Herbal Tea Rinses To Combat Shedding

I am a tea rinse junky. I've tired over a dozen tea blends, but green, black, and chamomile are definitely my favorites. When I'm consistent in my tea rinse use, I definitely see less less hair clogging your shower. Plus I've noticed that my scalp is clear and free of dryness. Here's how I use herbal tea rinses to combat shedding:


Chamomile Peppermint Aloe Tea

Got Itchy Flaky Scalp and Shedding

Why It Works:
Chamomile soothes your scalp and conditions your hair. Peppermint's cooling sensation increases blood circulation in the scalp. Aloe Vera Gel is known to stimulates the production of new hair and may even lessen the effects of Alopecia. If you suffer from a itchy and inflamed scalp, this is the combo that you want to reach for. (Tip: I heart Aloe Vera Gel in my tea rinses because it gives the mix a thicker consistency so I don't have to worry about it running all over the place!) 

Nourishing Green Rosemary Tea
Got Dry Scalp and Shedding

Why It Works:
Rosemary acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to soothe itchiness. Green tea is an astringent packed with caffeine known to help increase oxygen to your hair follicles. Glycerin is a natural moisturizing humectant. 

Black Eucalyptus Coconut
Got Breakage and Shedding 

Why It Works:
Black tea has about 55 mg of caffeine per serving versus green tea's 35mg of caffeine. Traditional drip coffee has 100 mg of caffeine. Caffeine is known in the hair world for stimulating the scalp, increasing blood flow, and thus allowing your scalp to get more oxygen and more "food." Eucalyptus is antimicrobial, revitalizing, and clarifying. Coconut oil has been shown in studies to be the only oil that prevents protein loss while helping hair retain moisture. It reduces hair porosity making it spectacular for chemically relaxed hair which is typically higher porosity.

Do you tea rinse? 

Besitos!
KLP 

How To Fight Itchy And Flaky Winter Scalp

There are a zillion things to be loved about the winter: layering, tall boots, and hot cocoa are a few of my favorite things. But the dry, cold winter air and temps are no joke.  All of which can take a toll on your hair causing that pat yo weave *in my best Bey voice* dry, itchy, flaky scalp. Defend your hair with my 3 favorite scalp soothers:

Rosemary Green Aloe Hair Rinse

Homemade for the hairlista who knows her way around the kitchen

Ingredients:
2 bags green tea steeped in 1 cup of water, 1 cup aloe vera juice, 2 springs rosemary, and a little pixie dust.

Why it works: 
Rosemary acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory to soothe itchiness. Green tea is an astringent packed with caffeine known to help increase oxygen to your hair follicles. Aloe vera juice is very subtle, absorbs easily, leaves no residue, almost odorless, naturally combats frizz, soothes the itches, all while moisturizing hair with vital nutrients.

How I use it: 
Tea Rinse: After deep conditioning as a final rinse.
Deep Condition: Sprtiz a little on your scalp and hair before applying your deep conditioner.

(Simple) Stimulating Essential Oil Blend

Semi-homemade for the hair obsessed chica who ain't got time for all that measuring

Ingredients: 
Peppermint Essential Oil, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Why it works: 
Peppermint invigorates and refreshes your scalp. Eucalyptus is antimicrobial, revitalizing, and clarifying. Extra Virgin Coconut oil soothes and protects. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is an light weight moisturizing emollient (and it's super cheap!)

How I use it: 
Pre-poo: Applied to my scalp in a spray bottle.
Scalp massage: For a few minutes a few times a week.

Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner

Store Bought for the healthy hair connoisseur who loathes anything DIY

Ingredients:  
Aqua (Water), Alchohol Denat, Benzalkonium Chloride, Camphor, Piroctone Olamine.

Why It works:
Camphor cools as it soothes. Benzalkonium Chloride helps to prevent recurrence of flaking.
Piroctone Olamine provides long lasting relief from the itchies. 

Your scalp is the key to healthy hair. And the good news is all all 3 treatments help reduce shedding! Two birds one stone!

What are you doing to keep your scalp healthy this winter?

