Healthy hair starts from the roots! Oil scalp, massage & repeat...

You guys! We are 6 weeks into the Castor Oil Challenge!

I'm loving the challenge thus far. I'm participating at the Ultimate Level (oiling and massing my scalp with Castor oil every other day and applying 1-2 tsps of Castor Oil to my weekly deep conditioner). 

I apply the Atarah Hair & Scalp Treatment to my scalp (the tingling sensation is the best part!) and I add Tropic Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my deep conditioner. It may sound like a lot, but my hair is retaining moisture better than usual and my scalp is happy! It's a win win. 

Since we are at the half way point in the challenge, I wanted to address some frequently asked questions that I've been receiving over the past few weeks from Castor oil challengers.... so let's go!

Q: JBCO SMELLS REALLY BAD, WHAT CAN I DO TO GET PAST THE SMELL?

A: JBCO has a smokey/roasted scent due to the way that it's processed. Many tend to not like the scent and that's okay. For those who do not like the original scent, I typically suggest to mix the JBCO with a couple drops of an essential oil i.e. Lavender or Rosemary to help mask the scent. You should be good!

Q: CASTOR OIL WEIGHS MY HAIR DOWN, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

A: Castor oil is a dense oil! Because of its thick consistency, it can feel sticky in the hair causing it to look/feel weighed down and limp. I always suggest mixing your castor oil with another carrier oil to help thin out the consistency. Some great oils are: Jojoba oil, Olive oil, Coconut oil, Wheat germ oil etc. You can mix your Castor oil with these oils and still receive the amazing benefits. Always use oils that work best for your hair. Also, opt for hair styles that conceal the 'weighed down look' ie. bun, ponytail, etc.

Q: MY SCALP IS ITCHY SINCE I STARTED USING JBCO - WHY IS THAT?

A: Itchy scalp is common the first few weeks when you start applying JBCO to your scalp. Castor oil is known to be a hair follicle cleanser. The itchiness is a common side affect of the detoxifying process when toxins are removed from from the scalp. 

It typically tapers off with consistent use. If the itching is unbearable, try adding essential oils for instance; tea tree oil, peppermint oil to help soothe and cool the scalp. The peppermint will leave your scalp tingling - truly the best feeling ever!

If you still want to participate, but don't want to leave the Castor oil in your scalp, try prepooing with it i.e. apply oil to scalp & hair, massage (3-5 mins), and leave in for 30-45 mins. Proceed to shampoo, deep condition etc. as you normally would on wash day.

Q: IS IT NORMAL TO EXPERIENCE SHEDDING WHEN USING CASTOR OIL?

A: Shedding 50-100 hairs per day is normal. If you've noticed shedding right after introducing Castor oil into your regimen, then perhaps you may want to dilute the Castor Oil/JBCO with another carrier oil to lessen the potency. 

You can decrease your application down to the Basic Level (applying castor oil 1x/week) and see how your hair responds. 

Too, it may be an allergic reaction. Pay close attention to your shedding, especially if you think it's over the typical daily amount for normal shed hairs.

As a quick aid, try doing a Black Tea Rinse your next wash day - it's known to decrease shedding!

I hope this helped!!

Keep strengthening those follicles, ladies! 

Castor oil is amazing and super beneficial for the hair and scalp. This rich antioxidant oil composed of proteins, fatty acids, and vitamins all help to nourish the hair and scalp while creating an environment for healthier hair growth!

Atarah Hair & Scalp Treatment contains Jamaican Black Castor Oil infused with Coconut oil, Peppermint Oil, Red Pimento Oil, Wheatgerm Oil - just to name a few! 

Grab Yours & Get 10% Off Using Code: HAIRLICIOUS

Visit: https://www.myatarah.com

September is pretty much done and Fall is officially here! You guys, this month literally flew by!

If you've been following me on Instagram, you know that I've been hosting monthly Hair Q+A's and I love them!! I don't know why I didn't do it sooner because I've been getting a lot of positive feedback from you guys! Better late than never - right?!

Note: If you don't see your question here, chances are I have already answered it and its been archived in my IG Highlights labeled "Q+A".

Let's get started!

