4 Methods for Trimming Hair

We can all agree, whether you are natural or not that trimming our hair is essential for it's health as well as length retention. However, some individuals (like myself ) do not need to trim often, while others need to quite frequently. When and how you decide to trim your hair is solely on the beholder of the Mad Mane, your hair goals, skills and your hair's damage rate. Here are four different trimming method videos individuals with natural hair tend to use. 

4 Tips on Reducing Breakage While Washing Hair

For my quest of longer and healthier hair I try to avoid breakage as much as possible. Recently I noticed I had more hair shedding while washing my hair. That definitely frightened me...was my hair damaged??? I explored numerous natural blogs and vlogs trying to find out what was wrong with my hair. Finally, I stumbled on a few articles answering my dilemma! My hair wasn't damaged...I just had to start being more gentle and patient while washing my tresses. I realized that my hair was longer, so I could not keep practicing the same washing regimen I once had when I had a TWA (teeny weeny afro). More steps are involved like detangling and moisturizing before cleansing or co washing my hair. Below are a few steps I have added to my regimen to reduce breakage while washing my hair, these steps have worked significantly! I hope these tips work for you as well!

 Kisses (: 

-Mignon 

10 Foods for Healthy Hair

When it comes to healthy hair, it's not just about what you use on your curls...kinks..or coils--it's also what you put into your body. Below is a list of 10 foods that when consumed often provide beneficial affects to ones tresses.

Blueberries are packed with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for the circulation of the scalp and supports blood vessels that feeds your hair follicles, making your hair stronger and less likely to break off. 

Tips on Transitioning to Natural hair

Do you want to go natural but don't want to "big chop"...then transitioning is for you! Here are some transitioning tips I have discovered and learned over the past few years from fellow naturalisitas.

Consult a Professional 

Before being your natural hair journey visit a stylist that specializes in natural hair. This way the stylist can give you great advice on products that could make your transitioning journey a lot more manageable and great styles you can try while going natural.

Hair Benefits of Aloe Vera

Nourishing Shampoo

An aloe vera plant contains plenty of minerals and vitamins that assist with restoring hair strength. Aloe vera gel can make a revitalizing shampoo that promotes hair growth, when combined with coconut milk and essential oils, such as coconut or castor oil. Aloe vera gel or juice can also be added to favorite shampoos 

to deliver nourishing benefits to ones hair.

Promotes Hair Growth 

Aloe vera gel or juice is used as a natural treatment to prevent hair loss. This substance is wonderful for both men and women to promote hair growth were hair loss has been experienced. Aloe vera stimulates the production of new hair and can even help with the effects of Alopecia.

Natural Conditioner

Aloe Vera acts as a natural conditioning agent, restoring hairs shine. It makes ones hair not only soft, but enhances tresses suppleness and strength. Aloe vera can also be used to manage frizz without leaving a greasy buildup. Aloe vera can restore the proper balance between oily or dry hair as well.

Reduces Dandruff

Aloe vera contains natural enzymes, which soothes and moisturizes the scalp. This assists with the elimination of an itchy and scaly scalp. It also helps to increase blood circulation, stimulating the production of oils. Aloe vera also provides a cooling sensation to a inflamed scalp.

Mad.Mane of the Week: Monique

Introduce yourself: Hello! My name is Monique. I was born in Pasadena, CA, raised in Hampton and I'm 22
years old.

What is your hair type? I have no idea what my hair type is. I wouldn't really consider my hair "kinky," I have spiral curls that aren't super tight, but they aren't loose at all.

When and why did you decide to go natural? I decided to go natural sometime in 2008; I was going into my senior year of high school. I just felt like I was wasting a lot of money on relaxers for no reason. I always knew I was able to straighten my hair and get it nice and silky as if it had been relaxed without it actually being relaxed, but I kept getting relaxers for the convenience. When I discovered that my curl patter would never be right with a relaxer, I knew it was quitting time.

Flat Twist Tutorial

Here is a great tutorial by MariaAntoinetteTV on how to flat twist natural hair :  

Here are my flat twist results after watching this tutorial. However, I switched it up from the video by parting my hair down the middle and creating two flat twists instead of having multiple ones. 

All you Need to Know Pt 2: Type 3 Hair

Type 3 hair includes lightly curled to extremely curly strand patterns. These curls are well-defined with lots of body and can be styled in its natural state easily. Type 3 hair can easily be straightened with a blow-dry despite its appearance. 

Shamar's Favorite Protein Treatment

Hi! My name is Shamar I am 22, and currently a receptionist at a graphics company in D.C. I was born in Los Angeles, CA. My instagram is @shamarclay. I definitely have type 2a hair and have always been natural. After high school I big chopped! I had so much hair that I grew tired of it. I wanted something wild and drastic, that's when I decided to go platinum blonde. 

I wash my hair very seldom,well shampoo my hair very seldom. Shampoo dries out my hair to the extreme and that's not good for my bleach blonde hair. Because I have colored my hair it is a must that I keep it moisturized by deep conditioning  it, I can't stress this enough!!! Here is my favorite protein treatment I use in my hair that I mix up with ingredients from my very own kitchen!

