Learn something new Er'day!!!

Transitioning… My learning phase

((yes, my summer job is at the movies LOL))

I would be LYING if I said I haven’t spent my transitioning phase as my learning phase. And most of it was not on purpose. I have learned a great bit while transitioning, and I know once i fully go natural I will continue to learn even more. To name a few: using products without sulfates, parabens, etc., using REAL shea butter and making sure its unrefined, not using a microwave to heat up your products, great carrier oils, what TWA actually meant (LOL), chipped nails being a no no for natural hair and PLENTY MORE…

Therefore, I felt the need to share this info piece by piece (meaning not all at once) with newly transitioners/naturals just like me…

First things first… what to look out for when shopping for products!!!

Many naturals don’t care whether their products are organic, natural or sulfate free, and so on… AND THAT’S FINE!!! Everyone is different, so no one is going to go the same way about doing things when it comes to going natural and using certain products… BUT for those of you who would like to only use organic and natural products then this blog is just for you…

HERE’S THE 411::

Parabens: Parabens get a bad rap due to being labeled Xenoestrogen. These agents mimic estrogen (female hormones) once inside the body. Many researchers and Scientists believe that estrogen disruption can lead to malignant tumors in breast tissue.

Phthalates: Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and estrogen mimics. For this alone, one would want to avoid them where possible. They've also been linked to metabolic disorders and hepatocarcinogenicity. You can also check out www.nottoopretty.org for more info.

Gluten: Said to result in hair loss especially in people who are gluten-sensitive. So not only watch for gluten free hair products, but also food that contains gluten.

Mineral oil: this is not necessarily a bad product for your hair BUT, it does cause your hair to become pretty dry. And lets be honest, as a natural, Who wants DRY HAIR?? So if you do use products with mineral oils, make sure to keep hair moisturized and don’t use too often. But with that being said, do what works best for your hair.

Petroleum/Petrolatum: pretty much the same thing as mineral oil. While is does give your hair great shine and slick it prevents your hair from being able to breathe. Prevents moisture from penetrating into the hair shaft, clogs pores, and, eventually, dries your hair out.

Sulfates: harsh chemical which damages hair by dehydrating the sebaceous glands and strip the scalp of essential oils and natural oils which can lead to hair loss. Can also make color treated hair fade away with every use. For more great info check out www.buzzle.com

Here’s some to name a few, you can also keep an eye open for synthetic colors and other synthetic items. I was going to put a description of alcohols on here but not all alcohols are bad. Personally, I try to stay away from them but do you boo booJJJ