Healthy Hair on Youtube: KinkyStyles1980

It has been a while since I put up a "Healthy Hair on Youtube" post.  Well here is one featuring a Type 4 natural I just recently discovered - KinkyStyles1908. This past August she did a length check upon becoming 3 years natural. Her growth and length retention are impressive considering that she is only a couple inches from waist-length.  Her regimen consists of various protective styles (twists and mostly braid extensions).  Check out her hair below and view her other videos for more details about her hair care routine.

Healthy Hair Feature || Maicurls

1. What made you go natural?  How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for about 3 years. I use to have my hair relaxed from about the age of 14 till I was 24. I simply got tired of using relaxers so I stopped. I was tired of having hair that was damaged, dry, brittle and always shoulder length. I was also using hair dyes at the time so my hair would end up in odd colors because I think the hair dye would react funny to my relaxed hair.

2. Did you transition? If so, for how long?  
I transitioned from mid-2009 to 2010. I was not brave enough to do a big chop so I would just trim my relaxed ends as my natural curly hair grew out.

3. What is your Healthy Hair routine?

At the start of 2013 I decided that I wanted to integrate more natural products into my hair care. So I make and use about 90% natural/organic products in my hair care routines and I am loving the results. It was all the trial and error I did during my Natural Hair Journey that helped me determine common ingredients that my hair liked and I use those for my hair now.

Once a week I Wash, Detangle, and Deep Condition (DC) my hair. I have three different DIY DC’s for different purposes (moisturizing, strengthening and protein).
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/maicurls/

Daily I use my DIY Leave-In conditioners (Spray or Creamy) depending on how dry my hair feels and then I seal in the moisture with my mixed sealing oil. To me the important parts are making sure my hair is well moisturized and my ends are protected. I try to do a lot of protective styles e.g. Twists and Buns but I do have my moments where I love wearing my hair out!

4. Do you have a Healthy Body routine?  If so, what is it?

My new mission of integrating a healthy hair care routine this year also pushed me to do the same for my skin care! I make a lot of the products I use for my skin whereby I focus on using natural/organic ingredients. I always liked doing sports but again with this new mission I bought a few pieces of workout equipment to exercise at home. I also started to eat healthier. I cannot say I avoid ALL “unhealthy” dishes (I have my moments of weakness) I LOVE food but I do try and make sure I have balanced meals, eat enough fruits and vegetables and drink enough water.

5. What advice/tips do you have for naturals?

Stick with it! I can just speak from my experience, it is so worth it! Give yourself the time to get to know your hair. I learnt that I needed to be patient, gentle, not to stress or give up! I think I kept on expecting my hair to miraculously turn into a head full of lovely bouncy curls overnight during especially during my transition (after years of overdoing the chemical treatments). I realized that if I wanted my hair to grow in a healthy way I needed to nurture, protect, understand and love my hair. I also found out it is a new ending journey! I keep on finding out new things about my hair even 3 years later. There are so many innovative and creative people online who are just a click away and I love learning new things with and through them!

6. Where can we find you?  (Include links/urls)

Blog: http://maicurls.wordpress.com

Email: maicurlz@gmail.com

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Maicurls

Healthy Hair Online: Geri the Great

She's a type 4 natural with fabulous hair styles and long, healthy tresses (hidden under all of that beautiful shrinkage).  Protective styling and finger detangling are part of her regimen, but she is not afraid to step outside of the box with her hair.  You can find her on http://geraldinethegreat.blogspot.com/.  Meanwhile, check out some of her hair shots:

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Traycee

This is for my relaxed/texlaxed ladies!  In the following video, Traycee (who is approaching hip-length) talks about texlaxing to maintain thickness, products with protein, and more ...

Healthy Hair on Youtube: AfricanExport

I've been following this type 4 lady from the start, and let me tell you, her hair has flourished recently!  It has grown tremendously and looks healthy from root to tip.

