How to Cleanse Your Scalp With Red Rose Water

We love all-natural products here at Nubian Chic. So we are always on the look out for natural hair care alternatives. Our new favorite hair care treatment has been around for quite awhile among the natural hair community and for centuries among the Ayurvedic hair community.

Red rose water is known to be used as a natural astringent or toner. You can apply it to your face and it will easily remove dirt and grime without making your face extremely dry. Due to its antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties, rose water make for an awesome scalp cleanser as well.

You will want to part your hair in many sections so that you can easily get to your scalp in all areas.
If you are wearing braids, this will make the cleansing process a lot easier.

You then want to pour some rose water in a bowl so that you can dip a cotton ball into water or you can pour the rose water onto a cotton ball directly.

You then want to apply the doused cotton ball to your scalp in a dabbing motion. You don't have to worry about rinsing your scalp because the rose water will absorb itself into your scalp leaving it to feel very moisturized.

Rose water is made by steeping red roses in water. You can purchase already made rose water or you can make your own. It is a fairly easy process and should only take 40 minutes to prepare.

DIY Rose Water Recipe:

Place 3 handfuls of rose petals in a saucepan
Add 3 cups spring or rain water to the saucepan
Let boil for 15 minutes
Strain the petals into a jar
Close jar tight and store up to 1 week in a refrigerator

There you have it, a cheap yet, effective way to cleanse your scalp.

5 Ways To Maintain Braids

Wearing braids is a great way to switch up your look.

Whether you are looking to grow out your hair, or just want to try a different style, braids are a great choice.

After having your hair braided, it is important to maintain them so that the style can last at least for 6 weeks.  Here are 5 ways to maintain your braids
 

Wrap your braids with a satin scarf every night 

 This is so important because it will help to keep your braids from frizzing up sooner than they should. If you are sleeping on cotton pillow cases, you may want to consider switching to a satin case instead. This will give your hair extra protection during those restless nights.

  Cleanse Your Scalp

 If you have ever had an itchy scalp while wearing braids, then you probably know how annoying it can be. Scratching your scalp is only going to make it more irritated and you will make your braids look a lot older than they are. Your best option is to rinse your scalp so that you remove the dirt and build-up from your hair care products. You can purchase a product like Sea Breeze and lightly apply it to your scalp by using a spray bottle. You can also fill a nozzle with castor oil and lightly apply it to your scalp. This will cleanse, moisturize, and speed up your hair growth.

 Wash Your Braids

It is equally important to wash your braids as it is to wash your scalp. You want to wash your braids with a gentle cleanser that is moisturizing. This will ensure that your hair stays healthy and that your braided extensions keep their luster. Allow your braids to air dry for at least a full day after washing them before doing any heavy manipulation.

  Keep your hair and braids moisturized 

 Moisture is always important and especially important when your hair is braided. If you are using synthetic hair, you want to make sure that you are applying some type of moisture to it your hair since synthetic hair can be very drying. An oil based spritz will make sure that your hair is maintained while put away. The spritz will also add shine to your braids which will make them look shiny and new. Try an olive oil based spritz and make sure to cover each and every braid.

  Stay Away from Tight Ponytails 

 A high ponytail full of small or big braids is a cute look but if tied to tightly, you can be ruining your hairstyle and hairline. Rocking ponytails are great hairstyles especially while working out or running errands but be careful to not wrap the elastic band too many times. Instead of using simple elastic bands, opt for a loose satin band that can be wrapped around few times and won’t tug or your hair. There are a variety of satin hair ties available to purchase.

There you have it. All of the tips you will need to maintain your braided style. If you plan to keep your braids longer than 6 weeks, remember to have them redone section-by-section so that your braids continue to look fresh and neat.

Cassia Obovata for Hair Growth & Shine

Every year, there seems to be a new natural product that has the hair community going crazy.

For some reason, I think that this year will be Cassia's year.

Cassia is a tropical tree that is known to grow in east, northeast, south, and west-central Africa. What people seek the most is the brown-reddish bark. 




This fragrant bark resembles the look of cinnamon when in powder form. It has dark brown color and very sweet yet, spicy aroma.

This aromatic bark has been popular among the natural hair ladies in the past, it seems as though it is making its return but this time to mainstream.

Although there are a variety of Cassia types, Cassia obovata is known to be used for hair growth. Cassia works by strengthening, conditioning, and adding shine to your hair strands, thus making it stronger and all around healthier.

Cassia also goes by the name "Neutral Henna" because of its similarities. The powder does resemble that of henna but it will not stain your hair the way that henna can. From what I see from other cassia users, it will only enhance your natural hair color.

Recipe

The best way to use the all-natural solution is to combine 100g of the powder to 1 cup of warm water in a mixing bowl.

As the substance becomes a paste, it is now time to apply it to your hair.

You can apply the mixture with your hair or you can use an brush applicator. I like the applicator because it is less mess.

You want to leave the substance on your hair for at least 30 minutes and no longer than 2 hours.

Rinse with cold water so as to close the hair follicle to keep the nutrients in the hair shaft.

If you feel that your hair is a bit dry, apply a conditioner and rinse after a few minutes. This should help it to restore its moisture levels.

If you are weary about applying the mixture directly to your hair, do a strand test. This will let you know if your hair can withstand the use of Cassia.

Visit your local Indian store to buy a box of Cassia obovata or you can buy the product from Amazon.

Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/CASSIA-OBOVATA-Neutral-Powder-Natural/dp/B002DXXDOM

Let us know how Cassia obovata worked on your hair!