Whether I wore my hair as a relaxed, loose natural, or loc’d woman, I’ve always had a pretty structured haircare regimen. All of my friends will tell you that we are able to talk, non-stop, about healthy haircare.
Here it goes:
Relaxed Haircare Regimen
This is an email I sent to a friend in 2007. 😁
My KeraCare weekly routine:
-Before I shampoo my hair, I do something called a pre-poo. I put a conditioner (I don't use my good conditioner, just a cheap one) and olive oil/jojoba oil on my hair while it is still dirty and dry. I put a conditioning cap on it and leave it on for no less than an hour. Do not sleep with conditioner on your hair because you will over moisturize it and cause it to be too soft.
-Shampoo with “Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo “
-Rinse
-Condition with “Keracare Humecto Creme Conditioner” - Cover Your Hair with a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer for an hour.
-Rinse
-“Keracare Leave-In Conditioner “
-“Keracare Foam Wrap-Set Lotion” regular not the extra-hold version
-“Keracare Oil Moisturizer With Jojoba Oil” - I also use this in the middle of the week to prevent dryness
-It’s healthier to roller wrap your hair (use setting lotion, roll hair with magnetic rollers, sit under hooded dryer, remove rollers, wrap hair, sit back under the dryer, remove rollers, and style).
-If you prefer to blow dry and flat iron your hair, follow these steps
"Keracare Silken Seal" blow drying complex
"Keracare Cream Hair dress" heat protectant
-Flat Iron with Chi ceramic iron – (2-inch). Just google it. I bought mine off of E-Bay because it was less expensive. They are pricey, but they are good, which I why I made the investment. During normal circumstances, I would never pay this much for a hair appliance. In the forum (http://www.longhaircareforum.com ), you will read about why ceramic flat irons are healthier for your hair.
-Wrap – Do not use a boar brush to wrap your hair. This will cause your ends to thin out if you continuously wrap and wrap and wrap your hair every night. Only use a wide bristle Den-man brush or a comb to wrap your hair.
-Cover your hair with Satin/Silk scarf (not cotton)
-Get relaxers once every 10-12 weeks, trim ends after every relaxer, use a protein conditioner once every 8 weeks to strengthen the hair and follow that up with a deep moisturizing conditioner)
Natural Hair Transition Regimen
I transitioned for about 7 months with Senegalese Twists. When I removed my last set of twists, my hair was matted. I decided to do my big chop in three phases to become fully natural.
Loose Natural Haircare Regimen
This is a message that I sent to someone in 2017. I just turned my response into a blog.
-Read Our Blog Here - https://keepyourhairheadgear.com/blogs/news/the-importance-of-a-healthy-hair-care-regimen
Sisterlocks Haircare Regimen (as of December 2018)
1st Six Months
-Band Hair with hair ties on shampoo day.
-Shampoo with Sisterlocks Starter shampoo once per week.
-Air dry
-Re-tie maintenance once per month.
6+ Months
-Shampoo with Sisterlocks Salon or Green Tea shampoo once per week.
-Spritz with Water Bottle Mixture of Sisterlocks Moisture Treatment
-Air dry
-Re-tie maintenance once per month.
Oh yeah, Please remember that silk and satin lined headwear will complement any healthy haircare regimen!
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So..... I just wanted to share the results of consistent use of The Acne Expert products for 10 weeks.
I used a combination of these products three times per day: 1) in the morning when I wake up, 2) after my workout and 3) at night before bed.
Past acne prone skincare products were ok, but when acne returned, it left a prominent dark spot that would take months or even one year to fade. That had been a continuing cycle until now. I’m not a paid advertiser, but I’m sharing my results. I still get acne, but the dark spot is not prominent and fades quickly. If you decide to try these products, you have to be consistent and read the instructions carefully.
When I started using these products in December 2019, I didn’t read the instructions and my skin became extremely dry (like a desert 🌵). The area around my mouth also became dark because I didn’t use the products properly. These products shouldn’t be applied around the mouth (Acne Solution Cream 2.5%, Purifying Serum I) and what happened was my fault. I was advised to use hydrocortisone ointment (NOT CREAM!!!! I repeat NOT hydrocortisone CREAM‼️) to brighten the area around my mouth and it actually worked!
