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

3 Simple Ways To Use Coconut Oil on Your Hair Today

Coconut oil is probably one of the most versatile oils to use on your hair. Not to mention, coconut oil is incredibly moisturizing and works great as a sealant.

If you are looking to add a few new oils to your natural hair care regimen, then you definitely want to experiment with coconut oil.

Here are 3 simple ways you can use coconut oil on your hair today.

Pre-Poo 

We all know how important it is to have clean hair but a lot of us cannot stand that dry feeling after our hair has been shampooed. Regardless of what type of shampoo you use, its main goal is to remove dirt, oils, and grime from your hair, which in most cases causes your hair to feel dry. Pre-pooing, or pre-shampooing is a great way to prepare your hair for the shampoo process. By applying a healthy amount of coconut oil to your hair before shampooing, you will create a moisture barrier. Your hair will be squeaky clean and maintain its moisture at the same time.

 Deep Conditioner 

 Natural hair needs a lot of moisture and one of the best ways to give your hair the moisture it needs is by deep conditioning. Now, store or salon-bought deep conditioning products work great but there is nothing like a natural product when it comes to deep conditioning. Coconut oil is one of the few oils that penetrate the hair shaft, meaning that the oil is slowly absorbed into the hair follicle and works to strengthen from the inside out. The longer you leave coconut oil on your hair, the better. The best way to utilize its amazing moisture powers is to apply a healthy amount to your hair, cover your hair with a shower cap, and then sit under a seated dryer for 30 minutes at a time. Your hair will thank you.

 Styling Aid

 One of the fun things about wearing your natural hair is all of the beautiful hairstyles. Our hair texture is so adaptable; making it easy for us to try different looks. Coconut oil will help you to create those gorgeous hairstyles and you won’t have to worry about your hair drying out like it does with some other styling products. If you like to wear your hair in two-strand twists, try adding a small amount of coconut oil to each section of your hair before you begin your twists. When you are ready to untwist your hair, you will be amazed by hiw soft and shiny your twists look.

 Coconut oil mixed with water also can be used as styling pomade or as an edge control product. For better results, spritz your edges with water and then apply a little bit of coconut oil to the area with a toothbrush. You then want to cover your hair with a silk or satin scarf and leave it on for at least an hour; you will love the sleek look!

 The great thing about coconut oil is that it is really affordable. Visit your local super market or health food store and start using coconut oil today.

How To Successfully Transition from Relaxed To Natural Hair

The journey of transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair can, at times, feel overwhelming.

Luckily with the right regimen, you can make the process a lot easier while enjoying your beautiful hair.

 If your number one goal is to maintain length while growing out your relaxed hair, then transitioning is the best option.

To transition means to allow your relaxed hair to grow out while nurturing your natural hair at the same time.





As your natural hair grows in, you will be dealing with two different types of hair textures. Dealing with two types of hair textures may seem difficult but the use of the right products will make the process a lot easier to do.

 Learn What Works 

While getting to know your new growth, you will want to learn how to deal with your natural hair. This may be your first encounter with the different hair texture and you may be unfamiliar with how to properly care for it. You should take time to learn all that you can about your hair type. You can do this by speaking with a hair care expert or by reading articles online. The more information you have, the better off you and your hair will be. Learn what works for your newly grown-in hair by testing different products and hairstyles as well.

 Conditioners Are Your Best Friend 

Speaking of testing products, conditioners are the easiest to begin with when it comes to experimenting and playing with different products. There are so many conditioners available to choose from and in a variety of prices. To begin with, you’ll want to start with a conditioner that can be used for co-washing (conditioner washing). You will also want a good leave-in conditioner that will be used after the hair is washed. Lastly, you will want a deep conditioner that would be used on clean hair at least twice a month. All three conditioners will ensure that your transitioning hair is highly moisturized all of the time.

 Avoid Heat

Frequently using heat on any hair texture can eventually cause damage. Especially while you are transitioning, the use of heat can cause your fragile hair to easily break off. You may be used to the sleek styles that hot styling tools bring but unfortunately, they can do more harm than good. If you are looking to achieve a straight style, there are alternatives. You can wrap your wet hair and sit under a hooded dryer for 45 minutes or more. You can also use curlers in a variety of sizes and either sit under a dryer or wear them to bed. You will love the curly look and your natural hair and relaxed hair will blend beautifully. There are so many styling tools on the market now that allow for you to still get a great style, and keep your hair healthy at the same time.

