Healthy Hair on Youtube: Latifatumi

What I LOVE about this lady's hair is that it has an amazing healthy sheen/shine and with minimal product.  It is also springy and thick from root to tip.  Latifatumi has a pretty basic regimen that involves largely natural products, including African Black Soap, shea butter, etc.  Check out Part I of her regimen in the following video.  (The remaining parts can be found on her channel.)

NOTE: If you are interested in viewing her hair type in its natural state, do check out the following video.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Afrostory

Afrostory is another one of my favorite healthy hair youtubers.  She has the length and thick ends to show for it.  What's more?  She's a doctoral student specializing in an area about which she is clearly passionate - anthropology.  In the following video, Afrostory gives the "Inside Scoop on Healthy Hair".  Your thoughts?

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Rusticbeauty

Rusticbeauty is one of my FAVORITE youtube hair ladies, and I've been following her since my early natural days.  She's achieved long, healthy natural via twisting and certainly has a hair care routine that works well for her.  In her earlier videos, she was big on using shea butter, Infusium 23, Organix, and coconut oil.  I share her channel with you for inspiration.

Some Rusticbeauty videos with which to start:
Ten tips for natural hair: video
Hair care regimen - pre-shampoo: video
Hair care regimen - after washing: video
Hair care regimen - after moisturizing: video
Hair care regimen - night-time prep: video

DISCLAIMER: Other people's hair care routine may or may not work for you.  Rather, use the suggested hair care routine as guidance and tweak for your hair.

Healthy Hair Feature || Izzie

1. What made you go natural?  How long have you been natural?

 I went natural because I saw baby pictures of how long and thick my hair was and wanted to try and get back to that. I struggled with a lot of self esteem issues and figured that the best step to having a higher self image was to learn to embrace myself as I naturally am, and that meant natural hair. I have been natural for one year and 8 months . I got my last relaxer right before I started my first year of college. 

2. Did you transition? If so, for how long?  

I transitioned for 11 months. From September 2012-August 2013. My big chop was spontaneous. I washed my hair, saw the curl patter and got excited and just cut off the relaxed ends. I had planned to transition for at least a year and a half while chopping off small amounts at a time. 

3. What is your Healthy Hair routine?

I co-wash my hair once a week. Before I wash, I do a pre-poo of honey, a rinse out moisturizing conditioner and coconut oil. Then I deep condition with heat. Once a month, I do a clarifying wash and a protein treatment.  I moisturize my hair three times a week with a water, glycerin and aloe vera mix. Then I seal with olive oil and a butter. 

4. Do you have a Healthy Body routine?  If so, what is it?

I am a student athlete at university, so during my season I train for professional track and field.  I go to the gym 3 times a week and run every morning, whether sprint intervals or a cardio work out. When I'm on holiday, I do 30 mins of cardio and then do yoga. I drink water throughout the day and try to eat as healthy as possible. I eat fruits every day, mostly for breakfast. I incorporate vegetables into my lunch and dinner. 

5. What advice/tips do you have for naturals?

Embrace your natural hair. Its who you are. Also, moisture is important when trying to retain length. Moisturize as soon as your hair needs it. 

6. Where can we find you?

Instagram: @izziebadsuh

Tumblr: myworldofcurls.tumblr.com

Healthy Hair Feature: Redecouverte

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?
I've been natural since September 2006.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
I am not sure if it qualifies as a mistake but for the past two years I haven't made up my mind whether I wanted locs or just rock my loose hair. I love locs and think they're absolutely beautiful. I also love my loose hair, its thickness and versatility. So I've had a few past locking attempt that did not last more than 3 months. I end up missing my loose hair and take down the babies locs. My hair locks pretty fast and taking down my hair can be quite traumatic. In the long run, it affects my ends.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?
I don't really have a routine, I go with the flow. I usually wash my hair twice a week (Wednesdays and Sundays) and then do either a hot oil treatment or a deep conditioning. I use mostly natural products because they are more nourishing to my hair than commercial ones. Once in a while I'll do a rhassoul treatment.