In this video, she talks about her protective styling regimen (via cornrows under wigs) and shows her hair in rare form:

And in this video, she discusses her long-lasting moisture routine:

Healthy Hair on Youtube (Encore): MsTanish

So I've featured MsTanish's Youtube channel before and couldn't resist doing it again after seeing her recent videos.  Below she discusses her length retention regimen using loose twists.  I love this explanation because it is very detailed:

Then in this video, she demonstrates her moisturizing routine while in the loose twists AND the various (and beautiful, I might add) styles she wears with the loose twists:

Jess' Twist Out on Blown Out Hair

I love Jess' simple hair care routine and moreover this recent tutorial of a twist out on blown out hair.  Hmm ... I'm thinking I might try this style next weekend. :o)

 

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Latifatumi

What I LOVE about this lady's hair is that it has an amazing healthy sheen/shine and with minimal product.  It is also springy and thick from root to tip.  Latifatumi has a pretty basic regimen that involves largely natural products, including African Black Soap, shea butter, etc.  Check out Part I of her regimen in the following video.  (The remaining parts can be found on her channel.)

NOTE: If you are interested in viewing her hair type in its natural state, do check out the following video.

Healthy Hair Feature: Yolande

1. What made you go natural? 

I went natural by accident really.. my hair was severely damaged and the middle was close to bald. i had just removed micro braids and the new growth i experienced was immaculate..:) so i said to myself wow my hair has some potential to be thick and healthy..my decision at that point was immediate. To be honest I think I was led by the holy spirit to YouTube and typed in transitioning from relaxed to natural, there I found Nikki Mae, Natural Chica and she became my main inspiration. My journey began In 2008 and i am happy to be nappy.  How long have you been natural? I've been natural for 5 years.

2. Did you transition? If so, for how long?   

I transitioned at first not knowing I was transitioning.  My hair was damaged from the perm and I just started braiding my hair as I did a lot when I was younger, at that point not knowing it was a protective style and therefore the reason my hair would grow so much when braided.:), I did this giving up two perms and each braid would have lasted me 2 months so that would be 4 months with braids and two months without. I chopped the permed ends in September 2008.

3. What is your HEALTHY HAIR routine?

My routine is very simple since learning the basics of caring for my natural hair. I co wash  once every week (I shampoo only when I have severe build up, once a month)
I deep treat every week whether protein or moisture (keeping balance)

Moisturize weekly with products from my own line that I have developed Kumea's Hair Perspective soft and Creamy Hair Smoothie (water-based moisturizer) and Kumea's Hair Perspective extra Virgin Coconut Hair Oil (Oil based moisturizer). 

Sleep at nights with a satin bonnet..that's it..:) I just recently had my first child and so my regime was non existent for months during my pregnancy because I was very sick.. But I did ensure it was in a protective style most times.

4. Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? 

Yes I do, I eat right and drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Fruits and veges are my best friend even after a baby. I walk up and down my driveway (on a hill) twice daily..but that's the most exercise for now 3 months post pregnancy.

5. What advice and warnings do you have for naturals? 

Don't be afraid to embrace who you are and what you think you will look like if you go natural. Look at your baby pics for inspiration and other naturals. Think "healthy hair" and I'm sure that will lead you to natural:).. If you don't see your hair growing as fast as someone else..Do not despair or give up, your hair is unique and will reach the goals you set for it in its own good time.

Remember hair care is really very simple : wash, deep condition, detangle, moisturize and seal.

6. Where can we find you?  

Visit my page at www.facebook.com/KumeasHairPerspective. or email me @kumeashp@gmail.com

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Cassandre

Cassandre Beccai is a type 4 natural with uber (yes, uber) long hair. Check out her video below where she describes her hair care regimen and wash routine. Also check out the rest of her channel.

 

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Chery818

I came across this lovely natural in the comments section of a recent post on BGLH.  How did I not know about this beautiful head of hair!

