Six Oils That Will Upgrade Your Natural Hair Journey!
Six Oils That Will Upgrade Your Natural Hair Journey!
Whether you’re a natural or not, keeping your hair moisturized is extremely important! One easy way to do this is using a good hair oil! The benefits of keeping your hair oiled regularly include hair growth, nourished hair and less breakage. If you have damaged, dry or slow growing hair you may want to try a serum that contains natural oils. However, finding the perfect oil for your hair comes with many challenges. Some oils are too thick, others are too runny and some just don’t give your hair the results you want.
With all of that criteria kept in mind we’ve gathered six oils we believe everyone should try! Each one contains the best oils for healthier hair. These include coconut oil, which is rich in carbohydrates and minerals essential for strengthening hair, argan oil, a great natural hair protectant and castor oil, great for diminishing hair loss. The oils mentioned are great for all hair types and works for a range of styles to wash n go’s to box braids. Check out who what brands made our list below!
The Mane Choice Multi-Vitamin Scalp Nourishing Growth Oil
This oil is a natural oil blend made exclusively for the scalp. Formulated to help revitalize and rejuvenate, our revitalizing oil is powerful, yet gentle enough to be used daily.
Mylons Hair Strengthening Tonic
This hair strengthening tonic is a light and quickly absorbed formula made specifically for your hair. It penetrates the hair shaft, adds protection, eliminates frizz, and prevents damage while adding weightless shine. This unique and all-natural tonic creates maximum strength to benefit your hair.
Curls Blueberry Bliss Hair Growth Oil
Did you know that Blueberry Extract is proven to repair and restore damaged hair, prevent breakage and increase hair growth? Formulated with certified organic Blueberry Extract, Pomegranate Seed, Argan and Gardenia Flower Oil PROVEN to GROW, REPAIR, PROTECT, and RESTORE damaged tresses.
This hair Growth Oil is specially formulated with 100% organic essential oils that promotes hair growth and makes your hair reach its highest quality as it helps your hair to attain fullness and thickness which in turn leaves you with that shiny, long and healthy mane you have always desired.
Carols Daughter Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Pure Hair Oil
This deep treatment oil adds a layer of moisture to dry, dull, brittle hair to replenish and maintain hair’s natural balance. The blend of Calendula and Chamomile Extracts and Safflower Oil work to make hair softer and more flexible so it’s easier to style with a high-shine finish. Perfect as a pre-shampoo or hot oil treatment in the shower for deeper conditioning and extra hydration.
Shea Moisture Jamaican black Castor Oil Strengthen and Restore Serum
This intensive oil serum is perfect for those who regularly straighten, perm or heat style their hair. Packed with intensive hydration, it effectively penetrates to treat the scalp and each hair strand with nutrients, minerals and vitamins, bringing damaged or chemically processed hair back to life.
Black Beauty Influencers That We Love
By: Sandy Pierre
If you’re anything like me, you often find yourself binge watching beauty YouTubers and influencers into the night to learn the latest makeup tricks, hair care brands, and tips on how to enhance your look. That’s why our team at PYNK decided to share this list of our favorite girls:
@tiffbenson
Tiff Benson is the founder of the Fragrance Society, a global community of fragrance lovers. As one of Sephora’s global ambassadors, she keeps us up-to-date on the best beauty brands. Her mission is to educate, entertain, and inspire people to live better – more beautiful, limitless lives.
@jackieaina
We love beauty YouTuber Jackie Aina for her OG beauty game. She keeps it honest, real, and is not afraid to call out the brands that are not chocolate-girl friendly.
@alissa.ashley
Not only is Alissa a bomb beauty YouTuber, she excels in photography. We always look forward to seeing how she slays a cat eye, skin care routines, inspired looks, as well as her amazing portraits.
@ellarie
Ellarie and her daughter, Zara are the perfect duo. Their hair tutorials and beauty trends are too cute. Ellarie helps you to kill a shadowy eye to the point where you’ll be thinking you’re a makeup artist.
@teairawalker
Teaira gives us all the tea on how to make drugstore makeup look as expensive and polished as the rest. She also teaches how to take your makeup look from day to night, and scores bonus points for her great fashion sense.
@monicastylemuse
Monica’s beauty reviewers often point out how hilarious she is. She tells it like it is and is honest about her imperfections. She’ll have you feeling confident in using the products she recommends, and you’ll love her sassy personality.
Four Tips to Help Combat Post-Partum Hair Loss
Written by Mia Cooley
During my pregnancy my hair had grown faster than I’d ever seen. It was retaining length, it was thick, and it was shiny. Why was it growing? I told everyone that the cheat code to healthy hair was to have a baby because, I can promise you, there was no shortage of stress while I was pregnant. No surge in healthy eating, and I wasn’t as consistent as I probably should’ve been with taking my vitamins and drinking water. Fast forward through all the fourth trimester bliss and not only was my infant going through a sleep regression, but my hair was going through its own regression phase. The post-partum shedding was real and didn’t start until my current toddler was five or six months old. I was literally edgeless. While my hair has grown back beautifully, this time a year ago was a struggle.
