Natural Hair Products for Black and African American Men
16/09/10 09:25 Filed in:
Hair Care Tips
If you are a looking for natural hair care products
for Black men, we invite you to try Northwest Scents
Lavender and Patchouli hair care products for men.
Our lavender and patchouli products are scented with
natural lavender and patchouli essential oils. This
line is for men who want to use Northwest Scents
products. They are packaged a little differently than
our regular line, and the scent is more masculine
than our other scents (but ladies can use it too!).
The scent of lavender-patchouli is aromatic and kind
of "earthy." The products are available in 8.5 oz
bottles, and in 2 oz. sample kits. For more
information please visit the following links:
Lavender and Patchouli shampoo
Lavender and Patchouli hair oil
Lavender and Patchouli conditioner
Lavender and Patchouli sample kit
Also Available on Amazon.com
Lavender and Patchouli shampoo
Lavender and Patchouli hair oil
Lavender and Patchouli conditioner
Lavender and Patchouli sample kit
Also Available on Amazon.com
Shaving Tips for Black and African American Hair
16/09/10 09:08 Filed in:
Hair Care Tips |
Shaving
If you are looking for a smoother, more natural shave
we invite you to try Northwest Scents
lavender shaving products. For light to
regular facial hair we recommend our Lavender Shaving
Foam. It's natural formula helps to soften
the hair, and leaves the skin soft after
shaving. In addition, it contains lavender
essential oil which leaves a delicate scent on
the skin and helps to heal nicks and/or wounds.
Our Lavender Shaving
Foam does not contain soaps, alcohol, salts,
dyes, artificial colors or propellants. We
recommend using this product with a regular
manual razor or with wet/dry electric razors.
For coarser hair we recommend our Lavender Shaving Oil. To use it simply wet your skin and apply some of the oil. Shave as normal. The oil moisturizes your skin, softens the hair, and leaves a gentle scent on the skin. It also reduces friction, which helps to reduce or eliminate razor bumps, making shaving a much more pleasant experience. It contains a special blend of natural essential oils, including lavender, sandalwood, roman chamomile, and clary sage, which help to heal and soothe the skin. Our shaving oil can be used with a regular manual razor or with wet/dry electric razors.
For really coarse hair try our Lavender Shaving Oil and Lavender Shaving Foam together. Dampen the skin, apply a small amount of Lavender Shaving Oil, and then put the Lavender Shaving Foam on top. Shave as normal.
For coarser hair we recommend our Lavender Shaving Oil. To use it simply wet your skin and apply some of the oil. Shave as normal. The oil moisturizes your skin, softens the hair, and leaves a gentle scent on the skin. It also reduces friction, which helps to reduce or eliminate razor bumps, making shaving a much more pleasant experience. It contains a special blend of natural essential oils, including lavender, sandalwood, roman chamomile, and clary sage, which help to heal and soothe the skin. Our shaving oil can be used with a regular manual razor or with wet/dry electric razors.
For really coarse hair try our Lavender Shaving Oil and Lavender Shaving Foam together. Dampen the skin, apply a small amount of Lavender Shaving Oil, and then put the Lavender Shaving Foam on top. Shave as normal.
Q & A: Tips for Softer Pressed Hair
16/09/10 08:58 Filed in:
Hair Care Tips
Question: Hi. I'm 17 and i do my own
hair. I would really love to see it actually lay down
when its pressed. When ever I get it pressed or I
press it people have a hard time getting it to lay
down. My hair is really thick and hard to manage.
What would you guys recommend I do about it?
Answer: Hi. You need to use shampoos and conditioners that soften your hair, and hair oils and/or pomades that seal in moisture without causing heavy buildup and stickiness. If you are using products that contain mineral oil or petrolatum, or shampoos that contain sulfates, these products may be drying out your hair and causing it to be stiff when you press it. Thick heavy mineral oil and petrolatum based hair grease will cause your hair to be stiff and will also dry out your hair. Stay away from that and use a natural hair oil or natural pomade when you press your hair. Northwest Scents products are free from mineral oil, petrolatum, sulfates, and parabens, and are formulated to soften and condition dry, black and afro textured hair.
Answer: Hi. You need to use shampoos and conditioners that soften your hair, and hair oils and/or pomades that seal in moisture without causing heavy buildup and stickiness. If you are using products that contain mineral oil or petrolatum, or shampoos that contain sulfates, these products may be drying out your hair and causing it to be stiff when you press it. Thick heavy mineral oil and petrolatum based hair grease will cause your hair to be stiff and will also dry out your hair. Stay away from that and use a natural hair oil or natural pomade when you press your hair. Northwest Scents products are free from mineral oil, petrolatum, sulfates, and parabens, and are formulated to soften and condition dry, black and afro textured hair.
