Moving. For now…

I want a chance to explore a lot of different topics about hair and natural homemade products. I started feeling that the name of this blog was constraining so I transferred over to a new blog – same old me, new name. Come check me out at Locks & Knots!

A History of the White Wedding Dress

As a little girl and later as a mature woman, when we imagine the day that we marry, most of us see a vision in frothy white gliding down an aisle. Why is it that most women and men associate wedding gowns with the color white? I am currently a member of a few different wedding websites and a very regular topic of conversation is the “White Wedding Dress.” So often women are concerned or confused as to why they look for and wear a white dress or even if they should. Other women feel constrained by the feeling that they are REQUIRED to wear a white dress rather than the bright colors they would love to wear. Reds, purples, greens, and blues all used to be regularly acceptable colors for wedding dresses that now seem forbidden.

Purity & Virginity
One of the major falsities of the idea of the white wedding dress is that the color white indicates some sort of purity or virginity. Some people try to make the color of the wedding dress important in regards to religious or sexual purity. This has not always been the case. In the past, women wore dresses that were practical and could be worn again. There was a poem that “assisted” young ladies in choosing wedding dress colors:

“Married in white, you will have chosen all right. Married in grey , you will go far away. Married in black, you will wish yourself back. Married in red, you’ll wish yourself dead. Married in blue, you will always be true. Married in pearl, you’ll live in a whirl. Married in green, ashamed to be seen, Married in yellow, ashamed of the fellow. Married in brown, you’ll live out of town. Married in pink, your spirits will sink.”

From this poem, we can see that white, grey, blue, brown, and pearl were all considered acceptable colors while having different meanings. Never once was it indicated that the wearing of white meant that the wearer was pure. In fact, blue was the chosen color of purity (due to its Biblical references) while white indicated joy. Blue was a quite popular wedding dress color for many years.

There is also a decided “creep factor” in supposedly announcing to the entire world a woman’s sexual experience or lack thereof. The man is not required to announce his sexual experience publicly. If we really wanted to make a public service announcement about the status of the bride’s virginity, why not just hang a sign around her neck? It seems it would be much easier and less controversial.

Traditional Wedding Dress Color
Another reason people give to the white wedding dress is that it is and always has been the traditional color of wedding dresses. This is also false. In the past, women have worn dresses that could be easily altered to be worn again. This typically included colors that were not white. Philippa of England, Queen of Denmark, Sweden and Norway from 1406 to 1430, was the very first documented woman to wear white on her wedding day. Both previous and after Philippa would wear dresses that were easier to clean and re-wear. White was worn again as a wedding dress by Anne of Brittany in 1499 for her marriage to the French King Luis XII. Even though white had been worn by a few royals, it was not a typical wedding dress color.

Black Wedding Dress

In 1840, white became a popular wedding dress color after the marriage of Queen Victoria to Albert of Saxe-Coburg. She wore a white wedding dress so that she could incorporate some expensive handmade lace she owned, as well as to show how fabulously rich she was (she would never wear the dress again, a huge waste during the time period). The official photograph of the wedding was widely circulated, thus many other brides who were rich enough to afford a white dress during this time period wore white dresses in honor of the Queen.

Queen Victoria's Wedding 10-Feb-1840

After 1840, white became a staple color for wedding dresses, especially by the 1890’s and the arrival of the department store. Now the white wedding dress could be afforded by more than just the noble rich. In 1890, Ladies Home Journal wrote: “That from times immemorial the bride’s gown has been white.” The truth was that white had only been a popular wedding dress color for 50 years, and this was only amoung the rich. A typcial bride would never imagine buying a dress she could not wear again. White stayed a popular wedding dress color choice until the start of World War I in 1914, 24 years laterr. During this time most women wore much more practical dresses – whatever their best dress was at the time.

Ivory Wedding Gown 1870-1880 (front)

Ivory Wedding Gown 1870-1880 (back)

Olive Silk Taffeta Wedding Gown 1883-1884

Olive Silk Taffeta Wedding Gown 1883-1884 (back)

In 1920, Coco Channel introduced the short (knee length) white wedding dress – and so white again became a part of the culture of weddings.

1920s Coco Chanal Inspired Wedding Dress

1920s Flapper Wedding Dress back

1920s Wedding Party

The Depression after WWI and then the following WWII made the white wedding dress simply a dream for the majority of women. The elaborate white wedding dress was still for only the fabulously rich so everyone else made due with the best that they had. Even the majority of women who could afford a white wedding dress would chose something that could be easily dyed to a different, wearable color.

1950 Cecil Chapman Wedding Gown

1940s blue Wedding Gown

In the 1950’s the world got a lot smaller – there were over 10 million TV sets in the United States alone. People across the world were able to watch royalty and movie stars get married in elaborate white dresses, so the tradition of the white wedding dress for everyone was born.

