Although they are a bit expensive Aveda makes really good hair products and I have used them when my hair was chemically processed and natural. They also have a really really good deep conditioner (Deep Penetrating Hair Revitalizer) that worked miracles on my hair when I had breakage, their Universal Styling Creme also was good to use daily for moisture.

I am natural and my hair is fairly long if pressed out. I don't have that curly natural hair I have the real black folks kinky hair, if you know what I mean http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif My hair is very very thick so washing is a half a day task and twisting it is an all day task. I usually use Creme of Nature Detangling Shampoo but I haven't found a good leave in conditioner. Does anyone have any suggestions for products that work wonders for natural hair?


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29 Jewels of N.V. # 1
Delta Delta Chapter

Well, Sisterfriends, I can truly say that my hair has withstood the test of time. I've had just about EVERY hair style there is (from hot-comb to box-braids). Currently, I'm sporting a short natural cut and I'm ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT!!!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I apply Soft & Beautiful's Botanicals Texturizer every 6 to 8 weeks. And about a week after applying the texturizer, I add Creme of Nature's Ash-Brown Coloring. It's wonderful. I'm not too hot on Dark & Lovely hair products because they've proven to be bad for my hair. My husband maintains his and my son's haircuts. So...NATURALY he maintains my cut also (he cuts and shapes my hair every two weeks and, if I may say so, he does an EXCELLENT job). http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif I always get compliments on my cut and color. Most people think that a beautician maintains it and they are often surprised when I reveal this information. So right now, for me, NATURAL is the way to go. It gives me a break from all of the chaos that goes with keeping up a hair do. Besides, I've got a 7-year old daughter. Keeping HER hair done is enough without having to worry about mine.

My sista, I applaud your style and versatility. However, I must make a correction lest someone is confused (like I was before I learned!).

If you are 'natural' you use NO chemicals at all; that includes color as well. Texturizer is just a mild RELAXER and therefore is a chemical. It sounds like you have a short cut but NOT a 'natural'.



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MCCOYRED
Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

Dynamic...Salient...Temperate...Since 1913

Does anyone have any advice for someone that just removed braids? I had micros, and thought that I was doing everything that I should have to moisterize it every day (carrot oil, olive oil, pink oil...) however when I removed them... http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif. My hair does not look the way it did before I put the braids in and it is dry. I went to my stylist and got a deep conditioner so that it would not break and I will go back to him in a few weeks to let him perm it. However, I want to rebuild my moisture back as much as possible. Any suggestions?

You have gotten some excellent advice. I've had problems with my hair as well. The last time though it was from a botched haircut. Needless to say I've since changed stylists http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif I was very anxious for my hair to grow back. I really wanted to try the micro braid thing, however because my major was Broadcast Journalism I couldn't experiment any type of natural, locs, or braids. So, my hair really suffered. Now different things work for different people http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif But the system that I found to work for me was I had to stop perming my own hair http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif I finally had to breakdown and sacrifice for a professional perm. Now, my hair for some reason has to be permed every 4 weeks...go figure but anways...after every perm I always get my ends trimmed. This is essential to keeping your hair healthy. Once, while trying to grow my hair out I refused to get my ends trimmed and needless to say my hair was split and damaged almost all the way up to the shaft. Also after every perm I get a deep conditioning treatment. I use tea tree shampoo by Paul Mitchell and a moisturizer on my ends during the week called get this: Black Sassy (don't ask me what the name of my perm is http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.giflol It is sold at Sally's and it contains lavender in it...and it actually moisturizes my hair well. I also take a Vitamin E supplement every other day. This helps your hair, nails and skin...but you have to be careful not to take too much. Make sure you get your perms when scheduled too. And remember too that if you are under a lot of stress your hail will shed as well.

About Aphogee...I really liked it. I ended up doing it at home (the bottle is about 7 dollars for a few ounces)...it kinda stinks. Just so you know. But, it really works!

I have a long natural and I've found that one of the best leave in conditioners is one made from herbs. If you steep 2 Tbs of rosemary, 2 Tbs of sage, 2 Tbs nettle, and 2 Tbs of burdock in one gallon of distilled water, you couldn't ask for a better detangler, and leave in conditioner. I have that straight from the heart of the motherland type of kinky hair (and boy, do I love it!) and I tried every creame and spray to comb out my hair. This worked better than anything else I tried, plus it has no chemicals, so it's arguably healthier.
Once you've steeped down the herbs, pour some of the mixture into a spray bottle for everyday use, and freeze the rest until needed.
Also try the products on www.caroldaughter.com. Someone on another forum recommened the products and they work very well.