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 PRODUCTS! I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL BTW

Aww thanks! My top 3 hair products right now are Atarah Hair and Scalp Treatment, As I Am So Much Moisture Hair Lotion, and TGIN Sweet Honey Hair Milk.

DOES YOUR HAIR GET EASILY TANGLED AND MATTED DURING RELAXER STRETCHES?

It can and it has, but I try to eliminate that from ever happening by thoroughly detangling on wash day. I keep my new growth soft and stretched by spritzing it with Scurl No Drip Curl Activator on a weekly basis and I wear simple low manipulation styles to prevent matting. 

When you deep condition, ensure that the new growth is saturated with conditioner to help melt any tangles away. My new growth during my relaxer stretch has been much more manageable and pleasant using these tips. 

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO APHOGEE 2 MIN RECONSTRUCTOR?

IS IT POSSIBLE TO CHANGE FROM NO-LYE TO LYE RELAXER?

Yes! You can make the switch on your next relaxer touch-up. Only apply it to your new growth. Leave the no-lye hair alone. Note, Lye relaxers tend to me much more gentle on the hair rather than the scalp. They also provide a low degree of bond breakage that preserves the strength and elasticity in the hair.

HOW LONG WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MAX TO STRETCH YOUR HAIR FOR?

Everyone has their own threshold. I prefer to stay within the 10-12 week mark for consistent results.

YOU NEVER ROLLERSET YOUR HAIR??! I WOULD LOVE A VIDEO ON THAT

Not for me. I've tried to rollerset in the past and it was a disaster! I prefer to air dry or flat iron my hair and leave roller setting to the pros.

OTHER THAN KERACARE HUMECTO, WHICH MOISTURIZING DEEP CONDITIONERS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

TGIN Honey Hair Mask, Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Hydrating Conditioner, and Shea Moisture Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Hair Masque.

IS THERE A WAY TO TREAT OVER-PROCESSED HAIR SO IT WON'T BREAK OFF OR SHED?

Over-processed hair requires a strict regimen in order to bounce back from damaged hair. I would definitely suggest frequent protein treatments (followed by a moisturizing deep conditioner), regular trims to get rid of the damaged ends, deep conditioning regularly, and laying off direct heat for starters. This will help minimize the excessive breakage and shedding.

WHICH MULTIVITAMINS DO YOU TAKE?

I take the Dr. Tobias Adult Multivitamins.

ANY TIPS ON HOW TO INCREASE THE THICKNESS IN MY HAIR?

Check out my blog on the 7 Ways to Thicken Relaxed Hair.

HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO RELAX MY HAIR AT HOME AFTER UNDER PROCESSING DURING A NO LYE RELAXER?

I suggest waiting 6-8 weeks to do a corrective relaxer.

HOW MUCH SHEDDING AND BREAKAGE DO YOU GET?

Not much, however; breakage and shedding is inevitable. It's all about ensuring it doesn't get excessive.

DO YOU APPLY ANY PRODUCT TO YOUR HAIR BEFORE OR WHILE FLAT IRONING YOUR HAIR?

Before I flat iron, I use Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protectant. It's fabulous!! Then I lightly rub Moroccan Oil serum through my hair and ends. This helps to lay my flyaways down and give my hair extra sheen.

IS IT OKAY TO SWTICH FROM A COARSE TO NORMAL RELAXER?

Absolutely. You can make the switch on your next relaxer touch up. 

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU WORKOUT OR SWIM A LOT WITH RELAXED HAIR?

Working out while having relaxed hair isn't always an easy thing but it's possible if you keep things simple. It's important to keep your hair up off your shoulders (ponytail or high bun) and tie your hairline with a satin scarf or head wrap to keep your edges intact. Give your hair a chance to dry before styling (let your scalp breath so the sweat can evaporate). Depending on how often you workout and the intensity level, you may need to do a light co-wash to cleanse your scalp of sweat. This can be done 1-2x/week along with your typical wash day routine.

