"Holy Grail" Hair Day #2

Good Friday morning family!

Yes I know what you're thinking..."two post in one week...something must be up". Lol. YES SOMETHING IS UP...I had yet another "holy grail" like day with my hair this morning. Plus I was totally feeling myself as well (cue top model photo in 3 2 ----------------->).

Before I go into the toiling details of how I got this lovely style, I think today is a good lesson for all us women (natural or not...for I have diversity on my blog). You have to love yourself first before anyone else can. While others may see you as being full of yourself, now and then we need to look in the mirror and compliment ourselves. I am a firm believer that we need to speak over our lives and speak positiveness over ourselves and those we love (as well). God created us in his image....remember that.

Considering I am marking this post as my second ever "holy grail" hair day, of course I had to share with my blog family. You all are the reason I keep going with my hair....lol....no seriously. As for the routine, its the same as always. KBB's products are always used and I style once a week and utilize protective styling techniques to keep the hair moisturized and healthy in these cold months. To read about the products I use, click here and for my current routine, click here. I keep saying I am going to post my current regimen...but to be honest with you, it has changed since the above posting. I am using the same products that I've always used and I continue to sleep with a satin cap; along with be diligent in staying out of my hair on a day to day basis. Lol.

I absolutely love this clip in my head. To match it, I also purchased some dangling earrings (shown in pic) and a "blinged out" wanna ring. Family I have been trying for at least 6 months to properly install and rock this clip correctly. If I could not get the hair in the actual clip, it was lop sided, sticking out or just fall the heck out. I mean the list goes on and on with the drama I was having with this hair candy. WELL, clearly today was my day because as you will see it actually is in the right place AND so far it hasn't fallen out of my head (while in the middle of a meeting or presenting). I love the front side pull and clip look. With my type of hair (4A/B), to me its a real cute after 5 and professional look. I hope you all will think the same. Enough talk, below are the pictures. Please share your thoughts......

( I finally got that darn sparkly clip on the side of my head CORRECTLY...baby steps family..lol)


(the softer side of Silky....)

"Twist N Curl"...the Silky Way

Greetings from Silky's world family! How was the weekend? Mine was a long and restful one. My vacation almost took me out, but I survived. Pictures from France will be forthcoming soon (FYI).

Today I need your assistance. I recently did a "twist n curl" and to be frank...I'm not to thrilled with the results. This will be the third attempt in this style, but something still isn't right. Now I am not one of those people who looks at other's results (of hair styles) and expect mine to look the same....thats not me. BUT I at least expect to like the results of my 4A/B hair. Lol. Below is step by step of what I did:

~ Cleansed hair with KBB's Conditioning Shampoo
~ Deep Treatment with KBB's Deep Conditioner (left that on.....for at least 45 minutes...started cleaning and cooking and lost track of time honestly...lol)
~ Rinsed and detangled with KBB's Hair Milk (loves this stuff)
~ Parted hair accordingly, twisted with KBB's Hair Cream and set on perm rodes.
~ Lastly I sealed the hair (and especially ends) with my shea butter, coconut and olive oil concoction.

Upon taking out the rodes and styling the hair, coils were very soft and manageable...but I am just not pleased (persay) with how it looks. I tried my best to make sure I twisted and rolled each section the same way. Below are pics of my results family. The top two are the first attempt and the second two are my final results. After awhile, I just gave up. Lol. The back shot is really good...which lets me know that it looks moisterized and bouncy...from the back. The front look is not what I was trying to create.

My hair still had separations from the twists...had a hard time getting rid of the scalp, etc....its was too much drama for 6 am in the morning. So what am I doing wrong my experienced natural divas? Any tips to offer to this naturalista?

STRAIGHT HAIR PICS

Hey now SC family...how ya doing? Me, recovering from my over seas vacay...it was great.

