6 month Protective Style Challenge

I generally wear my hair in protective styles, I’d say, 75% of the time. So to say that I will be on a protective style challenge, I will really just be continuing my habit of protective styling, except that I will include more long term protective styles, so that I can reduce how frequently I manipulate or comb my hair. My long term styles will involve extensions, because my fuzzy texture just cannot keep my natural braids or twists for more than about a week at a time (without me looking like a complete fuzz ball!)

I’m doing this challenge for three reasons:

1. I’m trying to retain as many inches as possible in time for my next nappiversary in September. It’s going to be ten years natural, and what better way to celebrate than with few extra inches! =)

2. My fairy knots have been getting out of hand, and I know it is because I am wearing my hair loose more often. My hair just prefers to be on a protective style/low manipulation regimen.

3. I’m taking on a few more projects in the next few months and I’m also expanding my product line, so to say I've been busy is an understatement. While I’m making sure everyone else’s hair is fabulous I’ll just be putting mine away for a bit! I won’t be neglecting my hair mind you, but I honestly would really welcome the chance to have to comb my hair less often.

I am inviting anyone who’d like to join me on the challenge! (I will be going for 6 months, but you are welcome to try 3 months or even 2 months). Whether you are growing out a short haircut, a dye job or just want to set a hair goal for yourself and reach it, you are welcome to come on board! I've outlined my detailed plan below, but you just have to make sure you follow these two key elements:

1. Protective styles ONLY during the period you choose.

2. Maintain a healthy hair regimen during the period, including clarifying, moisturizing, and deep conditioning.

Check out my post on Protective Styling 101 for tips on how to protective style without damaging your precious tresses! Comment below and let me know if you will be taking part in the challenge. I'll be back often to give my updates! I'll also be tracking the challenge on the Facebook page, so you can check in there as well and let me know how you're going!

Protective Style Challenge 2014 - My Plan

DURATION: February 1st, 2014 to July 31st, 2014 

STYLE PLAN:

I plan to wear the long term styles for 4 – 6 weeks followed by short term protective styles for 7 – 10 days. Styles worn for more than 4 weeks will be refreshed at the perimeter/hairline at the 4 week mark.

My long term styles: crochet braids, box braids (with extensions).

My short term styles: roll tuck and pin styles, half wigs, twists/flat twists, African threading.

MAINTENANCE PLAN:

Clarifying & Deep conditioning:

I’ll wash and condition long term protective styles once (at the 2 or 3 week mark). If I get itchy before wash day I’ll clean my scalp with a witch hazel and rosewater mix.

I will shampoo, ACV rinse and deep condition my hair after each long term protective style. Since it will only be 7 – 10 days until my next long term style, I will just co-wash and deep condition before the next long term installation.

Moisturizing:

I will spritz my long term protective styles daily with my Herbal Hair Spritz and oil my scalp with Oils n Herbs every 2-3 days. LOC method for moisture as needed on short term protective styles.

Optional: Many protective style challenges also include dietary changes, so you can encourage healthy Hair from the inside out. For personal health reasons I’m already on a programme which involves having to eat wholesome meals; I already take vitamins/supplements and my water intake is good, though I intend to increase it. My exercise regimen is sorely lacking, so I intend to improve on that! You can feel free to make any health changes you may see necessary to encourage healthy hair growth, such as dietary and/or exercise changes.


UPDATE: I completed the 6 month Challenge! =) Here are the update videos.

I'm Just Beeyoutiful! - Spotlight on Akia

It’s time to highlight another Just Bee You'ser and their experiences with the products! This spotlight is on Akia who was able to benefit from our customization services and have a product that was created just for her! Read on to find out more… 

Tell us about your hair…

I have always had natural hair. I have never experienced anything else. My parents, especially my dad, never believed in chemically-treated hair especially when I was a child. I have dreadlocks now and I have had them since 2001; September to be exact. 

Describe your hair care regimen (including the products you use)? 

My hair care regimen is not a very long one - my hair is washed once per month (no, it doesn't smell because of how I treat it), steamed every three (3) months and dyed every six (6) months. I had been using 'Sunsilk' Shampoo and Conditioner (particularly for colour-treated hair) and about two years ago I switched to 'Suave Professionals' Almond and Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner (Moisturizing). As for my dye products, I use 'Clairol' Textures and Tones (because of the length of my hair, I usually use 6 to 8 boxes to get that rich colour).

