Shedding the light on DARK spots

Let's talk skin for a minute. After all, it is the LARGEST organ on our body so we should be careful about what we put on it. Because of it's absorbent nature, we should always be aware of the products that we put on it because these very products could 1)prevent other products from entering our body or 2) expose our body to harmful chemicals.  So let's talk about dark spots.
Dark spots can appear because of many different reasons. Over-exposure to the sun can cause dark spots in various stages. The harmful rays from the sun can expose the skin to damaging rays that may result in those nasty dark spots. Although we are of a darker skin complexion, we must also invest in sun screen and sun block. Our skin can be damaged as much as our Caucasian counterparts.
Certain medication sensitize the skin to the sun. If you are taking any of the following: Estrogens,Tetracyclines or sulfonamides, you could be at a higher risk to sun damage than most.
Pregnancy is another cause of dark spots on the skin. Because of the elasticity of the skin, it can be stretched without boundaries, but once the skin is able to return to its natural shape, it can be affected by darkened skin, This results from the skin being stretched.
No matter what the reason is for your dark spots, here are some NATURAL ways to treat those spots. Tart juice from a lemon can help lighten up dark spots on the skin. The acid in lemon juice has a natural lightening affect on the skin. You can dab a cotton ball in lemon juice and apply it to the skin after a morning and evening wash.
Mash up a clove of garlic and an onion to release moisture into the skin. Once these 2 are mashed, it will create a paste. You can apply this paste to any affected area and let stand for a few minutes. Unlike the lemon, use this mixture BEFORE you wash due to the smell. The onion has antioxidants that are released into the skin to help with rejuvenation.
Vinegar, just like lemon juice, has the acid that can help lighten up dark spots. Place the vinegar on the skin twice a day(on freshly cleansed skin) and allow the acid to help lighten spots. Because of the potency of this product, it is not recommended for the face.
Castor oil is great in the healing process of the skin. Once you apply an acidic to the skin, apply castor oil, grapeseed oil or olive oil to prevent dryness. Most of your natural oils will aid in the repairing of the skin, but castor oil has been proven to speed up the healing process.
As as always, WATER, WATER, WATER. Remember, what you put in your body plays a big part in the appearance of our skin, So drink plenty of water help take care of that skin!!

Protecting your hair with protective styling

  
I was having a conversation with a new natural and began to talk about the importance of protective styling. It wasn't until I looked at her face that I realized she had no idea what I was talking about. For some of us that have been natural, protective styling is a must, but lets take a little time out to talk about what it is and maybe revisit it for others.

Protective styling is just that. It is designed to protect the hair from various things. It protects from harsh weather(like the dry, rough winter air), protects your hair from your obsession of manipulating your hair(yes, we know you can't help but touch those lovely locs) and it protects your hair from breakage that can come from constantly combing the hair. If you coming back from a damaging accident or style, a protective will give the hair time to slowly rejuvenate itself and prevent constant combing and detangling.

Protective styling come in all types of shapes, forms and fashions. Some of us prefer twists(2 strand and flat), braids(micro, box....the list goes on) or cornrows. But one of the most important things about protective styling is that you have to make sure you are moisturizing the hair. It is easy to forget about our daily moisturizing routine when we don't have to style it everyday. Get some of your favorite oils together and put in a spray bottle. Oil the scalp/hair so that it still retains and maintains it's moisture level. If you neglect the hair while it is in a protective style, it can create dry, damaged hair and breakage. And like always, don't forget to wrap the hair at night!!!!
When wearing constant protective style,it's important that you clip your ends between styles in order to enhance hair growth.

Olive oil and the black hair

If you take a look around the black hair care aisle, you will find plenty of conditioners (daily or leave in) that boast that it's made with olive oil. Walk a little further and you will see some box perms advertised this way as well. So if you're anything like me, you have to wonder, if every product boasts its great need for great hair, why not use it on your own. Olive oil is one of the many staple products that many naturalistas use in their dailly regimen. Olive oil has so many benefits for the hair and scalp that it can be used for your pre-poo, used to treat scalp irritation and dandruf, added to your own butter or used as a conditioner. It's the same olive oil that is sitting in your kitchen cabinet. Rub a little bit of olive oil in your hand and massage it throughout your hair for a quick frizz reducer and shiny tresses. If you want to use it as a deep conditioner, place a generous amount of the oil in your hair and sit under the dryer. With this method, I would recommend spritzing the hair with a little water, detangle, and add the oil from the scalp to the end of the hair. Sit under the dryer, rinse and you will be amazed at the softness of your hair(WATCH OUT NOW!!!)
Another benefit to using olive oil is that it has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties which aid in the healing of scalp issues associated with dermatitis. Olive oil is also best for the treatment of dandruff and dry scalp