Besitos!
KLP

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How I Moisturize My Straightened Hair

Kitchenista Hair Butter & AVJ

After spending 2 hours to flat iron my hair---I want my hair to stay straight for as long as possible. I'm 11 weeks post with a little less than 2 inches of growth. I'm also training for a 5k by running 2-3 times a week, loving Spin twice a week, and I occasionally drop into a BodyCombat class. Pre-Bad Habit Detox, I probably would have skipped moisturizing to prevent reversion, used a silicone based product daily causing yucky buildup, and flat-ironed the life out of my poor ends. I'm trying not to be about that life anymore, so instead I pulled out some Aloe Vera Juice and my Kitchenista Hair Butter. The results---almost two weeks of smooth roots, moisturized tresses, and protected ends. I'm so in love.

Now, I know that you're probably wondering how in the world did this mix keep my hair smooth for almost two weeks? Here's the technique that I used nightly: 

1. Finger sectioned my hair into four quadrants. 
2. After finger detangling one section at a time, I lightly misted aloe vera juice mixed with a few drops of tangerine essential oil from root to tip. I was looking for a dewy feeling---not damp or wet. 
3. Next, I massage just a smidge of Kitchenista Hair Butter.
4. To smooth out my roots, I bantu knotted each section, covered with a hair scarf. In the morning, I unraveled my knots and styled.

Banana Clip Side French Roll

Why it worked for me:
Aloe vera juice is very subtle, absorbs easily, leaves no residue, almost odorless, naturally combats frizz, soothes the itches, all while moisturizing my hair with vital nutrients. My kitchenista hair butter is a diva too. It seals my ends, is ultra nourishing, when used with a light hand--is weightless, and adds a softness that can't be beat. Bantu Knots stretch out my roots without needing heat, prevented tangling of the two textures, and gave my hair insta-style.

What do you use to moisturize your hair when it straightened?

Un mil besitos!
KLP

The Jessicurl Giveaway ends tomorrow! You've gotta enter to win!


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Mini Wash Day -- Pool Hair, 6/7 weeks post

Hola Chicas!

It has only been two weeks of summer camp...and I feel like it has been a month! lol Well, I have not actually been in the pool too much this past week but here is an update on what I have done mid-week, and my most recent wash!

Pool day: I actually massaged a bit of Nexxus Hydralight Conditioner in my hair and pinned it up. After reading KLP's post, I plan on buying/trying Herbal Essences Hello Hydration! After swimming, I was running around with kids lol so my hair dried simply then I ran to shower to rinse my hair. Cowash...Cowash!! I just do not think my hair would survive if I didnt after swimming so frequently! .. Mid-week..I clarified with KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo...

Whole lotta New Growth!

Current Wash!

(1) Detangled with my fingers...I had some knots at my roots :/ soo I had to be gentle...Then I combed through with my Magic Star Jumbo Rake!


 
(2) Prepoo with my essential oil mix on my scalp, Matrix Biolage Hydration Conditioning Balm and CHI Deep Brillance Moisture on my length...I ran out of EVOO for my mix soo I actually put some extra virgin grapeseed oil in my mix (as a carrier)....WOW...I felt soooo much more tingling...and my scalp was sooooooooooooooo just whoa after the wash...pretty sure it is por que grapeseed oil is sooo light! I shall continue to experiment! :)

(3) Protien Treatment with Aphogee 2 step protien treatment... I realized I have not done a protien treatment in a while...but I do not personally like to keep it super long in my hair...soo I kept it in for about 2-5mins...

(3) Moisture Recovery Roux treatment for roughly 15-20mins (while I got sooo fresh n clean lol)

Back with a bow :)

(4) Tea Rinse with my fave tea! CC's Chamomile & Lavendar Tea! I shall be purchasing another batch of tea soon from CC's because mine is coming to an end :(

(5) Smoothed my hair with my last lil bit of Emergencia Intensive Moisture Split Ends Conditioner!

Leave-ins were Nexxus Hydralight Moisture Root Lift Mist, Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea and CHI silk infusion!

Side: Braids pulled to bun

My Hair Reality: I did some unique/different lol things this wash...but I loved it...My hair was manageable..and I was in love with my scalp! I decided to braid up my hair into SOMETHING lol...I have no clue..but me n my bro were late for "The Heat"! AWESOME MOVIE...any way..I ended up with a braidout for the week ...It started off strong Sunday but lol...my hair is not loving this humidity or rain...those in DMV area... I decided to do big twists (like french braid almost) for the night with satin roller on my ends for the night...Had beach waves :) hehe kinda...for the day... I will prob do some bantu knots ...idk..imma get it!


KLP has been rocking her curls...quite lovely! I gotta get on that level! lol

How are your braidouts!? Bantu Knots!?

