Exercise and Hair

How is everybody's Saturday going so far. I have noticed a question that gets asked a lot but it seems that none of the popular individuals can or will answer it. I chose to attack the one problem that many individuals face and that is exercise and their hair. I play college football but currently am taking a semester off so all I am doing is intense training. Many seem to think that in order to keep it is necessary to wear a compression tool like a durag, tsurag, sports cap, or hair wrap. This leads to suffocating your head and not allowing your hair to breathe. Personally I do not like having extra weight and unnecessary gear on during exercise. I feel that as long as you train your hair properly through regular brushing, combing, twisting, braiding, moisturizing for manageability, and compressing then you have nothing to worry about. Sweating is actually beneficial to skin and hair. It allows for ridding the scalp of toxins, help get rid of buildup, and opens up pores. There are cons to exercise and your hair. Exercise can dry the hair out, swimming can cause the hair to absorb harsh chemicals, and exercise can cause your hair to hold an odor. Through various personal experiences I have found ways to help you to prepare for restoring and protecting your hair.



Protection from swimming

1. If you are the type that likes to wear a swimming cap this can help aid in protection.
2. Showers are usually required before swimming. I recommend saturating your hair with water to help repel the chemicals and water in the pool.
3. Coat your hair lightly with a gel or oil which helps to keep a majority of moisture and other chemicals out because oils and water do not mix.

Protection from Sweating

1. If you are going to wear headgear allow it to be lightweight and does not tie so you do not suffocate your head. Best choices would be stocking caps, tsurags, or stocking caps
2. Put a light gel or oil in your hair in order to help control frizz and the hair to become to dry.
3. Comb hair out (wtg) with this technique I have noticed if I sweat and my hair begins to dry it is more controlled and I can still see my wave pattern

Now that we have gotten through the protection I will explain the best tactics for restoring your hair after exercise which pertain to both swimming and sweating.

1. Shampoo. Use a gentle shampoo sulfate, paraben, and synthetic free is usually best to help cleanse and restore moisture. 
2. CoWash. If you have shampooed your hair and feel that you do not want to do shampoo again Condition Wash. Me personally I use simple all natural honey helps to restore my hair and just works for moisture.
3. Hot Oil Treatment. After cleanse do a hot oil treatment helps to restore shine, health, and moisture after a proper cleanse
4. Deep Treatment. Using a deep treatment can also help similar to a hot oil treatment but can add more nutrients depending on if you do a homemade or commercial brand.

Hopefully I helped to answer some unanswered questions that any of you all may have had. Subscribe to the blog the right side of the screen, comment any ideas or questions, add me on FACEBOOK. #StayWavey  

Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream

This is a review for a product I purchased back in late June. The product caught my eye while I was walking in Wal-Mart because of the natural hair tag on the front of the label. I wanted to know exactly what this product was all about. It is a great product for those trying to achieve curls, waves, twist, and other hairstyles that many individuals enjoy naturally. The product has claims of healing dry and damaged hair as well as providing intense moisture and strength. As most products its directions emphasize applying and styling to damp hair from root to hair shaft. However, can be applied to dry hair in order to "enhance" curls. The information I am going to provide on the pros and cons are based on my own experiences and your experience might be different.

Positives

1. Product smells great. It is a little strong given that fragrance has been included in its ingredients. The smell reminds me of coconut mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg with a hint of vanilla.
2. Price. Very cost efficient for 12 oz it ran me around $6.50.
3. Consistency is very creamy. Not thick but similar to a smooth lotion.
4. Contains a great deal of natural products like shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, jojoba oil, mango seed butter, and other great oils that promote various hair benefits.
5. Explains on label that the product does not contain sulfates, mineral oil, sulfates, and other harmful ingredients.

Negatives

1. Smell Became overwhelming because it is strong. I was able to endure it but it can really get to my nose.
2. Not 100% natural. Does contain petrolatum and other synthetic ingredients. This for others may not be a huge deal which it should not but just a personal preference and did not fall under what I wanted through all natural.
3. Did not give me the moisture I wanted. It felt as though it left my hair a little dry and after I took off a durag or stocking cap.

Conclusion: All in all this a good product for those trying to achieve that natural curl look and feel. It is something I would suggest to try out. Comment give me your feedback, if you would like me to review a product let me know, and add me on Facebook. Until next week stay positive. (Not a paid spokesperson just my own personal experiences)