I'm using these products, but it’s recommended to contact the company directly at info@acneexpertskincare.com by sending them a photo of your skin and asking for product recommendations. Had I done that, I could have saved a lot of money.
First order. Received 21 Dec
Acne Kit for Severe Non-Inflamed Acne Quickstart Guide-Download Sent Via Email × 1
Protection 30 × 1 - morning use
Hydrating Moisturizer × 1 - morning use
Rejuvenating Toner × 1 - I don't use this product because it's very strong (I use rosemary witch hazel)
Acne Solution Cream 2.5% × 1 - night use/don’t use around mouth
Purifying Serum I × 1 - don’t use around mouth
Purifying Face & Body Scrub × 1 - post workout use
Second order - Received 4 Jan
Firming Serum × 1 - alternating night use
Daily C Antioxidant Serum × 1 - morning use
Soothing Gentle Cleanser × 1 - morning/night
Brightening Cleanser × 1 - night use
Brightening Cream × 1 - night use
Brightening Pads × 1
Calming Acne Mask × 1 - twice per week
Drenching Serum × 1 - night use
https://acneexpertskincare.com
2 March 2020 (10 Week Progress)
Here is an August 2021 Update Video
#skincare #healthyskin #clearerskin #makeupfree
- Natasha
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Are you starting basic training soon and have textured hair?
If you are wondering what to do with your hair, we completely understand your fears and concerns.
For most new recruits, the basic training process may seem like a lifetime. As a textured hair recruit, you’ll come to realize it’s not easy to maintain your hair during an exhausting 10 weeks of training, at least not without a proper hair care regimen or protective styling methods.
Due to time restrictions and training procedures, you will have to develop a ready-to-go mentality that you never had before. As a result, time spent on grooming will require strict style & go options or easy to maintain hairstyles. We have seen countless questions posted in online forums and the most commonly asked question is “How to style hair for basic training?”
We thought to share some articles that address these concerns and highlight protective styling options you can use to protect your hair during training. These articles are in no way addressing the hair grooming standards for all DOD branches, even though the standards are identical but address concerns for Army and Navy recruits with textured hair. For most naturals, their main concerns are hair breakage, dryness, and hair loss. We hope you find these tips useful.
Don’t forget to check out our shop for satin/silk lined military headgear. Our products provide the hair protection you seek!
See tips below:
For 2 speedy hairstyles for naturals, see this article.
For 5 options to keeping your hair in regulation, see this article.
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It is true, that many of us African American women or even black women from other ethnic groups with relaxed hair, at some point, have considered embracing our natural hair again.
How many times have you said "Enough with the chemicals?!" Whether your own reason is for self-love, self-empowerment or just to change up your look a bit, you can agree the process is not an easy one. The easiest part is saying you want to, but the hardest part is following through to the end. This is where our dedication and patience is put to the test. Some of us shun the length of time and process it takes to fully transition from a relaxed hair to our natural God-given tresses but fail to see that in due time the results will pay off.
For most of us, it is quite a struggle, we aren’t really sure what to expect, and neither do we know how our significant other & family members might react. Not to mention, the researches we have to do about which natural hair care regimen to follow.
While some women are successful, others have failed miserably, often retreating instantly to chemicals then back on track to damaging our hair.
Well, today I am here to tell you, you don’t have to take on this journey alone; if you think that’s the route you want to take, challenge yourself, maybe even find a group of women with similar interest and do it together. This way you motivate and inspire each other.
In addition, there are countless resources available online whether blogs or vlogs of women sharing their relaxed hair transitional journey that you can learn from and won't have to feel alone.
Like this one below for example:
Check out this blogpost for some insightful tips on transitioning from relaxed to natural, start embracing your true beauty.
]]>Silk-Satin to the rescue!
If you haven’t already, what are you waiting for? Cop your own silk military headgear now, your hair will thank you for it. We provide our customers with the best silk fabric sewn into the lining of military patrol caps and berets. Our headgear is specifically designed to protect the hair of our service women and men from the elements without ruining hairstyles. Ladies our satin scrunchies also give you the perfect hold, order yours now to help preserve and maintain your hair while you work out or train throughout the day.