As promised, I am posting pics of my hair after it was straightened for my trip. Please note, it has been over two years (well very close) since I have straightened my coils. Hair was longer than I thought...but I will let you all decided. Tell me what you think:

(wanna be side swoop....lol)

(back view.....hard to see the layering..bad lighting)


To maintain this style, I have been wrapping my hair at night with a satin scarf and applying Carol's Daughter Lisa's Hair Elixir once a day to keep it soft and to reset it. I loved how my natural layers fell!

Pics from my trip are forthcoming. Until then, the orAKAle has spoken......

Naturality is NOT a life style.....or is it

(one of my fav natural hair photos)=====>

Hey Silky Chronicles family! Quick post/question for you today..... So I know a natural hair stylist who was discussing with one of her clients (a friend of mine) about being natural and this thing of it being a "life style". Her comments in general were that being natural is NOT a life style and people make it seem as though its like "coming out" to the world (in reference to those who identify themselves in the GLBT community). What she couldn't understand is all the hype on the web (really blogs like this one :) and some salons (in general) on the NEW phenomenon about going natural and embracing this "life style". She actually laughed at it and thought it was funny. See in her mind, we should not make a big deal about not straightening our hair, using chemicals/heat, etc...for its not anything new. Black women have been natural for years and this concept of "going natural" is really mainstream right now, but not anything deserving of all the attention its getting....

First let me say, she is not being negative by any means. She thinks its great to see more people embrace the texture God blessed them with and begin to stop letting others dictate who they should be. Its just that it was felt (not only by her....for I surveyed other natural women) that the blogging about hair, the huge media discussions on many talk shows (Chris Rock's movie "Good Hair") and the overwhelming promotion of products/what to and not to do is a bit much and uncessary.

What does Silky Coils say.....I think you all know the answer to that question. Lol. If you read back in previous post on here, it is evident that deciding to become natural was not a small thing for me; nor has continuing to grow and learn with my hair been easy. To me, it was scary and if I did not get comfortable about who I was FIRST, I was going to continue to allow others and society to dictate how I should look. Stepping out in public when I chopped my hair off was one of the most liberating, but also scary moments of my life...similar to when someone who decides to let the world know that they prefer the same sex versus the opposite. Some will have your back, others will persecute you....REAL TALK!!!

So of course I wanted to get my family to weigh in on the subject. You all have been so supportive of me and are filled with much wisdom. What do you all think? Are we making to much of a big deal about this whole "natural" thing? Is this a fade that will soon pass? Are we so insecure about who we are that we had to create this "natural hair world" thing to feel better about ourselves....your thoughts????

The orAKAle has spoken..........

"Holy Grail" Hair Day

For those who REALLY follow the Silky Chronicles, already know that I posted an entry that dismissed the whole idea of "holy grail" hair....WELL family, I have to surrender because TODAY I had some absolutely perfect and gorgeous photos of a twist out set I did.

Take a look and tell me what you think:

All Twisted UP (current hair style)

As promised, below are pictures of my hair after taking my braids out. For those of you who may not remember, I wore a set of GORGEOUS braids fof about 2 1/2 months. Click here to see the results. I have never received so many compliments in my life on my hair, then when I had those braids. Definitely will be getting some again soon!

After the detangling fiasco of 2009 (lol) from removing those braids, I decided to do a protective style for the month of November and December. I must admit, I freaked out a little when cleansing my hair after having it braided up. I think the issues was the products I use. Luckily I had some of my staple products Karen's Body Beautiful handy to hook me up (look for a future post on my current hair regimen and products I use).

Take a look at the below pics and tell me what you think. The first 3 are of a wet twist set.

I usually wear this style for 1-2 weeks (depending on my schedule), cleansing the the scalp with Sea Breeze. It helps to keep the hair clean so I can wear them longer. So after wards, I untwist my head to get the below (please note no make up so no comments):

I'm so excited with my progress. My hair is growing faster than I anticipated and in great shape. Officially, I'm 17 months chemical free and 14 months ALL NATURAL. As always, I take criticism and suggestions. Tell me what you think all!