How long have you been using “Just Bee You!” products? How has your experience with the product line been so far?

I have been using the “Just Bee You!” Oils ‘n’ Herbs just about a year now and I recently began using the Baby Bottom Balm (recent as in last week...lol). I love the way the Oils ‘n’ Herbs make my scalp feel and not to mention the shine...it is just beautiful. I have two boys: 4 years old and 4 months old and the Baby Bottom Balm has been working wonders on them both. It is not too greasy and their skin feels so soft.

What is your favourite “Just Bee You!” product?

My favourite product is the Oils ‘n’ Herbs (I guess as it was my first). What I really like about this product is that it is tailored to suit me. I cannot use Olive Oil in my hair; it would itch and that itching is enough to send me crazy. The olive oil was replaced with grape seed oil and that combination has done me well. Even my hairdresser has commented on how healthy my scalp looks whenever I use it.

What are 5 hair items / products you can’t live without?

1. My customized Oils 'n' Herbs

2. Let's Jam (this is what I use to twist my locs)

3. Mango and Lime Moisturizer (I use this one to moisturize to my ends)

… okay, so I don't have 5.

What are some of the lessons you've learnt on the journey to healthy hair?

Be careful who puts their hand your hair. When I started my locs, I had many admirers who would like to touch (most of the time without permission) and in 2003, I thought I would have had to cut off ALL of my hair because my hair began to drop. My hairdresser told me that, if anyone wants to touch my hair they have to ask my permission and I can say no if I don't feel comfortable.

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone trying to maintain healthy hair?

You would not know which product is the right one for you until you have tried them all; experimentation is a key factor. Not all maintenance processes are good; I never interlock my hair because it damages my roots however, another person may do it because that is the only way their hair would stay. Again you have to figure out what is the right process/product for you.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the fact that although my hair is natural, I can style it just like or even better than chemically-treated hair. I love its versatility. I also love the reaction from my husband when I have a hot, new style! India.Arie said, "I am not my hair." I think she got it wrong, I am my hair and my hair is me.

(Remember, if you'd like to be featured as an "I'm justbeeyoutiful" spotlight, give me a shout!)

Protective Styling 101 - the basics

A Protective Style is any hairstyle that keeps your hair (especially your ends which are the oldest part of your hair) safely tucked away or protected from:

- outside elements (extremely cold or hot weather) 

- rubbing on your shoulders or clothing 

both of which can cause weathering or wearing down of the hair strands and thus breakage. 

Many times we feel like our hair is not growing, when in reality our hair is breaking off at the ends, so that we are not retaining length. Ideally a protective style is something that is low-manipulation or doesn't require you to mess with your hair too much everyday, reducing the breakage that can occur from daily combing/styling. 

Some protective styles include twists, flat twists, finger coils, box braids, cornrows, buns, wigs and extensions (braids, crochet braids and weaves).

Are weaves a protective style?

There's been a lot of discussion about whether extensions, and weaves in particular, are truly protective styles. Simply wearing a style which is deemed ‘protective’ but not taking the time to care for your own hair during that time is where the danger lies. You can't just throw your hair in a weave for 6 weeks and call it protective styling - if you don't have a proper moisture regimen during that period, or you never wash your hair or at least cleanse your scalp, then you may not have the positive result you were expecting from the protective style. In a case like that, the weave is not the culprit but the fact that you neglected your own hair during the process. 

large parts, loose braiding and a solid cleansing
& moisture regimen help keep braids 'protective'

The manner in which a protective style is done can also determine whether it works for you or not. If you put your bun or cornrows in too tightly, or you twist your hair using a drying hair product like gel which contains alcohol, or glue the weave to your scalp, then it ceases to be "protective". I've had great success with braids (using synthetic hair) as a protective style because I never make the parts smaller that half inch squares (even if it looks spacey!) and I do not braid the hair tightly. Do my braids get fuzzy faster? of course, but they don't rip the hair out of my head either!

Protective styling can help with retaining length and maintaining the overall health of your hair (I find that my hair is less dry/brittle when I protective style more regularly than go loose/fro'd out) but be sure that you take the time to maintain your hair while in 'protective mode', you may also want to experiment with a few protective styles to see which ones are best for your hair type and your lifestyle.

twists - my 'go to' protective style

Do you do protective styling? What are your 'go to' protective styles?

Finally...

I've finally started putting videos on my YouTube channel! =) Check out my first video...