Mayo and Honey Protein Mask: 

1 Cup of Mayonnaise 

1/4 Cup of Honey 

2 teaspoons of Coconut Oil

Leave mixture on hair for no longer than 30 minutes and rinse out with Shampoo/Conditioner

All You Need to Know Pt 1: Type 4 Hair

Type 4 hair ranges anywhere from fine and thin to wiry and coarse with lots of strands tightly packed together. Coily hair has less cuticle layers than any other hair types. This means that the strands have less protection from damage such as combing, brushing, curling, blow-drying and straightening.

Mad.Mane of the Week: Talisa

Introduce yourself: Hi, my name is Talisa I am 21 years old, born in New Jersey. I am studying Criminal Justice at Montclair State University.

What is your hair type? I would say my hair type is 3b and 3c.

BC or Transitioned? Neither

If you were stuck on a deserted island and got to have three hair products what would they be? Coconut oil, Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie and Silicon mix conditioner.

What is your washing regimen? I wash my hair every week, sometimes i'll co-wash and when I want to do something different with my hair I will shampoo condition and deep condition.

Coconut Milk Hair Mask

Ingredients: 

• 1 Can of Coconut Milk
• 1/4 Cup of Coconut Oil
• 20 Drops of Grapeseed Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of Honey
• 2 Cups of Corn Starch
• 1 Tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

15 Beauty Tips Using Coconut Oil

Hair Care

• Frizz Tamer- Use a small about of coconut oil on hands and run through the ends of your hair. This keeps ends from frizzing up.  
• Moisturizing Shampoo- Mix 1/4 cup of coconut Milk, 1/3 cup of Castille Soap, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. 
• Flyaway Tamer- Apply coconut oil to your flyaways...don't add too much, you don't want your hair to be oil. 
• Overnight Leave-in- Mix your favorite conditioner with the coconut oil and detangle your hair with the mixture. Put hair in a loose bun and keep mixture in overnight.  

Mad.Mane of The Week: Nikki

Introduce yourself: Hi! My name is Nikki, I'm a Bio-Chemistry student born and raised in Chicago, IL.

What is your hair type? I definitely have type 4 hair, 4a to be exact with what looks like 4b texture in some areas and 3c texture around the nape.

When and why did you decide to go natural? I started getting relaxers at a young age and surprisingly, growing up my hair was always a decent length (past shoulder length). It wasn't until my high school years when I went on a hair coloring "rampage" that I started to see the affects of the dying and bleaching on top of having a relaxer. My hair was badly damaged and I knew if I went natural my hair would be healthier and longer, which is what I wanted. I've been natural now for almost 3 years.

BC or Transitioned? For me transitioning was NOT an option just because I knew I wouldn't have the patience to deal with the two textures, and I just wanted to get rid of the damaged relaxed hair that I held on to for so long. I wanted a fresh start!

DIY: Homemade Frizzy Hair Remedies

These are some great homemade remedies I stumbled across by AndreasChoice. 

My Hair: Two Strand Twist Out

Good afternoon my curly companions! I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe fourth. I know I did... I took a trip to the Big Apple!! I had a wonderful time and saw so many of you gorgeous naturalistas. Any  who before I left I managed to stray away from my usual wash and go and try a new style, a two strand twist out. Like I've said in previous posts, for the last year I've had a very simple hair regimen wash and goes everyday.  However, the purpose of Mad.Mane is to explore and try new things with my hair, sharing with you all my hair journey. Below are my twist out results. My hair wasn't picture perfect but I think I did good for my very first twist out (pats myself on the back) GO ME! (:

Natural Hair 101- What's Your Hair Type

For a while now I've gotten several questions asking  what hair typing is and how one breaks down which hair type they are. When I first went natural a little over a year ago I myself became overwhelmed and lost, reading all the different online discussions talking about 3c or even 4b type hair. Whether or not one thinks putting their hair in a certain category is important or not, it is beneficial to be aware of what types there are. Knowing the basics of hair typing can keep a naturalista in the loop of curly hair conversations. In addition, being familiar about your hair type can give you the best tips on how to care for your hair and what products work best for your curls. Here is a hair type guide I have put together from reading other popular blogs like Naturallycurly.com and blackgirllonghair.com. 

Type 4 Hair- Kinky Hair:

• Tightly curled, kinky hair
• The size of 4 type hair is about the size of a crochet needle or smaller
• Type 4 hair can be fine or coarse that densely pack together 
• Shrinks curls up to 75 percent 
• Has less cuticle layers than any other type of hair. Which means has less protection
• Has three subcategories which are 4A and 4B

Three Type 4 Categories:

Curl Commandments

Mad.Mane of the Week: Keisha

Introduce yourself: Keisha Odunz, 21, PG County, MD.

What is your hair type? My hair type is 4A, I believe, (coily springy). I have tightly curled hair with a S pattern. Sometimes its hard for me determine what hair type I actually am, but for now I am going along with this one.

When and why did you go natural? I've been natural for all of my life. I would fluctuate by wearing my hair straightened or in its natural state for most of my life. It was not until the summer before my senior year that I decided that I would wear my curly sue out forever. My hair has a beautiful curl pattern and is way healthier and longer, when I wear it without putting heat in it which damages hair.

BC (Big Chopped) or Transitioned? Neither.

If you were stuck on a deserted island and got to hair three hair products what would they be? Mimosa Hair Honey, Coconut Oil and Virgin Olive Oil.

What is your washing regimen? I co-wash with conditioner instead of washing my hair, because  shampoo strips the oils from my hair. I use a homemade conditioner that I use with all the essential oils and nutrients in it. Example: Avocado, virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, rosemary oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar.