Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Tips to Keep Your Blowout Straight

So far so good on this workout thing. To be honest, today is really my first day working out this week! But I felt alive, awake, and alert! Working out in the morning is going to have to become a regular thing! As I had a few minutes today to read some articles, I came across this article on Essence.com (click on the title to read the article) on how to maintain your straight locks after a blowout. Now, I know the celebrities they picture are supposed to look like they just stepped out of a salon (which they probably did) and probably don't have natural hair, the tips are worth sharing. So as you look at pics of Alicia Keys, Zoe Saldana, and Veronica Webb, just to name a few, pay attention to the tips Essence provides. Now, I'm not advocating these tips as working, but I can say I (try to) brush my hair every night at least 100 times. (Brushing and combing hair daily is listed as one of the tips). So you may ask what I did with my hair today? I wrapped it as I worked out, blew it dry (it was a little damp after my workout), then flat ironed it. Now, I know in my previous post I mentioned not to put too much heat on your hair. I kept the temperature in the low 300's; I think the setting was on 302 or 311. My hair is still shiny and straight. But after getting it done over a week ago I'm very excited about my upcoming appointment this weekend!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

A Healthy You Equals Healthy Hair

So after much speculation, saying "I'm gonna do this", and making New Year's Resolutions, I have FINALLY decided to get back in the gym and to start eating better! Two of my co-workers and I decided that beginning this coming Monday we will do a weekly weigh-in for the next three months. Now I know some of you may be wondering "What does this have to do with hair?" Well, I'll tell you! Everything in and on our body is connected to what we put in it, or what we eat. Now, for the most part, I have begun eating more healthy within the past few weeks, but I still love some occasional Party Cake Ice Cream or Sour Cream and Onion Lays. For Lent, I gave up Pork and sodas. (I'm considering giving these up on a permanent basis after Lent). We did decide that we would each give up one thing that we may indulge in once a week. So for me that would be my ice cream *sigh*. It's going to be hard, but I'm determined to make it work. So, a new me equals a new head of hair! Well, I can say that when I got my hair done this past Monday my stylist commented that my hair is growing, which is something every red-blooded black woman loves to hear! Even today, my hair is shiny and is very healthy. I have been drinking more water and I believe that my lack of sodas is aiding in the health of my hair. Since I have seen positive results, I have decided to take this one step further. I hope to see even more results once I begin working out on a regular basis. So, to assist those that may be wondering what to eat to ensure you have a healthy head of hair, here are my own little tidbits based on things I've read. 1. Definitely drink PLENTY of water. H2O gives you clearer skin and aids in healthy hair and nail growth. 2. Get plenty of exercise 3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. 4. Put as little heat as possible on your hair. Heat has the potential to break hair off and cause split ends. I think these tips will help any of us, whether we have natural or relaxed locs, or even if we're male or female. A healthy you equates to healthy hair!