I'm Just Beeyoutiful! - Spotlight on Kari

It’s time to highlight another Just Bee You'ser and her experiences with the products! This spotlight is on Kari, who’s been using the products to take care of her transitioning tresses. 
Read on to see how she manages the different textures...

bantu knots - protective, pretty and give great curls

Tell us about your hair…
I like to wear my hair in a way that I don't have to fuss much with it - in that, I prefer if it’s braided or cornrowed or in a bun. I am currently transitioning and I have been transitioning for just over a year.



Describe your hair care regimen (including the products you use)?
My hair regimen includes shampoo and condition or deep condition bi-weekly and daily hair care with Just Bee You Herbal Hair Spritz and Shea and Herbs Hair Butter.

bantu knot-out - a stylish way to blend
new growth with relaxed ends

How long have you been using “Just Bee You!” products? How has your experience with the product line been so far?
I have been using JBY hair products from its inception, however, I have been using it consistently for a little over 1 year when the product came fully on stream. The experience has been great. I see vast improvement in the texture and manageability of my hair.

relaxed days

What is your favourite “Just Bee You!” product?
My favorite JBY product, is the Cocoa Shea Skin smoothie.




What are 5 hair items / products you can’t live without?
   1. My wide tooth comb
   2. My Hair Brush
   3. Just Bee You Herbal Hair Spritz
   4. Just Bee You Shea & Herbs Hair Butter
   5. Eco Styler Gel




What are some of the lessons you've learnt on the journey to healthy hair?
Some of the lessons I have learnt on my journey to healthier hair are: natural is always better; what you put into your body plays a major role in the health of your hair; and maintenance of natural hair is not as hard as it is perceived to be, as long as you have a good regimen that works for you and your hair.

transitioning chic ... roller set plaits
blend the new growth with the straight ends

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone trying to maintain healthy hair?
The one advice I would give to anyone is to embrace your naps. If you love your naps, you would do what needs to be done to keep it healthy.




What do you love most about your hair?
I love the length of my hair the most!

braids ... go-to transitioning style

braids ... go- to transitioning styles

buns ... go-to transitioning styles

(Remember, if you'd like to be featured as a spotlight, give me a shout!)

I'm Just Beeyoutiful! - Spotlight on Genevieve

This spotlight highlights another satisfied Just Bee You'ser, Genevieve. Read on to find out how she takes care of her big beautiful kinky hair. Enjoy!

Tell us about your hair…

My hair is kinky. More of a "Z" pattern than a curl. I have had natural hair up until age 16. I jerry curled it for two years and then got fed up and grew out the chemicals. It took a year for me to get to shoulder length and then I cut off the straight ends. I texturize from time to time but it doesn’t seem to make a difference...sigh...its overwhelmingly thick and resists the texturizer chemicals. I am now 27 yrs old.

Describe your hair care regimen (including the products you use)?

Co-wash with Tressemé curl hydration every weekend, while detangling. I shampoo with sulphate free shampoo named Creme of Nature: Argan oil every 2-3 weeks. I use Shea & Aloe Hair Soufflé from Just Bee You! as my "grease" replacer LOL. I use that product about twice a week or when ever my hair feels dry. I use grape seed oil to seal and to add shine. For daily care I spritz it with water and slick with ampro or eco styler alcohol free gel.

How long have you been using “Just Bee You!” products? How has your experience with the product line been so far?

I have been using JBY products for a very very wonderful year! It has exceeded my expectations because I was so accustomed to using grease (which only coats the hair shaft). I cannot imagine my life with out Shea & Aloe Hair Soufflé.

What is your favourite “Just Bee You!” product?

You probably guessed it! Shea & Aloe Hair Soufflé.

What are 5 hair items / products you can’t live without?

   1. Shea aloe souffle

   2. Spray bottle (with water)

   3. Half Wigs that blend with my natural hair well (life savers)

   4. Tresseme conditioner

   5. Gel (alcohol free and must be max hold...MUST BE MAX HOLD!!!!!)

beach hair

What are some of the lessons you've learnt on the journey to healthy hair?

Water is my hair's best friend and I must use oils and things that penetrate the hair shaft.

What one piece of advice would you give to anyone trying to maintain healthy hair?

Not all products work for all hair. Experimentation is key. Also, your hair is your responsibility. Therefore, if you have to find time to manage it, do your best. If it means using chemicals, weaves braids etc, do that BUT make sure the health of your real/natural hair is preserved under it all.

