Flours and oil are not just for making bread. Here are some other uses for those kitchen staples.

It was around August 28, 2007 when I had my last relaxer. I was desperate to get my hair straightened because I was too afraid to deal with my naps. I didn't know that it would be my last relaxer, but I'm glad that it was.

How to simplify your hair regimen no matter what hair type you have!

Wouldn't it be nice to use products that multi-task just like today's average woman? Well distress no longer! It is possible.

Most hair care product manufacturers would like you to believe that you need specific products for each specific problem that you may have. When it comes to the health and appearance of you hair, and this philosophy, while it feeds the appetites of product junkies, can confuse some of us simpler women.

When looking for basic, everyday products, you must always look for solutions to these three elements:

1. Cleansing
2. Conditioning
3. Moisturizing

For many women, the cleansing and conditioning parts may be combined in a process called co-washing. When choosing a conditioner for co-washing, please stay away from the super rich, deep conditioning conditioners. Some great products are an apple cider vinegar rinse* for oily hair, Suave Daily Clarifying Conditioner for normal hair, and VO5 Moisture milk Conditioner for those with dry hair.

For moisturizing, look for products that also add shine without being heavy. One of my favorites is Aphogee Oil Sheen Spray because it seeps right into my normal hair. If you have oily hair, try using the oil sheen spray only on the ends of your hair. For those with dry hair, Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer.

How The Products Recommended Do Double Duty:

The apple cider vinegar rinse not only cleanses the hair without stripping it, but it also prevents frizz and helps adjust the scalp's pH level.

Suave Daily Clarifying Conditioner effectively cleans the hair while eliminating static and buildup.

VO5 Moisture Milks Conditioner cleans the hair while adding an extra boost of moisture at the same time.

Aphogee Oil Sheen Spray also adjusts the pH level of the hair while providing a light but effective moisturizing and shine treatment.

Shea Butter in its pure, raw form conditions, moisturizes, and strengthens dry brittle hair without all the extra fillers and chemicals.

Tip: If you find that your scalp is dry, and you have normal hair, switch out the oil sheen spray for coconut oil. It's light yet effective. The reason I prefer oil sheen spray to coconut oil is the ease in application. Oil sheen spray is not suitable for scalp moisturizing.


*apple cider vinegar rinse: mix 4 oz of water with 4 oz of vinegar in a spray bottle and spray a some on hair and scalp, massage, and rinse out.

Raven Jones, the writer of this article has used all of the products in her hair. She has a normal hair type that is made up of nappy, curly, and wavy textured hair. Read more . . .

How To Care For Your Braids.

More hair than expected was falling to the floor and Janelle still had to untangle the knots at the root of her hair. She initially thought box braids extensions were the way to relieve the stress of daily styling, but not at the cost of her hair. Six hours later with her hair washed clean and untangled, Janelle had lost half of the natural hair on her head. She went to the barber in tears.

Countless women have lost a large amount of hair after wearing braids extensions. Perhaps you have been one of them. Braids are a great way of protecting your hair but you need to remember one thing – You still have hair on your head that you need to care.