Below is video featuring a long-haired 4B/4C natural named Chery818.  Check it out as well as the rest of her hair channel, which includes a variety of styles!

Healthy Hair Feature: Kay of Nappy Headed Black Girl

1. What made you go natural?

I had been wearing braids for most of my life. I was known for my braided bob, which I had freshly redone every month. After that I hit my cornrow phase. A girl from a local school did them for me every two weeks. I had every color you can imagine, including red, blue, and even a combo of black and white.

One day she couldn't do my hair at the last minute and I was left looking a hot mess. I decided then that I didn't want to ever worry about not looking good with my own God-given hair.

I transitioned for a year with extension braids, which I learned to do myself.

2. What made you loc?  How long have you been natural? loc'ed?

I had no intention of ever becoming a dread. I just woke up one morning and knew I wanted to do it. That was on a Monday; by Friday I had my last set of two-strand twists.

I've been natural going on 9 years and a dread since 2007.

3. Describe your initial loc journey (how you loc'ed, difficulty/ease of journey, etc.)

As I mentioned above, I started with two-strand twists. My plan was to have manicured dreads. I was going to learn how to twist the roots myself.

After about six weeks I did my first retwist...and it was so not me. My roots were neat and flat and even. But my hair didn't "fit" me. That was my first and last retwist. I decided that from then on I would freeform.

I never imagined that my hair would look like it does today. I always thought I'd want to do fancy styles, switch it up a lot and keep it looking "done". Now I realize that I was going off how others maintained their dreads. Manicured dreads don't fit my lifestyle nor my aesthetic.

I have never focused on length or what others think of my hair. My main focus is to keep it healthy and make sure I appreciate it. I accept what my hair can and cannot do. This way of thinking has made my natural hair experience a joy.

4. What is your Healthy Hair routine?

"Let it do what it do" is my motto. I keep a very low maintenance routine.

I shampoo every week to every 10 days and follow that with conditioner, a leave-in, and oil for sealing. I generally don't do anything in between washes. I may do an occasional spritz but I prefer to simply rewash my hair.

I'm not a die-hard fan of any particular brand or product. My only constant is Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In. I am, however, a fan of Twist 'n Locs Herbal Conditioning Spray and Sheabutter Cottage argan oil.

5. Do you have a Healthy Body routine?  If so, what is it?

I love to exercise but found my diet was sabotaging my results, so last year I implemented some small changes to help me reach my goals:

1 I joined Meatless Monday, which has forced me to be more creative and healthier with my eating choices. I'll be extending this to go meatless more days per week.

2 I don't eat after 8. I'm a mindless snacker and a night owl...not a good combination. I was waking up feeling lethargic and bloated. If I'm up late now and get hungry, I have a piece of fruit or chocolate milk.

3 No sodas. Period. Cutting back/eliminating sodas is a great way to cut calories quickly.

These steps along with plenty of water (my drink of choice and almost the only thing I drink), exercise, and ample sleep are my recipe for success.

6. What advice and warnings do you have for naturals?  What about for those who are considering loc'ing?

My advice for naturals:

1 Do your research. Learn your hair and what it can and cannot do. You may not be able to do every style/use every product that your cousin/best friend/favorite celebrity does. Find what works for you and stick with it.

2 Accept and love your hair. It's so much easier if the two of you can get along :-)

Specifically for dreads:

1 Repeat after me: Clean hair is healthy hair. Please wash your hair. It may unravel in the beginning or get frizzy. That's normal. Your scalp is an extension of your body...would you not wash that for weeks on end?

2 Be careful with the maintaining your roots. I know you want it to look neat and "pretty" and "presentable", but over twisting/latching/interlocking your roots can lead to breakage down the line and thin roots. Six to eight weeks is a good timeframe for root maintenance. 

I'm honored to have been featured. I enjoy "meeting" new people online, so be sure to drop by and say "hi":

Email: kay@nappyheadedblackgirl.com
My site: http://nappyheadedblackgirl.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nappyheadedblackgirl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nappyheadblkgrl

Healthy Hair Feature: Alma

(Left) Shrunken braid out.  (Right) Stretched braid out.

