Natural Is...Trendy

We love a great Tee that makes a statement! Well ladies, Natural Is.... is coming out with a couple of cute Tees that will serve as a reminder that Natural Is Beautiful. Thanks to our Friends at Rush Order Tees our T shirts will be "Coming Soon". Please check back to see how you can snag one of our fab tees.

Have a great idea for a Tee of your own? Tell us about it, or explore your inner Naturalista and design your very own at Rush Order Tees. And Remember...

You're Beautiful Naturally!!!

Natural Is...Informed: A Look at Eco Styler Gel

Hey ladies!! As I awoke at 6:00 am for no reason at all, I started doing some digging on the specific reasons why flax seed is good for the hair. During said digging, I came across an interesting statement. In speaking of flax seed gel, a young lady begins by warning us that our dearly beloved Eco Styler Gel contains a carcinogen called Triethanolamine. Now, we love Eco because it boasts  “Alcohol Free”. We all know the drying effects of certain alcohols on natural hair (already prone to dryness), so kudos to Eco on that! But what about this Triethanolamine (or TEA)? Come, walk with me into the science lab…

Yes, Eco Styler gels DO contain this liquid but is it REALLY carcinogenic? Let’s do some more digging. When speaking of the concern of Cancer related to Triethanolamine, Evironmental Working Group (EWG) says: "Cancer - not classifiable/not likely to be human carcinogen". So, on it’s own, TEA is non-carcinogenic. Good to know! Further, according to cosmeticsinfo.org, "Triethanolamine and Diethanolamine should not be used in products containing N-nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of possibly carcinogenic nitrosamines". Hmph! So the question is: does Eco Styler contain such an agent?

I pulled out the shovel on this one. I found that the answer is no! Really, the problem only comes when high concentrations of TEA (over 5%) is used in our products or if it interacts with other agents (at any concentration). Beauty aide manufacturers are only allowed to use below this percentage of TEA. It’s interesting to note, though, that TEA may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation. It can also dry the hair and skin. But maybe the Wheat Protein and Glycerin also found in the gel take care of that! We can safely say we’ve never experienced dry hair using it, but everyone is different.

So how about this other ingredient I can’t pronounce, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (what a mouthful!!)? It’s the ingredient listed just after the aforementioned TEA on the back label. As is turns out, this substance can (doesn’t necessarily mean it will) break down into formaldehyde…YES the stuff used to preserve dead bodies is also used in some products as a preservative. As of June 10th of this year, formaldehyde has been declared a known carcinogen by the Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS). Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate has been listed among some ingredients to watch out for because of this fact. However, like TEA, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, in itself, is non-carcinogenic but is a skin & eye irritant. Those with sensitive skin may want to stay away from products containing this.

Now are we saying don’t ever buy Eco Styler Gel? Of course not! We at Natural Is… simply give you the facts as we find them. Please, ladies, feel free to roll up those sleeves, pull out that shovel, do some digging of your own, and make an informed decision.

So, what have we learned here?

~ NONE of the ingredients in Eco Styler Gel are known carcinogens

~ Don’t quickly take everything someone says as “law”, no matter how knowledgeable you may think they are in hair care

~ Please please please read the labels on your products!!

In the end, natural is always better. Everything we need to take care of our hair and overall health the best way comes straight from the earth. Natural hair means natural care! But if you do decide to run to your local BSS for a product, choose wisely and buyer beware! When in doubt, do without. Products rich in all-natural and organic ingredients are your best bet to getting the most out of your hair.

Happy Shopping!

Natural Is…Not Perfect!

Ok so ladies, so many times we are constantly asked about how to achieve the “perfect” curl. Looking back someone once stated “My mom told me my hair used to be curly when I was a kid, so why won’t it curl. My hair looks just like Brillo.” Yes, when many women go natural, at times they feel their hair isn’t “good” enough if it’s not the perfect curl pattern and sadly sometimes they cave or decide to heat straighten permanently. But really what is the perfect curl pattern and why is it that some women just can’t get their hair to curl? We have theory’s…

               

               As we all know we come in different colors shapes and sizes, not to mention backgrounds, nationalities and so on. Sometimes these, along with genes, play a part in what hair texture we possess. Does that make it a good thing or a bad thing? Well, first and foremost we will always say, it’s a VERY GOOD thing! The hair that you possess no matter what “Type” or texture it is makes it the perfect curl! If we all had a looser curl pattern or our hair slightly contained more sebum and keratin would that make us look better? The fact of the matter is, we were created differently and we all have so many intrinsic qualities that we were born with; our hair is just one of them. If you have kinkier hair its PERFECT the way it is, there’s no need to hide it. If you have Coily hair its PERFECT the way it is. A friend of ours, Taren916 from Youtube once said “There’s no such thing as the perfect curl. Whatever my hair is doing that day, even if it’s out of place, its good frizz.”

                

                If you’re a recent big chopper or transitioning, note that your hair is in a state where it is CRAVING moisture. I know for me personally when I big chopped, I had to wear my twa picked out, all 2 inches of it. Why you may ask, because naturally if your hair is of a kinkier texture the moisture that you get from product, water etc. doesn’t travel all the way to the ends. So sometimes we need to give it a little bit of help by just picking it out. Your hair goes through a shock process. For years it’s been chemically altered. Therefore, moisturizing with the right products along with sealing, trims and so forth will help your hair to get back to optimal health and you will start to see your REAL curl pattern.