Black soap hair wash



Black soap is a multi-functional product in my book! Because of the natural ingredients found in this product it is great from head to toe. I use black soap on my skin because of it's non-toxic healing factors which benefit my skin like no other. Its good for thinning fine lines, evening out dark spots, eczema, razor bumps and eliminating blemishes. It is also used to lightly exfoliate and give you healthier looking skin. The soap can also be used on your body or hair or for oily skin, dry skin, skin rashes, scalp irritations, body odors and is good for sensitive skin.
Here's a little bit of history for you. It's made from the ash of locally harvested plants and barks such a plantain, cocoa pods, palm tree leaves, and shea tree bark. First the leaves and bark are sun-dried and then roasted in a kettle or pot at an even, constant temperature, which is important to ensure color, texture and smell. Then water and various oils - palm oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil (including shea butter and cocoa pod powder) - are added to the mixture and stirred for at least a day. After that, the "soap" is left to set for two weeks to cure.Black soap is traditionally made in west Africa, typically Ghana, from secret recipes. Different tribes and communities have adopted their own specific (secret) blend of oils and cooking techniques, which can be seen in the different color variations among black soap. The ash itself was often used to heal cuts. Varieties of black soap actually made in Africa tend to be pure, while soaps made in Europe or the US tend to have added artificial ingredients.
I currently use black soap on my skin. Once I was introduced to it, I couldn't turn back. Although not terribly convenient to locate(depending on where you stay) it is definitely worth the search. I love black soap because of the purity of the product. I'm able to not only clean my skin without harsh chemicals, I can wash my hair with it sans the sulfates and other drying agents. When I first used the product I was afraid of the consistency. It's not as thick as most shampoos but surprisingly I didn't have to use the entire bottle to get a good amount of sud action. Once it was in my hair it kept created a great wash and once rinsed my hair wasn't hard and brittle. Another benefit of using it as a shampoo, it didn't take an enormous amount to cover my hair(which is greatly appreciated considering the amount of hair I have on my head). Although some people prefer to not use shampoo as all, if you are a shampooer, I would recommend this shampoo.

It's all about the "Poos"

Yes, it about the poo. With so much lingo within black hair care it hard to know what some people are talking about. But lets talk Poo...shampoo, pre-poo and no-poo. Each process can be used for many different reasons and many people have their own preference on maintaining their hair.
SHAMPOO:
We are all fairly familiar with your basic shampoo. It's a product that has been apart of our hair regimen since before we can even remember. Shampoo's main job is to clean the hair. Most of your mainstream brands of shampoos are also filled with sulfates(Soduim Lauryl Sulfates and Soduim Laureth Sulfates) and some even contain Propolene Glycol(antifreeze). Sulfates are one of the main reasons your hair feels extremely dry after shampooing. Nevertheless, the effect varies from person to person. Shampoos are stripping agents which removes all dirt from the hair/scalp, but it also removes the natural oils in the hair. These oils are needed to protect your hair so if they are being stripped too harshly, it can be hard to retain and maintain moisture.
There are many alternatives to shampooing your hair without the harsh chemicals. There are a number of natural shampoos that do not contain these products. They will be advertised as "Sulfate free" shampoos. One difference between these shampoos and the sulfate filled shampoos is the "sudsy" feeling. The sulfate frees may not produce the same amount of suds that we are generally used to so we may feel that it's not getting as clean, but the truth of the matter is that it's getting just as clean as before. We may associate suds with the amount of cleaning agent in the product but I have found that my hair gets just as clean.
Another alternative would be to use ACV (apple cider vinegar) to clean the scalp. Apple cider vinegar can be used to clean the scalp and also helps control itching. My personal experience has proven to me that if I dilute the ACV with water the acidity is not as harsh on my hair. The apple cider vinegar is a staple of mine when I have alot of buildup in my hair. The ACV allows me to completely clean my scalp without the drying affect that comes with using a regular shampoo.
PRE-POO:
The pre-poo is a process that I personally could not wrap my head around for a long time,but I have come to LOVE the pre-poo.The pre-poo is a process that is used before you even apply any type of shampoo to the hair. The reason for the pre-poo is to give your hair an extra layer of protection before shampooing. You can apply a mixture of your favorite oils, conditioners or butters(I prefer to stick to oils and honey) to your dry hair and covering it with a plastic cap. The natural heat from your head will heat up the oils and help them penetrate into the hair shaft. You can leave the cap on for a number of hours or overnight for the best affect. After you remove the cap,rinse out the hair and then you can use a small amount of shampoo to the hair and continue your regular regimen for washing. The layer of oils prevent the shampoo from totally stripping the hair of all oils and allows you to retain some moisture after the wash
NO-Poo:
The no-poo is a process where no traditional shampoo is used at all. Some naturals prefer to avoid all shampoos and use alternative methods. As before, we mentioned the use of ACV, but some also like to use betonite clay as an alternative to washing hair. Co-washing is a popular method of washing the hair with conditioner. It allows the hair to come clean but does not expose the hair to harsh and drying chemicals. Those that tend to have dry hair like to simply rinse the hair and apply oils to the hair.