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning? (And how long?) 

I am a natural 4a and have been now for 4 and half years. 

2) If you are natural, did you transition? 

Oh yes I transitioned for 18 months. I used braids and weaves to avoid the hassle of dealing with the two textures. To be honest though, by the time I came to do the big chop, majority of my relaxed hair had broken off so it was more of a small chop than anything else. I remember at first feeling really odd, naked somehow with just my little fro and without the security of hair but I got used to it pretty quickly and started to enjoy how freeing being natural was.

Flat-ironed. (End of 2011.)

3) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey? 

Straight after my BC like many other naturals I was crazy for wash and go's and wore my hair like that for months on end. I also found that with my 50-70% shrinkage, braid outs did not stretch my hair any more than a wash and go. I actually took pictures that showed that my hair shrunk by the same degree either way! 

As my hair grew longer (at the time it was around shoulder length) and as a result of all those wash and go's, I found that I was getting way too many tangles and single strand knots. I noticed that one week I would have lots of single strand knots then a few weeks later they would disappear only to be replaced pretty quickly by new ones. Eventually I came to the conclusion that my hair was breaking at the site of the single strand knots and my new mission became to avoid them at all costs.

The only other major mistake that I've made was actually pretty recently when I decided to do mini twists. I had the worst tangling I've ever had in my time as a natural even though I'd only had the twists in for 2 weeks. My hair does not seem to like torsion twists of any sort so I stick with braids for styling or when I need to section my hair.

Shrunken braid out.

4) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?

My regimen changes every now and again but as a rule, I deep condition with heat weekly and shampoo my hair most weeks too. Since my moisture protein balance has long since been established and I can usually tell what my hair is in need of, sometimes I will do a quick condition (between 10-30 minutes without heat) to maintain the balance. I always wash my hair in 4-6 braids because it makes it easier to handle.

Because my hair is colored I tend to err on the side of protein so I use a protein conditioner on most weeks. During grow out I will usually wear my hair in braids or weaves but I can only usually handle 2-3 weeks at a time, like many naturals I find that I miss my hair too much! Even so I find that my hair is in protective styles for up to 40% of the year. This allows me to maintain the most length. Of course once I get to goal, I probably won't do protective styles much.

I do strong protein treatments every couple of months or so and I moisturize and seal as needed which is usually every other day for me. Unlike other naturals who never go anywhere near heat, I used to flat iron my hair every couple of months and have done so all through my hair journey. Having said that, since I am now grazing waist length (I hope to be at waist length by the end of the year), it's way too much work to flat iron any more so straight hair will definitely take a backseat to curly styles for the time being.

My favorite go to hairstyle is a braid out because it's just so easy. I generally do it the traditional way of braiding wet to damp hair but I will sometimes do a stretch blow dry (tension method) to get my hair stretched before braiding it down. Pineapple-ing my hair every night helps to keep the curls for the entire week.

I have very well documented slow growth of just 4 inches per year so I never trim my hair as a rule. I've actually trimmed it just once in 4 years, and even then it didn't feel necessary!

5) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?

I have been interested in health for years but with so many contrasting views on the subject, in the past 10 years I have gone from one extreme diet to the other. I have been a low fat vegan and a zero carber! Unfortunately after ever stint on another extreme diet I came away with even more pounds than I started off with, classic yo yo dieting and no method has ever given me lasting weight loss. 

Lately I have been reading the work of Matt Stone who believes that the metabolism plays a huge role in overall health and that dieting and disordered eating is the cause of many modern diseases  He works with people to get their body temperatures up to normal levels.