I am an advocate for doing what ever makes you happy when it comes to your hair, but know that having natural hair does not automatically exclude you from a career in Broadcast Journalism. One of the most prominant (and highest paid) TV journalist in Atlanta is an A-A woman who currently has cornrows. She has also had a TWA (teenie weenie afro) and various other hairstyles,including perms. Also, don't forget that Fariya Chidea, (I know I butchered her name) who is a very together sister who graduated from an Ivy League school and now does commentary on various news shows (she covered the political conventions a while back), has locs.

I recently got my hair cut short and I love it. I have had just about every hairstyle other than braids or natural.

I have found that any the Nexxus products are good, especially deep conditioner and reconstructors. I also have started fall in love with the Sensitive by Nature products as well.

When I first got color in my hair it became very damaged. I started to use the cholesterol conditioner as well as hotoil treatments and it worked wonders.

I also wash my hair every week and try to use the same products consistently.

Yes, I do know of the two journalists that you are speaking of and yes they do sport natural styles...however, you also have to realize that they have already "Made IT" Needless to say, I haven't.

I am still struggling to land my first job in the television industry and one thing that makes it hard for us is that news directors want us to look like their audience! SO, I guess if I could get hired in a small to mid market city where over 80% of that stations's viewer's are of an ethnic background and wore natural styles, then YES! It would make it a lot easier for me to wear the styles that I want, ie micro-braids. Many times, when you get into a station, they send you to a consultant anyway where they "make-you over" to what they think their viewers will like and what will make their viewers continue to watch thier station. I know that many viewers at the particular staion where Monica Kauffman is at watch just to see what color her hair will be that week and if her style has changed...this is highly unusual because most viewers like consistency and not something that changes every week. Yet, part of her marketability is the fact that she does change her hair color and style so often. I also know that she has struggled with a bout of breast cancer and the chemo and radiation treatments have damaged her hair greatly. However, because she has always had such a positive attitude about her, she just took it like a grain of salt.

Anchors and reporters have been suspended, fired, and even sued because sometimes in the contracts that we have to sign the stations that we work for own our image and we cannot change it until we go through them first! Station managers are very afraid of making their viewers mad, and losing out on the dollars that come in from the ratings wars.

However, I applaud our sisters like Monica who continue to pave the way for beginners like me; and I only hope that I can do the same once I get to where they are at....but as you know, first....I HAVE TO GET MY FOOT IN THE DOOR http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

Sorry Soror Moderators if this post was too long but as you all know Broadcast Journalism is my passion and was my major! Feel free to take this post and make it into another topic if you have to.

[This message has been edited by Conspiracy2 (edited June 12, 2001).]

Thanks 1 Woman of Virtue and Conspiracy 2.

I have what is typically titled traction aloepecia around parts of my hairline. My stylist deep conditions and places me under a steamer each week. That, coupled with a treatment by Nioxin called Follicle Booster seems to be helping. You can purchase the Follicle Booster from a full service salon or by visiting the Nioxin website. It is an effective product.

But, most of all, I would recommend that you begin to see a licensed cosmetologist who is also a hair doctor/trichologist. They can begin treatments that can solve your hair delimma.

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I will bless the Lord at ALL times His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalms 34:1, KJV)

[This message has been edited by nikki25 (edited June 13, 2001).]

Darn, I always seem to forget my umbrella http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif ....natural since 1993!



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MCCOYRED
Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

Dynamic...Salient...Temperate...Since 1913

If your hair is breaking off DISCONTINUE the relaxers. The last thing you should be applying to your sensitive scalp are chemicals. They damage your hair follicles, scalp and weakens the already sensitive hair strands.

Start cutting - go to a professional who specializes in recovering damaged hair and start up a regimen with them. It may seem costly in the short run but in the long run your hair will thank you for it.

Consider going natural - as long as you are gentle to your hair and scalp this may be the best route to go.

I have been natural since 1994 after a bad touchup experience and refuse to straighten again b/c my natural hair just feels to healthy and soft. Plus I am no longer a slave to the beauty parlor every 2 weeks. And RAIN is my friend!!!!