Some prefer a single method while some like to incorporate all 3 methods. Depending on the hairstyle, season, exercise routine or available time, it's easy to fluctuate between all 3.

To Perm or NOT to Perm

"So, I was having a conversation with someone the other day and I was asked a questions that seems to float around alot..."Are you going to make your daughter go natural or will you put a perm in her hair?" Well..um...honestly, I hadn't really given it much thought. Now before I go into my personal thoughts about this subject, let me make it clear...We are not in the business of judging those who consider themselves natural and those that choose to use relaxers in their hair. In many blog sites you hear alot of rhetoric surrounding the attitudes  of women that are natural being "holier than thou" towards those that have chosen a different option. So with that being said.....I will continue.
This natural journey began roughly 2 1/2 years ago for me, so I have a history with the perm. I don't recall ever being asked if I would perm my child's hair simply because my hair was permed as well. Now, since this movement is still fairly new in the world of AA hair, it didn't get much thought from most. We knew that if you had a little beauty you would maintain their little ponytails until it was time for it to get pressed or flat ironed(your age will answer that question for you) and you did that until you graduated to the "Kiddie Perm"...and you know the rest. That's just how it was. Now with the knowledge that's been passed around, I don't feel obligated to ask those with perms if they intend to perm their child's hair. Which makes me wonder, why is it ok for me to be asked that question? Why is choosing my preference for my child's hair on display, like I'm choosing Alabama or Auburn? Am I forced to declare?
I can't speak for everyone, but for me it comes down to knowing better and doing better. Any decision I make on behalf of my children are based on the assurance that I am doing what I deem best for my child. I have chosen to teach my child to love the hair that comes out of her head naturally. I don't see any benefits of putting poison on my child's scalp and falling victim to the scalp burns, potent chemical smells and potentially cancer causing mixture being placed on her hair. Anything that will eat rust from a nail or eat a whole through meat is not meant to be placed on her scalp or my scalp. But this is a preference. If I could have it my way every little girl would be taught to love the hair that comes from her head, but I don't.
So...in the end I look at this issue the same way I look at other issues concerning parenting; I will teach my child what I think is best. My best may be different than someone else, but who am I to judge? Will I put a perm in her hair? I don't really see it happening in the future, but if she chooses to do the latter later on in life I won't judge her either. But lets just hope she chooses to follow in her mommy's footsteps on this one.
What are your personal thoughts? Have you experienced this concerning your child's hair? How about other alternative lifestyles?

Long weekend...Too much food...Too much shopping, and now it's that time. It's time to get back to the regularly scheduled program. Just thinking about it makes me want to stay snuggled up on the couch just a little longer. But soon  enough it will be time to hit the snooze button one last time and "rise and shine". I'll be the first to admit, from time to time I feel like I NEED a cup of coffee. But as I continue on this journey, I found many natural ways to get your day going. It's exciting to know that there are so many varieties of foods that you can try that will get you going

Bananas are at the top of the list if you want to include fruit in your morning routine. Bananas contain fructose, sucrose, glucose AND fiber. 2 bananas are able to give you enough energy for a 90 minute workout!! Yogurt is also one of the best because it contains complex carbs and protein. One of my staple breakfast items is a hard-boiled egg, which is great for protein and you can never go wrong with oatmeal. If you're bold, try a mixture of apple cider vinegar and honey.