When I first started my body temperature was a chilly 95.7 degrees and following his methods I have got it up to 97.7 first thing on waking in the morning. I am still carrying a lot of extra pounds but weight is apparently one of the last things to resolve after digestion and hormonal balance is restored. In the meantime I concentrate on getting adequate nutrition from all food groups while avoiding refined sugar and refined oils. I rarely eat out and all our food is cooked from scratch.

I am also in the process of trying to reduce my chemical load by switching to natural versions of products I currently use. I am using the wonderful deodorant recipe posted on your blog which works beautifully and I am using an FIR infrared sauna to help sweat out toxins.

High bun on straightened hair.

6) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?

Absolutely! There are 3 key things in my opinion to growing long healthy hair.

1. Reduce manipulation. A lot of us think of moisture as the most important aspect of growing hair long but how often you manipulate your hair will be a bigger determinant of your length.

2. Keep it simple, there are dozens of techniques, hairstyles and wonderful sounding treatments available online but you don't have to try them all in one week. Stick to a simple but consistent regimen.

3. Products are very much secondary to your hair regimen. Only your regimen will determine the health and length of your hair in the long term. 

7) Where can we find you?

I run and write for Black Hair Information which I set up to help women of color grow long healthy hair relaxed or natural: http://www.blackhairinformation.com. I also write about my own hair on my personal blog here: http://www.curlycurvy.com/.

Healthy Hair Feature: Shae

~3 years of growth.

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?

I’m natural, kinky/coily/curly, fine, cottony with some silky in the nape.  I tried to transition but only lasted one month.  I ended up shaving it all off anyway. LoL

Big chop in June 2009.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?

I think the biggest mistake I’ve made has been comparing my growth to other ladies with Chia hair.  You know those ladies -- they have SL hair in May and WL hair by August.  Yup, I was setting myself up for failure by comparing my growth to theirs. Once I began to think positively about my growth and even visualize myself pulling my hair down to my goal at the end of the year, I started to see more results.

December 2010.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?

My routine varies by the season. But overall I describe it as: 1) Low manipulation, 2) Low cones/sulfates, 3) Ayurveda and 4) PS 95% of the time.

 In warmer months, I tend to rock mini braids and water rinse or cowash them daily.  I seal in the moisture with either grapeseed oil or a cone condish. I cleanse and DC (protein followed by moisture) once per week. 

In the winter, I cornrow my hair on Saturday, cleanse and DC on Sunday, rock the cornrows under wigs or headwraps M-F and rock big hair for Friday date night :) I tend to water rinse or cowash the cornrows every other day, rub in some condish and seal with EVOO. 

Every now and then I’ll throw in some extension twists or braids for about 3-4 weeks and then go back to whatever style it is for the season. 

I primarily finger detangle (about 90%-95% of the time).  I keep my coily hair stretched at all times; never allowing it to be wet and loose at the same time (I do everything in braids/cornrows).  I M&S daily.  I cleanse and condition with Ayurveda mixes. And I rock a men’s satin skull cap under my wigs/headwraps and around the house to keep my strands protected.

August 2012.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?

Uh, I plead the Fifth! LoL

But really, this year I’ve doubled my water intake and am doing more exercising by way of dancing.  It’s all about baby steps right?

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?

Start with the basics:

-Find a good cleanser, conditioner and moisturizer.  You can add on goodies from there.

-Keep your hair clean and moisturized. .

-Baby those ends (keep them tucked away and extra moisturized) and treat your hair like fine silk.

-Take pictures every 3-6 months to track your progress.  It really helps!