Other than that, I don't really have a set routine.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?
In regards to skincare, I use the oil cleansing method for my face. I exfoliate once or twice a week and do a facial mask as needed.
I mostly use shea butter for my body and I also love exfoliating once to twice a week.
In regards to diet, I still need to work on it. I have severe Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and diabetes running in the family so last year I decided to change completely my diet and went vegan cold turkey. Eventually I decided to adopt a vegetarian diet with as little dairy products as I can (I still love lattes and ice cream) and include raw foods. My diet is still a work in progress and it has been hard to say goodbye to comfort meals such as chapatis, samosas, jollof rice etc..

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?
Yes, first and foremost don't get caught up in hair typing. I grew up mainly in West Africa, mostly Ghana and Senegal and I've never heard about hair types until I came to the USA. I don't think it really matters whether you have 4 a, b, c, d because each head is unique. I still don't know what my hair type is and I am fine.

The second advice will be not to compare yourself to others and just be happy with your own progress. This is hard because we go to hair forums and stalk people's fotki to be inspired especially when we have little support outside of the online communities. But when I started finding myself resenting people who have big chopped and had more hair in 6 months than me in 4 years, I had to take a step back and remember that each person is different.

Last but not least, do what works for you and have fun. Sometimes we get caught up in hair challenges and we become stressed out if we don't see any progress.

Healthy Hair Feature

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?
** Natural for almost 11 years now.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
** avoiding water, not washing my hair enough, not deep conditioning enough, not paying attention to the lack of /too much protein in my hair, switching products for no really good reason, relying too much on the knowledge of others to help me care for my hair.



3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine? (include regimen, products, etc.)
** Pre-treat hair with coconut oil and/or olive oil, detangle into 8 braids
-Shampoo with Dr. Bronners Shikakai soap, or Nour Herbal Shampoo (homemade)
-Rinse/Clarify with Sweet Hibiscus Vinegar Rinse (homemade)
-Deep Condition with Aveda Damage Remedy, detangle into 8 twists after 1hr +heat
-Rinse well, blot dry, apply Whipped CocoShea butter (homemade) and airdry in 8 twists
-Light blow dry or flat iron if I am in the mood (1x/month)
-I usually wear my hair in braids for 6 wks at a time, then transition each braid into a twist.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it? (diet, skin care, etc.)
** I eat raw foods and vegetarian meals daily
** I try to use natural products or purchase raw supplies to make my own
** I use apple cider vinegar and coconut oil inside and out - for my hair, skin, and internal nourishment

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?
** be patient and consistent. It takes time to see what your hair likes. Sometimes there is an immediate difference, and the rest of the time, you notice a slow but steady improvement. Pictures really do help with both motivation and boredom. You can see how far you've come and that is a great accomplishment to make those first choices a habit.

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Check out Lina's Handmade Hair Care Products at TheHairSheBang!

Healthy Hair Feature: Copa

1) How do you define "healthy" hair? 

Healthy hair to me is hair that is not damaged by heat or chemicals. It is hair that is moisturized, minimal knots and splits on the ends, and has a healthy sheen without the need for grease or heavy oils.


2) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?

I’m natural.


3) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?

The biggest mistake I made was getting my hair colored once. The color applied did not deposit well on my hair, so the salon lifted it from my hair (along with my natural color) and re-applied it. The lifting burned my scalp and my texture did not return for a month. My elasticity was also gone (ability of hair to spring back when pulled).

The second mistake was getting it colored a second time, 6 months later, to darken it back from the lighter shade. Overall, I was able to maintain my hair by increasing the moisture in my routine and I also learned how to seal around this time. Almost 2 years later and my hair has since thrived, but the left over colored ends are showing signs of damage. They are thinner, brittle, tangled, and full of knots compared to the length of my hair. I am trimming them off a little at a time.


4) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine? (include regimen, products, etc.)