What do you love most about your hair?

Love my hair because of its versatility!

big chop!

big hair!

pressed hair on my wedding day

pressed hair on my wedding day

half wigs - come in handy for a change of pace

I do hope you enjoyed this spotlight, look out for many more! Remember, if you'd like to be featured on the blog as a spotlight give me a shout.

My Natural Hair Regimen

Now that you know how to build a hair regimen (in case you missed it, read Part 1 and Part 2 first), I thought I'd to share my regimen with you. I break it down into four main categories: Clarify, Moisturize, Pamper and Nourish. I also have Length Retention as a category, though sometimes I kind of stray away from that one, so I guess you could call it a sub-category. 

Once I cover these basics my hair is happy - My hair thrives as long as I keep my hair and scalp clean, moisturize religiously, deep condition regularly and nourish it with good stuff (my hair is spoilt now so it reacts to crappy ingredients!) and use protective styles.

Here are the simple basics of my hair care routine:

Clarify:

• No-poo / conditioner wash – 1 time weekly with any 'el cheapo' conditioner, Suave Tropical Coconut is one of my faves.
• About once a month, clarify with my homemade shampoo (available soon from "Just Bee You!" Beauty Products) OR diluted black soap OR bentonite clay

Pamper:

• Deep Condition and /or Hot Oil Treatment: 1 time weekly (for 30 minutes with heat, 1 hour and more without heat) I make my own deep conditioner (which I will also sell in the near future); my hair also likes "Africa's Best Organics Hair Mayonnaise", hot oil treatments using Oils and Herbs and homemade kitchen concoctions such avocados blended with olive oil or plain yogurt with oils and honey.
• At least one of my 4 deep condition sessions per month should involve protein. I use cassia obovata (AKA neutral henna)
• Incorporate herbal rinses as a final rinse after my shampoo and conditioner/deep condish as regularly as possible. I use Herbal Sachets. 

Moisturize:

• My hair loves water! I apply a light mist of water based moisturizer Herbal Hair Spritz to my hair daily or every other day. As a short cut to this step, I shower without a cap on so my hair gets sprinkled in the shower.
• After weekly shampoo, condition session I apply a heavy cream/butter (Shea and Aloe Hair Souffle) to my hair while damp to seal in moisture. I generally only need to re-apply this (mainly to my ends) once during the week until next wash day.
• Sleep with a plastic cap under my satin cap/scarf 2–3 days a week.

Nourish:

I try to only use products which are made from natural and safe ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals. Most of what I use on my hair and body is handmade. Now that my hair knows the difference between good stuff and crap I have no choice anyway, or it just REBELS! And most of all, it's much better for your health to avoid the amount of toxins and harmful substances to which you expose your body. If you're not into mixing your own things at home, that's what we're here for =) So be sure to check out the handmade hair and body goodies from "Just Bee You! Beauty Products.

Length Retention:

• I clip my ends only when necessary. You don't need a 'schedule' for clipping your hair, clip your ends when they need clipping. Don't believe the myth that clipping ends every 4 weeks or full moon or whatever adds length or thickness.
• I generally finger comb my hair. Whenever I do comb I use wide tooth combs (Usually for detangling when fingers aren't enough) and the tail of a rat-tail comb for parting. 
• I wear protective styles the majority of the time. My go-to protective hairstyle is twists, though I also like braids, crochet braids, and wigs.
• I put my hair away at night to prevent tangling, matting and breakage. For Twists, Flat twists, Box Braids, Cornrows - I simply cover them with a satin cap or scarf. For Loose Hair - I grab large sections of hair, mist lightly and finger detangle, then make large twists or large braids and cover with satin cap / scarf. This leaves my hair untangled and soft for the next day!

What works for my hair may not work for yours, but this is just what I have come up with through experimenting and getting to know what makes my hair happy.

Building a Hair Regimen - Part 2

So you've gone through all the questions outlined in Part 1 of this post and you've made your notes, now you can begin developing your hair regimen! This next step will take a little bit of effort, but only for a while, eventually when everything is figured out it will just become part of your lifestyle. 

Break down your regimen into the main areas or categories you believe fall into your daily hair care routine. These categories can vary based on each individual though there are some categories which are common to all hair types, whether your hair is natural or relaxed, a 'loose nappy' or wear locs, whether your hair is naturally curly or naturally straight. Categories include: cleansing, moisturizing, styling, touch-ups, etc. When you have your categories, based on the notes you made previously, you can make decisions about what you'll do in each category. Let's do an example...