Have Patience 

There may be days when you feel overwhelmed by your transitioning hair. When this happens you want to remember why you started the journey in the first place. Constantly take pictures of your progress so that you can see how far you’ve come. Take a look at all of the beautiful natural hairstyles available online for inspiration. You can also try out a protective style like braids to give yourself a break from dealing with your hair. Remember to practice patience and be kind to your hair during the process.

How To Detangle Natural Hair

If you are in the process of transitioning to natural hair or if you have recently done the big chop, you probably have discovered how difficult it can be to detangle your hair.

 For a lot of us, our goal is to retain as much length as we can. The best way to do this is by treating your hair with as much care as possible. Believe it or not, but we lose a lot of hair during the process of detangling.

  Part Your Hair In Sections 

The best way to prevent hair loss is to take your time while detangling. Even though it is a bit more time consuming, combing the hair in sections will help you to maintain your length. Investing in a set of large clips will allow you to easily separate your hair while going through the process of detangling each section.

Invest In A Wide Toothed Comb

 You will also want to invest in a wide toothed comb. Combs with smaller teeth don’t allow for much space and in turn, cause stress to your tresses. A wide toothed comb will be able to easily pass through your hair. You may have to comb through each sections a few times, but you will be happy with your retained length.

Finger Detangling 

You may decide that combing your hair with a wide toothed comb still causes too much stress on your hair. Finger detangling or finger combing is a great alternative. With finger detangling, you will rake your fingers through a small section of your hair. The goal is to find knots so that you can slowly pull them apart. Whether you are using a comb or your fingers, it is best to start detangling at the ends of your hair and work your way up. Much more length will be retained this way.

Apply an Oil or Conditioner To Your Hair

 Your hair will respond much better to your detangling methods, if you add oil or conditioner to each section. By applying an oil or conditioner, you will give your hair a bit of a slip, which will allow the comb to easily slide through your hair. Coconut oil or olive oil work great to detangle hair. A conditioner that has a high moisture base is the best option for detangling your hair.

 Remember; take your time while detangling. This process is not something that should be rushed. Detangling is not something that should be done when you are short on time. Give yourself at least 30 minutes to an hour to do a thorough job. You will be satisfied with the results over a time

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Surprising Dos And Donts after taking out your braids

Surprising Dos and Don’ts after Taking Braids Out

Hair care after taking braids out is a bit more complex than simply not perming. Many women with natural hair think they’ve done all they need to through their decision to forego the chemicals, but there’s much more to know. It also isn’t all about picking the right products for your hair. Read on to learn the dos and don’ts for hair care after removing braids.

Skip Shampoo after Taking Down Your Braids

Shampooing is usually the first step many take after getting all those braids unraveled, but they might be doing more harm than good. After having your hair up in braids for a month or more, it’s normal to crave giving the hair a good washing. However, first make sure the hair has been properly detangled. Immediately washing the hair can cause matting, which can lead to brakeage.

Use a Moisturizing Detangler

If your hair has been up for quite some time, you’ll most likely see plenty of residue in the hair where each braid began. While some of this can be avoided using the right braid care products while the braids are up, there will always be at least a bit of this found on hair that’s been up in braids for a while. This residue can make detangling difficult. Protect the hair and make the detangling process easier by using a light spritz of water and some coconut or olive oil.

Use Multiple Combs

Many women complain about it taking hours to comb out their hair after taking down braids. One of the problems is the combs they use for the job and when they use them. First start loosening larger tangles with your fingers, then follow with a large shampoo comb. Each time you get the hair to where the comb runs through it smoothly, change to a comb with smaller teeth until you can comfortably pull a medium tooth comb through the hair.

Use the Right Shampoo

After all of that work detangling, the last thing you want is to use a shampoo that dries out your hair, getting it all tangled up again. The importance of choosing the best shampoo for your hair type can’t be stressed enough. If you don’t know which shampoo will be best, learn how to read product labels and understand which ingredients are helpful and which should be avoided. You can always contact a professional hair stylist you trust for help.

Don’t Rush the Deep Conditioning

It takes time to take the braids out and then detangle the hair, but the post-braid deep conditioning treatment is not something to rush through. Many worry about over-conditioning their hair, but the real problem is in over-moisturizing. A good deep conditioning treatment for natural hair can be done in thirty minutes, but no less.

Braids have almost become the standard for women who want to grow their own natural hair and skip the harmful chemicals. But what many don’t realize is that improper carecan cause just as much damage. When you wear braids, the growth of your hair depends heavily on how you care for your hair after taking braids out.