Wednesday 30 November 2016

Don't touch that hair...

Hi there curlies!
Many  of us appreciate the growth we see when we leave our hair in peace. Yup, I'm talking about protective styling.
Remember to be cautious when choosing your protective style. If it's not not done correctly it can do more harm than good to your hair.

Protective styling using just your hair- 
*don't do the styles too
   tight.
*it should not be  difficult to do
* save your hair line and be gentle - try not to pull on your edges too tight.
Note: Hairstyles that leave your hair flowing in the wind or brushing your shoulders are not considered as protective styles because your hair is not tucked away and so defeats its purpose.

Advantages of protective styling- 
*it reduces too much
  manipulation of hair.
*if done correctly protective styling  can help with length retention.
If you follow my blog or hair page then you already know my go to protective style... Twists! They are so convenient. I can get two styles - the twists as a style on its own , and a bomb twistout!

Here's a video on preparing your hair before installing a protective style.


So, have you reaped the rewards of protective styling?

Until next time,
Stay Natural  - Stay Magical
Xoxo  Marlene Louw

Monday 28 November 2016

This is what I learned so far..

Hello again curlfriends!

One of the things that I've been pondering on lately, is how so much can change in a year. These are some of the things that I've learned this year. How to moisturise my hair properly. I learned to master the LOC method. This was certainly a game changer for me! The centre of my hair always broke off because it was constantly dry and brittle. I think 'kliphard' describes it  rather better...So after experimenting with numerous amounts of products like leave- ins, creams, oils... I finally found a combo that works best for my hair! (It's not called a hair journey for nothing.)

So my hair is finally getting longer and healthier. I have settled into a nice routine that works.
So here's the thing- Its important to know where you've been in order to know where you're headed. Yep, I've been pondering y'all!
Your hairs past affects its future awesomeness, so it's utterly crucial to have a healthy hair game plan.
 If you don't, you will find yourself wasting money on every product that you hear about just because it worked for someone else. I have learned this the hard way, trust me. You may be thinking "she's not talking to me" ... But I totally am. Just don't buy hair products on impulse.
When I eventually found a routine that worked  for me, I no longer saw my hair as a chore. I no longer relied on the "rules" of the natural hair community. Always remember this-  your hair journey is also a journey of IDENTITY.... (I told ya I've been pondering!)
 Another thing that I've learned is to keep my hair happy by deep conditioning every time I wash it and even when I co- wash too. Failure to deep condition may be the cause of your hair breaking.
In the beginning I was doing too much with my hair. I became overwhelmed and sometimes frustrated. I got caught up with  products, styling methods, routines etc... You have LOC, LCO, oil rinses, tea rinses, mud washing and the list goes on. I became distracted. My wash days were lengthy and I began to resent it. I think you'll know me by now - I'm a no fuss kinda curly. I made up my mind to just do me. Just stick to the basics. I now style once on wash day instead of every day. My go to style are twists because it's simple, cute and my hair stays stretched.
It's easier to handle stretched hair. You can do more styles on hair that's stretched.
I also learned my hairs porosity. I had to re- think some things that I was doing. Since I know my hairs porosity I now know which products work well for me.

Through experimenting and researching I found that my hair thrives on ayurveda hair treatments. I suggest you do the same and while you at it ) have fun and enjoy the process.
I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. Keep in mind that natural hair can be complicated but only if you make it out to be.
What's some of the things that you've learned so far in your hair journey?

Until next time curlies,
Stay Natural  - Stay Magical
Xoxo - Marlene Louw

Friday 11 November 2016

Here is why you should try Ayurveda hair treatments....

Hello to all the lovely curlies!

 I tried a new ayurvedic powder! It's the Holy Basil also known as Tulsi! I was at our local Indian spice shop again, when I spotted it  and figured I would give it a go. I only got one sachet because I wasn’t sure how well I would like it.

Tulsi is a type of basil plant and is part of the mint family. It has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and is considered an anti-pollutant. It helps alleviate skin and scalp issues like dandruff, itchy scalp, ringworm, scabies, eczema. It protects and moisturizes your scalp. You can also use it on your face to treat blemishes and acne.
It is a green color in its powder form but when I mixed it with some green tea it turned into more of a brown color.

   

      I found that this paste didn't distribute very well because it was a bit too gritty to apply. I had to add a bit of conditioner to the mix. 

