A Better You Being Natural Natural Hair Regimen Techniques

Scalp Massage Technique: Hair Growth Challenge

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Like our skin, our scalp needs to be moisturized daily and scalp massages have been proven to be an effective way to boost hair growth.  Good circulation is essential in the natural hair growth journey, scalp massages are also a good way to pamper yourself and boost your hair’s ability to grow.

The Challenge – Starting Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Massage your scalp once a day for 30 days, then twice a day for the next 30 days. 5-10 minutes in the morning and or in the evening.

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Your fingers are all you need. However I like to use a Scalp Massaging Shampoo Brush, it’s great for shampooing and just as good for daily scalp massages.

Track your progress

  • Take before pictures that shows the length of your hair at the beginning of your challenge [front, back and sides] and post your pictures to Facebook.com/NaturallyACT and (hashtag) #ACTGrowthChallenge no later than Monday, August 31, 2015.
  • On Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at the end of the first 30 days; measure the length of your hair (front, back & sides) and post a picture of your results and talk about your progress.
  • Post your FINAL pictures of your results on Saturday October 31, 2015.
  • Throughout the challenge journal your experience and when posting your progress talk about growth, thickness, oils using, etc.

**This challenge is not intended to be another item on your ToDo list. Its important to enjoy your journey, also this is not just about growing longer hair. I want to challenge you to take better care of yourself, massage your scalp will not only stimulate hair growth it’s relaxing. Remember anything you do for 30-days will become a habit and growing healthy hair is a great habit to create.

How to do Scalp Massages

You can massage your scalp, using your fingers tips with any oil of choice or none.

  • Pour some oil into a bowl and warm the oil by placing the bowl in some hot water. The oil should be warm but comfortable to the touch.  Or you can just use your favorite oil straight from the bottle.
  • Using the pads of your fingers, apply the oil little by little to different parts of your scalp, parting your hair as needed.  Then, using the pads of your fingers, work the oil into your scalp, using circular motions. Slow, deliberate movements are relaxing while steady but vigorous movement helps enhance energy and circulation

{Pay attention to your scalp stop if you get any irritation from the oil }.

The Benefits of Scalp Massages

A properly done scalp massage can increase blood circulation to the hair follicles, increase relaxation, decrease stress, condition the scalp, and boost the strength of the hair roots. The kneading pressure applied by massage warms the skin and opens up blood vessels to increase flow and boost circulation. Increased circulation means that the cells of the hair follicle will receive more of the nutrients necessary to optimal hair growth function. The rubbing motion promotes relaxation and feels good, thus increasing the production of “feel good” chemicals that work to lower levels of stress hormone in the body. Lower stress levels allow your organs to function more efficiently, thus boosting your hair follicle’s ability to grow hair.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
  • Conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp without the use of harsh chemical shampoos.
  • Helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area. When the scalp is “tight” from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded.
  • Helps relax the scalp and increase pliability.
  • Helps strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair.
  • Helps soften and condition the hair, making it more manageable.
  • Spreads the natural oils of the hair, increasing hair luster and vibrancy
  • Helps protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh weather by improving resiliency over time.
  • Replenish and rejuvenates for dry, damaged hair, and helps prevent excessive brittleness and split-ends.

Tips for making Time for a Scalp Massage

  1. When you’re too tired to do your scalp massage, have your Significant Other or children massage your scalp for you. 😀 
  2. While watching your favorite show on television, reading or surfing the internet, take a few minutes to do your scalp massage.  You will get it done in no time.
  3. Massage your scalp 1st thing in the morning before you style your hair or in the evening before your tie your hair up.

Suggested List of oils for scalp massages

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Avocado Oil
  • Coconut Oil
  • Castor Oil
  • Jojoba Oil
  • Almond Oil
  • Emu Oil
  • Jamaican Black Castor Oil
  • Grapeseed Oil
  • Neem Oil

** Essential Oils **

  • **Burdock Oil
  • **Basil Oil
  • **Tea Tree Oil
  • **Lavender Oil
  • **Peppermint Oil
  • **Rosemary Oil
    • **When Using Essential Be sure to add to a carrier oil such as Jojoba, Castor or Olive Oil.
Information for Scalp Massage Challenge

Essential oils are very strong when using be sure to dilute with a carrier oil. Consult your healthcare provider to avoid irritation and allergic reactions.

There are a variety essential oil available for most hair and scalp issues. Remember that essential oils are VERY concentrated and should not be used directly on the hair or skin….always combine essential with carrier oils (almond, olive, castor and jojoba). Be sure to do your own research and choose the most appropriate essential oil that will work well with a carrier oil. Your scalp is part of your skin and to achieve healthy hair (not just long hair) you must take care of your scalp. Regular scalp massages improves hair growth and prevents hair loss.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU (LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW).