Tips For Itchy Scalps
16/09/10 08:50 Filed in:
Hair Care Tips
Do you have an itchy scalp? Itching can cause extreme
misery for the sufferer, however many causes of
itchiness can be solved with simple remedies. There
are many reasons why the scalp or skin may be
irritated. So before you seek a dermatologist's help,
ask yourself the following:
Are you using a shampoo made from detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate? Although these detergents lather wonderfully they can dry your scalp out to the point of being extremely itchy. Consider switching to a natural shampoo made from gentle surfactants (cleansers) such as Northwest Scents shampoo.
Is your water making your scalp itch? If your live in an area with hard water (water that contains more minerals that it should), if your water has chlorine in it, or if you live in a building with old pipes, the water may be leaving a residue in your hair that causes your scalp to itch. To solve this problem, when you are finished washing your hair, give it a final rinse with distilled water. You can buy distilled water at your local grocery store. Distilled water is water that has had all of the minerals removed from it. You can also try using a shower filter to reduce impurities in your water.
Are you suffering from allergic reactions to one or more food items? Commercially prepared foods contain many different ingredients which can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Those allergic reactions could be the cause of your itchy scalp. Take note of when your scalp itches and see if it coincides with when you are eating foods which you might be sensitive to. Try changing your diet by eliminating one food item at a time to see if this helps.
Are your hairstyles too tight? Sometimes putting extra tension on your scalp with tight braids or extensions that pull on your scalp will cause your scalp to be itchy. Try going without these for a while to give your scalp some fresh air. While your scalp is enjoying the break, give it a nice gentle massage with a natural hair oil like Northwest Scents hair oil.
Are you using a shampoo made from detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate? Although these detergents lather wonderfully they can dry your scalp out to the point of being extremely itchy. Consider switching to a natural shampoo made from gentle surfactants (cleansers) such as Northwest Scents shampoo.
Is your water making your scalp itch? If your live in an area with hard water (water that contains more minerals that it should), if your water has chlorine in it, or if you live in a building with old pipes, the water may be leaving a residue in your hair that causes your scalp to itch. To solve this problem, when you are finished washing your hair, give it a final rinse with distilled water. You can buy distilled water at your local grocery store. Distilled water is water that has had all of the minerals removed from it. You can also try using a shower filter to reduce impurities in your water.
Are you suffering from allergic reactions to one or more food items? Commercially prepared foods contain many different ingredients which can sometimes cause allergic reactions. Those allergic reactions could be the cause of your itchy scalp. Take note of when your scalp itches and see if it coincides with when you are eating foods which you might be sensitive to. Try changing your diet by eliminating one food item at a time to see if this helps.
Are your hairstyles too tight? Sometimes putting extra tension on your scalp with tight braids or extensions that pull on your scalp will cause your scalp to be itchy. Try going without these for a while to give your scalp some fresh air. While your scalp is enjoying the break, give it a nice gentle massage with a natural hair oil like Northwest Scents hair oil.
How To Deep Condition Black and African American Hair
10/09/10 09:16 Filed in:
Deep Conditioning
As the cold weather sets in you may notice your
tresses suffering a little stress. Cold weather can
wreak havoc on hair strands especially if you color,
perm, relax or use excessive heat on your hair more
often than not. This is an excellent time to make use
of the wonderful moisturizing properties of Northwest Scents™
Moisturizing Conditioner. Use it monthly to
add sheen and shine to your hair and help to
keep it moisturized for optimum health. Follow
these steps for using Northwest Scents™
Moisturizing Conditioner as a monthly deep
conditioning treatment.
- After shampooing your hair, get out of the shower and wrap yourself in a robe. Part your hair in 4 sections using banana clips. Apply about 1/4 cup of Northwest Scents™ Moisturizing Conditioner to each section and clip back up after conditioner has been applied.
- Place a plastic moisturizing cap on your head, or if you do not own any of these, wrap a section of plastic wrap around your hair. The first time you may need some help with the plastic wrap but the idea is to make a personal sauna for your head.
- Now sit under a bonnet hair dryer for 15 minutes on low. High is really nice for your hair but the heat may be more than you can stand. Remember your hair is not exposed to this dry air is just the plastic so that your hair reap the benefits of this mini sauna.
- You can skip steps 2 and 3 by purchasing a thermal heat cap. This is a heated cap made especially for deep conditioning treatments.
- After your 15 minutes are up get back in the shower and detangle each section with a wide tooth comb. Continue with your hair care as you normally would.
Six Tips For Black and African American Hair Growth
10/09/10 09:15 Filed in:
Hair Growth
Many people believe that Black hair does not grow, or
cannot grow long. This is not true. Black hair is
chemically the same as other types of hair, but it
has a unique physical structure that requires gentle
hair care techniques for proper growth.