The orAKAle has spoken........

NEW HAIR PICS - I'm braided up

Hey family,

I totally forgot that I promised to show you pictures of me braided up. Please bare with me, for I literally broke my digital camera and currently working without one. I only was able to capture a few pictures before my camera said I'M DONE!!! Lol. There hasn't been any post on the natural hair subject due to me being braided up. Hope you enjoy them and tell me what you think:

not the best pic in the world (lop sided) but again my camera was literally dying as I was taking this. lol



this is a side view and a style that I wear often. You will see some highlights that I had added in randomly on my head.


I usually wear it pulled back like this or half up or half down. The picture I took of it all the way down did not come out right AND I will tell you its A LOT of hair. I've gotten nothing but compliments on it from a diverse group of people. I'm loving it!!

I have to give credit to my super fabulous stylist Ms. Anta. She can be found a the nationally known natural hair shop "Napps". If you are in the Missouri area and want braids, she is worth the drive to the STL to get em done...she is the truth.


The orAKAle has spoken......................

Naturally Silky - update on skin care

As promised, I wanted to give you an update on my skin care regimen. If you recall in my post "Adult Acne...The Unspoken (but livable) Plague" I spoke on some of the struggles I've had with acne and also included my skin regimen. For the most part, my daily facial regimen is the same EXCEPT I've add the St. Ives Apricot Scrub in the mix. I use this treatment on the face at least 3x/week. It helps to exfoliate the skin and leaves it soft, clean but not dry.

Below are some face pictures of myself without my airbrushing (lol). Family, I am really opening myself up to you all for I usually NEVER take pictures without my make up. I made a promise to show you all what I look like, but to also role model the positive behavior I want to promote...LOVING YOURSELF THE WAY GOD MADE YOU!!! Sure we are not perfect and have blemished here and there, but you are just the way you're suppose to be...made in the Lord's image. Hope you like the pics and please tell me what you think:

(as you can see, this is the same pic that is on my profile. I have a little gold eye shadow, but that is it. I used a Walgreens store bought sponge to reduce the natural shine on my face. If you look close, you can see some of the blemishes and breakouts that I was experiencing this past summer...it was horrible family)



(plain Jane....my daily look with no additions. this is a more recent pic. Many of the dark spots from this summer's break out have lightened up and disappeared. The Ambi works wonders)


One thing I forgot to mention before is that I take a Biotin supplement daily (1000 mg). Also I drink at least 64 ounzes of water daily (usually over that amount). I don't eat meat (accept fish - pescitarianism) and I work out a minimum of 5 days a week. My skin care regimen is directly related to my healthy living habits. It's all related!!

I also drink 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar a day as part of daily cleansing and my weight management program I am on. To learn more about what I do with this weight program, visit my journey blog at "Weighing In On Health".

The orAKAle has spoken.....................................................

Adult Acne (pt. 2) - Healing the Natural Way

As promised in part one of Adult Acne, below are some NATURAL ways to battle and heal your self from acne.

Do you know that YOU can assist in controlling your acne, without breaking your bank account from purchasing numerous amounts of marketed facial creams and surgeries? Upon doing research, I learned of many vitamins and foods that your body can use to keep your skin evenly toned, hydrated and to naturally heal the aftermaths of acne caused blemishes. While we all know that putting healthier foods and supplements into the body can do wonders for you overall, I did not know that there are specific green veggies and vitamins that target acne and can help to increase the healing process.

Below is a nice long list of vitamins that help in controlling ones acne. I suggest that you take a look at the back of your vitamin bottle to see if you are getting your daily vitamin intake to combat your acne prone skin. Please consult with a doctor before trying any new vitamins or supplements outside of your normal routine:

Vitamin A (with carotenoids) - strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and prevents acne. It helps reduce sebum production. This vitamin is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins. Did you know that a deficiency in vitamin A can actually cause acne? Recommended dosage to fight acne: 10,000 IU If you are pregnant, do not take more than 5000 IU.