Let's say you've made these notes: "I'm a no-fuss, no-frills kind of person, but I still like to look good and be fashionable. I do have some ability when it comes to styling my own hair though I could use some practice especially for more elaborate styles. I'm a young professional, and I need to be polished when I go to the office, since it's a fairly formal corporate setting. I wear my hair in its naturally coily state, it's about shoulder length and I've set a hair-goal to reach armpit-length by my next nappiversary. My hair is coarse, coily and prone to dryness, but it is thick and strong and in good condition."

The four categories you've decided on are: Cleansing & Deep Conditioning, Moisturizing, Styling, Length Retention. So your regimen can now begin to take shape:

a solid hair regimen helps promote discipline and
consistency - healthy hair is the ultimate end result

"Cleansing & Deep Conditioning - I will wash and deep condition every weekend. I will use a moisturizing deep-conditioner to aid with my dryness issues. My shampoo is really drying, I need to explore alternatives or treat hair with coconut oil before shampooing." 

"Styling - I will refresh or re-do hairstyles each weekend to keep my hair neat for work. The styles I am best at doing are twists and flattwists. These will be my staple styles with some professionally done braids when I need a break from styling. I will style my hair with flax seed gel which works well to keep my styles neat all week"

Just go from one category to the next and make notes based on what you currently do or would like to do. During this period you will have to experiment with different techniques and even different products until you find exactly what fits into your lifestyle and what works best for your hair. After this 'trial period' is over you'll have a solid hair regimen, supported by a strong product arsenal. It takes some effort, but it's worth it in the end in the quest for healthy hair! 

Building a Hair Regimen

be consistent ... your hair will thank you for it!

Many natural newbies and anyone interested in beginning a healthy hair journey, may often wonder: “Do I NEED to develop a hair regimen? Can I just ‘wing it’ and take things as they go? Will following a regimen be difficult? Will I get bored?” Listen, I firmly believe hair should be fun, not work! So it’s not like I want to take the fun or creativity out of anyone’s hair journey, but I think developing a hair regimen can really make a huge difference in the positive results you can achieve in your quest for healthy hair!

Following a hair regimen may sound like a tedious task, but trust me the more you practise a system; eventually it becomes like second nature and it will just become part of your lifestyle. I’ve found that once I am consistent my hair thrives, from the time things get haphazard I see a change in the health of my hair. Maybe it’s all in my head =) but let's continue. If you’re like me and you tend to get bored easily you can incorporate creativity even in the habitual. For instance, if you perform a particular task routinely you can switch up the products used to achieve that task, especially if you’ve found several things that work for you. So, for example your weekly deep conditioning session can involve greek yogurt, olive oil and honey one week, or store-bought hair mayonnaise the next week, yet another week – half an avocado from your fridge with an egg for protein.

When building a regimen, here are a few things to consider:

Your Personality: Are you a “no fuss” kind of person? Then try to avoid a routine that’s too complicated or elaborate, eventually you may just get frustrated. If you’re a creative type, you may be able to incorporate several different activities into your regimen to peak your interest or several different ways to accomplish the same goal.

Your Skill Level: I know, I know, persistence has its place but let’s be real for one second here: not everyone is good at doing hair! (did I say that? =) yep!) Yes persistence pays off, but there are some people that get things right away and others who will need time to hone certain skills and techniques. So ask yourself: How comfortable do I feel doing my own hair? What techniques can I do well /do I need to work on? Maybe you can do certain aspects of the routine yourself and have someone else help you with styling, OR maybe you’re good at styling but you really tangle your hair when you wash. Evaluate your skills honestly and then decide what you can improve with practice and what you may need assistance with.

Your Lifestyle: What is a typical day/week/weekend like for you? Are you a graduate student with a busy schedule on a tight budget? A mom of toddlers with very little ‘me-time’? An athlete? Keep your regimen practical and relevant to you.

Your Hair Goals: Do you want to retain more length? Are you transitioning? Whether you’re working on your thinning hairline or split ends, or you have breakage, dryness issues, or even want to maintain what you have. Your goals are a great way to help you plan and to inspire you to keep going on your journey.