Today, brides are slowly throwing off society’s pressure to constrain their imagination. Weddings are becoming more “offbeat” and individual. No longer are traditional weddings and wedding dresses the norm. If a bride wants to wear white, no longer do we try to figure out if she is “eligible” for the color based on her sexual experience. Brides are wearing colors – by personal choice – again, and while white is still an option it is no longer the only option.

Freudian Slip Vintage (Vintage Inspired)

Vera Wang

Kindred Spirits

Vera Wang

Aimee Atelier Wedding Gown

Vera Wang

Photo Credits:
Posh Girl Vintage
Timeless Vixen Vintage
Antique Dress.com
Decolish.com
Freudian Slip Vintage
Kindred Spirits
Atelier Aimée

Notes:
“Wedding Dress” Wikipedia
“The History of the White Wedding Dress” By Kelsey McIntyre
“The History of the White Wedding Dress” By Reno Charlton

Orofluido Oil – Product Review

What is Orofluido?
Orofluido, created and marketed by The Colomer Group, is the Colomer Group’s answer to MoroccanOil. MoroccanOil is a trademarked name of another hair oil product that carries Argan Oil.

Orofluido has less ingredients than MoroccanOil, and seems to have less toxic ingredients (MoroccanOil ingredients range from 0-8, while Orofluido ranges from 0-6 – I get this information from Skin Deep, The Environmental Working Group’s cosmetic safety database). This is a plus in my book. Also, I noticed that Orofluido has more than just Argan Oil in it, but I’m hoping this is a plus and not a negative (meaning I’m hoping for less chemical fillers and more oil, the ingredients in MoroccanOil are mostly various silicones). I haven’t tried MoroccanOil yet.

I first tried Orofluido about 3-4 months ago because the salon that I purchase my Miss Jessie’s supplies near my job was giving away samples. Since I had never heard of Orofluido, I went online to get more information.

From the website:
Orofluido has its inspiration in the beauty rituals of ancient traditions:

The Berber women who live in Morocco have taught us to protect and care for our hair with the prized Argan oil. The beauty secrets of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt and still a symbol of seduction today, included a treatment based on Cyperus oil, which left her hair smooth, shiny and velvety to the touch. Linseed oil was used by Egyptians, Hebrews and Phoenicians alike as an incredible source of shine for hair.

Orofluido is a treatment that provides a remarkable silkiness, lightness and shine.

A beauty elixir for all hair types, with a pure luxuriance which envelops your hair. Three organic natural oils in an exquisite mixture with a pleasant, silky texture, absorbed rapidly and leaving no residue in the hair. Non-rinse treatment for all hair types.

TEXTURE
Fluid, silky and pleasant to the senses, reminiscent and evocative of the treasured gold.

FRAGRANCE
Its delicious amber fragrance with a vanilla foundation will transport you into a fascinating world of oriental perfume.

Pour some drops of Orofluido onto the palms of your hands and apply onto damp, towel-dried hair, dosing the quantity according to hair type, length and thickness.
Use it on dry hair to discipline and add instant shine: its silky texture is rapidly absorbed, and doesn’t add weight or leave residues in the hair. Do not rinse

APPLIED TO DAMP HAIR:
• Reduces brushing/drying time
• Leaves hair light, silky and easy to comb
• Gives hair body and movement
• Enhances the shine of the hair

APPLIED TO DRY HAIR:
• Exceptional and instant shine
• Controls frizzing and makes combing easier
• Leaves hair soft, disciplined and flexible

An Exquisite Mixture of Natural Oils

Argan oil: liquid gold for your hair
Extracted from the seeds of the Argania spinosa fruit, Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty oils, similar in composition to our own skin. It strengthens hair and makes it extremely light and incredibly silky.

Linseed oil: instant shine
The seeds of the linen plant are the source of a precious oil which seals and smooths the hair cuticle, providing uniformity and control. The result is hair that captures and reflects the light, giving it a spectacular shine.

Cyperus oil: pure silk to the touch
Cyperus is a plant that has been cultivated in Egypt for more than 4,000 years. It is the source of an oil with a high content of fatty acids and tocopherol, which give natural protection against free radicals. It provides softness and volume, leaving hair manageable, smooth and flexible.

The first thing I noticed about Orofluido was the fabulous bottle it comes in. I love the design, I love how the color of the oil pops against the black scroll of the bottle design and the black of the packaging box. I also love the fact that it comes with 3 small samples for you to give your friends. The other wonderful thing about Orofluido is the color. It is a beautiful shade of amber that you normally don’t see in oils any more. When I opened the sample bottle, I noticed that the oil had a heavy musk scent – it is strong but hard to immediately identify. I’m not a big fan of heavy fragrance so I was a little dismayed to find the musk was so strong. The scent notes die out after a few hours, however. By the end of the day, it is pretty impossible for me to smell.