My basic routine consists of conditioner cleansing, conditioning, adding more conditioner as a leave-in, then a sealer on the very ends. I guess, I would call myself a “conditioner chick” :}

The most important part of my healthy hair routine is the cleansing. It can either maintain or deplete the natural moisture my hair has accumulated, and no product or oil can replace that moisture. So..


I deep condition every 2-4 weeks depending on the season and my schedule. I stopped deep conditioning my hair last summer because I found it drying and coating. I then realized that I was not using deep conditioners in a way that worked for my texture. I now apply my conditioners to wet, damp, or dry hair depending on how well they work like that.

5) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it? (diet, skin care, etc.)

I don’t really have a healthy body routine. The health aspect is improvised :}

I live in a walking city. I walk to school and back (sometimes more) everyday for 18 minutes both ways. I walk everywhere unless it’s late at night, so that helps with physical activity. I also live in an apartment building with no elevator and attend a school that has slow elevators, so I’m up and down the stairs all day.


5) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it? (diet, skin care, etc.)

I don’t really have a healthy body routine. The health aspect is improvised :}

I live in a walking city. I walk to school and back (sometimes more) everyday for 18 minutes both ways. I walk everywhere unless it’s late at night, so that helps with physical activity. I also live in an apartment building with no elevator and attend a school that has slow elevators, so I’m up and down the stairs all day.

I pack a water container with me everyday and there are water filters on almost every floor of my school, so I drink water more than anything else.

I also make sure to have fresh fruits and vegetables in my fridge each week to snack on so I don’t reach for sweets all the time.

I’ve eliminated most dairy and whole grain from my diet and I eat red meat sparingly (whenever I have the energy to cook it or order it at a restaurant). As a result, I feel more cleansed inside, and my body spends less energy trying to digest these foods.

I try to eat light breakfast such as oatmeal, fresh fruit, with high energy additions (almonds, blueberries, flaxseed) rather than heavy, greasy, caffeinated foods and drinks.

For skincare, I used to use Dial Soap to wash my face when I was younger and my skin was fine so I really think genetics plays a large role in how healthy our skin is. Next is diet, followed by hygiene.

6) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?

The key to healthy hair after genetics and diet, is preserving the natural oils that your scalp produces because they are made to keep your hair at levels of optimum moisture and shine. Constantly washing, or piling on product will prevent your hair from benefiting from your own natural oils. Keep your scalp healthy, limit your use of stripping shampoos, water wash when you can, add more moisturizing product when you think you’ve added enough, especially after cleansing, and use heavy products like butters and oils sparingly so there is less buildup to wash out.

Healthy Hair Feature: Gisele

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?

I am natural and had my last relaxer in May 2007.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?

None comes to mind actually, largely because I don’t do much to my hair between shampoos and I don’t really change my routine and products much.


3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine? (include regimen, products, etc.)

I have been using homemade ayurvedic products to cleanse and condition my hair. Since mid-December I have started wearing twists or braids for between 2-3 weeks. I do not wash it in this period, however I cleanse the scalp daily with a herbal infusion of burdock root/rosemary/lemongrass/bringraj/gotu kola/irish moss/amla/neem. This moisturizes and nourishes the scalp while at the same time effectively removing any scalp build up, preventing any scalp issues. I follow this up by lightly oiling my hair, alternating with shea butter and coconut oil. If my hair is feeling dry, I will lightly spritz it with water before oiling. I shampoo and deep condition each time I remove my twists/braids. In addition, I clarify every 4-6 weeks with neutral henna and fullers earth then deep condition before doing a henna treatment.


4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it? (diet, skin care, etc.)

Whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables are the bulk of my diet. I also consume a fair amount of dairy products daily. I drink at least 64 ounces of water daily and I don’t eat any junk food. I don’t do anything special for my skin care, except ensuring that my diet is rich in essential fatty acids.

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?

I would advise to keep things as simple as possible. Try to adopt a routine that fits into your lifestyle so that it is easier to stick to it. I also find it helpful to consider your hair care an extension of a healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Hair Feature: Caroline

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?

Relaxed (3-4 times per year). Considering switching to Brazilian Keratin Treatments or other less damaging forms of hair straightening.


