Naturally Obsessed

I spotted this article over at BellaSugar.com and though I thought I'd share it with guys...
Lifestyles Report...Hair scare
By Debbie Norrell
At least two months ago WPXI contacted me to do an interview
about ingredients in hair care products used by African-Americans
possibly leading to breast cancer. I was selected because I am a 15-year Breast cancer survivor. I agreed to do the interview. However at the end of The taping I didn't know anything more about the study than before the Cameras started rolling.
Recently WAMO news anchor and New Pittsburgh Courier freelance
Writer Allegra Battle did a story on this same subject and it was a feature On the May 9, 5 p.m. KDKA news. But at the end of these
stories we still Did not have a list of the products. Battle gave me the
list that didn't Make her feature during a recent visit I made to the
WAMO studio's Promoting the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure. So many of my friends have seen The stories on television or read about this issue in the paper and they Want to know which products to be concerned about.
However I wanted to give you more so I went to the Internet and
looked for articles from the Center for Environmental Oncology and found one entitled: Why Healthy People Get Cancer: Center Examines
Environmental Suspects (update Spring 2005).
The article stated, one of immediate research priorities of the
new Center is the puzzling phenomenon of breast cancer in
African-Americans Under the age of 40, who have nearly twice as much breast cancer as do white Women.
The center will work with Silent Spring Institute, a Massachusetts based cancer institute, to identify suspect contaminants and ingredients in hair care products and other personal products regularly used by African-American young women and their mothers.
More recently, attention has turned to estrogenic compounds in
hair Care products used by Black women as a possible explanation for higher Cancer rates in this population. I've started to carry copies of the list in my purse but we're going to share it with you right here. The list simply says: The following is a list of products that have
previously been Found to contain hormones:
> Placenta Shampoo
> Queen Helene Placenta cream hair conditioner
> Placenta revitalizing shampoo
> Perm Repair with placenta
> Proline Perm Repair with placenta
> Hormone hair food Jojoba oil
> Triple action super grow
> Supreme Vita-Gro
> Luster's Sur Glo Hormone
> B & B Super Gro
> Lekair natural Super Glo
> Lekair Hormone hair treatment with Vitamin E
> Isoplus Hormone hair treatment wit Quinine
> Fermodyl with Placenta hair conditioner
> Supreme Vita-Gro with allantoin and estrogen plus TEA-COCO>
> Hask Placenta Hair conditioner
> Nu Skin body smoother
> Nu Skin Enhancer
The majority of these products contain placental extract, placenta, hormones or estrogen. As early as 1983 Dr. Devra Davis epidemiologist and director of the Center for Environmental oncology, part of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute) and co-researcher Leon Bradlow advanced the theory that xenoestrogens, synthetic estrogen imitators, were a possible cause of breast cancer.
Davis also says, 'most cases of breast cancer are not born, but
made and the more hormones a woman is exposed to in her lifetime, the greater her risk of breast cancer.'
We need to be more cautious of the products that we use on our
hair and our bodies and demand that more information about our health is shared.
The specialist's name is Dr. Devra Davis, the same specialist cited in the email above! If you want to hear the full interview: Chemicals, Cancer and You, you can listen at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14986010

Product Description: Nubian Heritage's Coconut & Papaya Conditioner is Nubian Heritage's tribute to the tropics where the coconut palm and papaya have been a part of daily life for millions of people over the course of thousands of years.   Coconut oil is naturally rich with minerals, vitamins and, most importantly, fatty acids.   Coconut oil naturally strengthens, thickens and nourishes hair, penetrating and helping prevent the loss of protein.  Nubian Heritage's Coconut & Papaya Conditioner is a deep hair treatment infused with nutrients and deep cleansers like Kaolin Clay.  Seals the cuticles to help protect hair. and keep it lustrous and healthy.  Papaya contains papain, a naturally occurring enzyme that works on dead skin cells on the scalp to gently loosen them and allow them to be washed away. Your scalp is left clean and healthy.  Removing the dead skin cells helps stimulate circulation leading to increased blood flow and speeding hair growth.
Shea Butter, Aloe Vera and Papaya maintain the proper moisture level in hair and scalp preventing over drying.  Vitamin B and Coconut Milk gently condition hair leaving it soft, smooth and manageable.

Ingredients: Coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, filtered water, vegetable glycerin, kaolin clay, coconut milk, wheat germ oil, aloe vera, vegetable wax, panthenol (pro-vitamin, B-5), vegetable gum, papaya extract, vitamin E, rosemary extract.

Cost: 8 oz.bottle for $9.95 @ TresuredLocks.com, $8.00 at my local beauty supply

My Thoughts:  I have mixed feelings about this one.  As a conditioner this product just didn't do it for me.  Judging by how the product looked in the bottle I was expecting a thicker consistency and for it to give me lots of slip.  Unfortunately that wasn't the case.  Like I said many times before I like my conditioners THICK, especially if I'm using it after a shampoo.  And with all the yummy ingredients, my hair didn't feel all that moisturized. 

