Itchy Scalp, Thinning Hair

Grrrr... Can't stand this itchy scalp a minute longer? I fully understand how you feel. My scalp has phases of itchiness and soreness which come and go in cycles over a day and build up in a week.
This meant that on my hair care journey I chose not to braid my hair or put any tension until I figured out what was going on.
My first priority was to find ways to keep my scalp clean and healthy. What does that mean? Washing every day? No way, No time for that!!
Researching on www.curlynikki.com and www.blackgirllonghair.com I found loads of help and information which I share with you now.
I adopted the no poo method and shampooed less and less until I stopped completely. So my washing routine includes using alternatives for cleansing. I am no veteran at this and continue to learn daily so what I am sharing is working for me now at this stage of health and growth for my hair.
I found that even though I used paraben, sulphate and cone free shampoos and conditioners they still caused my scalp to itch in a short time. By the end of the day after the whole intricate wash day system, my scalp would begin to tingle then move on to itch phase. Nappy hair not happy!
So I found that by doing an overnight pre poo on damp hair with a mixture of coconut oil and avocado oil using the baggy method ( cover hair with a plastic bag then with a satin scarf or bonnet).
Followed by a wash with coconut milk (qtr cup). 1 tsp each of avocado and wheatgerm oil and 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar ( purchased in the supermarket)
Damp dry with cotton tshirt
Seal ends with shea butter ( purchased on Amazon)
Braid or twist
Wrap with satin scarf
I spray daily with a water mix of aloe vera gel, rosemary essential oil and water with braids in.
Yeah, no itchy for 3 days now and my scalp has no redness, soreness or allergic reaction. It looks moisturised with a lovely sheen on it without heavy greasy feel.
A bonus beyond measure: the hair on my crown is growing, growing, growing.

Health benefits:
Coconut oil has a wonderful molecular structure that penetrates into our hair shaft providing lauric acid which reduces the loss of protein, strengthens the hair and replaces moisture. By leaving it on overnight, we allow it the time to benefit our hair. It can be used as a conditioner, dandruff treatment and to promote hair growth. Some take it internally as a supplement with awesome testimonies.
Avocado Oil has a wonderful fatty acid content which is super for dry and damaged hair. It is highly moisturising and well absorbed into the scalp and hair shaft. It can also be used directly, as part of a mixture and taken internally. Super Dooper Oil!
Aloe Vera Gel: it's hard to know where to stop with this product as with the others as well. Super Super Dooper, I tell you! AV gel or juice is great for dry, frizzy hair, itchy scalp and dandruff and really boosts hair growth. It works as a nourishing shampoo, conditioner and all out giant in our store cupboard of healthy alternatives to commercial products. A must have along with the others.

Do your research, try these ingredients and others you might find and let your hair do the talking. Enjoy Awesome Naturalettes!
Let me know how it works for your hair and scalp.

New Hairs Resolutions

Time to spend real, quality time focused on our hair health, strength and bounceability! 

Time to know our hair intimately and allow it to rock in 1001 different ways

Time to find out how nature has provided all the nutrients our hair could ever need

Time to eat on purpose so that our hair pops with optimum health

Time to value our hair and know its worth on our terms

Time to be awesome naturally

So, for the next twelve months, what can you do to bring your hair to its awesome naturalness? 

A few tips that have helped me:

Read ingredients on all shampoos, conditioners and treatments. If you find sulphates, parabens, 'cones' of any kinds then these should be changed to products with more natural ingredients which support healthy scalps and hair growth. Replace them gradually as you learn about new products. 

Evaluate the present state of your hair so that you have an idea of what it might need and what direction you might start at on your hair journey. Is your hair dry, then you might need a moisturising regime. If your hair is weak, then including protein in your treatments would be beneficial. Start with your hair and what you know about it. You have a unique hair code which only you can unlock, so go find the key. 

Research organic and natural hair products online to get a feel for what to expect, how to use them, where to buy them and what you can afford. 

Decide on at least the minimum hair regime that you will use to begin this process. Will you make your own products in your kitchen lab with grocery store supplies or will you use recommended natural hair friendly products or a blend of the two. It's amazing how much our hair loves honey, mayonnaise, bananas, avocadoes, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and eggs! 

Explore ways to keep looking awesome as you transition. What protective style will you be using? Some suggestions might include wigs, braids, twists, leave out or yarn braids. There are 1001 ways to glow naturally until you are confident to wear your hair out.  

Tips for natural hair transition

Photo from YourHairstyles.net

Is it time to go naturelle?
Have you decided that its the only way forward in your relationship with your hair?
Here are a few tips to help you on your wonderful new experience of letting loose you naturelle coif.

Every one has a unique head of hair that may or may not respond in the same way to methods and techniques suggested here but I believe that the principles of hair care remain the same for us all.

You may wake up one morning and decide to chop it all off, known as the BC or big chop or you may transition, which means that you just allow the new growth to blossom naturally. The BC will be like a whirlwind romance where you just have to get to know your hair in a hurry while the transition allows a slower ' getting to know you" phase.
Each person must decide which one suits them best and will fit into their lifestyle.
A few points to consider might be the ways that you will style your hair as it grows and whether you will love your face full on with a short crop. Magazines, Youtube and online forums are the best resources for inspiration and information; I will put my favourite ones in another post to set you on your path of discovery. They have been a great help to me.

Look around your Beauty Supply Stores and other outlets for hair accessories, bobby pins and pretty satin scarves that will help adorn your tresses and celebrate the new you. Be ready in advance with a selection of colours and sparkly things to inspire your new hair designs. You may choose to wear bigger earrings or to add to your makeup pallette for a smokey eye look or bolder lips.
It's a very creative process!

It's a time to be gentle with your hair when washing, combing and styling in order to ensure minimum shedding and breakage. Say no to tugging, pulling and yanking and be more tender with your new baby, your hair. Natural hair is not the same as relaxed hair so don't expect the same responses to products. You and your hair now have to work together to get a mutually rewarding outcome: Happy Hair; Confident You!

Patience is key on this journey. The race is not for the swift, it's for the patient and for those who can endure through the ups and downs. We have to manage our expectations, be consistent in establishing a new hair regime until you are certain about your hair's response to products. Remember at all times that your hair is growing albeit slower than you want but nonetheless growth is happening. Sometimes it becomes so frustrating that you just want to go back to relaxed hair or you stop looking after your tresses. Try not to step out without dressing your hair. It's all part of the process as you transition to fully natural so rock your best style everyday and make no apologies for doing so.