Creating a Moisture and Protein Balance Routine

Moisture and protein are like the yin and yang when it comes to hair.

On one hand, you want your hair to be soft and well moisturized so that it maintains its luster and shine.

Yet, protein is necessary to keep your hair strong and flexible.


The two components are needed to keep your hair beautiful and manageable.

How does one go about maintaining the proper balance?

  It comes down to testing! Yes, in order to find out what your hair needs, you are going to have to figure out by running a couple of tests.

 

Test 1: How does your hair feel when wet?

You want to get your hair wet so that you can check to see what it’s lacking. Does it feel limp or mushy? This may mean that it has too much moisture. If this is the case, you want to do a protein treatment. A simple protein treatment containing coconut milk will do the trick.

Test 2: Does your hair easily break off with the slightest bit of manipulation?

 You can put this test to work on dry hair. You want to do a light a finger combing with one section of your hair. When you do this, are you noticing a lot of strands in your hand? This might be a clear indication that you need to a moisturizing treatment. Another way to tell if your hair needs moisture is to see how it feels to touch. Does it feel coarse and dry? A simple olive oil or argan oil treatment will do the trick.

Test 3: Now it’s time to test the elasticity of your hair.

 You can easily do this by taking a strand of your hair and tugging on each end. If it continues to stretch out, it needs more protein. If it easily breaks, you need more moisture. If the strands bounce back with no problem, you have mastered the right balance.

 It is best to run tests every few months to make sure you are on the right track. We'd love to hear how you are keeping your hair well balanced. Drop a few lines below.

Versatile Vixen Weave

Although the majority of us women lead very busy lifestyles, most of us are not willing to sacrifice the look of a great hairstyle to save on time.

Luckily, there are so many styles to choose from that allow you to maintain your schedule and your beautiful hairstyle all at the same time.

Styles like, braids wigs, and weaves, make protective styles fun and appropriate for the busy woman of today.

We have seen extension techniques such as: fusion and clip-in extensions that can be applied to any area of the head. Now we are being introduced to the vixen weave.

Now, for some that have been in the industry for quite some time are more than familiar with this versatile weaving technique, but for those who only visit their hair stylist a few times a year, this weaving style is revolutionary.

Vixen Weave 

You can finally wear a weave in a variety of ways without worry about your tracks being exposed. This allows you to wear your hair up while running errands or running on the treadmill. You can style your vixen weave, any way you see fit.

There are many techniques out there to help you to achieve a beautiful vixen weave. Check with your local stylist for more information.

Vixen Weaves in Austin Texas

If you are in the Austin, Texas area, please give us a call to schedule your vixen weave consultation. (512) 686-8011

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!

Protective Styling With Crochet Braids

Crochet braids seem to be making a major comeback.

Everyone from celebrities, to Instagram beauties have been spotted rocking a variety of crochet braid styles.

Women seem to love the ease of these crochet braids and not to mention, the variety of hairstyles that one can create with a head full of textured hair extensions.

With us being in the middle of winter, it is so important that we keep our hair moisturized and protected from the harsh cold air, and the rising temperatures of our homes. Crochet braids provide us with style and protection, and the look can be achieved in under 3 hours - it doesn't get any better than that.

So What Are Crochet Braids?

Crochet braids are hair extensions that are sewn in or crocheted onto a cornrowed braid. The stylist usually begins by putting the hair into cornrows, making sure that the ends of the braids are hidden. A stylist will usually sew the loose ends to one of the cornrows so that they are not in the way. 

After the cornrows and ends are secure, the stylist will begin to crochet the hair into each cornrow. The stylist should make sure that the entire braid is covered so that there are no holes and has a good amount of volume. 

After all of the hair has been sewn in, the client can decide to have the hair cut into a particular or they may prefer to leave the hair exactly as it is. No matter the choice, the client will be happy with how quick the entire process took. 

Caring for Your Hair While Wearing Crochet Braids

Crochet braids make for a perfect winter protective style but it is important to keep your real hair happy underneath.

Castor Oil And Coconut Oil 

Take a bottle with a nozzle top and add a 3/4 cup of castor oil and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to it.

Castor oil will work to clean your scalp as well as keep dandruff at bay.