Now I'm not one to throw away a product, especially not a conditioner, even if it doesn't perform well.  I'll try to find some way to use it.  So last week while trying to figure out what to use on my hair for a twist-out, this product found its way out off the shelf.  I co-washed my hair ( I can't remember what I used for that), sectioned in to 6, and applied Evoo throughout paying close attention to my ends.  I then took a nice palm full of conditioner and applied it to each section and began to twist.  Let it dry overnight and unraveled the next day.  My hair was fluffy, moisturized and defined.  Oh yeah, it smelled delicious too.  So I'll be using the rest of it as a leave in/styler until it's gone, not sure if I'll be repurchasing yet.  Check the pics below....

And after my hands got into it ...lol

This is just a quick video to thank all of my YouTube subscribers for sticking with me, and supporting me no matter what. You guys are the BEST!!! More videos are coming soon =)

When and why did you decide to go natural?

I have been natural my entire life.  However, I did not know the right products to use on my hair or how to care for my hair properly.  I would use products that were alcohol based and that contained many other unhealthy ingredients that would dry out my hair terribly.  I also had color treated hair and would frequently get it straightened.  Which resulted in some pieces permanently losing their texture.  I often wore tightly slicked back hairstyles which caused a lot of breakage.  This past summer I decided to do my own Big Chop to get rid of all the color and heat processed parts of my hair.  I had a lot of length taken off.  I started off with APL (Armpit Length) hair and left the salon with my hair hitting my ears stretched.  It was a big change, but I knew it was the healthiest thing to do.  I wanted to grow out my hair and start with a clean slate and use healthier products.

Were your friends and family supportive of your decision?  If not, how were you able to move forward?

 My family and friends were definitely supportive of my decision.  Well...my mom of course was a little hard to convince at first.  She is definitely old school and loves her some long hair.  Between my sister cutting off her of Halle Berry style and myself, she got used to it pretty quickly.  Ultimately, it is really about how you feel as an individual in your hair.

What is current hair routine?

i shampoo my hair about every 2 weeks with Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat, which really makes my hair feel minty clean and fresh.  I co-wash 1-2 times a week, using Suave Coconut Naturals, leaving a little of the conditioner in my hair.  After washes, I usually do protective styles (Two Strand Twists) using Aubrey Organics B5 Design Gel.  I find myself not doing too many wash & gos, as they can be a little drying to my hair.  Also I love, love, love virgin coconut oil and use it to moisturize my ends and scalp daily.  Moisturizing is key.  I do a moisturizing deep conditioning treatment once a week and a protein treatment with Aubrey Organics GPB conditioner once a month.  Protein, for me, can be a little drying if I use too much, so I try to limit my use to only once as month. 

Henna has been workings working wonders for me.  I henna once a month as well.  I am planning to trim once every 6 months or twice a year.  Lastly, I sleep in a silk scarf or bonnet every night to protect my hair.

What are your hair goals?  What steps are you taking to achieve them?

 My hair goal is to continue to maintain healthy hair.  I would grow out my hair to BSL (Bra Strap Length).  I think that moisturizing is a crucial part to maintaining length, as it prevents breakage and split ends.  I use coconut oil on my hair everyday.  I also exercise and eat a balanced diet, I believe if you are not healthy internally, your hair and skin definitely will suffer the consequences.

How do you protect your hair in cold and warm weather?

In the winter the cold air just sucks up all the moisture from your strands.  I wear a lot more protective styles to help keep the moisture in.  For the summer, I pretty much do the same thing, I protect my hair by doing protective styles as well.  Loose buns, ponytails, 2 strand twists and also covering my hair with a colorful scarf or hat to protect my hair from the sun....Gotta keep it stylish!

What is your definition of "Good Hair" ?

Good Hair to me is healthy hair.  It is hair that chooses not to be tamed or to be assimilated into the societal standard of beauty.  It is beautiful hair that defines who we are as individuals and as a people.  It is diverse, spontaneous and full of life and of zest.

Blog: kiffecoco.blogspot.com

Fotki: fotki.com/metisse86

Product Description:  Smooth as silk conditioner: Creates silky-smooth texture. Protects hair and controls split ends. Adds volume, shine and an incredible feel. Silk. It has the most incredible feel, the most incredible texture. it makes you feel sexy. Desirable. Smooth as Silk Conditioner makes your hair feel so smooth, so silky, so amazingly detangled. It works only where needed to create a silky-smooth palette that's repaired, renewed and ready for your own unique kind of style. Smooth as Silk provides smooth moves indeed. Enriched with certified organic botanicals. No animal by-products. Cruelty free. Made in U.S.A.