For many women, the state of our hair (it’s length, volume, style) are equated to our level of attractiveness, and our femininity. I don’t think I realized all that I had internalized over the years regarding my hair, and the vanity I carried with me because of it. Black women, especially, have an intricate relationship with our hair. The level of time and effort put into our hair from young ages to prove it can grow, the political statements we make with our hair, the community and sacred spaces that have manifested because of the relationship we have with our hair. All these things have built an industry valued at $2.5 billion. So, I think most Black women could understand that it wasn’t just hair for me. I’m still unpacking that, but I needed to address the hair loss.
Science says, post-partum hair loss is normal and that generally you get back to your regularly scheduled programming by month 12. I could throw some facts at you about growth phases like anagen and telogen, but no one really cares about the why. You’re here for the how to prevent it. Prior to the baby, I had it all figured out, but my hair regimen was anything but low maintenance. There were full days, sometimes two, dedicated to hot oil treatments, protein treatments, washing, deep conditioning, trimming, styling, shopping for and sampling products. My time and my money were dedicated to the health of my hair. Realistically, with a new baby I just didn’t have the time, the money, the patience to return to the regimen I once had.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Continue to Take Prenatal Vitamins. This doesn’t just go for my breastfeeding mommas. The prenatal multi-vitamin is full of all the good stuff, such as vitamins and minerals that keep your hair and nails growing (your skin glowing too).
2. Pay attention to your scalp. Healthy hair starts here. Make sure you’re keeping it moisturized and avoiding chemicals that can lead to burning and other damage.
3. Avoid Heat. It can cause further damage.
4. Adjust your styling. I had to change my low tension and low manipulation regimen to an EVEN LOWER tension and manipulation regimen. Which kind of worked out because I have no time to do hair with an infant attached to my boo or a toddler attached to my knee caps.
I had to treat my hair as fragile as it was. I basically just kept it clean and moisturized and kept it pushing. Don’t lose hope mommas, stress is not going to get you the results you want. Try and be patient. Reach out if you need encouragement because how you look impacts how you feel, and I remember not feeling the best during this transition.
Suffering From Dry Hair, We Found the Brand that Promises to Hydrate Your Curls
Finally deciding to go natural is a tough decision, but should be completely worth it if you’re using the right products. Being natural makes us want to feel free and work on our hair being as healthy as ever. However, one of the biggest concerns we often have is how dry and brittle our hair is during process. Finding products that actually keep your hair strong and hydrated isn’t easy. Most products say they can “moisturize” and help the overall quality of your hair, but do they really? What’s even harder is trying to use 10 different products on your hair to achieve the healthy curls you want.
Finding products that work for your hair and contain healthy ingredients isnt as hard as it used to be but many people still struggle with finding ones that have high quality ingredients and work for multiple hair types.
Fortify’d Naturals aims to bring light to the difference between “Moisturizing” and “Hydrating” and that with just 5 products they bring all of the hydration, moisture and protection your hair needs.
Growth Enhancing Moisture Therapy
Goal: Soothes itchy and irritated scalp, promotes hair growth
Key Ingredients: Linden Flower Extract, MSM Powder, Chamomile Flower Extract
Hydrating Leave-in-Conditioner
Goal: Hydrate, nourish and detangle
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Tea Tree Essential Oil
Intense Hydrating Potion
Goal: Hydrate, style and define
Key Ingredients: 100% Unrefined Organic Shea Butter, Coconut Oil
Reconstructing Deep Conditioner
Goal: Strengthen, hydrate, and repair dry damaged hair
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Baobab Protein, MSM Powder
Sage Infused Black Soap Shampoo
Goal: Cleanse, clarify and restore
Key Ingredients: Black Soap, Sage
These certified vegan products are made for all curl types and textures to bring you soft, shiny hair. They include only high quality natural ingredients, are handmade daily, and include Fortify’d Naturals own revolutionary true hydration technology to effectively treat your hair! Putting your trust in Fortify’d Naturals to satisfy your hair needs might be the way to go this summer. Treat yourself, and treat your hair. You deserve it!
Learn more at https://www.fortifydnaturals.com/
Join the #HydrateYourCurls movement on Instagram: @fortifydnaturals
How the 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine Works + the Pros and Cons
When it comes to winning skin, there are levels to the layers.
Let's face it- as time goes by, beauty is a battle of upkeep. And when it comes to winning skin, there are levels to the layers. While the melanated woman has the upper hand on flawless skin (hashtag "Black Don't Crack)", that doesn't mean there aren't a few natural fault lines that come with time.