Your ‘Hairsonality’: What does your hair like? What works for one person’s hair may not work for yours, so listen to what your hair is ‘saying’, it’s not always about what the latest trend in hair care is. What is your hair type? Now, I don’t necessarily follow the numbering system, but it’s a useful exercise to see if the regimen of persons whose hair looks similar to yours can work for you (or if they wear a similar hairstyle to yours, such as locs). Also based on the type of hair you have you can decide honestly what can be in your regimen. I for one know that I don’t really have ‘wash and go’ hair, I have ‘wash and fro’ hair, #keepinitreal LOL so I would not try to incorporate a “wash and define curls and head out for the day” session into my regimen, it just has never really worked on my hair.

I will do another post soon on my own hair regimen so you can see how I sectioned everything out, but until then, take a few minutes to sit and consider these questions and make some notes and soon you’ll be on your way to developing an iron-clad hair regimen!

(yes there's more! =) in Part 2)

Coo Coo for Afro Puffs!

I LOVE AFRO PUFFS!! There's just something about fluffing my puff, slapping on some big earrings and stepping out for the day, or getting all dressed up for a fancy occasion and having a huge puff that makes you really stand out! If I could, I'd wear puffs everyday, but alas, everyone's hair is different and though some people can wear their hair loose all the time with no problems, my hair just cannot take it! It just thrives better when its put away in protective styles - it can't take the constant manipulation (braiding the hair at night and doing the puff again next day), added to the fact that my edges are naturally a bit thin and easy to break off so I really should go easy on the headbands ... so I have to settle for occasional puffs *insert pout here*

When my hair was shorter it was easy to just comb my hairline upwards slip on the headband and go, but as my hair grew I had to figure out a way to do a puff that minimized the amount of hair that came out while trying to do this style. Here's a step by step tutorial on how I do my perfect afro puff:

1. I start off with hair that is in large plaits. These are just the plaits I slept in overnight.

2. Undo the braids one at a time starting with the middle of your head. Comb out each braid when you undo it. As you unloose each braid secure the combed out hair in a ponytail holder before moving on to another braid.

3. Work your way outward from the middle of your head leaving the braids at the hairline for last. 

4. Comb up complete. By now you hair should be combed out and secured in a ponytail. It sounds like a tedious process combing out and securing each braid one by one but it is worth it because you lose ALOT less hair and the front/sides of your puff lay very smooth. 

5. (Optional Step). Apply Gel right around your edges and then use your hands to smooth your hair. You can do puffs without gel, they are just as cute, but the gel gives it a more polished finish in my view.

6. I use the Goody or Scunci ‘ouchless headbands’. When I buy them, I stretch them out a bit first so they aren't as new and don’t feel as tight. I place the headband around my neck and then double it if necessary.

7. Bring the headband up and set into place.

8. Do any last minute brushing now - If your hair is fuzzy like mine, stuff has already started going on since you smoothed on the gel =)

9. Gently slide the head band up a couple inches but not too far back yet or it will slip off.

10. Undo the ponytail at the back and then continue sliding the headband back. Don't carry it all the way up, leave it as high or low as you think suits you. I usually just carry it up about 1-2 more inches. Leaving the band half way like this makes the puff on top look bigger than a normal ponytail.

11. Shake vigorously =)

12. After a good shaking, use your hands to gently fluff the hair on the top to get a roundish shape. Don’t stress if it is not completely round at first. I usually find that my puff looks really crazy when I just do it but, after a while, especially if my hair is a little bit damp, the shrinkage just makes the puff neaten itself out after I walk around the house a bit.

13. (Optional Step) If you used gel you may want to place a scarf around the edges to set the wave pattern. Ideally, use a scarf made of satin, silk or any other hair friendly material, not a cotton-type scarf. I leave my scarf on for at least 10 minutes while I get ready, but I guess the longer the better. If I'm getting ready to go out I just leave it on while driving there and remove it before I get out of the car.

14. I also mist the puff lightly with my moisturizing spritz. It causes my puff to shrink slightly but it does keep my hair soft all day and makes it easier to comb out when I get home.

So there you have it! You can use this same method to make a ponytail in natural hair (Just do steps 1 - 4). After you do this method a few times it becomes really easy, and you get through it much faster. If you have suggestions or questions don't hesitate to comment below! This is how I do MY afro puff. What method do you use?

Product Feature – Herbal Sachets

If you're looking for new ways to boost your hair regimen, I would definitely suggest regular herbal rinses - it’s an easy way to reap the benefits from the many wonderful herbs Nature provides for us.