Upon pouring Orofluido, one of the things I noticed was the thickness of the oil. Most oils, especially for hair, are much thinner than this – Orofluido pours very thick and slow. It also has a very silky feel, I can see why it claims to smooth frizzy hair.

I’ve been using Orofluido for about 3-4 months now and I really like it. I don’t like it very much more than other oils – with one exception: it does seem to reduce drying time. I have used Orofluido the most on my wet hair. When using on wet hair I noticed that my hair drying time does decrease, both the time sitting under the dryer or air drying. I also love using it on wet hair since the moisture in the hair and the other products I use help mask the scent of the oil.

The only difference that I have noticed when using Orofluido versus regular oil on dry hair is the way Orofluido seems to disappear into the hair and the hands. Once I have finished applying Orofluido and get any excess off of my hands, I do not have an oily sensation nor does my hair feel oily. Other than that, Orofluido seems to react just like other oils. The shine does not seem to be more noticeable than any other oil on dry hair. I think I’ll try it as a hot oil to see what happens.

Final thoughts: While I love the shorter drying time, the lack or oily or sticky feeling, and the thickness of the oil, it is MUCH too expensive for me to purchase on a regular basis.

Cost: $40.00 plus tax*

*I bought this directly from a salon. It is also available from Amazon.com for a lot less.

Argan Oil benefits for Skin & Hair

From the B4Tea Website:

Argan Oil

Argan oil is sometimes known as argane oil and it is extracted from the kernels of the fruit that produced by the Argan tree. Argan tree is native in Morocco. Argan oil is uncommon and valuable resource for treating a wide range of cosmetic and medical problems. It contains high percentage of essential fatty acids and phelnols and so it is more resistant to oxidation than olive oil. It also contains vitamin A, omega 6 and omega 9 fatty acids which provide more antioxidant benefits. Argan oil is very popular oil. It is very hard to extract this oil and so it is not generally cheap. Due to its high cost, it is sometimes found in products only in unpretentious amounts.

Health benefits of Argan oil are in popularity and can help to treat any ailment such as dry skin, eczema, acne, wrinkles, and lots more. Argan oil is also used on skin, hair, and nails for its beatifying action. They have hydrating and protecting action on the skin and so it can be used in facials and body massage, even for babies. Many women rub this oil over dry or cracked lips to make softy. Argan oil is shown to be helpful for improving hair strength.

Argan Oil Benefits for Skin:
Argan Oil has so many benefits for skin and so it is very popular skincare product among women. For centuries, Moroccan women have used argan oil to treat several skin problems. Some of the benefits of argan oil for skin are as follows:

• Argan oil is a highly effective skin moisturizer with antimicrobial properties. It is a lot more than a simple moisturizer because it does not contain any cholesterol. Argan oil is more effective than other natural skin moisturizers such as shea butter and olive oil due to high content of fatty acids.
• It also helps to restore the natural pH of the skin.
• Argan oil helps in reducing the wrinkles and softening the skin.
• Argan oil has a sebum regulating action on the oily skin that reduces the oiliness.
• It has also shown to increase the elasticity and tightening of the skin.
• If you are suffering from acne or chicken pox scars, application of argan oil is very beneficial to reduce these blemishes.
• Argan oil is also known to neutralize free radicals, treat acne, eczema and psoriasis.
• Argan oil has regenerating properties on skin by revitalizing the cell functions that prevent early skin aging due to sun, pollution, stress, smoking, etc.
• By application of argan oil on nail, brittle nails can be made stronger.
• It can help to reduce skin inflammation and skin irritation, helping to cure numerous dermatological disorders such as eczema, psoriasis and even acne.
• Pregnant women can apply argan oil to prevent the onset of stretch marks.
• Mineral make up tends to dry skin. Application of 1 – 2 drops of argan oil for 5 minutes, before applying the mineral make-up this problem can be avoided.