Muahz!

Keyda

**Check out my full braidout through my instagram! :) It was a SundayFunday! lol

 

[Review] Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner (Final Thoughts)

Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner

Price: $30.00 for 250ml/8.45oz 

Purchased at: Amazon or PhilipKingsley.com

Promises: Soothing leave-in Scalp Toner with an anti-microbial and anti-flaking formula that provides immediate and long lasting relief from irritation. Clear and odorless.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Alchohol Denat, Benzalkonium Chloride, Camphor, Piroctone Olamine.

INGREDIENT	BENEFIT
Camphor	Cools & soothes
Piroctone Olamine Benzalkonium Chloride	Long lasting relief from flaking.   Helps to prevent recurrence of flaking.

Directions:
- Cleanse with Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo to increase effectiveness and follow conditioner.
- Lightly towel your dry hair and apply Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner directly to your scalp from nozzle in 3cm (1”) partings
- Distribute with your fingertips
- Do NOT rinse
- Comb through and style as usual
- Can be reapplied when required on your wet or dry scalp/hair
- Suitable for use on color treated hair

My Thoughts:
Late October, my partner in crime, Keyda, asked me what she could do about her itchy scalp and shedding. I recalled an awesome blurb I read in November 2012's Glamour mag about Philip Kingsley's Flaky Itchy Scalp Toner. The key to healthy hair is definitely a healthy scalp. Philip Kingsley is one of the world’s leading Trichologists; a hair doctor. Like a dentist, but for your hair. He has an amazing line of products, but at the core is his belief in the importance of scalp health. A few days afterwards, she bought it and now uses it faithfully. After 2 months, she told me that her scalp feels amazing and her shedding is under control.

Glamour November 2012

I usually massage an essential oil blend every wash day into my scalp to simulate and prevent flakes, but I wondered---could PK's toner be my key to a shed free Spring? (I usually shed in the fall and spring) Instead of being reactive this year, I decided to be proactive and ordered a bottle for myself. My first use was awkward. The toner concoction is very watery, yet has a pleasant underwhelming scent. Its nozzle opening is entirely too large unless you want to soak your head with the product. Of course with water as the first ingredient, I knew that it would revert my new growth--so I applied to my scalp on dry hair about 8 hours before I washed. I'm going to use the product for a few weeks to decide how I like it and if it prevents another Spring Shed Situation.

Final Thoughts: 
I applied the treatment at least once a week for almost 6 months. I ended up replacing the giant nozzle applicator with a fine mist spray top to prevent myself from wasting the product. No allergic reactions or adverse effects to report. I haven't had one incident of shedding like crazy, the way that I did last year and my shed hair on wash days has been smaller in diameter than a penny. Whilst, I can't say that PK's Toner is the only reason that I've avoided a shedding fiasco this Spring, I think that it has definitely helped. De-stressing, PK Toner, and green tea rinses #ftw! All four are in my regimen for the long haul.

This one is definitely a keeper! If you've tired it, let us know!

Besitos!
KLP

Healthy Hair Insight: Daily Moisturizing Tea Treatment Experiment

Tea Spritz, JessiCurl Too Shea!, & Argan Oil

Healthy Hair & Tea: A Match Made In Heaven?

I've been faithful to tea rinsing for about 4 months now in an attempt to prevent the shedding that caused me to loose a couple of inches last Spring. I can say without doubt that tea rinsing has decreased my shedding; It's also made me wonder--if a spritz of tea on my scalp daily could decrease my shedding even more? This brillant idea hit me as Keyda and I penned our Your Hair On: Tea Rinses post a few weeks ago. I was already deep into my stretch and I didn't want to experiment with 2 inches of super curly roots, because breakage is a long term stretcher's worst enemy. I feared that the tea would dry out my hair, cause reversion, and could increase SSKs. Unconsidering that my stretch had been uneventful, why fix it if it ain't broke?

Let the experimenting roll!
Last wash day, I put my fears aside, I decided to start an experiment applying tea as a leave-in using the LOC method of moisturizing. LOC- Liquid, Oil, Cream simply refers to the order in which you apply your leave-in products. Daily, in sections, I finger detangled, sprayed my hair with green tea, applied argan oil, and then sealed with Jessicurl's Too Shea Conditioner. Now, this is my right time using the LOC method. I'm a moisturize with a cream/seal with an oil kind of girl. So, just getting the hang of the new order of operations will take some time to sit right. I thought that the products would cause a build up on my hair, it didn't. I thought that my hair would feel weighed down, it didn't. I thought that my hair might feel dried out; it didn't. In fact, after a week of moisturizing with tea then washing, my hair felt AMAZING. Silky. Smooth. Soft. Straightening took no time.I had no shed hairs in the shower and very very little while flat ironing.