Soothe your scalp with gentle chamomile, restore hair’s natural lustre with rosemary and nourish the hair with horsetail, rich in hair-strengthening silicon. And don’t forget nutrient-rich nettle and the powerhouse of antioxidants – rooibos. These herbal sachets are little a nutritious all-natural ‘tea-break’ for your hair!

For maximum effectiveness, catch the hair rinse in a bowl as you pour it over your hair. Then repeat the rinse several times to ensure full coverage. Be sure to get some of it on your scalp as well. Rinse out if you’d like or leave it in for maximum benefit.

And if you’re a bit lazy =) sorry busy and find it inconvenient to do the rinses, why not steep the herbal sachets and apply the liquid to your hair with a spray bottle? You can even keep the bottle in the fridge and use it as a daily refresher for your hair (only make enough of the liquid to be used within in a week since the liquid will begin to go bad).

I do hope you enjoyed our product feature today, Next up is a crowd favourite - The Cocoa Shea Skin Smoothie is in the spotlight tomorrow!

Product Feature – Oils ‘n’ Herbs Hair & Scalp Oil

We’re half way through this 7-day series where we feature a different product made by “Just Bee You!” each day. The product we’ll talk about today I honestly believe belongs on everyone’s dresser =) It transcends so many hair types and styling options from close cropped fades, to afros or locs and bone straight relaxers.

Chock full of natural goodness, the Oils ‘n’ Herbs Hair and Scalp Oil delivers luxurious hair, a healthy scalp and adds radiant shine! It’s formulated with: coconut oil (one of the few oils which penetrates the hair shaft to strengthen from within), extra virgin olive oil infused with a blend of vitamin-rich herbs to condition and strengthen the hair, and a special essential oil blend which is both stimulating and nourishing to the scalp.

One of the BEST things about this product is that it’s a MULTI-USE product! Here are some of the various uses for Oils ‘n’ Herbs and I am sure as you begin to use it you can come up with many more!

Oils 'n' Herbs - the ultimate multi-tasker!

- Use to ‘oil’ your scalp or for scalp massages to stimulate the scalp

- As a sealant: apply onto freshly moisturized or slightly damp hair to seal in moisture

- Instead of ‘oil sheen spray’ try rubbing a small amount of this oil on your hair for radiant shine

- Warm the oil and use as a hot oil treatment

-  Add some into your favourite deep conditioner to “beef it up” a bit

- Ran out of massage oil/ body oil? Oils ‘n’ Herbs can be a suitable substitute  =)

- Apply and leave in for at least 1/2 hour as a “pre-shampoo” treatment then wash and condition as usual

- For those with naturally curly/coily hair who do ‘dry detangling’, apply to your hair to provide extra slip

- If you use a relaxer, apply onto the entire length of your hair, concentrating on the ends (avoid new growth) to prevent over-processing of your ends /damage from overlapping relaxers.

Whenever my hair needs a little “pick me up” I give it a light mist of Herbal Hair Spritz (sometimes I skip the spritz and still receive good results) and then apply OILS 'N' HERBS throughout my scalp and hair, put on a plastic cap, then my satin cap and go to bed - can we say SOFT hair  next day!

This product is 100% natural and contains no mineral oil, no preservatives or artificial fragrance. You can also customize it according to any of our available options – scalp health formula, growth stimulation formula, strength formula, extra gentle formula (for children/babies) or extra peppermint.

What uses can YOU come up with for the Oils ‘n’ Herbs? Share your ideas below! While you’re thinking about it, come back tomorrow for the next Product Feature: Herbal Sachets.

Product Feature - Shea and Herbs Hair Butter

I had some internet issues yesterday (and still am) sooo I’m featuring two JBY products today, so that hopefully by tomorrow God-willing if my technical issues are ironed out we can be back on schedule. Let’s look at the Shea and Herbs Hair Butter, which was the first product I started experimenting with years ago, so it has a special little space in my heart!  =)

The Shea and Herbs Hair Butter is a rich blend which includes a generous dose of unrefined shea butter, herbal infused oils and other nourishing ingredients, such as honey. Shea butter as many may know, does not only contain beneficial vitamins and minerals, but also absorbs slowly into the strands strengthening them from within.