Vitamin B Complex - help to maintain healthy skin tone. They are also helpful in relieving anxiety and stress. Stress can be a major player in causing acne. The B vitamins should always be taken together. The vitamins in the B complex are Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Niacinamide), Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine and Cyanocobalamin. Each one of these vitamins has a specific role in promoting healthy skin, as well as overall health.

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1) acts as an antioxidant ridding your body of toxins. It enhances circulation and assists in proper digestion. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 100 mg 3 times daily.

• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Riboflavin works together with Vitamin A to maintain and improve the mucous membranes in the digestive tract. It is also essential for healthy skin, hair and nails. Acne is a symptom of Riboflavin deficiency. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 100 mg 3 times daily.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is vital for healthy skin by improving circulation and helping your body with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. A deficiency in Niacinamide will cause acne. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 200 mg 3 times daily.

• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) is popular for reducing stress. It is needed for the proper function of the adrenal glands. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 100 mg 3 times daily.

• Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is important in the functioning of your immune system and your antibody production. A deficiency of vitamin B6 can result in acne. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 100 mg 3 times daily.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids - is another "super vitamin". It is an antioxidant that is required for at least 300 metabolic functions in the body, including tissue growth and repair.Vitamin C protects against infection and enhances immunity. Bioflavanoids have an antibacterial effect. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 1000 to 1600 mg 3 times daily If you have diabetes, ask your doctor about the proper dosage.

Chromium - aids in reducing infections of the skin. To get the adequate amount of chromium in your diet, chromium should be taken in supplemental form called chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate. Chances are you are chromium deficient because the form of chromium in foods is not easily absorbed and is lost during processing; and high quantities of sugar in the diet cause a loss of chromium from the body. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 150 mcg per day.

Zinc - aids in healing of the tissues and helps prevent scarring. It helps prevent acne by regulating the activity of the oil glands. Zinc promotes a healthy immune system and the healing of wounds. It is also an antioxidant which helps to fight and prevent the formation of free radicals. Acne can be a sign of Zinc deficiency. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 25-30mg per day.

Vitamin E - an antioxidant that enhances healing and tissue repair. It prevents cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fats) and the formation of free radicals. Recommended dosage to fight acne: 400 IU daily.

Here is a list of foods that help to prevent acne as well. I've tried some of these, but can not guarantee if your skin will be effected by these foods. As always, consult with a doctor before eating anything new (outside of your normal routine) if you are not sure how you may react:

1. Organic Green Tea - This is rich in an anti-inflammatory chemical called catechins, which helps to combat free radicals and prevent fine lines.
2. Olive oil - good monounsaturated fats like olive or sesame oil contain essential fatty acids that are needed for good health. Fats are an integral part of cell membranes and will help to nourish the skin and give it an inner glow.
3. Walnuts - They are rich in omega-3 oils, another powerful antioxidant that helps to keep the skin plump and flexible. Omega-3 oils are also found in oily fish such as salmon, or in flaxseed oil.
4. Berries - Blueberries, raspberries, cranberries are all rich in phytochemicals that are protective of skin cells. You can't get the same results though, from frozen or preserved fruit.
5. Lemon Juice - It's a natural bleach and can be used to fade sunspots and freckles. Put a slice of lemon over the spot and leave it for 10 minutes everyday for a week, or exfoliate by rubbing a cut lemon and half a teaspoon of granulated sugar over the skin for a few minutes. Be careful not to get any lemon in your eyes and stop immediately if you get a bad reaction as some people have extremely sensitive skin.
6. Watermelon - Some people believe that rubbing their faces with the rind of a watermelon will give them beautiful skin.There is plenty of truth to this, as the pulp of the fruit is a good exfoliant and watermelon is rich in vitamins A, B and C. The fruit contains a lot of water which serves to hydrate the skin and the gentle massaging action will stimulate lymphatic drainage.
7. Low-Fat Dairy Products - One the most important components of skin health is vitamin A. One of the best places to get it is low-fat dairy products. In fact, experts say that the health of our skin cells is dependent on dietary vitamin A.
8. Whole-Wheat Bread, Cereals and Brazil nuts - Dietary selenium comes from nuts, cereals, meat, fish, and eggs. Brazil nuts are the richest ordinary dietary source. The mineral selenium connects all these foods for healthy skin. Experts say selenium plays a key role in the health of skin cells. Some studies show that even skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high.
9. Yogurt - Yogurt is a very important natural beauty aid. Apply yogurt on the face every morning. Wash it off after a few minutes with cold water. This will keep the complexion smooth, healthy and fresh. A mixture of yogurt and lemon juice is ideal for softening hands.
10. Water - While the exact amount you should drink each day varies, no one disputes the role good hydration plays in keeping skin looking healthy and even young. When that hydration comes from pure, clean water - not liquids such as soda or even soup - experts say skin cells rejoice.