If you have any peppermint around, try taking a quick sniff. It works great for the senses and can give you a quick jolt of energy. If you don't have any mint to smell, pop one in your mouth while you're getting ready for the day. To go along with your mint, try some music therapy. Find some music that gets you going and get a couple of tunes in before heading out the door.

No matter what we do, mornings keep coming around and they never get any easier, so try some of these tips and why not share some of your morning routines.

A rose is not just a rose

We are falling in love with rose water. Rose water and be used for so many different things, but my favorite has got to be its ABSOLUTELY lovely smell!!! Rose water has been used for various skin care remedies because of its anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties. Rose water hasnatural cleansing properties and has been known to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. You can create this by mixing rose water, glycerin and rose essential oil. Rose water can also be used as a toner by adding it to witch hazel and a few drops of glycerin. Place a few drops on a cotton ball and put it on the affected areas. You can help treat your acne without the harsh and drying chemicals normally found in other acne treatmentsl Lastly, you can add rose water to your favorite skin moisturizer or use it on your skin for a great refresing perfume. The smell is so light and enjoyable...I PROMISE. One of the benefits is that you can use it to treat so many differnt things without any harmful chemicals. You can find Rose water on many different websites such as iherb.com, amazon.com and olivenation.com.

Water,Water Everywhere

It's all about the water....Unless you live under a rock, you have probably heard how necessary it is to our entire existance. Water is vital to our very survival. It gives our skin a shiny glow, our hair a natural bounce, our nails great length and so much more. We may have options when it comes to water but do you know the difference between the many types offered?? Here's a quick rundown:


Distilled Water is water that has first been turned into steam so that all of it's impurities are left behind. Then through condensation it is turned back into pure water. This is considered the only water free from contamination.

Filtered Water is water that has passed through a fine strainer. Some calcium and other solid substances are kept in the filter. Each pore of the filter is large enough for a million viruses to seep through. A home filter usually picks up suspended solids and is effective for home use. It becomes ineffective if not changed properly and can actually become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Purified Water is drinking water that has been treated with processes such as distillation, deionization or reverse osmosis...which basically means that the bacteria and dissolved solids have been removed from the water.

Spring Water is water that has come from an underground formation where water flows naturally to the surface of the earth. It is collected at a spring or through a borehole tapping an underground formation. The water must be from the same stratum as the spring must retain the quality and all of the same physical properties of water that flows naturally in order to qualify as natural spring water.

So, no matter which type of water you prefer, just drink up!!!!! Happy Monday

   

The BIG chop

Ask any fabulously naturalista about their experience and everyone will give you a different story when it came time for their BIG chop and anyone that has done it can probably tell you the date and how they felt them minute they did it.So what's all the rave about the BIG chop. The BIG chop is when someone decides to cut any processed hair from their head. We at Emma's Essence consider this a BIG step. For some people, this step is as spiritual and emotional as it is physical. For some of us it signifies a new beginning. It represents a new step and a new chapter. Maybe it signifies being free of the creamy crack many of us considered ourselves "victims" of. For some of us it signifies freedom to express ourselves in our own individual way and for some of us it may not have been that big of a deal.. just needed it off. Whatever your reason may have been, we wanted to explore the BIG chop process.

Majority of our fellow fabulous naturals we know went through a transition phase before doing the big chop. This means they may have worn braids or weaves while trying to allow their processed hair to grow further from their scalp. This transition period has no specific time limit at all. Some people transition a few weeks and some people transition for up to a year. It is during this transition time that we begin to realize how different our natural hair texture is and some people experience hair breakage because of the different textures.

Although some people choose to go to a salon to get their chop done, it can be done from home just as easily. One of the best ways to complete this process is by wetting the hair and completing a very good shampoo on the scalp. Once the scalp is clean, add some conditioner to the hair, starting with the scalp and working your way down the hair follicles. After this process is complete you will be able to notice the difference between your processed hair and your natural texture(which will be thicker than the end of the hair shaft). Simply part the hair and cut where the thin texture begins. Continue the process of parting and cutting until it is completed.