In short, Argon oil benefits on skin are:
• Prevent loss of moisture from the skin
• Diminish wrinkles
• Stimulate skin cells
• Reduce scarring
• Give you softer skin
• Prevent stretch marks
• Relief for eczema and psoriasis
• Restore nutrient content of skin cells

Argan Oil Benefits for Hair:
Argan Oil is often called liquid gold by beauty experts due to its benefits for healthy hair. It has properties similar to those of Jojoba Oil and it gives new life to dry, tangled and flyaway hair. Some of the clear and recognized benefits of Argan oil for hair are as follows:

• Argan oil infiltrates into the hair pores or shafts and improves the elasticity of hair. It also proves to be very nourishing for the growth of hair.
• It hydrates the hair naturally. It stops the curliness and roughness of hair in a well-organized way.
• Natural antioxidants are present in Argan oil which strengthens the hair by repairing the damaged cellular membrane of hair.
• Argan oil is very good for uncontrollable and unmanageable hair. It restores the smoothness of hair and makes them manageable again.
• Argan oil contains Vitamin E which makes it a fabulous agent for hair treatment. Many external and internal agents like heat, over styling and oxidization damage the hair. Vitamin E is very useful in restoring the natural hair and renewing and repairing the damage caused by destructive agents.
• Argan oil is a direct source of essential nutritional components for hair pores and roots due to its rich contents of unsaturated fatty acids like Omega 3 and Omega 9. These unsaturated fatty acids improves the strength of hair and also heals the split ends of hair by strengthening the protein bonding structures in hair.
• Color treatment on hair causes certain damage to hair. Color treatment makes them brittle and takes away the smoothness. Argan oil cures the brittle hair and increases the life of color treated hair. It even surpasses in competitiveness in this job from Jojoba oil.
• Non-greasy Argan oil locks the moisture in and adds to and restores the luster and shine of hair according to researchers.
• Hair stylists are also consider that Argan oil may finally be the right choice to heal and restore the damaged, dry and weak hair from environmental extremes, excessive styling practices and perms.

Other health benefits of Argon oil:
• Help to prevent cardiovascular diseases
• Cholesterol lowering effect
• Protects the heart and blood vessels
• Protect heart, liver and gall bladder
• Effective in the relief of burns and scars
• Diabetes
• Psoriasis
• Improve circulation
• Anti inflammatory properties
• May help arthritis
• Lower blood pressure

Read More: B4Tea http://b4tea.com/food-health/argan-oil-benefits-for-skin-hair

Nail Strengthener
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Argan oil

Mix ingredients, then wash your hands. Soak your nails in the mixture for about 15 minutes once a week. For brittle nails, repeat daily. This has a shelf life of one week if kept in an air-tight container, in a cool, dark place.

Olive Oil Basics

Olive oil can prove quite beneficial to the skin, since it is rich in all kinds of nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins which are great for the body, whether you choose to eat it, or use it on your skin.

Among the natural antioxidants to be found in olive oil, there are A and E vitamins, as well as some polyphenols, well-known for their ability to postpone aging. By taking out free radicals, freed in the body, these special agents are guaranteed to prolong your life, as they contribute to cell repair. The same thing is valid when you apply olive oil on your skin. As you may well know, our skin is many times exposed to pollution and other factors that cause it to grow older. By caring for skin with olive oil, you will limit the actions of these factors, and enjoy a beautiful skin for a long time.

Olive oil also contains a natural moisturizer, called squalene. Sebum is what makes our skin too greasy, but squalene has the incredible ability of regulating its secretion. This means that, when used on your skin, the sebum will be reduced, and you will experience less skin problems than before.

Another nutrient that exists in olive oil is chlorophyll. This helps a great deal in healing wounds and other scars. Acne blemishes will be nothing but a bad dream, after you apply plenty of olive oil on your skin.

    From http://www.oliveoilbenefits.org/olive-oil-for-skin/

Olive oil skin care is pursued by those individuals who are looking for a natural way to take care of their skin. There are many products manufactured with artificial ingredients for skin care. Some of these are great because they target specific skin problems. However, many of these products are cheaply made with poor quality ingredients and often do not do anything to promote proper skin health. In addition, such products may do more harm than good.

For this reason, many people are looking at the use of olive oil and olive oil skin products as a natural way to make and keep their skin healthy. Olive oil benefits for the body are well advertised, but what about the olive oil benefits for the skin?

Olive oil can be used in a skin care regiment in a number of ways.

• As a bath oil. Substitute regular bath oil with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.
• As a skin moisturizer. Apply olive oil to dry skin on any body part (face, elbows, feet, etc.) to help the skin regain its natural oil balance. Olive oil can be added to many of the natural facial home recipes that exist. When combined with some sugar, olive oil makes a great hand exfoliant and moisturizer.
• As a night cream. When combined with vinegar and water in equal proportions, olive oil will soften and moisturize the skin as you sleep. The vinegar acts to lighten skin discolorations and helps to exfoliate the skin.
• Olive oil has antioxidant properties and thus protects the skin from those harmful and damaging free radicals. It is beneficial in slowing the aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles.
• Olive oil can be used as a lip balm, hair moisturizer, nail soak, dandruff treatment, etc.
• Some research has indicated that applying olive oil on the skin after being in the sun may help reduce the damage caused by sun exposure.
• Other potential benefits of olive oil as an olive oil skin care product include: treatment of – minor skin wounds, eczema, and psoriasis.