I hope the information in this series has been helpful and let me know your acne secrets (if you have any). Lol. The orAKALe has spoken.....



For further research, check out the below sources on more tips and strategies to combat adult acne:
About.com: Holistic Healing
Acne Care Tips

The Peferct Twist Out Set

Today I'm tooting my own horn, for I have come a long way with my twisting skills. Recently I did a twist out set (hair was lightly damp) that I am excited to report turned out PERFECTLY!!! Since going natural, I've struggled with developing the right technique for twisting my hair, along with determining the right products to use to maximize GOOD results. After much trial and error, I think I've found my staple regimen for doing the "perfect" twist out set!

As mentioned in a previous post, I cleansed and condition as usual (check out my regimen post here for details), then used my twisting concoction to seal the deal on the hair. Lol. Check out the pics below and tell me what you think:

I must admit, I am getting better and better with this, but my only issue is that it takes me so long to do. Honestly, I rather it take longer to twist my head, for it to turn out this nice. In keeping with positive vibes, this is also a sign (the length in time to twist) that my hair is growing. YIPPIE!!!!

Please note that I do not use any sort of polisher or finishing gloss on my hair after untwisting and styling. The shine you see is natural.

What you think family? The orAKAle has spoken......

Current Hair Regimen

As promised I'm coming to you with my current hair regimen (what I use and the current styles I rock). This is just a quick post for all those who have been asking. I finally made the time to post these.

I am currently cleansing my hair with Karen's Body Beautiful (KBB) conditioning shampoo, DC with Organics Hair Mayonnaise and apply the Cantu Shea LIC as my sealant. Below are results of quick twist out set. I usually spray my hair with my summer spritzer (Cantu Shea LIC, Coconut Oil and Water), and use my finger to separate the hair. This is a quick style that I may do in between styling in my week.

this what the quick twist out looks like not pulled up

Next are another set of pictures of a more defined twist out set. During this time, I actually shake dry my hair (after rinsing out the DC), apply a small amount of my leave in, and then allow for my hair to air dry for 10 minutes. The goal is to keep the hair wet, but not soaked to twist the hair. I do use a wide tooth comb for parting and my unrefined shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil on my hair to twist my hair. Since I already used my usual leave in, only a little was needed.

(notice how more defined my coils are, along with body and height)

(HOLLA IF YA HEAR ME!!!!)

(I was just being silly with these...as I was suppose to be working)

Again, just a quick post since I haven't really posted anything of this nature to the blog. Next topic to come includes my first every PRODUCT REVIEW!!! I just received my sample pack of Komaza Hair and Skin Care in the mail today, so I will post the results and how I like it. Please feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you think family.

The orAKAle has spoken.......