-Lastly, have fun! :)

6) Where can we find you (blog, youtube, tumblr, etc.)?

http://public.fotki.com/MzSwift/

Black Hair Media Forum (in the Natural and Growth Sections)

Long Hair Care Forum

Healthy Hair Feature: Jay

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning? (And how long?) 
I've been natural for 3.5 years. My last relaxer was March 2009 and I BC'd in August of 2009.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey? 
My biggest mistake was thinking that some things were just normal for my hair. I have extremely fine strands that are very fragile and prone to breakage. I thought breakage was just a property of my hair and something that I would have to put up with all my life. My hair really turned around when I realized I didn't have to just deal with it. I can prevent breakage by using protein weekly and using only my fingers to detangle.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine? 
I keep my hair in braids most of the time. I prefer wearing mini braids with just my natural hair. I cowash at least twice a week with either Tresemme Naturals or Giovanni Nutrafix. I'm not loyal to any shampoos. I don't shampoo often and I avoid sulfates- Bentonite clay is my preferred method of cleansing and I use it before and after I wear mini braids. I DC with LeKair Cholesterol weekly when my hair is loose and biweekly when my hair is in mini braids. I use Shea Moisture products as a leave in and seal with grape seed oil. I've recently added ayurvedic powders to my routine, which I use about every 6 weeks.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it? 
I always struggle with this one. I start the day with good intentions but I don't stick to healthy body practices as much as I would like. I'm newly vegetarian (It's been about 8 months) and I end up eating far too many carbs. I'm still learning how to keep healthy foods stocked in my kitchen so I don't have to reach for something easy like some toast. I don't work out as much as I should but my plan is always at least 30 mins, 5 times a week. I have a muscular build so I see better results from intense workouts like kettlebell or interval training. One thing I'm good at doing is drinking water. I drink anywhere from 3-4 liters a day of pure water.

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses? 
The best advice I have is to learn what works for your hair and don't settle for okay. Always strive to have your hair in the best shape it can be. I would also advise not to compare your hair to others. My hair grows slower than average and it can be discouraging to see others reach milestones way before I did. I always had the longest hair growing up so it was surprising to find out that my hair grows so slowly.

6) Where can we find you (blog, youtube, tumblr, etc.)? 
I have a hair blog on maintaining mini braids at minibraidmethod.com. I'm also on tumblr, which is my catch-all personal blog. Some things are NSFW. The address is jayneofalltrades.tumblr.com.

Healthy Hair Feature Update: Caroline

August 2012.  Fully natural.  About 2 years and 8 months since her last relaxer.

Caroline was previously featured in 2010 for her relaxed tresses in this post. Since then, she has transitioned and big chopped; she is officially natural now.  Read more about her decision to go natural and her current hair care journey below ...

1. What made you go natural?
I had really long hair. Every time I got a relaxer, then blow dried, and flat ironed, I looked like "slickhead", if that's a word.  I did not like the idea of texlaxing as an alternative - slightly textured hair.  I figured, why not just go all the way.  I went natural because I wanted volume and sheen. I didn't want my greasy, thin processed hair anymore.

October 2010. Texture shot after the big chop.

2. How long did you transition? How long have you been natural?
I transitioned for 10 months and big chopped in October 2010.  During my transition, I trimmed over time.

3. Describe your transition?
My transition was difficult because the two textures were competing against each other.  I had really processed, relaxed ends battling my thicker, kinky natural hair.
While transitioning, I initially did the Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT) and blowouts at home.  That was about three times.  Then I switched to primarily blowouts.  NOTE: I knew I wanted to be a "press n' curl" natural.  

October 2010. Bob cut and press after the big chop.

4. What is your Healthy Hair routine now that you are natural?
I wash and condition every 2-3 weeks, primarily at a local natural salon.  At the salon, they use Elucence ; if I am washing at home, I use Oyin Honey Wash and Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner.  For my moisturizer, I use Oyin Whipped Butter and as needed.  At the salon, the styling process is as follows: They wash, condition, and then do a gentle detangling with a wide tooth comb before rinsing.  After rinsing, they apply Moroccan oil, then blowdry with a comb attachment, and then using the tension method.   After this step, they apply heat protectant, and then flat iron with one pass only using the FHI. If I am styling at home, I use the GHD flat iron instead.  I do not do touch-ups (with the flat iron); the style will last me 2-3 weeks.  In addition to my regimen, I take One-A-Day multivitamin.  I also dust every 3 months.

