Top Ten Foods for Healthy Hair

I look up hair and skin tips all the time and always find some similarities in the articles,  but here are some useful tips I found on WebMD that I had no idea was good specifically for your hair (i.e beans, eggs, oysters??)!! I thought it was an easy go-to guide to print out and stick on your fridge somewhere so I definitely wanted to share with you guys!
Hope it helps!!


Healthy Hair Food No. 1: Salmon


When it comes to foods that pack a beauty punch, it's hard to beat salmon. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this high-quality protein source is also filled with vitamin B-12 and iron.

"Essential omega-3 fatty acids are needed to support scalp health," says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a dietitian in Los Angeles and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. "A deficiency can result in a dry scalp and thus hair, giving it a dull look."

Vegetarian? Include one or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed in your daily diet for some plant-based omega-3 fats.

Healthy Hair Food No. 2: Dark Green Vegetables

Popeye the Sailor Man didn't eat all that spinach for healthy hair, but he could have. Spinach, like broccoli and Swiss chard, is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. The oily substance, secreted by your hair follicles, is the body's natural hair conditioner.
Dark green vegetables also provide iron and calcium.

Healthy Hair Food No. 3: Beans

Beans, beans, they're good for your ... hair?

Yes, it's true. Legumes like kidney beans and lentils should be an important part of your hair-care diet. Not only do they provide plentiful protein to promote hair growth, but ample iron, zinc, and biotin. While rare, biotin deficiencies can result in brittle hair.

Blatner, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, recommends three or more cups of lentils or beans each week.

Healthy Hair Food No. 4: Nuts


Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should.
Brazil nuts are one of nature's best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp.

Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure nuts are a regular on your healthy hair menu.



Healthy Hair Food No. 5: Poultry

Chickens and turkeys may have feathers, but the high-quality protein they provide will help give you the healthy hair you crave.
"Without adequate protein or with low-quality protein, one can experience weak brittle hair, while a profound protein deficiency can result in loss of hair color," Giancoli tells WebMD.
Poultry also provides iron with a high degree of bioavailability, meaning your body can easily reap its benefits.


Healthy Hair Food No. 6: Eggs

When it comes to healthy hair, it doesn't matter whether you like your eggs scrambled, fried, or over easy. However they're served up, eggs are one of the best protein sources you can find.
They also contain biotin and vitamin B-12, which are important beauty nutrients.



Healthy Hair Food No. 7: Whole Grains

Sink your teeth into hearty whole grains, including whole-wheat bread and fortified whole-grain breakfast cereals, for a hair-healthy dose of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.



A whole-grain snack can also be a great go-to food when your energy is zapped halfway through the afternoon, and you've still got hours to go before dinner.



Healthy Hair Food No. 8: Oysters

Oysters may be better known for their reputation as an aphrodisiac, but they can also lead to healthy hair -- and who doesn't love that?

The key to their love and hair-boosting abilities is zinc -- a powerful antioxidant.
If oysters don't make a regular appearance on your dinner plate, don't despair. In addition to getting it from whole grains and nuts, you can also get zinc from beef and lamb.

Healthy Hair Food No. 9: Low-Fat Dairy Products

Low-fat dairy products like skim milk and yogurt are great sources of calcium, an important mineral for hair growth. They also contain whey and casein, two high-quality protein sources.
For some healthy hair foods "to-go," try throwing a yogurt or cottage cheese cup in your bag when you head out in the morning to snack on later in the day. You can even boost their hair benefits by stirring in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseeds or walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.

Healthy Hair Food No. 10: Carrots

Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes a healthy scalp along with good vision.
Since a healthy scalp is essential for a shiny, well-conditioned head of hair, you'd be wise to include carrots in your diet as snacks or toppings on your salad.


The Big Picture: A Balanced Diet for Healthy Hair


When it comes to foods for healthy hair and beauty, variety is the best way to go.
"An overall balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fatty fish like salmon and low-fat dairy will help keep hair healthy," Giancoli says.
If you're tempted to drop pounds fast with the latest fad diet, it could leave you with less-than-healthy hair -- along with a growling stomach. Low-calorie diets are often low in some of the most important nutrients for healthy hair, including omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. In addition to stunting hair growth and leading to dullness, super-low calorie plans may even cause hair loss.
"Crash diets can affect the hair cycle," Mirmirani tells WebMD. "Losing a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time can affect that normal hair rhythm. Two to three months later, you might notice a significant increase in shedding. This is a temporary problem that you recover from with a well-rounded diet."