Adult Acne...The Unspoken (but livable) Plague

Family, I'm about to really expose myself with today's post. The subject of (adult) acne is one that is sensitive to me and hard to speak on. Why you may ask...because for the major part of my life, I never suffered from it. Of course there was the occasianal break out here and there, but never like what I've been experiencing since turning 25 years old. Over the last 5 years, I've really began to know what it means to have adult acne and how to live with it.

I love it when I run into people who really believe that acne is not an experience that we face or relevant in the black culture. Yes, as crazy as that sounds, acne has no color or gender barriers. It attacks any and everyone depending on how it feels that day. Lol.

While I know that everyone can bing what acne is and what to use to help decrease breakouts (no need to bore you), instead I wanted to provide you with some facts associated with specifically adult acne:

A) It is not like having acne as a child/teen: Adult acne is cause by totally different things as you get older. It can be a result of stress, medications, bad make up (ladies) and also hormones.

B) Chocolate is not the reason for the breakouts: I don't know about you all, but I grew up thinking that eating to much chocolate or consuming to much caffeine would break out my skin. Who would have thought that all these years later I could've eaten as much candy bars as I wanted and still not had bumps....lol

C) Dermatologists are not a money scheme: For someone like me, going to see a dermatologist probably could have been avoided, but since I was so "upset" about the changes in my skin, I decided to do so. This type of specialist can be a huge resource for those who are suffering from serious acne issues or those who just want a professional opinion (like I did). If you can afford it, go see one just to make sure that there aren't any major underlying issue with your skin.

D) Facials are not just for pampering: My general practitioner once told me that every women should invest in getting a facial every few months. Why....well not only is it therapeutic, but it also helps to unclog your pours. The esthetician will help to determine your skin type and how to better manage acne (if needed).

E) ACNE IS NOT CURABLE so just stop it: While I know there are many products and famous acne systems/procedures (ProActive, laser skin treatments, etc) out there that you can do, acne is not something that you can "cure". You can however keep it under control with a system or method that works for YOU and YOUR SKIN. Don't become obsessed with products and go broke to try to clear up something that is not curable! Lol....because I really get frustrated when people claim that they can "cure your acne"...pleeeeaaase....


My Current Facial Regimen
If you read any literature on adult acne, it takes trial and error to find out what works best for you. Currently, I think I've found a good system that is yielding some good results. Below is my current daily regimen:

Morning: cleanse w/Arm & Hammer baking soda, apply Ambi fade cream to dark spots & seal with Cetaphil daily moisturizer

Mid day = cleanse with Cetaphil daily cleanser and seal with Cetaphil daily moisturizer ( this is only if I work out during the day)

Evening = cleanse with either Cetaphil daily cleanser OR Neautragena daily night cleanser, apply Ambi fade cream to dark spots and seal with Cetaphil daily moisturizer

One thing I've learned is that you have to give it time to see if products are working for you. My dermatologist suggested that I use Cetaphil for its the best over the counter product AND it has many of the same ingredients that "high end" facial cleansing products use. Why pay more.....(you know the rest). I recently started with the baking soda as a cleanser, so I will let you know how that goes. Maybe, I will post some pictures for those who really want to see. Lol


The Lesson
........of this post was to show that we all are a work in progress and you can't let your flaws (cause we all have them) get the best of you. This subject is one that has plagued me for years (and those who really know me will agree) during my adolescent years and young adult times...but I decided no more. I am taking back my life and my self esteem and refuse to get hung up on physical appearances, rather than thanking God for making me in his image. I

I usually have moments when I get down about my physical features, especially my face...but that is when I have to stop and give thanks to God. One of my line sisters (and closest friends) suggested a good scripture to reference in times like these. Take a look at Psalms 136 when you get a chance and use it if you have these sort of low moments. I encourage you to post this somewhere where you can visually see it daily...as a reminder that God loves you for who you are and that you are FABULOUS just the way you are!