Afro Glow
Afro hair comes with its fair share of unique challenges and requires much more care. As a part of your textured hair care regimen you may have to condition your hair at least once per week. Our silk lined patrol caps and berets are perfect to help lock in moisture and keep your hair frizz free. What better way to keep your hair neat, no more tangled, dry hair or flattened curls ladies and guys no need to be fed up about styling and maintaining perfect soft waves or low cut curls, our military berets lined with soft silk is a perfect fit!
Look your best at all times
We guarantee that when you look in the mirror after purchasing any of our products, your hair will be intact and looking fresh. Shop with us @KeepYourHairHeadgear and keep your hair looking fabulous!
Silk lined hats are even trending in civilian lifestyle click here to see the latest trends.
To our heroes
We would like to extend heartfelt gratitude for all the sacrifices you make or had made for us serving for our country, for ours and your own families. Thank you for your service!
]]>With a slew of new rules regulating service women in uniform about hair grooming and all the strict guidelines to follow, if you have textured hair you may often have to consider your options when it comes to choosing the best hairstyle for your textured hair, whether for a typical work day or military training activities. In keeping with those guidelines we, at Keep Your Hair Headgear thought to help our trailblazing service men and women look their best in their uniform, these hairstyles even go well with our satin/silk lined headgear check out the links below to find some of the best textured hairstyles you can rock for 2019.
Best Hairstyles for Military Service Women
Click here.
Best haircuts for Military Service Men
Click here.
Pros
Versatility
Sisterlocks have a certain level of versatility. Sisterlocks are thinner and make your loose hair look fuller. Due to their thinness, sisterlocks can be styled in endless ways. Just be creative and try whichever style you want.
Freedom
With sisterlocks, you don’t have to worry about the rain. Most women are scared of rain because it messes up their hair. You can easily wash them even after being rained on. Re-tightening can as well be done monthly so you do not have to keep worrying about going an extra mile to care for your hair. With sisterlocks, you don’t have to keep worrying about hair treatments and such stuff.
Natural
You don’t need numerous products to look good. Sisterlocks actually look better when clean and with application of less products. You can stay away from relaxers. You are good to go with organic and natural products.
Cost
Sisterlocks are relatively cheap to maintain when compared to most other hairstyles. They require less products and less treatments.
Cons
Initial cost
You might spend a lot of money for the first time. you may spend $80 for the first year of retightening and $250 for official retightening.
Locticians/consultants
Finding a competent person to guide you on your hair journey is hard. Most people make mistakes during the early stages that cost them a lot later on. Most consultants do not bother to advice you on ways of maintain the health and strength of your sisterlocks.
Structured lifestyle
Having the same hairstyle for years or months can be boring at times. You need to take your time and decide whether you can handle such feelings.
]]>More conditioning and moisturizing
This is a crucial step in preventing winter dryness. Hot oil treatments and deep conditioners play a major role in replenishing and restoring moisture. Ensure that you use a moisturizer on daily basis. Conditioners that contain natural ingredients are the best. Avoid conditioners with ingredients such as mineral oil, sodium laurel sulfate, and petrolatum because they may lead to increased dryness.
Heat minimization
Excessive heat is one of the main causes of hair breakage. This is why you should significantly reduce using heating tools. One of options is to air dry your hair. Avoid hair dryers as much as you can. The other tip is to minimizing combing. Try finger combing when your hair is dry. Avoid using the comb. This will further reduce breakage of hair. In case you use a comb, look for a shower comb with a wide tooth.
Hair protection
This may sound simple but it is the best hair protection method during winter. Ensure that your hair is covered and look for additional care tips and make them a habit. Avoiding going outside without protected hair or when it is wet. Wet hair during winter can break easily. You want to avoid the freezing of hair. Also protect your hair at night by wearing a satin scarf or bonnet. Protective styles such as cornrows and braids are also great options.