What do you think?!!

Words of Wisdom about Confrontation

If you have a tendency to avoid confronting people when necessary (which i used to..), my advice is to pray for BOLDNESS. and the ability to confront the situation with the correct spirit.
Talk to God and express what you would like to say to the person, how what they did or said made you feel, and be honest with how you REALLY would like to respond to the situation while praying. Then express to God how you would like the person to recieve what you are saying during the confronation and what you want the end result to be. Do you want them to be offended? Confused? Do you want a resolution? Or do you want them to see your point? Don't go into a confrontation trying to "right."

Remember that however you mean it in your heart, is how it will come off to the person whether you are aware of it or not. So make sure you give yourself enough time to address these questions inside of yourself. It may take an hour, or a day, but I feel you should definitely take a moment for proper inventory of the situation and yourself.

Sometimes we have to curb our tendency to become overly emotional when we feel wronged. Especially if you are raging pissed or hot headed by nature...DNT SAY A WORD lol. 9 times out of 10 your first impression or reaction will be an OVER reaction, so do yourself the favor and wait before you say anything right then. Walk away if u have to, you can always come back and apologize for doing so...

If you are the one being confronted, first you want to LISTEN to what the person has to say, and then, let it marinate.... When some of the flames of emotion have died down within you, come back to confront the person that has confronted you, after you have taken the time to listen, marinate, and consider all sides. Prayer helps a BUNCH!! Trust me!! lol

Hopefully this helps a little. This is only advice from my personal experience.
You know you have done it the right way when no unsettling feelings about the situation remain.
Remember, if you are going to stand for truth, not only its theory, but its life application, its gonna take some humbling and its gonna take some growth!!

Comment with ur thoughts or experience of confronting others or thoughts on ways you were confronted by others! :)

2012 Nail Trends

How many people are HAPPY to get away from the crackle pot nail polish that dominated 2011?? While it was still very funky and creative, there are so many new nail trends to look out for this year, even more innovative and exciting than the last. Here are a few of my faves to look out for. As I try them I will upload more and more pics of my take on these trends! And you do the same!

Pairing nails with lips
Try magentas, vibrant oranges, firey reds, and if you are really bold, periwinkle on lips and nails! Whoohoo! Don't b shy have fun! The possiblities are endless!

Nail color is Lacey Lilac by Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear collection, the lip color is a mix Nk lipstick in Tango and Blue Fame lipstick #177. both were under $2!
Crystal clear artificial nails
The goal with this look is to make your artificials look as natural as possible. You can go with crystal clear gels, never failing french manicure, or clear nails with white stencil designs on top.

These are actually press ons call "Natural Deceptions!" love them!
Short and Neutral nails
I have always had a thing for short nails. Idk why, while everyone was rushing to the nail salon every two weeks for their "re-fill" I was always content with painting my stubby, sometimes long, natural nails. This year, your taupes, greige, peach, etc. are what will bring that trendy, well put together sophistication back.

Rainbow Bright nail color
This trend will forever be a hit because who doesn't love color? Everyone young and old, loves to look at beautiful pinks, purples, yellows, oranges and so forth--so why not wear them on your nails?

No Nail the Same
Very funky and playful. Cant wait to try this one. In 2011, we all, including celebs were seen painting just one nail a different color. In 2012 this trend will go into full-on nail chaos! You can get really creative with this by alternating one minx print nail design, or free hand patterns and one solid colored nail.

Comment and Post pics of your personal take on these trends!! Hope you likey! Be sure to follow/Subscribe!!!

Love ya! xoXoxo

p.s. the first two pix are mine, the others off the internet! Enjoy!

Dramatic Orange, Purple and Blue Cut Crease!

MODEL BEFORE MAKEUP APPLICATION

QUEEN OF BLENDING INSPIRED CUT CREASE!

Model is wearing Motives Custom Blend bronzer on face and Motives concealor underneath eyes

EYES:Inner corner : The lightest shade in the Motives mineral shadow trio called Disobeident

Full lid: Motives Pressed Eyeshadow in Taboo

Outer coner of Lid: Motives Pressed Pigment (discontinued sry:(

Cut Crease: Blended Mix of Motives Khol liner in black and deep sea blue, and Pressed Shadow in Plum Frost and Enchanting

Eye Liner: Motives Kohl Liner in Deep Sea Blue with a "top coat" of Motives Pressed Shadow in Lust Dust

EYEBROWS:Motives khol liner in Deep Sea Blue

LIPS--Motives Lip Shine in Sweet Spice

http://www.shopnikkijmakeup.com/

FOLLOWS! COMMENTS! APPRECIATED! xoXOxo

Simple Double Strand Twist Style!