In comes the "Korean Skincare Routine" - a 10 step beauty regimen inspired by Korea's cultural, beauty obsession with healthy skin. The 10-step routine is supported by generations of scientific evidence and advancement, and has proven effective for healthier and smoother skin.
The secret in its success lies not only in the number of products, but the actual process. Yes, a huge part of this routine’s success is following all 10 steps, all in order, 2 times a day (morning and evening), unless stated else wise.
Without further ado, here are the 10 steps as commonly recommended to effectively carry out the “Korean Skincare Routine”
1. Oil cleanser - Step 1 of the two (2) step "cleansing process." Oil cleansers are great for makeup removal and at breaking down oil-based debris such as makeup, sunscreen and air pollutants that attach to your skin throughout the day. Lighter oils such as macadamia, jojoba and grape seed oils are recommended.
2. Foam/cream cleanser - Step 2/2 of the cleansing process. Removes water-based impurities that oil cleansers miss such as sweat and dirt. Some recommended ingredients in your cleanser should be green tea and rice extract.
3. Exfoliators- Helps remove hard to reach debris and dead skin. Removal of dead skin helps the skin to breathe better and absorb products more effectively. Exfoliation should be gentle, and only done 1-2 times a week, with a core focus on visibly open pores, the nose and cheeks. Sugar scrubs are a good natural alternative to salicylic and lactic acid-based products found in most exfoliators.
4. Toner - Toner is a mid-way reset in the 10-step process that helps to balance pH levels. Toner not only removes any leftover residue from cleansers but also re-moisturizes the skin, allowing for a better absorption of the products that will be used next. Using a cotton ball to dab or clean hands to "pat", apply products such as aloe or citric acid-based toner onto your face.
5. Essence - Essences are usually a concentrated blend of anti-aging and complexion-enhancing ingredients that you lightly pat onto your face and neck. Great, natural options include rice extract and hyaluronic acid.
6. Ampoule/Serum - Ampoules, serums and boosters are perfect for directly treating problem areas and they target skin specificities such as hyperpigmentation, acne and fine lines. All you need to do is to apply them directly to the problem areas of your skin. Ideal ingredients include tea tree, vitamin C and soybeans.
7. Sheet Mask - Masks are the core of the Korean skincare routine, and infuse skin with concentrated essence, providing maximum hydration and moisture. They can be used daily for particularly dry skin or as little as 2-3 times a week. They should be applied and "patted" onto the skin and left for 15-20 minutes. Ideal ingredients include cucumber, green tea and rose.
8. Eye Cream: Not all creams are created equal and those applied "around" the eyes are particularly special. The skin surrounding our eye is the thinnest and most delicate and requires special attention and treatment in order to minimize dark circles, crow's feet and puffiness. With your pinky, you should gently tap the product around your orbital bone while avoiding getting any product in your waterline.
9. Moisturizer: Be it lotion, gel, cream, etc., moisturizers help to hydrate and "plump" skin as well as smooth fine lines. Ideal ingredients include hyaluronic acid, bamboo, green tea, Cica and more. Due to varying skin types, you may have to figure out which moisturizers work best for your skin.
10. Sunscreen - Sunscreen protects your skin from damaging UV rays, helping to prevent premature skin aging and for some, skin cancer. Even if you plan to remain indoors most of the day, sunscreen should be applied in the morning and re-applied throughout the day (as needed). This should be your absolute last step in the morning portion of your routine, so it can shield your skin effectively but does not need to be performed before bedtime.
The Pros and Cons of the Korean Skincare Process:
Pro:
The “pro” to the 10-step Korean Beauty process is pretty straight forward: a healthy, glowing skin for the win. So, let’s move on to the not so pretty side of staying pretty.
Cons:
It’s time consuming - Any task that requires 10-steps to complete isn't necessarily time friendly. And between work life, home life and personal life, the Korean skincare routine isn't always the easiest thing to squeeze into one's jam-packed schedule.
It’s trial & error - No two "problematic" skins are created the same. Some people may suffer from excessively oily skin, and others may actually have sensitive skin, in which the more products, the less merrier. However, it's all trial and error until you get the right products for your skin. For example, oil-based cleansers may seem like a "no-go" for those prone to oily skin, but it is a very important, first step in the process. Not to mention, the remaining 9 steps will wash away any excess oil once it has performed its magic. There are also plenty of natural and organic ingredient swaps which might be good alternatives for people with sensitive skin.
It’s a splurge - More money, more products. With a 10-product list, things can get, well pricy. Even with natural swaps to replace pricier over-the-counter options, it's easy to go through products when 8 out of 10 the steps on your list are to be performed twice a day. Hey, no one said it would be cheap, but if done right, this routine is totally worth it.
It's tedious - Just because we may have the time to perform a “twice a day, 10-step beauty routine”, doesn't mean one always wants to. Staying dedicated to a demanding beauty regiment is not everyone's idea of fun and it’s easy to get discouraged especially if you can’t build up the discipline to stick to it.