Once this process is complete, rinse the hair, add your favorite oils and take a deep breath. Believe it or not(and most of us know by now), you have just completed the EASIEST part of your natural hair journey. We will post some pics of some FABULOUS chops for you to feast your eyes on.

My sweet honey!

Let's talk about your HONEY...(no, not your sweetie), the other honey. Did you knw that honey is a humectant, which means it attracts moisture from the air to your hair.Organic honey contains many antioxidants, so it leaves your hair healthy and strong. Honey also helps eliminate frizz if you have problems with that as well. You can add honey to many of your favorite conditioners for a great shine after a deep cleanse. Many people are afraid of the thick, sticky texture and don't think of putting it in their hair, but a GREAT combination includes honey, glycerine, olive and an avocado. You can leave it in your hair for a deep conditioner and you will be very pleased with your results. 

Tip of the day

Tip of the Day: Hair growth occurs in three cycles: growth (Anagen), resting
(Catagen) and shedding (Telogen). Hormonal changes in the body play a large part in the growth phase. Different hormones affect the stages differently and hormonal imbalance can have substantive impacts on the growth of the hair. Additionally, hormonal changes in the body that occur during pregnancy or while taking certain forms of birth control or other medicines can affect your hair growth cycles. Happy Wednesday!

CooCoo for Coconut Oil!!

We all know that oil is great for our hair. It provides the moisture and protection that we need for our scalp and hair. But how many of you have discovered the awesome power of oil on your SKIN!?!? As the winter draws near our skin will need more protection than ever. Our oil of the day today is COCONUT
OIL!! Unrefined, virgin coconut oil contains anitoxidants, vitamins and minerals. It also removes dead skin cells, restores elasticity of the skin, and adds a healthy glow. Just some food for thought. Happy Sunday!

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!!!

Say isn't so, say it isn't so..(long deep sigh)...Cold weather is approaching. This time of year is great for family gatherings, hot apple cider, stylish boots, colorful scarves, juicy cuddling...oh, and did we mention BOOTS!!!! It also means that our puffs and wash n' go(s) suffer tremendously. Now is the time to get creative with those protective styles. Two strand twists, box braids, kinky twists, twist buns and so on and so on. What are some of your favorite protective styles and why? We will post pics of the most fierce and fabulous protective styles for those of us that need a little inspiration. HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!

Have you moisturized today?

Oh, that thirsty hair of yours...... We have all come to learn that our hair is always craving moisture. We're either trying to maintain moisture or maintain moisture. We sleep in our silk/satin scarves, slide on satin pillow cases all night or avoiding cotton skull caps in order to maintain our hard work. Regardless of the routine you have set in place, just remember that it takes alot to maintain the moisture in those lovely locks of ours. So before you go to bed, or step out the door, don't forget to show your hair and scalp some love. What are some ways that you maintain your moisture?

Are you your hair?

What does India Arie mean when she said she was not her hair?? When this song first spanned the air waves, afros, 2 strand twists, TWA(s) and BAA(s) didn't exist. She cut her hair and was bald. BALD. Many of us were shocked to see her round, shiny head on BET along with a smiling face. People commented on how she could cut all of that "precious hair" coming down her back..her response????..She needed to be FREE. She had become what others wanted her to be and we as black women cherish our hair and everything along with it. I remember thinking that she could be that bold because she had money, fans, entourage and so forth...So it was ok for HER to free herself, but not me. That was when i realized that I was, in fact, my hair. I began to see what that meant. I was my hair, my boots, my perfume, my sorority, my friends and everything else I considered to be me. But I began to search for the real me. I began to search for who I was and I found FREEDOM..so THIS is what freedom felt like...lol, Many years from my revelaton, I have discovered that I am twhat my hair represents. ME. Being confidant enough to go natural before it was the "thing to do", gave me a new freedom I had never felt before. Freeing my hair allowed me to free my mind. It has become a stepping stone to so many more revelations in my life. In essence, I am my hair...free, unpredictable, beautiful, multi-dimensional, black, brown, golden, thick, thirsty, in need of care, a conversation starter, a trend setter and ready to break through