I got this idea for a style from a youtube channel SimplyYounique. Really like the styles on her channel so I featured this one video where she did like 5 quick styles for dbl strand twists on my daily online newspaper . I shared it with my newspaper readers, and now I am sharing my take on the style here with you! It literally took like 5min (after the dbl strand twists are already in) which derserves ALL the brownie points! Anyhow,

Let's get started!

• First you wanna double, or two strand twist your entire head.

• Once that is done and either dry, or almost dry, you section off, and clip some twists in the front, we will come back to that part. You will be creating that "bump" or pompador look at the end.
• Then take the twists on the sides of the head and twist them going back. Pin them in place. Do this with both sides.

• Then grab the back like you are about to put in a ponytail and twist it upwards. Similar to a french roll kinda..lol  Pin it in place leaving no loose twists out.

Now you are ready for the Front!

• Take the clip out and unravel the twists in the front like a bang. Take the loose hair and pin it back to create a pompador or poof..whatever you wanna call it lol. Make sure no loose hairs are sticking out.

Optional Step: You can add flowers or hair jewels to give it some personality, or you can make a statement as is! Which is what I did.

YOU ARE DONE AND READY TO ROCK YOUR NATURAL STYLE!!

so whadduya think?!! simple right??

Simple Bridal/Refreshed/Everyday Look!

BEFORE MAKEUP APPLICATION

FACE

1.Applied Black Opal Creme Foundaion in Hazelnut all over face evenly.

2. Applied Mac Cream Concealer in NW40 under eye area and brow bone, and blended outward toward temples.

3.Applied same concealor down bridge of nose, corners of mouth, dimple in chin, and middle of forehead. Blend! Blend! Blend!

4. Brushed Motives Photo Finish Powder in Mocha all over face

EYES

1. Primed Eye Lid with Motives Eye Base from lid to brow bone.

2. Applied Motives Creme Eyeshadow in Brown Sugar from lid to brow bone

3. Applied Jordan Eye Shadow Stick in Brown Sugar to just the lid

4. Light brushed Motives Pressed Eyeshadow in Bedroom Eyes over lid

5. Applied Motives Pressed Eyeshadow in Hazelnut lightly to crease and blend over toward inner corner of eye

6. Applied Motives Gel Eyeliner in Little Black Dress

7. Defined brows with Motives Pressed Shadow in Sweet Chocolate (angled brush is key!)

7. Topped it off with Motives Lustrafy Mascara in Black Out

LIPS

1. Applied Loreal HIP Brilliant Shine Lip gloss in #178

2. Applied Motives Lip Plumper in Temptress over top

*As an extra highlight I used an illuminator on top of cheek bones and down bridge of nose from Mac, don't know the name. And I can't remember what blush I used but any plum or cinnamon blush will do.



                                                

AFTER

Professional Picture by Rodney L. Photos
Hair by Iesha of Serene by Nature Salon in Mt. Holly NJ


TRY MOTIVES COSMETICS!!

Pretty Plum Makeup Look- Good for Any Occasion

Products Used:

Face

Motives Perfecting Face Primer

Revlon Color Stay Foundation (Mocha)

Motives PhotoFinish Pressed Powder (Mocha)

Cheeks

Motives Pressed Blush in (Runway in hollows of cheek and Shooting Star on apples and highlight area)

Eyes

On entire lid to brow bone

Urban Decay Primer Potion
Motives Creme Shadow in (Bubble Gum)
Motives Pressed Eyeshadow (Pink Diamond)
In the crease
Motives Pressed Eyeshadow (Sweet Plum)
Motives Pressed Eyeshadow (Sweet Chocolate)
To make eyes pop!
Motives Gel Eyeliner (Little Black Dress)

Loreal Liquid Eyeliner (Carbon)

Motives Lustrafy Mascara (Black Out)

Lips

Motives Lip Crayon (Eggplant)

Clear Gloss (Any)

I GOTTA HAVE THIS MAKEUP!

Cute Simple Updo for Natural Hair!