  • Do you have any scalp issues (dryness, buildup etc) what did you do to overcome them?
  • Are you going to do this challenge with me?
  • What are your healthy hair goals (growth/length)?
  • Do you have any additional tips you want to share?
  • What YouTube videos do you want to see?

 

Until Next Time! Connect to me:

Facebook.com/NaturallyACT
Instagram.com/naturallyact/
YouTube.com/NaturallyACT 
Blog | www.naturallyact.com/

~Naturally ACT (Aleka)

 


 

Disclaimer: All suggestions, techniques and advice given are for informational purposes only and should be used at your discretion and best judgment. I highly recommend conducting strand tests when trying or using new products, hair appliances and any product. I am not responsible or liable for adverse or undesirable affects including hair loss, hair breakage or other hair/scalp/skin/body damage as a direct or indirect result of the suggestions, tips, techniques and/or advice given.

I am not representing, being paid by, or endorsing any of the product brands in this email, blog, video, document and so on. I purchased everything with my own money – UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. There are links to products that might be helpful based on the content of this email, blog, video, document and so on.

NaturallyACT.com | Aleka C. Thrash is not responsible for hair damage and or loss as a result of reading this email, blog, video, document and so on. Please use all suggested techniques and or products at your own risk.



 

Being Natural Natural Hair Regimen Washing Working Out

Retaining & Maintaining length tips for Natural 4C Hair

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I often get questions on how I maintain length and care for my hair. When I hear the same question more than twice it’s a good time to blog about it 😀 Let me start out by saying this it’s not always go to be easy yet you CAN grow your 4c/kinky Hair. There is no magic potion to growing your natural hair long; there is no magic oil or product to buy however I’ll say it again you CAN GROW LONG HAIR.

PATIENCE

Patience is the main way to really learn your hair, everyone will have different experiences and it’s not going to be easy. It’s going to take time to really learn how to take care of your hair and from my perspective hair changes constantly. Having a positive attitude even when the results are not great or what you expect is key.

One of my personal rules is to not style, wash and especially detangling when frustrated or tired. For some this may mean missing out on going to a movie for hanging out with friends so that you can really take the time to care for your hair. Your attitude and approach matters patience is a mindset. You thought process and feelings prior to any attempting hair care matters. Take it slow and pay attention to how your hair is responding to products, styling tools and the style itself.

LEARN TO LOVE YOUR HAIR

It took almost 4 years to really love my hair; for years after I went natural I felt ugly and hated that my hair didn’t look like my friend or my favorite YouTube natural. I had to stop hating my hair (myself) and start loving what my hair could and would do. I literally started treating my hair like silk, using products that work best for my hair, minimizing styling tools and the use of heat including the blow dryer and over stretching my hair.

That was the best thinking I could have done when I started loving my hair my attitude and perspective changed. The icing on the cake was people started giving me random complements.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ~ TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

What you eat affects many things from your emotions, to your hair, to your skin and so on. A healthy lifestyle is a must if you want your hair to grow healthy and maintain any length. Thus if your diet, exercise and sleeping habits are poor your hair and the way you feel will be affected.

Don’t wait until you start experiencing scalp issues or hair loss. Quick fixes don’t offer long term results. True healing and restoration takes time real results has everything to do with what you eat and how active you are. Think about when you don’t feel good, I mean really don’t feel good…. after sitting for a long period of time or after you ate a horribly unbalanced meal.

I want to be honest exercising does not always initially feel good yet in my experience its better than getting up after sitting for a long period of time with stiff legs. The end result of a good run is a feeling of accomplishment and once your body looks the way you want it’s all worth the work. This is also true for you hair the process is not always easy but when your twist out is ‘everything’ or your fro is so big people think its fake it’s totally work the work.

LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE

One of the best lessons I have learned is to style my hair the walk away. This was difficult for me at first because I almost always think I can make the style better if I just do one (ten) more things yet I end up not liking the final result as much after messing with it too much. Believe it or not 4C hair is fragile, over manipulation causes breakage resulting in not getting that length you want.

Retaining length is difficult if it’s constantly being, pulled, tugged, separated, yanked or even over exposed to the harsh weather. Pay attention to what you’re doing, this will help you see how well your hair is responding to techniques and styles, ask yourself: Am I using too much product? Do I constantly find myself touching/playing in my hair? Leave your hair alone as much as you can and watch it flourish.

MOISTURIZE

Most people don’t understand the value of water not just on your hair this includes in your body yes drink water. Now when I say water this does not mean washing your hair to often (although it is very important to keep a clean scrap) simply misting your hair daily to keep it moisturize. You can do this a few differ ways, with a spray or using a hair steamer.