 
Whether you purchase olive oil skin products or mix up your own olive oil skin care recipes, your skin will benefit. Always look for extra virgin olive oil or organic extra virgin olive oil in olive oil skin care products or when formulating your own olive oil skincare recipes. Pure or light olive oil is likely chemically processed and would be lacking the beneficial skin care elements.

From: http://www.healthy-skincare.com/olive-oil-skin-care.html

US Standards for Grades of Olive Oil and Olive-Pomace Oil

Locks, locks, and more pictures of locks! (Freakz & Geekz)

The twitter world is abound with tons and tons of people with who have locks and natural hair. One of my favorite tweeps is @FreakzNGeekz. I love her blog because she doesn’t have any cut cards – she gets right to the heart of the matter. Make sure to check her out! Her latest post is on the male perspective of Tantric Sex (yum!).

@FreakzNGeekz has been kind enough to share some of the wonderful locked styles she’s had. One of the things I love the most about these photos is that they show the complete versatility of dreadlocks and natural hair.

Always remember: your locked hairstyles are only limited by your imagination.

The Braid-Out
Braid outs are the most simple locked hairstyle that you can accomplish (and the one I wear most often!). It is exactly what it sounds like: you braid your wet natural hair/dreadlocks and then let them dry to set. The setting can be done via a natural air dry or by sitting under a hood dryer for several hours.

When I style my hair in braid outs, I always start with a clean head of hair. After washing and performing maintenance, I separate my hair into sections that are six (6) locks thick – which I then braid into a single plait and secure at the end with a wrapped rubber band/ponytail holder. I shy away from sitting under the dryer on a regular basis, so I almost always allow my hair to dry naturally. This means that I wear my hair (out in public) with my hair set for at least 24-48 hours. This means that it has to look NEAT, not just be functional.

Braid Out

Bantu Knots (Zulu Knots)
Bantu Knots are wonderful, especially if you love textured hair but don’t want the hassle of additional styling (the set of the braid out) or rollers. Bantu Knots, also known as Zulu Knots, are two hairstyles in one. The first style is the knot itself. The second style is the texture the knot sets into your natural hair/locks – it is very similar to what a roller set would look like (without the rollers).

In order to create Bantu Knots, start with a clean head of hair. After washing and maintenance, I usually separate my hair into sections. Like the Braid Out, I find that six (6) locks are plenty but your lock thickness may vary. I take the section of six locks and twist into a large double strand twist. Once twisted, take the twist and make a large knot as tight to the scalp as possible. What you want is a knot that looks like a mini hair bun. Repeat throughout the hair. This may take some practice, so I would suggest trying this a few times when you have plenty of time to devote to your hair. This style can be worn for several days.

Once your hair has dried completely OR you are tired of wearing your Bantu Knots, just take the knots down. Your hair is already styled! I like to finish up by using a small amount of olive oil, Carol’s Daughter’s Lisa’s Hair Elixir or Orofluido oil to coat my locks, especially the ends.

Bantu Knot - Up

Bantu Knot Up - profile

Bantu Knot Up - profile 2

Bantu Knot - Back

Bantu Knot - Down

Pixie Twists
Pixie Twists are also known as Pipe Cleaner Curls. Unlike Braid Outs and Bantu Knots, Pixie Twists require additional equipment: pipe cleaners. The end result of Pixie Curls are very tight ringlets. I have to admit that I don’t wear this style much, my husband isn’t a big fan of tight curls.

As always, start with a clean head of hair. After washing and maintenance, take a pipe cleaner and bend one end upwards. Take your locks (I generally use no more than 1-2 locks per cleaner but it depends on the lock thickness) and begin to wrap them tightly and snugly around the cleaner from the bottom up to the root, making sure to wrap the lock around the cleaner and the hair. Like the Bantu Knots, this style can also be worn for several days to a week, especially if you used pipe cleaners that are close in color to your hair.

Once your hair has dried completely OR you are tired of wearing the pipe cleaners, just take the pipe cleaners out. Your hair is already styled! I like to finish up by using a small amount of olive oil, Carol’s Daughter’s Lisa’s Hair Elixir or Orofluido oil to coat my locks, especially the ends.

*TIP: Pipe cleaners may leave lint that is impossible to see in your hair. Always try to use pipe cleaners that are closest to your hair in color. Try to give the pipe cleaners a gentle cleaning and allow them to dry before using the first time. This should allow you to remove some of the excess lint prior to use.