To grow your hair you need to do two things:
If you do both of these things, your hair will grow.
Here are six tips for growing Black and African American hair:
To grow your hair you need to do two things:
- Use products that moisturize your hair.
- Use hair care techniques that encourage hair growth.
If you do both of these things, your hair will grow.
Here are six tips for growing Black and African American hair:
- When taking care of your hair always remember the following: Be gentle and take your time. Pamper your hair and treat it with care.
- Use moisturizing hair care products. Black hair tends to be very dry, and it needs lots of moisture to stay healthy. Northwest Scents shampoo is designed to cleanse your hair without stripping it of moisture. Northwest Scents hair oil applied daily helps to keep hair soft.
- Condition, condition, condition. Condition your hair after washing it to help seal in moisture. One of the best conditioners you can use is Northwest Scents Hair Conditioner. Our conditioners are designed to be moisturizing to very dry hair.
- Avoid brushing your hair. Use a wide toothed comb, or your fingers, to work with your hair. Brushes can destroy textured hair by shearing it out of the scalp.
- Avoid sleeping in hair accessories such as curlers, barrettes, scrunchies, head bands, etc. Wearing these kinds of accessories when sleeping puts unnecessary stress on the hair and can lead to hair damage. Instead, wear a soft accessory such as a sleep cap to softly cushion your hair and eliminate friction between your hair and your pillowcase.
- Work with your hair to try and find a hairstyle that doesn't put tension on your scalp. Many Black women suffer from traction alopecia from wearing tight braids, extensions, hair pieces, hair rubbers, and wigs. If worn frequently, these will pull the hair out and cause the hairline to recede. One style that is easy to do with medium length natural Black hair is to wet the hair, gently comb it, smooth it back and gather it into a scrunchie. Just be sure to take the scrunchie out at night. Another style for natural Black hair that is short in length is to wear a soft fabric headband around the head. Match the headband fabric to the color of your outfit for a nice look.
How To Detangle Natural Black and Afro Hair
10/09/10 09:12 Filed in:
Detangling Black and African American Hair
Dealing With Dry Black and African American Hair
10/09/10 09:08 Filed in:
Dry Hair Tips |
African American Hair
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with
Black and African American hair is combating its
natural dryness. Black and African American hair
tends to be dry because of its physical structure.
Dry hair is brittle hair, and when hair is brittle it
breaks easily. However there are several steps that
you can take to deal with dry hair.
One of the most important things you can do to deal with dry hair is to be sure you always wash your hair with a gentle shampoo. Avoid shampoos made with the chemicals sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate. These detergents are some of the most commonly used cleansers in shampoos. However these ingredients strip the hair of natural oils and leave the hair feeling dry and harder to manage. A gentle moisturizing shampoo, such as Northwest Scents shampoos, will cleanse your hair without stripping it of natural oils. Always condition after washing to soften your hair and help make it more manageable.
Another important step to take in dealing with dry hair is to seal in moisture after washing with a natural hair oil or a natural pomade. A natural hair oil or pomade applied to the hair after washing will help seal moisture in the hair shaft which in turn will help the hair retain more moisture in between washings.
A third step you can take to deal with dry hair is to limit your use of heated appliances such as pressing combs, flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, etc. These tools are fine to use in moderation, but if they are used too much (like every day or every other day) or at too high a level of heat, they will contribute to hair dryness by causing the moisture in your hair to evaporate, leaving you with dry, brittle hair. When using heated appliances, use a thermal protectant on your hair (such as a natural hair oil) to protect your hair from the heat.
One of the most important things you can do to deal with dry hair is to be sure you always wash your hair with a gentle shampoo. Avoid shampoos made with the chemicals sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and ammonium laureth sulfate. These detergents are some of the most commonly used cleansers in shampoos. However these ingredients strip the hair of natural oils and leave the hair feeling dry and harder to manage. A gentle moisturizing shampoo, such as Northwest Scents shampoos, will cleanse your hair without stripping it of natural oils. Always condition after washing to soften your hair and help make it more manageable.
Another important step to take in dealing with dry hair is to seal in moisture after washing with a natural hair oil or a natural pomade. A natural hair oil or pomade applied to the hair after washing will help seal moisture in the hair shaft which in turn will help the hair retain more moisture in between washings.
A third step you can take to deal with dry hair is to limit your use of heated appliances such as pressing combs, flat irons, curling irons, blow dryers, etc. These tools are fine to use in moderation, but if they are used too much (like every day or every other day) or at too high a level of heat, they will contribute to hair dryness by causing the moisture in your hair to evaporate, leaving you with dry, brittle hair. When using heated appliances, use a thermal protectant on your hair (such as a natural hair oil) to protect your hair from the heat.