Source: Shutterstock

Looking back over the past few years, we can confidently move into 2013 knowing that there is a wealth of information readily available at our digital fingertips on the world of kinky/curly haircare. Products have evolved and changed to suit our needs. New niche lines have been developed to address areas of concern that had previously gone neglected. Black haircare, as an industry and as a movement, has made a lot of progress.

But some habits, and thinking, don’t go down so easily. There are still a number of beliefs, some old and some relatively new, that are misleading, false, divisive or simply will destroy our hair if we don’t pay attention.

Here are ten of those popular misconceptions.

Everybody wants to take good care of their hair, but not everybody wants to spend an enormous chunk of change doing so. Thankfully, most items that are needed to cleanse, moisturize and protect can be found right in your home:

Baking Soda can be used to clarify any buildup on the scalp. One tablespoon to one cup of water should do, but if you have longer and/or thicker hair, you may need a bit more of each. It’s best mixed together in a spray bottle or an applicator so that you can focus directly on the scalp. (When you rinse, it will run down the hair). Massage and leave in for 1-5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. You are now squeaky clean.

There will always be a new “have to have it now” product that hits the shelves. Right now that product is Argan oil. But what exactly is it and is it worth all of the attention it’s receiving?

Pure Argan oil is derived from the kernels of argan trees that grow in the southwestern regions of Morocco. These kernels are then cold pressed to extract the vitamins that the oil offers including vitamin e and essential fatty acids. Many claim that Argan oil is the miracle answer to not only hair ailments, but skin as well. The ingredients have remarkable age-defying effects and moisturizing properties that can be used to benefit hair and dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and wrinkles.

A few years ago, the Moroccan Oil line hit the market and rocked the beauty world. Made with a small percentage of Argan oil, this product flew off of shelves. It made fly-aways a thing of the past and turned frizzy locks into sleek strands instantaneously. The heavenly scent was just the icing on the cake. Although still a fan favorite, it now has competition in the various brands that sell 100% pure Argan oil and the many companies that have begun incorporating the oil into their products.

Josie Maran is one of the more popular brands that sell 100% argan oil. At $48 for 50mL, it’s a bit on the pricey side, but well worth it since it is applicable everywhere on the body including the face. This lightweight oil doesn’t sit on your hair like many other oils can nor does it make it greasy. Upon application, this truly does promote lustrous strands. If you’re on the fence, try the smaller $14 on the go bottle.

Another big seller is One ‘n’ Only Argan Oil. This version is not 100% pure and is instead mixed with a few silicones, but comes through in the shine department. If you are careful with ‘cone buildup, this can definitely work for your hair. It claims to leave tresses smooth, frizz free and protected. I feel that it did all three of things and is a steal at $11.99 for 3.4oz.

What do you think? Is Argan Oil worth all the hoopla or is it just another beauty fad?

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By Chrissi J

Source: naturallymemedia.com

Everyone asks about what they can do to make their hair grow, and to keep their hair moisturized, but are you checking to make sure your hair has shine? The kind of shine where your locks are shining when you step out in the sun? Try these tips to keeping your hair all aglow no matter what time of the year.

Cold Water closes your hairs pores so that your hair will reflect light rather than absorb it. The water doesn’t have to be freezing ice cold, but try giving your hair a cool blast after you shampoo & condition.

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum smells great & works wonders for most textures, especially fine hair. I would especially recommend it for straightened hair… It’s a gloss and isn’t heavy at all. For longer lasting and the shiniest of results, massage the Garnier ‘Sleek & Shine Anti Frizz Serum’ into your hair when it’s damp. No worries though, you can also use this product on dry hair as well.

Coconut Oil is great for all hair types & textures. It’ll definitely give you shine & moisture. You want to make sure that you only use unrefined coconut oil, and use it when hair is moist for best moisture penetration. Coconut oil is also great for hair growth and helps prevent hair loss. If you’ve ever had any severe breakage, try massaging coconut oil into the area and watch your hair grow back!

Grapeseed Oil coats the hair and is very great for shine. Grapeseed oil helps to repair brittleness and is a God-sent product for fine and straightened hair. It’s so light and doesn’t weigh the hair down at all. It’s not greasy or overly-oily and you can use it while your hair is damp or dry. You can also use grapeseed oil for a hot-oil treatment.

Almond Oil smells great and is also great for shine. Be careful not to use if you’re allergic to nuts though! Almond oil also great for hair growth and has been said to prevent hair loss.

Castor Oil is great for shine and maximum moisture. If you have straight hair, loose curls, or sometimes even fine hair, you’ll want to steer clean of this for everyday use as to not overdo it. But castor oil does make a great conditioning treatment for all types of hair. Soak your hair in castor oil for about 15-30 minutes after you shampoo and rinse thoroughly with warm/hot water. Castor Oil also great when used to twist locks!

Chrissi J is a hair-care specialist currently based in New York City, specializing in creative natural hairstyling and overall hair care. She is the originator of the Keepin’ It Kinky Campaign. Check out her work and videos at Keepin’ It Kinky and through her YouTube page.

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Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd is an award-winning board certified dermatologist and internationally renowned lecturer. She specializes in treating women with “multi-hued skin tones,” which she describes as the range of tones including tan, olive and brown skin. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd is recognized as an opinion leader and skincare expert and has been featured in numerous publications including, O, The Oprah Magazine, Allure, LA Times, and WebMD. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd sees patients and conducts clinical research in private practice and at the University of Miami where she serves as the Director of Ethnic Skin Care.

“Skin I’m In” is a series that will highlight common skin problems affecting women of color. Everyday this week Madame Noire, will partner with Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd to offer solutions to these aliments. Dr. Woolery-Lloyd works with Specific Beauty, a line of skin care treatment that focuses on women of multiple hues. Check out today’s post on luscious, summer skin.