengthen them before they are manipulated into a protective style. Distribute the product evenly from roots to ends, detangle, cover the hair with a plastic cap, and apply moderate heat for up to 30 minutes before thoroughly rinsing thoroughly. Next, use a leave-in conditioner or Leave-in Moisture Butter to prep your strands with an extra dose of moisture. Keeping your curls moisturized in the braided style will help encourage growth and prevent frizz. No matter the style you’re going for, it’s best to leave out your edges. The hairline holds the most delicate strands of hair and tightly pulling them into a protective style is a recipe for breakage. Leave your edges be and simply style them with an nourishing edge control formula. Our Favorite Gabrielle Union Braids We love how often this talented beauty switches up her look. From sengalese twists to cornrows, Gabrielle Union is always rocking the best protective styles. Her braided styles however, are particularly stunning. It was hard to narrow our favorite Gabrielle Union braided hairstyles but we’ve chosen our top two favorites that she rocks the most. Not many of us have the same bank account as her, so we’ve broken down some easy DIY tips for getting her iconic looks at home. Let’s get to it. Box Braids Via IG // @Gabunion Popularized by Janet Jackson in the early ‘90s, box braids have actually been around since around 3500 B.C. Traced back to Egypt, various regions in Africa developed their own unique box braid techniques and styles. The great thing about box braids is they can be done on any length of hair from waist-grazing to a blunt bob. Plus, they are incredibly versatile and can be styled, accessorized, or worn in countless ways. You likely have memories yanking at your tresses with your sisters, friends, or aunt but let’s give you a quick refresher course on getting the best box braids at home. These braids can last up to 10 weeks. Step 1: Part your hair horizontally at the back and clip the top half of hair away. This will be the first section for your box braids. To get sharper sections use a rat-tail comb. Then apply a smoothing, strong hold gel like our Extra Hold Braid, Loc, & Twist Gel to coat strands. Step 2: Working within your back section, separate into three smaller sections and add clear elastic bands to each (like you would secure a ponytail). Trust us, this will make the next steps so much easier! Step 3: Start braiding with three strands of hair like you would a french braid. If you’re using extensions to make braids fuller, add 1-2 strands of extensions into your hair (secure it into the clear elastic) and braid together. Step 4: Repeat this braiding process across your entire head. Don’t rush it! Take the time to detangle, smooth gel throughout hair and braid all the way down hair strands. Step 5: This trick may seem a little wild but we promise it will create professional-worthy braids. Dip hair (concentrating on ends) into boiled water for a few seconds to ensure they’re straight. Blot excess water out with a microfiber towel. Step 6: Lay those edges. Using your fingers gently apply gel and style as desired. Fulani Braids Via IG // @Gabunion One of the most popular ways of braiding, Fulani braids were made popular by the Fulani people in West Africa. A traditional fulani style incorporates a unique pattern and is typically accessorized with beads. What makes this style different is the distinct braid pattern that features these two key elements: one cornrow braided down the center of your head from front to back and one to two cornrows on each side of your head (braided back to front) with the tails hanging down on each side of your head. These braids can last about five weeks. Fulani braids are incredibly versatile (you can create millions of different styles with them) but let’s focus on the simplest version to start. Step 1: Part your hair from ear to ear so there’s a front section and a back section. Step 2: Your protective style should not be so tight that it’s giving you headaches. Opt for an Extra Hold Braid, Loc, & Twist Gel that works hard so that you don’t have to pull as tightly. Lightly apply gel through the back section of hair. Step 3: This step follows the same process as the box braid above. Divide the back section of hair into several different parts (depending on your hair length and density) and start braiding with three strands of hair like you would a french braid. If you’re using extensions to make braids fuller, add 1-2 strands of extensions into your hair and braid together. Step 4: Work through entire back sections, going slowly one area at a time. Don’t rush as that will lead to tangles and knots. Step 5: Dip hair (concentrating on ends) into boiling water for a few seconds to ensure they’re straight. Blot excess water out with a microfiber towel. Step 6: Time to start on the front section! Take very small strands and begin your cornrows. Start with one going down the middle of your head, front to back. Step 7: Along the sides of your head cornrow back to front so that the ends hang on each side of your head. Step 8: Time to accessorize! You can add any accents, bands, or beads along the ends of your hair. The easiest way to apply beads is to thread your hair through, knot several times (with the thread NOT your hair) and voila! Maintaining Your Braids The fear of frizz, breakage, or ruining your protective style that took forever to get just right is what usually stops us from washing and properly caring for our braids. Also hey, sometimes we just get lazy. Washing, conditioning, and moisturizing however, are vital to ensure tighter textures and curls are effectively protected, healthy, and looking fly now and in the future. Wash Your Scalp & Braids The fear of frizz, breakage, or ruining your protective style that took forever to get just right is what usually stops us from washing and properly caring for our braids. Also hey, sometimes we just get lazy. But proper braid care is vital to ensure tighter textures and curls are effectively protected, healthy, and looking fly now and in the future. Keeping your hair in a braided style without properly cleansing can lead to a multitude of ongoing hair and scalp issues. The biggest problem? The dreaded dry scalp. Not thoroughly cleansing your scalp allows build-up to accumulate. Think: sweat, pollution, dirt, hair products, grease, flakes, and other gross stuff. Braids are delicate and it’s important to avoid anything that could lead to weakening the hair shaft. Also, you don’t want to get your hair soaking wet. Instead, reach for a gentle scalp cleanser for braids like our Braid & Scalp Cleansing Rinse. The fine nozzle tip will allow you to easily apply the rinse to edges, scalp, and part-lines. Make sure to never rub braids as this will cause frizz. Once you’ve successfully shampooed (and given yourself a nice little massage) rinse gently with cool water. Your scalp will immediately feel clean, soothed, and refreshed. Moisturize Your Braids Yes, even with braids you still have to use a conditioner. However, the method you’ll use to condition braids will be very different from how you’d normally do it on wash day. Because we want to be as gentle as possible (and avoid overly-touching or getting braids too wet) there are a few different ways you can approach conditioning your braids. You can repeat a similar method to how you cleansed your hair, focusing mainly on the scalp and gently massaging into hair and squeezing into individual braids. Another effective method is diluting a nourishing conditioner with water and putting in a spray bottle to lightly spritz hair before a quick rinse. With clean, fresh, and dry braids, it’s easy to accidentally neglect them until the next wash session. Caring for your braided hairstyles in-between washes however, ensures that your strands stay hydrated, healthy, while also helps to eliminate itchy, dry scalps. For hydrated, frizz-free hair, use a daily Hair And Scalp Sealing Oil. The easy-to-use nozzle makes it a breeze to apply. Simply massage into the scalp, around edges, and gently onto braids. Crafted with Black Castor Oil, tea tree oil and more, this formula helps to soothe itchy, dry scalps while conditioning hair and helping to lock in moisture. Similarly, using a daily braid sheen spray will help add luster while helping to relieve itchiness and the stress of tight braid pulling. No matter how many articles you read or tutorials you watch, braiding your own hair is a personal experience that will take some trial and error. Don’t get discouraged and don’t rush the process, we promise the results (and savings) will be well worth it! Happy braiding! Want more braid care help? Check out Braid Cleanser Hacks: 6 Frizz-Free Tips For Washing Braids and Braid Spray + More Easy Ways To Make Your Protective Style Last Longer.
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