This is the first part in a two part series about adult acne and how to live with it. Soon we will discuss how to NATURALLY control acne and the benefits to watching what you put into your body. Until then the orAKAle has spoken......


For more information on adult acne and how to live with it, please visit the below links OR consult with your neighborhood dermatologist:
About.com: beauty

Acne.com
Acne.org
Ambi Skin Care
Arm & Hammer
Cetaphil Products
WebMD

For the Love of Shea

Happy Motivated Monday all! I must apologize for the late posts AND the fact that I have not spoken on my new found love of naturality/naturalism (on this blog). I've been so consumed with current events and also work (as usual) that I totally forgot that I havent' really spoken out on being natural. What doe this mean you may ask.....I've recently embarked on my journey to natural hair (you all already knew this) AND recently introducing natural bath and body products! YES, I am taking the information that I am learning about some of the natural products I use to maintain my silky coiliness and and applying it to the daily maintenance of my body. Today I wanted to weigh in on the ever so popular (and somewhat main streamed) Shea butter. For those who may not know, lets start with a basic description of what it is and then work our way up to how you can use:


WHAT IS IT ANYWAY.....
Shea butter is a light gray or beige colored seed oil that is extracted from the seed found inside the nuts of Shea tree. It is also referred to as the Karite tree. This unique tree can be found in 19 countries found only in the continent of Africa.

These trees only grow in the wild and can take up to 50 years to mature..but can live up to 300 years (crazy right)! Destruction of the shea tree tree is said to be prohibited because this little nut can provide a valuable source of food, medicine, and income for the population. Shea butter is sometimes referred to as "women's gold" in Africa, because so many women are employed in the production of Shea butter.


HOW CAN i USE IT....
Neat thing about this supplement is that it can be used for just about EVERYTHING. Shea butter can be used as to help heal burns, scares and also reduce wrinkles. How... it moisturizes the skin, promoting cell renewal, and increasing circulation. One of its common use is for the hair and skin care. Since shea has proven to be an effective moisturizer (due to the fatty acids that are needed to retain skin moister and elasticity), commercially, it been added to many cosmetic products (shampoo, lotion, oils, facial treatments, etc) we use today!

It can and will protect the hair and skin (if used properly). As for the hair, Shea butter can serve as a natural moisturizer for the hair follicles, but also can be used to repair damaged hair. Since it is natural, you don't necessarily have to add a bunch of "other" ingredients to this supplement to get the desired out come. Some people prefer to use it solely by itself, while others use it as an ingredient to a SUPER mixture for their hair and body regimen. I say why not do both! You can repair and naturally moisturize yourself from head to toe!



HOW IS THE orAKAle USING IT.......
Well I am glad that you asked!! Currently, I am using unrefined Shea butter in my scalp oil, daily body butter mix which I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ( its actually called "Coconut Confidence"created and named by the lovely and inspirational Sunshinelovespeace) and in my weekly leave in conditioner. Since I have type 4 A/B (and sometimes I see some C...but I digress) hair, this supplement is perfect for the perfect moister point I seek, plus my coils are defined and LOVE IT. Not only am I protecting my silky coils, but also keeping it properly moisturized AND stimulating hair growth (repair if needed). I am overly conscious about my hair/skin and its moister.....I'm always looking to see if its to dry, overly oily, etc. Well with adding Shea butter to my daily hair and body regimen and making sure its a staple in my alternative shampoo's and conditioners, I know that I am treating my coils good (and in return..they will do the same).

I plan to start updating you all on my hair regimen, and also my work out routines on here as well (since some have asked). You have to bare with me, for I am without a camera at the moment, so it makes it a little hard to post pictures in a timely manner. Lol. While some have told me specifically to "do better"...I promise I am trying family.

Until next time, the orAKAle has spoken..................


Information in this post were found on the following sites:
~ www.vitaminstuff.com
~ Premium-Grade-Shea Butter.com
~ www.short-hair-style.com