While I can't call this experiment exactly scientific and I won't call daily tea spritzing "the best ever!" just yet, I am encouraged enough by the results from my first week to try it again for a week after my next wash. To be sure that the benefits were from the tea, I plan to change my moisturizing cream to Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth Split End Protector for a week, then change the sealing oil to grapeseed for a week. Y claro que sí, I'll share my first impressions in the next weeks and then after a month, I'll do a final wrap up.

Would you ever consider using tea as a daily moisturizer?

Un mil besitos!
KLP 

 

On Deck: Bad Habit Detox

Bad Habit Detoxing
If you are looking for long-term dramatic results in your healthy hair journey, a little (or a lot of) sacrifice is required. To get the results that you want, its no secret that you have to put in work. It's not supposed to be easy, but it is possible. With that said, I have a terrible awful secret to share.

Flat Iron Addiction
Whilst digging around for photo for video that I'm putting together for my grandparent's 50th anniversary, I found a few pictures from the beginning of my HHJ. I was excited to see the progess but I realized I've hovered in BSL land for entirely too long now. And I've decided that I'm officially I'm over it. Yes, I started with over-processed thin ends. I gradually trimmed away at those. Yes, I had a terrible setback last year with shedding. I gradually trimmed away at that. However, I don't think those issues are the real problem. Up until a few weeks ago, I had a secret love affair with my flat iron Robby. (Yes, my flat iron has a name. We in a judgement free zone chicas!) More often than not, I would flat iron once a week only on wash day. Almost. every. wash. Eek! I actually felt like it was an accomplishment because before I started my journey I would flat iron once a day; sometimes more if I wanted to touch up my roots before an event or outing. (Which is why my hair was a mess to begin with!) 
  

November 2010

July 2011

November 2011

Whilst, ignorance was bliss, knowing that you are doing something to undermine your long-term goals just seems--well---loca! I want MBL this year. Therefore, I need to want to: freeze, put down Robby, and back away slowly with my hands in the air.

Bad Habit Detox
With all that said, I've gotta detox this bad habit. I really want to see how long I can go without whipping the flat iron out. For the last few weeks, I've ditched sleek tresses for fluffy air dried hair and it wasn't that bad. No seriously--It really wasn't! I hope to start detoxing after my next relaxer at the end of March. Can I go a full stretch (12-16 weeks) without using the flat iron? *Sigh*...I sure hope so. So here's the catch, I can't do this detox alone. I'd go mad! Please send all the air drying tips, detangling tricks, and styling tutorials that you got my way! I'm totally gonna need it!


You in?

Un mil besitos
KLP

SOS: Flaky/Itchy Scalp

Hola Chicas!

 I hope you SOS DIVAS had a wonderful weekend! I realized after my wash this weekend that I have a scalp issue! :( Honestly, I have been realized this for a while now and have been trying to figure out ways to combat this issue. It is soooooo toturing to itch like crazyyyy or to feel like others can see these huge flakes just pouring out of my head! Through research, I realize that my eczema maybe the leading culprit in my dry/itchy scalp. However, I have been lucky to have mildly eczema outbreaks every so often due to stress.

I will not allow my scalp to be the reason for bad hair care or hair breakage. I want to stimulate my scalp positively! hehe So, if you are like me, I have a few tips that have been working for me and I have been progressing. I realize naturally, I have a dry scalp but I can maintain it and "tame" it!

SOS Tips:

1. Drink Water! I know.. I know.. but KLP is soo right about water. I have realized that when I drink more water, overall my skin does ten times better! So, drink up!

2. Wash hair consistently! I realize, finally, that I must wash my hair 1-2 times a week. I can not wait every two weeks or even past 4 days sometimes. You have to listen to your hair. I realize I have retained more healthy hair also once I started to wash better! (sounds kinda bad lol) 

3. Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Toner has been soooo awesome to me. I have noticed a tremendous change in my scalp. I use it after my wash and at least once/twice before next wash day for scalp massage. Now, you must always try something out before making it a staple..so I bought a small bottle just to see but now I am sold! It is one of my staples.