The added coconut oil will keep your scalp moisturized. This will ensure that your hair will be intact when you take your crochet braids down.

Make sure to keep your crochet braids in no longer than 6 weeks.

Enjoy your new, easy look and send us pictures of you rocking your crochet braid styles!

Replace Your Store-bought Shampoo with These 4 Natural Alternatives

We all know how important it is to keep our hair cleansed. Keeping your tresses clean will allow for your curls to pop so that you can get the maximum look of any style.

A clean scalp is what is needed in order for your hair to grow and you won’t have to worry about dirt or other build-up issues.

Although we know how important it is to cleanse our hair, let’s face it, some shampoos are just so drying. Luckily, there are some great natural, alternatives that can be used to clean your hair and you won’t even have to leave the house.


Check out our 4 natural alternatives to replace your store-bought shampoo.


  Coconut Milk Shampoo

 We have mentioned the great benefits of coconut shampoo in previous posts but we just can’t stop raving about it. This recipe will not only rid your hair of the dirt and other debris that may have built up over the week but it will leave your hair completely moisturized and shiny. This recipe can actually be used as a cleanser, conditioner, and a protein treatment. How nice to have an all-in-one solution! I like to put this mixture on my hair and then I like to cover my hair with a shower cap. This allows for the mixture to soak into each strand. I then rinse my hair really well and then I follow up with a leave-in conditioner.

  Ingredients:
 ½ can of coconut milk
1 ¾ Aloe Vera Gel

Mix the ingredients together in mixing bowl. You can then decide to put the mixture in a plastic container and freeze it or you can apply it to your hair. I like to use half and then put the other half in the freezer for another use.

  Apple Cider Vinegar

I love a good shampoo rinse. If you are used to clarifying your hair once a month, then you will appreciate this simple, one ingredient shampoo recipe. This rinse will work well on your hair if you are prone to using a lot of gels or heavy styling puddings and creams. The apple cider vinegar will easily remove all kinds of gunk from your hair.

  Ingredients:
 1 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar
Plastic Bottle with nozzle tip

 I like using a plastic bottle with a nozzle tip because it makes it easy to reach my scalp. I make sure to get my hair completely drenched with the entire bottle of apple cider vinegar so that I know that my hair will be squeaky clean. After I rinse out the apple cider vinegar, I then apply a nice amount of deep conditioner and I let it sit on my hair for about 30 minute.

  Bentonite Clay

 Now you may have to leave the house for this product but you will love the multitude of benefits and uses. Bentonite clay is one of the most effective, natural healing clays available to the market. You can find this clay on Amazon, Vitacost, or in your nearby Whole Foods. I prefer the Aztec brand and I use it on my face, feet, and hair. This product absorbs all of the impurities from your skin and hair and will leave you with an amazing shine.

  Ingredients:
1 cup of bentonite clay in powder form
½ or ¼ cup of distilled water

Mix the ingredients together in a mixing bowl. I like to apply the mixture to my hair with a color brush applicator to make sure that I don’t miss a spot. I then cover my hair with a shower cap and allow for the clay to sit on my hair for 30 minutes or longer. I then rinse my hair really well and apply conditioner. My hair instantly feels strong, and very soft.

  Fresh Lemon Juice

 Fresh lemon juice is one of the world’s greatest cleaning agents around. I use fresh squeeze lemon juice to clean my kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, and floors. I just love the smell that lingers around for a few hours as well. Lemon juice also works great to cleanse your hair. The citrus works well to breakdown and remove the dirt and bacteria from your hair and scalp. If you are not a huge fan of the smell of lemon, don’t worry because most of it will disappear after you rinse your hair and apply conditioner. If you like the smell of lemon, you can add a few drops of lemon oil to boost the scent.

  Ingredients:
 Fresh squeezed lemon juice
½ cup of distilled water
Spray bottle or bottle with nozzle top
Essential Lemon Oil (optional)

 Put the fresh squeezed lemon in a bottle and add the distilled water. Add a few drops of lemon oil if you’d like to boost the scent.

There you have 4 new hair cleansing recipes that can be used in place of store-bought shampoos. Have some fun with these recipes to remix your own.

 Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net