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Satin is being heavily promoted within the natural hair community but for a good cause. Satin or Silk-Lined Headwear protects our natural tresses throughout the day, especially at nights. You’re always encouraged to cover your hair with a satin scarf or a cap. As well as, sleeping on a satin pillowcase or sheets. The smoothness of the satin material aids in bringing your hair to its optimal healthy state.
Here are the benefits of wearing satin or silk-lined headwear:
- Less Breakage and Tangles: When you compare cotton material to satin material you have to analyze the texture of it. The cotton material is not as smooth as satin or silk. The roughness from the cotton will create fiction which will lead to tangles and breakage in your hair. However, satin is smooth which allows your hair to glide and lay flat thus reducing any breakage or tangles that your hair may get.
- Retain Moisture: Satin/Silk-lined headwear allow us to retain moisture because of the materials that make it up. Polyester, Nylon, Acetate, and Rayon give the satin/silk material it’s smooth texture which will not leach the moisture from your hair. Thus, you are able to retain moisture that you applied to your strands for a longer period of time.
- Reduction in Hair Loss: Satin/Silk reduces hair loss because there is no friction being created between your hair and the material. Therefore, your hair is not breaking, tangling, receiving single strand knots or falling out in one particular area. So you are able to retain your hair as opposed to losing it.
- Shinier Hair: Moisture enhances the shine of your hair, however, if you use cotton headwear it will absorb the moisture from your hair. Remember satin doesn’t take away the moisture from your tresses hence your hair is able to retain its natural sheen.
- Longer Lasting Hair Styles: Imagine if you did a bomb hairstyle, then slept on a cotton pillowcase/sheet/headwear, and woke up the next day with bed head? You would have felt that all your hard work has gone down the drain. The silky material allows your hair to glide across it without any friction. Your hair is able to stay smooth for as long as possible thus allowing you to retain your hairstyle for days.
- Healthier Hair – Based on all the benefits stated earlier your hair will be in a better state. Satin/Silk aids in your hair reaching its optimal health. There are fewer tangles, hair loss, single strand knots and breakage so your hairstyle lasts longer. As well as, you are able to retain moisture and enhance your natural sheen, therefore, improving the overall health of your hair.
When shopping for your next satin or silk lined headwear, be careful. Since satin caps are trending because of its numerous benefits to your hair, there will be “knock-off” satin/silk headwear. You can actually test it by feeling the material for its smoothness. Please ensure that before you purchase the headwear is made from 100% satin/silk.
]]>In today's blog, we'll primarily discuss AR 670-1. We'll also highlight one airman, one sailor, one Army NCO, and one Army Officer with locked hair styles within military regulatory standards.
Many people are saying that the Army finally lifted its ban on locked hair (also known as locs) in the year 2017. This is true, but the February 2005 version of AR 670-1 initiated the ban on locs and that ban was lifted in January 2017. Who knows if this will happen again. There are no clear reasons to explain or justify why a regulation was created to restrict a style traditionally worn by Black women. Who were sitting around the table when this decision was made? Were any women or minorities at the table? Was anyone at the table who was sensitive enough to defend this position for Black women? We are not confident that there were.
The 12-year ban was lifted four months after the September 2016 release of Green Beauty's YouTube video created in conjunction with First Lieutenant Whennah Andrews, Army National Guard. The video explained that twisted, braided, and loc'd hair are simply different hair styles that can be maintained and worn to meet regulatory military standards. 1LT Andrews sent the video to the Pentagon with a request to review the hair policy and the ban was lifted. We truly commend 1LT Andrews for her initiative in changing this Army policy.
Two strand twists were banned on March 30, 2014 and there were strict rules about the size and spacing of braids and cornrows. The Black Caucus intervened in April 2014 (See Article here) with a petition signed by thousands of people and with lots of questions to the Secretary of Defense about this regulation. In September 2014, the Sec Def issued an amendment to the Army's regulation to reinstate two strand twists. The ban on two strand twists was officially lifted in AR 670-1 in April 2015. During the 6-month period between March and September 2014, many women wore wigs to cover up their twists. In fact, some women consistently wore wigs to cover their loc'd hair and to comply with the regulation. It's bizarre that only one population of service members were impacted by this. It's also bizarre that a woman was within regulation if she covered the hair that she was born with by wearing a wig, but was out of regulation to wear the hair born unto her.