4. Essential Oil Mix: I realize that you need the natural stuff lol also! I have made my own blend with EVOO, Peppermint oil, Rosemary oil, Eucylatus oil and Vitamin E oil. I plan on adding EVCO to my mixture as well possibly. However, I have felt that tingly sensation and have seen a difference in my scalp. I utilize mine in my prepoo and every other day at times with a scalp massage.

5. Black/Green Tea Rinses! I personally primarirly do Black Tea Rinses and I have noticed less shedding and a healthier scalp when this is within my regimen. When I was not doing rinses consistently, but everything else, my scalp was still semi-bothersome. However, I feel complete no matter what with black tea rinse in the equation! Every hair is different, for example, KLP does green tea and uses smoothing treatment after...so you should really pay attention to your scalp!

These tips have been my saving grace! I itch rarely in between washes and my scalp feels so clean. I have also noticed little to no flakes in my hair after washes and in between them. So, I would advise to rotate in different methods that are beneficial if your experiencing the same issue. I definitely say doing scalp massages is a huge plus!


How have you dealt with your flaky/itchy scalp!?

Muahz
Keyda

Your Hair On: Sweat

Sweat isn't the enemy

AIDS Run 2k12

Don't pretend like you've never heard this one before. (Ha-ha!) Once upon a time, circa 2000, I would avoid strenuous activity like the plague. Not only did I believe that I could sweat out a "perm" but so did all of my friends. Puffy roots were signs of defeat. We'd halt gym time if anyone dropped a bead of sweat and ditch the club early if it got to crowded and/or hot. It was a very serious matter. I'm not ashamed to admit it.

Fast forward to the present--now I'm all about the sweat life. I adore my 60 minute spin classes twice a week and live for Pilates and cardio-kick boxing once a week. I trained for almost 6 months in 2012 for my first 5K and I'm counting down the days until I can get more daylight so that I can get to pounding the pavement again. When I don't work out, my brain feels congested and my body balance feels out of lined. I get tons of questions on how to keep your hair smooth and sleek while working out. My answer is super simple: pull your hair back into a bun and put on an elastic head band. Post workout, smooth your hair back and tie down. Boom. When I go heat free, it's even easier--my hair can frizz up all it wants to. When you can't beat 'em--join 'em.

Why I'm On Team Sweat

1. Healthy Body: Sweating helps prevent sickness. According to the the Office of Minority Health Services, in the U.S. about four out of every five African-American women are overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to serious health problems like heart attack, stroke and diabetes. I love my hair--but I love my body just a tad bit more.
2. Healthy Skin: Sweating detoxifies skin releasing build up in pores. Frequent, sweat sessions help maintain clean and clear skin.
3. Healthy Hair: Ay, You've been waiting for this one. How can having puffy roots be good for the hair you ask? Exercise increases blood circulation all over. Including to your brain and to your scalp. And increased blood circulation can equal faster growth. Need.I.Say.More.

So when I sweat, I actually don't think about my puffy roots or a "ruined style." I think about getting fit, entrenching in my little ones that being healthy is cool and claro que si growing long flowing tresses. Keep sweating. *in Dos Equis guy voice* (don't judge me!)


Un mil besitos

KLP

Another reason to love the orange stuff

Odwalla All Natural 100% Carrot Juice

Need flawless skin, a healthy body, and gorgeous hair? Yes, please!  Swigging on organic carrot juice can help you do just that. Carrots are loaded with vitamin C, E, B6, B12 and beta carotene. Let's take a look at what all of these yummy nutrients can do for your hair:

INGREDIENT	BENEFIT
Vitamin C	Water soluble, improves scalp circulation
Vitamin E	Combats hair loss, helps retain moisture
Vitamin B6 and B12	Increases energy levels, prevents hair loss
Beta Carotene	Aids in production of sebum (the natural oil that your scalp produces to prevent dryness

 
I shed like crazy every Spring. Although, my part of the world received 4 inches of snow today, I'm thinking ahead of the game. If having a drink of carrot juice daily can prevent Shed Dread 2013, then I'm all about it. Plus, when the side affects are a healthier body and skin, how can you deny it? My brand of choice is Odwalla All Natural 100% Carrot Juice sold at your local grocery store or mega-mart. The taste is growing on me, but I chase it with a few slips of orange juice. Cheers!

Un mil besitos!
KLP