March 2012. Twistout on natural hair.

5. What is your Healthy Body routine? 
I workout 2x a week for at least 30 minutes each time.  My workout routine is a combination of circuit and strength training and cardio.  For my diet, I eat a lot of lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies, healthy fats (omega-3's), berries (anti-oxidants) like blackberries and raspberries, and dark leafy greens like kale and spring mixed greens.

6. What advice do have for those seeking healthy tresses?  What tips do you have for "press-n-curl" naturals?
My general advice is to continue to eat healthy and lead a healthy life. Keep active. Length will come. For "press n' curl" naturals: I do switch to all-natural styles if I need a break from the heat. Pay attention to your hair. It's a delicate balance. Assess the health of your hair regularly. Keep it moisturized. I think heat can be your friend if used in the right way.

February 2012.  Pressed and natural.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Kasheera

I stumbled upon youtuber Kasheera while searching for new naturals to which to subscribe.  Her journey exemplifies length retention at its finest.  In just three years since she started growing out her relaxer, she has retained a maximum of 14 inches of growth!  I'm eager to see where she will be next year and the years to come.

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: AliciaJames

Alicia James is one of many healthy-haired naturals that I follow on youtube.  (You might have seen a couple of protective style videos posted on here.)  She is type 4 and has been natural for about 3.5 years.  Her hair is almost waistlength, and it is no surprise given how well she cares for it.  Without further ado, below is her video documenting her natural journey from the beginning to the present.  For more on her actual regimen, hair styles, and (even) relationship advice, check out her channel.

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: MsTanish

I've been watching MsTanish for a few years now, and recently her hair has flourished out of nowhere.  This type 4 natural has managed to retain some serious length in the past year or so.  Do not be fooled by her height (taller than 5'10", I believe).  Her hair is fairly long ... and healthy!  In this particular video she discusses her detangling routine for loose hair that has tangled over the course of a few days.

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

Healthy Hair Feature: Ijeoma Eboh, aka KlassyKinks

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning? (And how long?)
I have been natural since May 2010, so I’m now officially two years natural!  I transitioned for about a year, and wore kinky twists and weaves while slowly cutting off the relaxed ends in between styles.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
When I first BC’ed, I didn’t get a trim for 8 months, and then had to get a serious haircut. I still don’t trim often enough because I would get caught up with school, but I’m starting to realize a little hair off here and there is better than 2 or 3 inches of hard-earned growth having to be chopped off! In addition, constantly comparing my hair texture and length to natural hair gurus on YouTube set me back in my journey because I was more focused on trying to achieve certain styles than on learning what was best for my hair.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?
I co-wash my hair every two weeks (three in the winter) with Aussie Moist conditioner, and moisturize and seal with shea butter and coconut oil. Once a month, I shampoo with Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Shampoo, and deep condition with Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayo. After washing, I either do a twist or flat twist set, which I pin up for a week before untwisting, or I blow-dry my hair using heat protectant and do a braidout. Nightly, I sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet, and a satin pillow case.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?
When I do have a healthy body routine, I try to work out 3-4 times a week by doing pilates, Zuumba, strength and cardio combo conditioning (aka my favorite Jillian Michaels DVD), or the elliptical. As a hungry college student, it’s often hard to regulate my dietary intake, but I try to have fruits or vegetables make up half of my plate and I only drink water. I also love sleep, and make sure I get lots of it.

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?
I’d say just love your hair and it will love you back. If I neglect my hair, it rebels against me, but when I care for it properly, it is well-moisturized, happy, and it grows. Also, find what styles work for your hair type, skill set, and lifestyle--and stick to them. Don’t feel like you have to wear a twistout or wash and go all the time because everyone on Youtube is doing it. Do what makes your hair happiest, and it will respond positively.

6) Where can we find you?
I’m on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/ije1023, and I also have a tumblr with countless photos of natural-haired beauties called klassykinks.tumblr.com. Come check them out!