Incremental hair restrictions to hairstyles traditionally worn by Black women were implemented over time. We would like to provide a chronological recap and highlight four women who met and continue to keep their hair within regulatory military standards. Two of these women were unfortunately separated from the military because of their loc'd hair.
1. SSgt Kim Andrews. In 2007, there were a number of articles about a petition created by SSgt Andrew's mother because SSgt Andrews was going to be discharged from the Air Force because of her locs. Her mother pleaded for help, thousands of people signed a petition, but we can't find a story for Kim's update. If anyone knows, please let us know.
Article 1 from Pop Sugar December 7, 2007
Photos of Kim's Hair
Article 2 from Treasured Locks Date UNK
2. Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jessica Sims was discharged from the Navy in 2014 because of her loc'd hair.
USA Today Article, August 2017
3. In this video, SSG Logan describes how she was in the process of receiving an article 15, which would have ended in a demotion from E-6 to E-5 and Chapter out of the Army. Her commander put her article 15 on hold and gave her 10 days to comply. She inevitably styled her locs in two-strand twists, her 1SG made a recommendation to the commander stating that her hair was within the regulation and the article 15 was lifted.
See her video embedded in this article.
4. YouTube Vlogger iiiamTHE TR3 also experienced challenges with her leadership with regard to her beautiful locs. In 2016, she had been serving in the military for four years and wearing her locs for three years in the ROTC program. Thirty days before her commissioning ceremony, she was told that she had one of two choices in order to receive her commission. She could A. Cut off her locs or B. Comb out her locs. Since it would have taken more than 30 days to comb out her locs, she asked her leadership if she could wear a wig to cover her hair. She started the Basic Officer Leadership Course in January 2017 and the ban on locs was lifted. As a result of her experience, IiiamTHETR3 has created videos on how to style locked hair in the Army because she wants to help other military women stay within AR 670-1. Check out iiiamTHE TR3 's video here.
Although the ban for loc'd hair was lifted for Army soldiers in January 2017, the Army was actually the second military service to lift their ban. The U.S. Marines were the first to lift their ban on loc'd hair in December 2015.
The U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force have yet to lift their ban on loc'd hair, but it will happen one day.
Vogue did an entire story about the lifted ban and highlighted women from all services to celebrate this new acceptance and appreciation for diversity.
Read the article here.
Army uniform regulations have been in place since 1824 - See this article.
Here are a list of AR 670-1 revisions since September 1992.
September 1992 (no restrictions to traditional hairstyles worn by women with afro-textured hair
February 2005 (this policy banned locs in section 1-8)
31 March 2014 (this policy banned two-strand twists in section 1-8)
April 2015 (an amendment for twists was immediately implemented in September 2014. This policy reintroduced the authorization to wear two-strand twists, but stipulated the size, direction, spacing, etc.) Additionally, power point training slides were released about the hair policy.
Army Directive 2017-03, 3 January 2017 (lifted the ban on locked hair)
May 2017 (latest policy)
We hope you enjoyed this blog post. Don't forget to check out our shop!
UPDATE: Locs are authorized in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force as of July 2018.
]]>I posted this incredibly long response to someone on a natural hair FB page. This beautiful natural wanted to know why her hair hadn't grown as expected one year after her Big Chop.
Although this response is overwhelming, it lays everything out in one place where a new natural can learn from my personal experience of 7 years of trial and error to a perfected routine.
Here was my response.
"You will receive different advice about hair regimens, but do you have a hair regimen? If you don’t please check out Chime (Hair Crush)'s channel to learn how to create one.
A good hair regimen includes a way to maintain moisture (weekly) and protein (every 8 weeks) balance.
I've tried almost all products, but this is my current hair regimen.