Pixie Twist: up and with pipe cleaners

Pixie Twist: up and with pipe cleaners2

Pixie Twist: freshly down from pipe cleaners, very tight curl

Pixie Twist as it falls and loosens

Pin Curls
Pin Curls are created by creating large rolled curls throughout the entire head and pinning them down (and together) with hair pins. As with all dreadlock wet sets, Like Pixie Twists, Pin Curls also need additional equipment: hair pins.

Tip: For this style you need hair pins, NOT bobby pins.

Note: I want to start by saying that I have never put Pin Curls in my own hair before, so I only have a visual knowledge of how to do this technique. Since I only have a visual knowledge, I’m going to speak to our lovely model to see if she is willing to guest on this blog with a write up of how she completes both her Pin Curls as well as her braided up-do’s and buns.

Unlike most dreadlock hairstyles, you do not HAVE to start your set with clean, wet hair in order to do this style…although it would be in your best interest. I’m only mentioning this because this is a style that is practical and cute for an unplanned night on the town that does not require hours of washing and maintenance. If you do decide to not to do your Pin Curls as a wet set, please recognize that you will not be able to take advantage of the “secondary style” that comes with most wet sets.

Pin Curl: front

Pin Curl: back

Pin Curl: Profile

Pin Curl: Top

Pin Curl: top2

Pin Curl: out1

Pin Curl: out2

Braided Up’Do’s and Buns
Let me just be honest, I have never learned how to do my hair up. Freakz ‘N Geekz does a wonderful job with up-do’s, so I’m going to cross my fingers and hopes she’s willing to guest blog soon. 🙂

Braided Updo1 (front)

Braided Updo: Profile

Braided Updo: back

Braided Bun: Side and back

Wet Sets and Dreadlocks

A Wet Set is a generic term used to describe a hair style that is created by taking wet hair and allowing it dry in a particular pattern or texture. Each specific type of wet set can have its own name, for example a wet set using rollers to create curls can be called a roller set. Wet sets are great because the drying process creates a tighter, longer lasting pattern (curl, twist, wave, etc) than can be achieved using heat alone on dry hair.

People who have natural hair (kinky) and dreadlocks greatly benefit from the use of wet sets. Natural hair is impossible to style using the typical techniques used on permed or straight hair. Using a wet setting technique allows natural hair wearers the ability to create wonderful styles and textures in their hair, as well as recreate styles that are reminiscent of the permed hairstyles of today.

One of the greatest benefits to using wet sets on dreadlocks and natural hair is what I call the “secondary style.” There are almost always two styles encompassed in every dreadlock wet set (with the exception of roller sets). The primary style is the intended result, the reason for the wet set. In the case of a braid out, the primary style is the crinkled hairstyle accomplished by setting the hair.

Braid Out - Front

The “secondary” style is the set itself. As long as you make sure to set your hair in a deliberate and neat fashion, the set is almost always wearable out in public. With the braid out set below, while I did not style my hair for this photo, later I took some hair pins and pinned my hair into a side bun.

Wet Set Braid Out - back

With practice, patience, and creativity, there is no hairstyle that is impossible for people who have dreadlocks and natural hair. In fact, I would go as far as to argue that natural hair and dreadlocks are MORE versatile than permed hair, as perms strip away the hair’s natural texture and fullness.

All Natural Olive Hot Oil Treatments

In keeping with my October is for Olive Oil theme, let’s talk about hot oil treatments. Olive oil makes a great oil for a hot oil treatment.

One of my regular uses for olive oil is as a hot oil treatment. There are two ways to do a hot oil treatment – and I use both of them. I have a slightly different recipe for hot oil depending if I’m using it on wet or dry hair. If I plan to give my locks a deep condition, I do my hot oil treatment on dry hair. If I do not plan on deep conditioning my locks, I do my hot oil treatment on wet hair. You can give your locks a hot oil treatment weekly.

Wet Hair
I typically only use this treatment is I am NOT going to do a deep condition.

Hot Oil Treatment for wet hair
¼ cup olive oil
1 tsp dried rosemary (you can use fresh, too)
4 drops lavender essential oil
Cheesecloth

Combine the olive oil and rosemary in a small sauce pan on the stove. Heat until oil is boiling. Stir. Add lavender essential oil. Stir. Remove from heat and strain through cheesecloth to remove rosemary pieces. Allow oil to cool to the touch. Rub (not pour!) onto wet, freshly washed hair. Make sure hair is dry enough not to drip. Wrap hair in plastic shower cap or other plastic bag and sit under a hood dryer for 30 minutes. If you do not have a hood dryer, try wetting a towel with hot water and wrapping it around your hair (keeping the bag on). You will have to re-heat the towel with water several times.

Dry Hair
I use this treatment when I plan to give my hair a deep condition.