Ingredients:  Aqua (Purified Water) With Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus Officinalis) (Certified Organic), Nettle (Urtica Dioica) (Certified Organic) Oil, Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) Oil (Certified Organic), Birch Leaf (Butela Alba) Oil, Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilus Flower) Oil (Certified Organic), Clary (Salvia Sclarea) (Certified Organic), Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) (Certified Organic), Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago Farfara) (Certified Organic), Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Oil, (Certified Organic), Mallow (Malva Sylvestris) (Certified Organic), Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense) Oil (Certified Organic), Soybean Protein (Glycine Soja) (Certified Organic), Cetyl Alcohol (Plant Derived), Stearalkonium Chloride, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Trace Minerals, Citric Acid (Corn), Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Grapefruit Seed (Citrus Derived).

Cost:  3 Pack of 8.5oz $23.97 @Amazon.com or 33.5oz pump bottle for 12.99 at your local Marshall's store

My Thoughts:  Loves It!!! I had no intention of trying this product, but during a recent visit to my local Marshall's department store I stumbled upon the beauty section and could not resist.  I was sad to see that they were out Bed Head Moisture Maniac (they always are, that stuff goes quick), so I started to look at some other products that I'm not to familiar with.  They had EO, Chi, Biosilk and a whole bunch of other stuff.  My eyes zoomed right in on the Giovanni stand.  After reading the product label over I was like "Eh, I guess I'll give it a try", but after looking at the price tag that read "$12.99 compared price $24.49" I was like "Oh yes ma'am I will be trying this".  Rushed home could not wait to try it out.

The consistency of this conditioner is on the thin side, which is usually a negative in my hair.  However, it still provided me with a ton of slip, I did not have a problem getting my Denman or Jilbere shower comb through my hair.  I decided instead of washing it out immediately I'd leave it in overnight, covered with a plastic cap, and wash out in the morning.  My hair was due for its weekly deep condition anyway.  After rinsing it out the next day my hair felt moisturized and smooth.  My hair smelled fresh and clean, not like it had been soaked in an over powering fragrance like some other conditioners.

Overall it was a great buy but, I would only repurchase it from Marshall's.  It's a recession boo :-)

WARNING:  If you have not taking the proper medication to treat PJS, Product Junkie Syndrome, please do not attempt to visit the beauty section of your local Marshall's store.  Rashes, dizziness and fatal trauma to the wallet are just some of the side effects being reported.  Don't be a victim, take your meds.  May the force be with you!

KKQ

 

Update: Part 2

Please Share Your Thoughts!

Model Liberation is the title of your blog and your twitter name, how did you come up with that? Originally, the blog started as a joint venture between me and another model friend. We had thrown around some ideas for names, but nothing felt right. Then right before a fashion show, my friend Sam suggested the name "Model Liberation." It was perfect. Often times, models are misrepresented as mindless mannequins. We are human beings who deserve respect. And we should be allowed to voice our opinions just like everyone else. So the blog is my chance to tell people how I really feel. And it's liberating.
Blog: Model Liberation
Agency: Grace Model Management

Taking the twists down was a breeze, so much easier than taking braids out.  I worked on each twist slowly with my fingers, carefully separating the hair and working through tangles.  If I came across a knot or if the hair was just too tangled to get with my fingers, I left it alone.  Trying to pull out knots on dry hair can be a frustrating and damaging ordeal.  Its best to tackle them once the hair is wet and soaked with conditioner.

After all the twists were out, I placed my hair into two ponytails, one on each side.  Hopped in the shower and began to rinse one section at a time.  Shampoo'ed with Elucence Moisture Benefits, focusing on the scalp and letting the suds cleanse the length of my hair.  I then loaded each section of hair with Suave Pro Sleek Conditioner (cheap and gives great slip) and then pinned the hair back up to let the conditioner set for 5 minutes or so.  This step allows the hair to soften and become more manageable, it makes the de-tangling process much easier.  Once my other shower duties are complete, I began the finger combing process.  The two sections are broken down into six smaller sections each (12 sections all together).  I saturated each of the twelve sections  with Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol Plus, gently finger combed and braided the hair to keep it from tangling anymore.  Covered my hair with a plastic cap and went to sleep.

In the morning my hair was soft and slippery, perfect condition for detangling.  One section at a time, I carefully went through with my Denman brush.  Starting from the ends and slowly working my way up to the roots.  Rinsed and then repeated until my hair was tangle free. 

When the entire process was done I was too tired to really style my hair and I didn't have plans so a Wash & Go, using the conditioner only method, was what I did.  With a little EVOO underneath I raked a small amount of Suave Pro Sleek Conditioner throughout  and let it air dry.  Midway trough the drying process I got bored and pulled my hair into a puff.