           

        
I used a whole sachet, I brewed some green tea and added some coconut oil and almond oil. Lastly I added a few drops of rosemary essential oil. 
In a medium size bowl, mix all ingredients together. I used three tea bags  to make a thick paste. Gently section your hair, and use an applicator brush to generously apply the mixture starting at the scalp, and working your way down the hair shaft. Cover with a plastic cap and allow mixture to sit on head for about an hour. I leave on for more,  it totally depends on you. Rinse thoroughly it requires a lot of rinsing. Use conditioner to cleanse. I use quite alot. Deep condition afterwards and always because the powders are very drying.

I’ve been impressed by the strengthening and growth properties of these ayurveda hair treatments. Join me here for some more tips and advice to healthy hair.

Have you tried any ayurveda hair 
treatments to your regimen? 

Until next time, 
Stay Natural     Stay Magical
Xo Xo -  Marlene Louw

Wednesday 9 November 2016

a Happy Hair Journey...

Hey there curlies!




Natural hair is beautiful and requires effort on our part to flourish. So, I hope you find these tips helpful.   

Avoid products with mineral oil, or sulphates in them as they can be very drying.

DO - try to invest in products with  natural ingredients. Using natural products means you know exactly what you are putting on your head, so no more reading long lists of ingredients.
Use  a good water based moisturiser or leave-in conditioner to hydrate your hair.
 Seal your ends with a natural oil, or shea butter to keep in the moisture.
       
     
           
  • Deep condition weekly. A moisturizing deep conditioner will help prevent breakage, moisturize your hair and strengthen your new growth.
  • Protect your hair by staying away from heat and manipulation as much as possible. Protect your ends of your hair by doing styles that don’t expose them. Do not do styles that pull your hair tightly because this will result in hair loss.  Try doing loose buns and twists.
  •  If you choose to do protective hairstyles – remember to take care of your hair and scalp underneath and do not to leave them in for too long.
 Never comb hair dry! The best method of combing hair is when wet or damp, and loaded with conditioner.
  • Henna  applications are a great, it's a natural way to strengthen and thicken up your hair. Try it you won't be sorry. 

Extra care is needed for your natural hair at night. So, sleep with a hair bonnet or on a satin pillow.


I hope you found this post helpful, remember to keep it simple always. Cheers to a Happy Hair Journey!

Until next time
Stay Natural -  Stay Magical
Xo Xo Marlene Louw

Friday 4 November 2016

QUick side note...

Hi curlies!
Learning to get to know your hair is a long process. This is why it’s called a Natural Hair Journey. 

Quick side note: After using a certain product for a while, your hair gets used to it, causing your hair to not react to it the same way. I suggest clarifying your hair. If clarifying doesn't work then try something new. Doesn't mean go out and be a product junkie again! Just buy something to replace the product that's not working for you anymore and test it out.

Catch these tips, my wash days and more on my hair page. As a recovering product junkie, I know the struggle-  but if your constantly using different products on your hair you’ll never know what’s working and what’s not working. 

So, that's my quick side notes for you today... Remember keep it simple and know that you are beautiful inside and out!

Until next time- 
Stay Natural   Stay Magical
Xo Xo - Marlene Louw

Thursday 3 November 2016

Durban Natural Social event....Recap

Hello again curlfriends!

The Durban Natural Social Day event was held this past Saturday and it was so much fun!! The founders, Maxine Arnold and Bryce Arnold did an awesome job of planning the event.


I must admit I really had no clue what to expect for this event and since I had no expectations I think this definitely heightened my overall experience.
It is an amazing accomplishment to see just how far the natural hair community and movement has grown. Women are beginning to value and see the beauty of their hair in its natural state.

We didn’t want the event to end, and everyone had an awesome afternoon of mingling and enjoying each other’s company. 


I saw women laughing, smiling, talking, hugging, shaking hands, air kissing, complimenting, and just genuinely showing love.One of my favorite parts about the event ((besides the goodies and cupcakes! hehe)) was the diversity of the panel. We each had a unique take on Natural hair. We all had the common motto of BE CONFIDENT in who you are because you are wonderfully and beautifully made...
Stunning handmade accessories by Marc Boss and African printed headwraps were on sale by the gorgeous Kim 
Kinsey Houston. Natural hair product range - The Perfect Curls, by the lovely Taryn Gill.
  
Taryn spilled the tea about everything from her humble beginnings to business,   natural hair & how she has been able to defy the odds and create a well known natural hair brand. It was awesome meeting her - what a strong woman!



I love to show off my goodies, so here’s a peek at what I received in my gift bag!


Thank you again Maxine and Arnold for inviting me to speak on the panel!!! . I didn’t realize how much I could talk about hair lol ((you would think I would know since I have a hair blog….duh lol)) 
It was so much fun and I hope to do it again.
Until next time,
Stay Natural - Stay Magical
Xoxo - Marlene Louw

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