Hot Oil Treatment for dry hair
¼ cup olive oil
1 tsp dried rosemary (you can use fresh, too)
1 tbsp honey
6 drops lavender essential oil
Cheesecloth

Combine the olive oil, honey, and rosemary in a small sauce pan on the stove. Heat until oil is boiling, remember: the honey will not disappear into the oil. Stir. Add lavender essential oil. Stir. Remove from heat and strain through cheesecloth to remove rosemary pieces. The cheesecloth will hold the honey for a period of time but you do NOT want to strain out the honey, just the rosemary. Allow oil to cool to the touch. Rub (not pour!) onto dry hair. If your dreadlocks are short enough, wrap a wet towel around the hair and sit under a hood dryer for 30 minutes. If your hair is too long for that, wrap hair in plastic shower cap or other plastic bag that has been sprinkled with water inside the cap/bag. If you do not have a hood dryer, wet the towel with hot water, re-heating the towel with water several times.

Once you have completed your hot oil treatment, wash/co-wash hair as normal.

October is Olive Oil Month!

Well, not really, lol. But it is here in my blog. I use a lot of Olive Oil on a very regular basis. I use it in my food, I use it on my skin (sugar scrubs), and I use it on my hair (hot oil treatments). All of this got me thinking… What else can I do with Olive Oil?

Well, I did a lot of research and decided that I would share a lot of the information I’ve learned with you! Coming soon will be new recipes for body scrubs (or a recipe remix), Olive Oil body moisturizers, Olive Oil hair treatments, and maybe a recipe for a meal or two 🙂

Types of Olive Oil

Regular or Pure Olive Oil

Regular or pure olive oil has been chemically refined and filtered to neutralize both undesirable strong tastes and acid content. This olive oil is of lower quality and usually the least expensive.

Virgin
Virgin means the olive oil was produced without any chemical additives, so it contains no refined oil. It has an acidity that’s less than 2%, so it tastes better. Virgin refers to the fact that the olive oil has been less handled or manipulated during processing.

Extra Virgin
Extra virgin olive oil comes from the first press only and is the highest quality olive oil with perfect flavor, aroma, and balanced acidity. This olive oil is less processed than Virgin olive oil and is very delicate in flavor. It’s perfect for salad dressings, marinades, and for dipping bread.

Cold Pressed Olive Oil
Cold pressed olive oil is an unregulated label description. Back when olive oil was pressed the second time using hot water and steam to extract the last drop, the heat during the second pressing took away the delicate flavors. Today, premium olive oil is cold pressed, which means the olive paste is gently warmed to room temperature to avoid losing taste and pressing is done in winter, when it’s cold, to further retain flavor.
—-From http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-olive-oil/

8 Surprising Uses for Olive Oil

8 Surprising Uses for Olive Oil

Olive oil has many valuable uses beyond cooking, from personal care to home improvement, natural remedies and beyond.

By Brian Clark Howard

Olive Oil

Olive oil is more than a cartoon character, historic symbol of peace and glory or food staple of the much-vaunted Mediterranean diet. It is actually tremendously useful stuff, finding applications in personal care, home improvement, green cleaning, natural remedies and other areas.

It’s long been reported that there are a number of health benefits of olive oil. As a foodstuff it has a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids, which studies show promote “good” cholesterol (HDL) while lowering “bad” cholesterol (LDL). Olive oil is also known to be gentle on the digestive system, and even may help prevent gallstones and soothe ulcers. Good quality olive oil contains valuable vitamins and nutrients, and it is loaded with antioxidants, which many believe help protect the body from cancer.

These days there are an increasing array of organic and boutique olive oils offered for sale, some of them quite pricey. In general, the less processed an oil the more nutrients it contains, although the more expensive it tends to be. “Extra virgin” olive oil comes from the first pressing of olives, and retains the most flavor and aroma. Most better brands are also advertised as “cold pressed,” meaning they aren’t heated up beyond room temperature during processing. Unsurprisingly, high heat can damage the flavor and nutrients in the oil. “Virgin” olive oil generally comes from the second pressing. Cheaper brands sold as “regular” or “pure” olive oil are made with chemical refining and filtering, which standardize and neutralize flavors and acid contents. They have lower nutrient levels as a result.

To help protect the fragile environments of the Mediterranean and elsewhere, it’s a good idea to buy organic olive oil when you can. It also will tend to be of high quality and flavor, great for spaghetti, oven-roasted vegetables, fresh salads and many other dishes.