I tend to alternate using my spray bottle containing part water part Aloe Vera Juice and my Q-Redrew hand held steamer to prevent dryness. Dry hair becomes brittle and breaks, it is virtually impossible to retain length with broken hair. Build into your regular regime misting and/or steaming your hair especially the ends to maintain moisture. After I steam or mist my hair I like to use a oil mix of 1oz castor oil, 1 oz jojoba oil, ½ oz grapeseed oil, ½ oz olive oil to seal in the moister.

Deep conditioning with heat weekly or at least biweekly is a great way to moisturizing your hair. While using your favorite deep conditioner a steam or simply sit under the dryer.

MAINTAIN A CLEAN SCALP ESPECIALLY WHILE WEARING PROTECTIVE STYLES   

One of the ways I do maintain a clean scalp while wear braids it to:

  • Get a cup or bowl with warm water and a little oil of your choice.
  • Sections hair,
  • Using an old t-shirt, dip it in the oil water & oil mix (be light with the water) and wipe your scalp just your scalp clean.
  • I sometimes use blow dryer on cool to dry my scalp before moving on to the next section.

Doing this allows me to maintain my protective without messing up that fresh look.

All of those are my truths and I think it is safe to say that most naturals would agree regardless of hair texture. Retaining and maintaining long healthy hair begins with your mindset and ends with hair care. Start to focus on the simple things, love, health, peace…. You will get the results you desire… In life & in your hair!!!

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU (LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW).

  • How to you Retaining & maintaining your length?
  • What are your hair goals (growth/length, healthy)?
  • Do you have any additional tips you want to share?
  • What YouTube videos do you want to see?

 

CONNECT WITH ME

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/NaturallyACT
Instagram | https://instagram.com/naturallyact/
YouTube| NaturallyACT 
Blog | https://naturallyact.com/

 

Disclaimer: All suggestions, techniques and advice given are for informational purposes only and should be used at your discretion and best judgment. I highly recommend conducting strand tests when trying or using new products, hair appliances and any product. I am not responsible or liable for adverse or undesirable affects including hair loss, hair breakage or other hair/scalp/skin/body damage as a direct or indirect result of the suggestions, tips, techniques and/or advice given.

I am not representing, being paid by, or endorsing any of the product brands in this email, blog, video, document and so on. I purchased everything with my own money – UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. There are links to products that might be helpful based on the content of this email, blog, video, document and so on.

NaturallyACT.com | Aleka C. Thrash is not responsible for hair damage and or loss as a result of reading this email, blog, video, document and so on. Please use all suggested techniques and or products at your own risk.



 

Being Natural Hair Envy Natural Hair

Hair Envy / Goals

Hey Hey!!

I’m back with a new post 😀 I have had a goal of waist length hair awhile now (like four years) yet have a tendency to get lazy with my regimen or cut my hair in an effort to feel in control (a topic ill will talk about later FEAR). I now feel that I am really ready to DO THE WORK and put in the effort to reach my goal. To really do this I needed some inspiration so I thought id share with you some of my fav ladies in the natural hair community.

Hair Goals with Donedo &  CharyJay  I choose them because I believe my hair is similar to theirs and love how consist they seem to be!

Fist up  Donedo, I have only been following  her for just about a year now and I just love her style. I am still afraid of color however Donedo has me really thinking about it. Not to mention as a visual artist I admire her images are always on point!

Donedo 1 Donedo -2Photos From: Facebook.com/Donedo

I have been following CharyJay since I moved to Michigan her styles are simple,  flawless and this new color looks great on her. I enjoy watching her YouTube Videos  for Quick & Easy Protective Style (Up-dos). She has truly been an inspiration for me and my plan is to use some of her videos to help me reach my goal or at least keep my hair looking good. 😀

CharyJay - 1 CharyJay -2Photo Credit: Facebook.com/pages/CharyJay

Oh and I had the opportunity to me CharyJay at  at Naturally Flyy Detroit she was soo nice!  10253996_10153366347227597_7412465172646947143_n

Now these next to ladies I have complete hair envy for as previously stated my ultimate goal is waist length hair and boy have they achieved that… EClark & Naptural85.

EClark I don’t even have words… do you see her twist they are like perfect and lets talk about how real shrink. The second image show before and after hair. I just look and her page for hope that I will some day get to where hair is.

EClark 1 10447632_741451259238213_3376730984200088291_nPhotos from Facebook.com/OfficialEClark

I had to save my favorite for last Naptural85 I can’t say enough of how much of a fan girl I am for Whitney.  I have been following her YouTube channel since the beginning of her hair journey. She has been so much fun to watch and sooooo inspiring, one of things I like about her YouTube channel is that she is constantly updating her regimen, and showing her subscribers how she has grown and changed.

Naptural85_012112_05whitney-white-profilepic_grandePhotos from Facebook.com/Naptural85Official

  • Do you have any hair goals? (Length, Growth, just to to constant, tell me about them)
  • Who are are favorite hair bloggers, vloggers, hair crushes etc?