Shea and Herbs Hair Butter contains a generous amount of shea butter

I usually recommend this (as opposed to the Hair Souffle) for relaxed or pressed/flat-ironed hair since it does not contain water which may cause heat-styled hair to revert. Anyone who uses ‘grease’ for any reason in your regimen – on your scalp, as a sealant, replace your jar of conventional “grease” with this product.

The Shea and Herbs Hair Butter contains no petroleum or mineral oil; no artificial fragrance or colouring or preservatives and it’s also customizable.

Tomorrow we’ll feature Oils ‘n’ Herbs Hair and Scalp Oil, so stay tuned!

Product Feature - Herbal Hair Spritz

Does your hair need a liquid fix? Herbal Hair Spritzes are just the thing for you! 

So many people constantly battle dry, crispy hair. While many factors can contribute to dryness, including the very structure of curly/coily hair or even the weather, a major reason is: many people don’t moisturize their hair =) I know it sounds crazy but many of us still believe that “grease” or even oil can ‘moisturize’ our hair. Picture this: It’s a really hot day, you’re sitting under an umbrella at your beach of choice, and you’re soooo thirsty! You could really do with a glass of cold, refreshing butter to quench your thirst….Yes something’s wrong with that picture, but it’s the same thing we do to our thirsty hair all the time!

Your liquid fix! 

I will do a post on the best way to moisturize your hair very soon, but for now just remember this – water moisturizes, oils/butters nourish and seal in moisture. So it’s important to have water or a water-based product in your regimen. The Herbal Hair Spritz is just that – it’s a water-based, moisturizing hair mist formulated with herbal extracts, aloe vera and essential oils, and it’s the perfect treat for thirsty tresses!

Apply a light mist to hair as a daily moisturizer, or layer it under one of our hair creams/butters for longer lasting moisture. I use this product as a moisturizing spritz/leave-in conditioner and as a mild detangling aide. If I plan to wear my hair out in a puff for the day, a light mist of this spritz keeps my puff soft, prevents it from drying out too much during the day and makes comb-out in the evening a lot easier.

This is also a great product for transitioners who need to soften new growth to prevent breakage, or for persons who have a relaxer and want to keep their new growth soft in order to stretch the time between relaxers.

Loc wearers can use this to prevent stiff locs or itchy scalp, as it’s light and won’t create build-up or lint.

You can even use it as a braid spray. If you use it faithfully while wearing the your protective styles (like braids/weaves) when you remove it your hair will be moisturized! And it keeps itching at bay!

The Herbal Hair Spritz is customizable into any of our available options, I like it in “extra peppermint” for more ‘zing’ when I spritz it into my scalp!

The Product Feature Series continues for the entire week, come back tomorrow when we highlight the Shea and Herbs Hair Butter.

Product Feature - Shea and Aloe Hair Soufflé

We’re just getting things started here and I thought it would be a good idea to start off talking about each product so that you the readers can get valuable information on each of the products we make. So for the next seven days I will feature a different JBY product on each day. First up - the Shea and Aloe Hair Soufflé!

The Shea and Aloe Hair Soufflé is a creamy, fluffy blend which includes unrefined shea butter, aloe vera gel (from the aloes in my backyard by the way =)) herbal infused oils and other nourishing ingredients, which provide long lasting moisture and nourishment for your hair and scalp.

If you have coarse, Type 4abc or even 4z hair =) that is in need of moisture, this may be the product for you. This cream is EXCELLENT on curly, coily, kinky hair types but can be used on any hair type craving moisture. It’s very rich, so a little goes a long way!

freshly mixed Shea and Aloe Hair Soufflé

Here’s how I use this – On “wash-day” after my shampoo and condition or deep-condition, while my hair is still damp, I apply this product to my hair in sections, comb through and place my hair in large twists or plaits to air dry. I kid you not - most of the time I do not need to add any hair cream to my hair for days, sometimes until next wash-day (the following weekend) because my hair stays moisturized. If the weather is particularly hot or I walk around in the sun a lot that week, the most I will need to do is spritz my hair a little bit, we’ll talk about the Herbal Hair Spritz later…

The Shea and Aloe Hair Soufflé  contains no petroleum or mineral oil; no artificial fragrance or colouring and it’s customizable into any of our available options – scalp health, growth stimulation, strength, extra -gentle (for children/babies) or extra peppermint.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the next Product Feature - Herbal Hair Spritz, in the meantime, are you in love with Shea and Aloe Hair Soufflé? Share your experiences below!