It’s true that you won’t be consuming the olive oil in a number of the uses below, and part of the point of this post is to help you save money by suggesting alternative uses to things you already have, so you don’t have to make a trip to the store and buy some additional products to get the job done. Therefore, we’d understand if you preferred to use the cheapest, lowest-grade oils for some of these tips. You probably aren’t going to crack open that vintage bottle of herb-infused oil your aunt brought you back from Tuscany in the event that you have a squeaky door. But since readers seemed to find everyday alternative uses for vodka, vinegar and ketchup useful, we thought we’d look into olive oil:

1. Get Healthy Skin (And Fight Cancer!)
People have used olive oil for centuries for personal care. It is a great skin moisturizer, in part because it contains linoleic acid, a compound not made by the body, but which prevents water from evaporating. According to Leslie Baumann, M.D., author of The Skin Type Solution, consuming olives and olive oil can promote healthy skin, as can applying it directly as a moisturizer. You can also add a bit of olive oil to a warm bath for a good healthy soak.

Some of the most exciting news, according to Baumann, is that olive oil also contains at least four different antioxidants, which can help “neutralize damaging free radicals that can lead to skin aging and skin cancer.” Baumann writes that in studies mice that drank extra virgin olive oil developed less skin cancer after exposure to UV light.

Olive oil can also provide a safe and natural lubricant for a close shave. As a soothing aftershave, rub in an extra teaspoon of the stuff after rinsing off. In fact, some products from The Art of Shaving are based on olive oil. Similarly, olive oil can soothe chapped lips. Make your own balm by mixing olive oil and melted beeswax in a 1:1 ratio (add an essential oil if you want a nice fragrance). According to the handy new Website AltUse, you can moisturize your cuticles by soaking in olive oil mixed with water, or apply olive oil directly to cuticles before applying polish or buffing nails.

2. Tame Tangled and Damaged Hair
Olive oil also has benefits for hair. Comb a bit of the stuff through dry or frizzy hair to help tame and moisturize your locks, especially in winter or on humid days. Olive oil can also provide some relief for damaged hair.

In his new book Clean Body, Zen Cleaner Michael de Jong suggests treating your tresses by kneading a few tablespoons of olive oil into your scalp and hair. “Swathe your oiled-up curls with a shower cap and take a thirty minute breather…snooze, toss back a latté, whatever. Then just shampoo as usual to reveal a refurbished mane that even Fabio would envy,” he writes.

3. Care for Your Cat
Just as Frank and Millie can benefit from grooming with olive oil, so can Fluffy and Mittens. According to curbly.com, add a teaspoon of olive oil to your cat’s food to help prevent hairballs, as well as promote a shiny, healthy coat. Olive oil is likely to be more gentle on a cat’s system than petroleum-based anti-hairball lubricants. Plus, it has the benefit of coming from a renewable resource, as opposed to oil from the ground.

4. Ease Snoring
Kitties aren’t the only ones who can take advantage of natural lubricating properties of olive oil (yes it can be used as a “personal lubricant,” in case you were wondering). And according to AltUse, taking a sip of olive oil before heading to bed can help lubricate your throat muscles, cutting down on snoring. We won’t tell if you drizzle some extra olive oil on Grandma’s salad the next time she comes to visit!

Others have noted that downing a teaspoon of olive oil can help soothe a scratchy or ticklish throat.

5. Polish Furniture and Metal (and Condition Leather)
Silverware, copper and other metal items can be polished with ketchup or toothpaste. After you’re done rub a bit of olive oil on to prevent streaks, corrosion and tarnish. According to Michael de Jong, to polish your desk, use two parts olive oil mixed with one part lemon juice.

Pour just a few drops on a soft cloth, wipe away the dust, scuffs and fingerprints, and make your desk shine. In fact this technique works well for a range of wooden furniture and objects. You can also condition and revitalize leather goods, such as baseball mitts, by rubbing in olive oil. Let set for 30 minutes, then wipe away any excess.

6. Free Stuck Zippers
There are few things more annoying than stuck zippers (remember that episode of Seinfeld when George visits his therapist?). So if you are vexed by this particular problem, break out the olive oil. Swab some of the stuff on the teeth of the zipper, then try gently easing it unstuck. Good luck!

7. Fix Squeaky Doors
Olive oil can actually be used as a lubricant in many applications. It’s safe to keep around the house, so you don’t have to worry about children or pets getting into it. Try it out on squeaky doors, hinges and anywhere else you might consider using WD-40 or another lubricant. While WD-40 may work well, it’s also based on hydrocarbons, so anytime we can use less of those we’re taking a step toward a cleaner world.

8. Cure an Earache
A number of folks swear by olive oil as a natural remedy for earaches. One suggestion is to “very carefully use a cotton swab to apply olive oil to the outside ear cavity to help with earaches and excess wax.” Another user suggests: heat up some olive oil in a microwave for 30 seconds then apply it to the ear that hurts for relief.

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/olive-oil-benefits-uses-460609#ixzz112TsaCx4