Natural Hair Care Workshop: Notes

Mrs. Tonya firmly believes that your hair is just an extension of your body and should be taken care of the same way you would the rest of you. “If you can’t do it to the rest of your body don’t do it to your hair,” this will be my motto for transforming my natural hair into a lifestyle for me and my family. The majority of the workshop provided us with information on maintaining natural hair naturally; essential oils, natural cleansers, essential fatty acids and vitamins.

Mrs. Tonya’s Top 5 Essential Oils

Jojoba

Sweet Almond

Sunflower

Apricot

Olive Oil

I’m familiar with 3 of the essential oils being used in natural hair but I haven’t seen much about Sunflower or Apricot. Per my research, sunflower oil has an abundance of minerals, vitamins and fatty acids, it makes the hair soft and shiny, prevents dryness and fizziness making hair easier to manage; it can be applied directly to the scalp or as a conditioner. Apricot oil also helps in making hair soft and shiny; it moisturizes and nourishes the hair root as well as the hair; regular application of organic apricot kernel oil is known to promote hair growth.

Base Oils

Peanut

Safflower

Sesame

Avocado

Borage Seed

Soy Bean

Sweet Almond

Apricot

Jojoba

Shampooing is the removal of dirt and oil residue from the scalp for therefore it’s all that’s really needed when maintaining natural hair because the hair itself will get clean. Some great natural scalp cleansers are Apple Cider Vinegar, Aloe Vera, Olive Oil and Baking Soda; these can be used to the clean the hair and scalp without stripping it of nutrients. ACV has been used for many years as a powerful astringent to aid in controlling dandruff and preventing the scalp from becoming scaly or itchy. Vitamins are also essential in promoting hair growth, a daily multivitamin helps and more specifically B vitamins such as Brewer’s Yeast, Biotin and B12. The yeast is what’s left over after the brewing process and contains a mix of B vitamins that are a good source of the mineral selenium which is effective in slowing down graying hair and minimizing breakage. Brewer’s yeast is an excellent source of Biotin which is a B-complex vitamin that is the building block of hair cells in the body. Hair cells are the most active of cells and need enough biotin to be to keep with the division and regeneration of hair cells. B vitamins also are nutrients that improve blood circulation to the scalp which helps to improve the overall strength of the hair follicle. Essential fatty acids or EFAs are fatty acids that the human body cannot make and therefore must be received by proper food intake. Health experts have found that the right quantities help in improving the sheen and luster of your hair.