Weekly Shampoo/Condition Routine:
Tag Concepts Moisture Therapy Shampoo, 32 Ounce
Tag Concepts Moisture Therapy Conditioner, 32 Ounce
Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In Conditioner, 8 Ounce (Liquid)
Extra Virgin Coconut oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Oil)
Raw Shea Butter (Cream)
Protein Treatment Routine (once every 2 months):
Clarifying Shampoo, Suave (it is important to remove all of the build up from your hair every 2 months)
Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed - 8.0floz
Tag Concepts Moisture Therapy Shampoo, 32 Ounce
Tag Concepts Moisture Therapy Conditioner, 32 Ounce
Eden BodyWorks Coconut Shea Leave-In Conditioner, 8 Ounce (Liquid
Extra Virgin Coconut oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Oil
Raw Shea Butter (Cream)
WARNING! When you use a protein treatment, it is critical to use a moisturizing conditioner after you rinse out the protein treatment because if you don't, your hair will, unfortunately break off.
I moisturize my hair every day with water and every other day using the LOC method:
Water from spray bottle (Liquid)
Extra Virgin Coconut oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Oil)
Raw Shea Butter (Cream)
I DO NOT USE a COMB or BRUSH in my hair, but I use the tail on the comb to part my hair. I know that it sounds crazy.
I like wearing two strand twists because it is easier to moisturize my hair while my hair is in twists.
I trim my hair in twists every 12 weeks.
I basically did what other people were doing to their hair from 2010-2014. I suffered heat damage in April 2014 after the Army’s ban on twists because it would have taken twice as long to plait or braid my hair, I didn't want to spend money to install extension braids, and I felt like I had to flat iron my hair.
My hair started to thrive in 2014 after I read a book called, The Science of Black Hair. This book breaks hair care down to the molecular level because it is important to know WHY you are doing what you are doing in order for you to maintain your hair care regimen. For example, you can only moisturize your hair with water or a water-based product. If you are not applying indirect heat to your hair while conditioner is in your hair under a plastic cap or with steam (deep condition) and you have low porosity hair, you are not moisturizing your hair because the oils and water can’t penetrate the hair shaft to nourish the hair. You can download the Kindle version from Amazon or purchase the hard copy book from Amazon (the color copy is the best because the photos in the black and white version aren't the best).
You could also watch a video review of the book. This young lady summarized all of the chapters of the book in several videos. Good Luck! We’ve all been there and we are here to support.
1-59 (Part 1): pH Balance & Hair Growth Cycles Book Review
1-59 (Part 2): pH Balance & Hair Growth Cycles Book Review
Science of Black Hair Pages 60-81: Shampoos, Conditioners & Healthy Hair Regimen (Book Review)
Science of Black Hair Pages 82-126 (Pt 1): Moisturizers & Hair Oils (Book Review)
Science Black Hair Pages 82-126 (Pt 2): Stop Hair Breakage - Hair Gel & Protein (Book Review)
Science Black Hair Pages 126-142: Detangling Hair, Combs & Brushes (Book Review)
Science Black Hair Pages 143-167: Braids, Weaves, Puffs & Trims (Book Review)
Science Black Hair Pages 216-220: How Transition to Natural Hair (Book Review)
Science Black Hair Pages 222-230: Children's Natural Haircare (Book Review)
Science Black Hair Pages 231-237: How Diet Effects Hair (Book Review)
When I was in younger, I often observed boys and men who constantly brushed their hair in an effort for waves to manifest itself. It sure did look like a painful endeavor. I was reading an article about a gentlemen who developed a system to create hair waves without the pain and obvious damage from constant hair brushing. We, at Keep Your Hair Headgear, LLC, believe in embracing your authentic hair texture. If you have the hair texture in the photo in this post, check out this article to learn how to enhance your waves.
]]>Greetings Everyone,
This is our very first blog post about a new company designed to offer satin/silk lined military headwear as well as other types of satin/silk lined headwear and products.
Our team members, who have served in the military and still enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, experienced extreme hair breakage due to constant use of headwear made from cotton, nylon, and wool fabric.
For years, women and men have worn satin/silk scarves and bonnets underneath their hats and have slept on satin/silk pillow cases to protect their hair and skin.
Keep Your Hair Headgear, LLC was founded in January 2017 and is here to provide a no fuss solution for anti-breakage military headwear. We currently offer satin lined berets, silk lined patrol caps, and satin scrunchies as recommended by this Live Strong article.
Are you ready to protect your hair? Shop Now
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