                 

               So Naturals, Transitioners, Big Chopper and those contemplating going natural, ALWAYS remember You’re Beautiful no matter what.

Smooches!!!

Natural Is…Anticipating Summer!!!

With summer fast approaching and bathing suits being prepared for the beach, what to do with our hair always come to mind. How can we prepare our hair for summer? Should I change it up this year?

Well if you’re wondering the first question, how to prepare your hair, then look for no simpler answer then here at Natural Is… The best thing about summer is good ole sun. Momma always said that if you stay out in the sun long enough you’re hair will lighten. This was true in my case, however, just like our skin needs some sort of SPF sunscreen, our hair needs something too; Moisture. Always use Shea based products? Humectants are natural ingredients that pull moisture from the air. Why not add some to your favorite moisturizer and give your hair an extra boost of moisture. Some humectants are Pure Aloe Vera Gel, Vitamin E and Glycerin. Remember, a little dab will do ya! Too much and your hair may be a victim to FRIZZ.

Always rock the same style? Why not try a protective style. There’s a bevy to choose from that are cute and fun. One that lasts a while is the two strand mini twist. These can be put in after washing your hair and taken out by your next wash day. You can wear em up if your hair is long and wear down if its on the short side. And best of all they can be converted into a funky twist out. Tell us some of your favorite styles.

Natural Is... Versatile!

So you're contemplating going natural but you're hesitant because you think your style choices will be few, that you'll always be limited to the "Afrocentric" look. Or, you've already decided to ditched the sodium hydroxide but find yourself in a rut, feeling like wearing your natural curls is strictly for hanging out with the girls on the weekend, not so much for the office or formal affairs. Well, ladies, that couldn't be further from the truth!!

True, it can and may very well take you (and others!) a while to get used to your newly-unearthed coils. But here's the thing girlies, your natural hair is just that: YOUR hair. It's as part of you as that mole on your index finger or that oddly-shaped birthmark on your tummy! Embrace it!

So why not take a free evening, get in front of that mirror and start playing around with some style options. It's 2011- it's time the world see that unprocessed hair doesn’t mean you’re "stickin' it to The Man" as it once did in years past, but that it can be chic, professional and elegant. Let's see what you can do:

*Business meeting on Monday? If you have some length, how about a simple slicked back pin-up or French roll? For a little more height, take the front section of the hair, roll and tuck it back for a painless pompadour à la Janelle Monàe! Got a TWA? Apply your favorite alcohol-free gel (we like Eco-Styler) along with your spray bottle water mixture (water + essential oils) and make those curls pop. Accessorize with some studs or a subtle, not-too-long drop earring to accent your business attire and hellooo Miss Career Woman!

*Date night to a fancy shmancy restaurant on Wednesday? Hmmm. Since this IS a week night, you probably don't have a whole lot of time to get ready so an easy breezy wash-n-go is in order! Dampen the hair, apply your staple moisturizing, curl-defining product, scrunch & diffuse (colder months) or shake & go (in the warmer months). Tuck a cute metallic hair accessory on one side to match your cute outfit and BAM!

*Wedding one week from Saturday & you still haven't a CLUE what hairstyle to wear? Well, no one said you couldn't steal-...umm, borrow one from a beautifully natural celeb. Try your hand at a middle-parted do with either side in large flat twists or French braids, meeting at the nape and rolled into a bun or left hanging (think Tracee Ellis Ross). If your hair hasn't quite reached that length yet, do what I've done...yup- the fro! Pick that hair out till you can't pick it anymore. Pat it, shape it & use a beautiful flower pin to accent!

So curly girlies, this is merely a taste of the infinite style options you have at your disposal. Look out for more style ideas coming soon.

Ciao for now!

Natural Is…Creative!

For the recent Big Chopper, this goes out to you!*

One of the best things about going natural is…you get to be creative! Aside from the array of hairstyles to choose from, accessories to play with and Youtube videos to watch on Going Natural, creativity can take you far. Here’s a fun and cute way to be creative as you embark/continue on your Natural Hair Journey.

Now that you’ve decided to take the complete plunge and rid your curls of creamy bondage, why not document your journey. Some have created a hair journey picture album showing their progress. However, if you’re anything like us and follow the beat of your own drum, why not make a Natural Hair Memory Box. This is a funky idea will not only capture your progress, but it will provide smiles on the days when you’ve had it up to here with your hair. What can I fill it with you ask. EVERYTHING!!!

1. Take pics of great hair days for days when you are having a bad one. 
2.   Print or tear out pics of your Natural Hair Inspirations. 
3. Take an index card and write the best compliment you’ve ever received on it and keep it in the box.
4. Have an absolute MUST READ WHEN GOING NATURAL that helped you get to where you are now; THROW IT IN THERE!!!
5. Got a ticket from your first Natural Hair Meet-Up keep it!

And the great thing about creating a Natural Hair Memory Box  is,  if you’re single or a soon to be mom why not keep it as something that you can pass on to your daughter when she gets old enough to take care of her own hair. If you’re a teenager who faces issues about your hair care choice, why not show kids, family members etc, why you LOVE your new style? And if you’re a great friend who wants to support a friend in her journey, why not put a bow on it and give it as a Going Natural Survival kit. The possibilities are ENDLESS!!!!

*Please note that this is great for all who are natural or contemplating going natural.