2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?

Neglecting my hair when I started to reach my desired length. My hair needs constant TLC and is very sensitive to moisture-protein balance. Additionally, it was sometimes it was hard for me to stick to the little-heat/little-manipulation mantra and my hair was not happy with this. However, I've found some great heatless protective styles (braidouts, bantu knots, buns, etc.) that have really helped me in my hair care journey.


3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?

-I use the entire Hydratherma Naturals line (sans the heat protector, I prefer Redkin Smooth Down)
-Wash 2x's per week (lather roots only and let the rinsing wash the rest of my hair), the second wash may often be a co-wash
-Deep Condition 1x per week
-I alternate between the Moisture Boosting Deep Conditioner and the Amino Plus Deep Conditioner
-I moisturize 2x's per day (morning and evening) with the Root Stimulator on my scalp followed by the Leave-In conditioner, Growth Lotion, and Growth Oil (to seal)
-I usually sleep with my hair in one big bantu knot or a couple of small bantu knots and a silk scarf and satin cap
-I wear my hair in a protective style most of the time except for special occasions



4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?

I'm a huge health nut (and currently in Medical School)! I think it is extremely important to eat right and exercise especially if you desire healthier hair. I only eat whole grains/oats, lean meats (boneless skinless chicken, fish, lean ground turkey), vegetables, fruits, lean dairy, eggs, nuts and beans. I also try to incorporate whey protein before a workout (I love the Myoplex drinks), ground Flaxseed, and olive oil in my meals. Some of my favorite snacks are the Fiber One bars (great way to get your daily requirement of fiber) and the Yo Plus Yogurts which have dairy, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and probiotics!

I try to stick to a 3x/wk workout regimen which consists of circuits using weights (Women's Health website has some great workout routines) and I run on the treadmill after all of my workouts.

Lastly, I take a multivitamin with plenty of Biotin, Niacin, Vitamins A, C, D and E.


5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?

Get to know your hair and what works best for it. Does it need to be moisturized 2x/day or 1x/day? Washed once or twice a week? Deep conditioned once or twice a week? It's really about finding a routine that works best for your hair and that is realistic for your life. Also, don't try crazy shampoos and creams that say that they will grow your hair five times faster. The reality is that if you want healthier hair that grows at its peak pace you need to eat healthy, exercise, take your vitamins and care for your hair from the moment it comes out of your scalp. If you want length you have to keep caring for your hair consistently. There are some great products that will of course help retain your length: scalp stimulators, mineral-oil and petroleum free hair lotions, alcohol free sprays, certain oils, etc. With the dedication and the right products healthy hair is definitely within reach.

Chery818 is Back with a Hair Breakage Update!

So, I follow a lot of naturals on YouTube, and Chery818 is one of them.  She is known for her thick, long (BSL-ish all around), 4c hair and advocating finger detangling.  Her last video (before her recent update) was sad because she had discovered some serious breakage in certain areas and was debating whether to cut all her hair.  That was almost eight months ago.

Well, I'm happy to report that she is back to YouTube!  Check out her update below ... and also notice the higher video quality.  I'm loving it all!

Healthy Hair on the Web: Omolade (Texlaxed/Relaxed)

Today's healthy head of hair belongs to Omolade.  Isn't just beautiful!  If you are texlaxed/relaxed and want proof that type 4 hair can grow long and thick, here it is!  Omolade relaxes her tresses about twice a year and lives in protective styles (mostly updos, buns, and wigs).  You can read more about her routine on her blog: http://www.rehairducation.com.

Traycee Talks "Embracing My Natural Hair The Rollercoaster While Transitioning and Going Natural"

I got emotional watching this video and could relate to much of what she said.  I promise you this will not be a waste of 11 minutes at all.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Geri's Journey from TWA to Waist Length

Geri is one of my favorite naturals because of her hair texture, health, and growth.  Additionally, she is one of many Type 4s who continues to demonstrate that long lengths are achievable.  Check out her beautifully done video on her natural hair journey from TWA to waist length!