Beauty: 5 Ways to Go Natural and Still Shine!

 I left my relaxer behind in 2002. Since then I embarked on a quest for healthier hair with more flexibility and style. For more than a decade I have watched my hair transform into a remarkable part of my being. With proper care and attention, I saw my texture go from kinky/curly to curly/wavy. The so-called "good hair" we strive for grows abundantly from my scalp. But I'm not one who subscribes to the "good hair" philosophy, all hair is good and if it isn't, it can't be. But first we have to stop masquerading our hair problems with chemicals, weaves, and braids and for once, let it breathe. Here's how:

1. Leave the Weave. As visually appealing and sometimes, entertaining the weaves can be, they are hell on your hair. Whether you're having them sewn-in or glued-on, you're not giving your hair much room to breathe. And quite frankly, many of you have forgotten what your real hair (if you have any left) looks like.

2. Use natural products. I swear by Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile liquid soap. It's old school, with no additives and fancy ingredients. It gives hair a clean feeling and comes in 8 different varieties. Using oils like jojoba, almond, and peanut on the hair are great for conditioning. Apple cider vinegar is great for for treating itchy scalp, hair loss and dandruff. For scalp treatments, try coconut and castor oil mixed with a few drops of rosemary, peppermint or sage essential oil for conditioning.

3. Get a boar...brush that is. Avoid plastic bristle brushes, they tend to snag the hair and cause breakage. Boar's hair brushes are a lot safer and softer on hair. And go wide....Wide tooth combs help detangle hair and prevent snagging.

4. Turn down the temperature. I used to flat iron my hair every day, and the more I did it, the more it thinned and eventually broke off. Now I may use a flat iron once a month and the ends don't split as much. Now when I want my hair straightened, I get a light press. Even though it's still heat, it's not as severe or damaging when it's done on a smaller scale.

5. Get creative with your styling. I like how Miss Jessie's provides online manuals for styling your hair with their products. You can do braid-outs or twist-outs and give your hair a funky look. Think variety when styling you're hair and shoot for hairstyles with little manipulation.