As for swimming, its important to coat your hair with an instant conditioner (Aussie Moist, HE Hello Hydration etc.) prior to jumping in the pool. This will create a barrier between your hair and the chlorine. as chlorine can make the hair feel dry and brittle. Using a swimmers shampoo (As I Am Clarity Shampoo, ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo etc.), immediately after a swim is strongly encouraged; however, if you swim often, this will have to be limited to prevent dryness and over manipulation. As a substitute, conditioner washing is perfectly fine until your official wash day. Ensure you are using a moisturizing and protein based deep conditioner in your regimen on a weekly or biweekly basis to combat dryness and breakage. Also, Olaplex No. 3 is a great addition to a swimmer's hair regimen promoting optimal health.

WHAT HAIR OILS DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR BREAKAGE?

Oils alone do not prevent breakage. I suggest you decipher if the breakage is caused by a lack of protein and/or moisture by doing the strand test. Then, you will know the correct steps to take to minimize it. 

HOW SOON DO YOU WASH YOUR HAIR AFTER GETTING YOUR RELAXER? WHAT DO YOU USE?

After a relaxer, I typically flat iron my hair. I wait 4-5 days and then I jump right back into my usual wash day routine i.e. Protein prepoo, shampoo, moisture DC, and air dry. The products I still use are in my Wash Day Video. 

DO YOU COMB YOUR HAIR EVERYDAY?

No. I mainly finger comb during the week and comb throughly on wash day. If I comb during the week, I will lightly rake through my hair then style.

POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.  A LIST THAT WILL LET ME KNOW WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE PROTEIN/MOISTURE?

Check out my blog post on How to Read Hair Product Ingredient Labels Like a Pro

On my Instagram page, I've been talking about how important is it to create a habit of reading the ingredient labels on your hair products. As a fun challenge, I encouraged my followers to research the top 5-10 ingredients in their favourite hair products to master the benefits of each ingredient for their hair.

This is crucial in any hair journey! Knowing how a product performs, and how your hair may react to it, is necessary in order to keep and repeat what's successful and/or omit what doesn't work.

Early on in my hair journey, I became obsessed with learning the benefits in the ingredients of my favourite hair products. This curiosity led me to understand my hair better and successfully pick products that agree with my hair. 

Recently, I've noticed an incline in messages from ladies who are using products incorrectly i.e. using a protein based conditioner when they thought it was moisture based or using a clarifying shampoo weekly when they should have been using a sulfate free shampoo. Unfortunately, this confusion and misuse of product usage led to unwanted dryness, breakage and shedding all because they were unaware of what their products contained.

I get it, reading a product label can be intimidating and confusing. Trying to pronounce these long everlasting words can be overwhelming...whew!

But at the same time, it's crucial to learn the job of each ingredient. Some strengthen the hair, while others provide moisture and slip. Today, I'm breaking this down for you.

Below, I'm going to share ingredients most associated within each hair care category so that you can easily spot them when browsing ingredients in your products at home or when you go shopping. I will be breaking ingredients down by category: Cleansers/Clarifying, Detangling, Protein/Strength, Moisture/Hydration, Shine/Penetrating Oils.

Let's get started!

For cleansers, we have clarifying shampoos and sulfate free shampoos. We keep these in rotation within our hair regimens. However, it's important to know and understand the difference between the two. 

Clarifying shampoos strip the hair of product build up, dirt, oils etc. It is formulated to deep clean the hair an scalp. It's highly recommended to use a sulfate-free shampoo after using a clarifying shampoo to restore the softness and moisture back into the hair. Clarifying shampoos should be used once a month to reset the hair and enhance the absorption of products. These shampoos have the following ingredients:

• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Sodium Stearate
• Alpha-olefin Sulfonate

 

• Olive Oil - Improves elasticity
• Coconut Oil - Prevents the loss of protein in the hair
• Avocado Oil - Natural humectant, moisturizes brittle hair

That's it! 

I feel like this is a great starter list for anyone who is looking to better understand the ingredients in their hair products - broken down by category. This is just the beginning. There's so much more to explore when it comes to ingredients and their benefit for hair. Feel free to go beyond this list. But, I figured this would be a quick reference that you can easily refer to. 

As I mentioned before, it's vital to grasp the particular job of each ingredient in your hair care products and as a result you will know how your hair may react. When you know what's in your products, you know how to use it in your regimen to serve you and your hair better!