So you have been wearing your twist set for a while....NOW WHAT? I will share with you a cute and simple style that will spice it up and show the versatility of your lovely twist set!

What you'll Need:

• A Pair of hands
• Bobby pins or butterfly pins
• Smoothing soft bristle brush and gel for the edges (totally optional)

Step 1. After you have already twist set your hair (See post: Twist Set Techniques for Natural Hair), open your palms in front of you. Lightly sweep up the section of hair located at the temples of your head back away from your face in a half "C" type motion to create a hump type look. Do this with just the middle section. In this sweeping motion, your thumbs should lightly brush against the top of your ear. If you have done it correctly, some of your hair in the front should have naturally fell to your face and the the hair in back should be still out.

Step 2. When you have gotten the desired "bump" effect, secure it with bobby pins. Be sure to kind-of roll and tuck the ends of your hair into each other, and pin them down so no stray ends are showing. It should be more rounded and sleek looking but it does not have to be too perfect because you want it to appear effortless. 

Step 3. Once that is secured, play around with the front strands that are hanging down in the front to your liking. You can arrange them as a bang, pin them up and back, or pin them back behind your ear. Whatever you desire!

Step 4. Now that the middle and front are done up and styled the way you want, then go for the back! You want to take that SAME open palm, half "C" sweeping motion you used in step 1, for the back as well. This time your thumbs should graze the back of your ear. Starting at the bottom, grab the hair and begin to roll it into a french roll and pin as you go along. When you get to the midde, where you secured the "hump", pin some hair over top of that, making sure to hide any loose ends or bobby pins.

Almost Complete!

To finish off the style, you can either add flowers to make it festive, or any type of hair jewlery to spice it up. Or just leave it as is, which is what I did!

Oh yea! Don't forget to brush and smooth up them beady beads around your edges and neck! lol Slap some gel on 'em if you have too!

Your All Done! Comment and tell me how you did!

 

If you enjoy any of my articles please leave a comment and Follow!!!

Thanks a Million!

TWIST SET TECHNIQUES on Natural Hair

Hello Hello! For those of you who know or follow me, you know me and my daughter's hair is "natural." Meaning no chemicals to make it straight or curly, I use flat iron to straighten, or other techniques to style our hair. Anyways! Whenever I wear my hair in a twist set, I get tons of compliments and alot of people ask me if I did anything to it to make my curls look so defined. I did....lol and I decided to share it with you all here on my blog!

But first, the products!

My daughters hair type is a lot coarser than mine and tends to be very dry. My hair is very soft and fine, and still is also very dry(sheds and breaks easily too!Tips!Help!). Because everyone's hair type and tendancies differ, when doing this particular style, technique and product are key to opitimize the beauty and reduce the amount of shrinkage of your twist set. Finding your perfect products are a process and come thru trial and error so if you dont know what works best for your hair just yet, that is ok! I am sharing this with you exactly for that reason, so that you can try and see! Maybe it will work!

Here is what I used for Harmoni's (my dghter:) twist set.
1.H2o
2.B&B Super Gro with Vitamin E, Sage, Sulfur and Coconut Oil
3.Cantu Shea Butter Leave in Conditioner
4. Jam shining and conditioning gel-extra hold

Here is what I use for my hair:
1. H20
2. Vitale Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3. Design Essentials Natural Curl Stretching Cream

*Now these are not the ONLY combination of products that make for a good twist set. There are many others I have yet to try and would like to (i.e, Eco Gel) and some I have tried that works just as well, but I always go back to these basic products.


Lets Get Started!

The first thing you want to do is start with clean hair. Part your hair in half from ear to ear. Section off the top portion with a hair tie or clip, and leave the back out. We will do the back part first.

Curl Stretching tips that may work:

In order for Harmoni's twist set to come out more defined and with less shrinkage, after washing and conditioning it, I blow dry her hair a little (not completly straight b/c i end up re-wetting it a little anyway), with old fashioned hair grease lol For my twist set, I towel dry my hair and use a stretching creme product on each section before I twist it.

Using product(s)  that work best for your hair type, you want to:
 
1. Evenly coat each piece of hair with your setting product(s), and individually double strand twist the back portion of your hair only.  Bigger twists sections will produce a larger gap in the ripple of the curls, using tinyier sections of hair will put the ripples closer together. I like mine to be somewhere in the middle.
Do not make your parts even! It helps the curls fall more naturally when you take the twists out!

 
2.When complete your individual twist in the back, untie the top portion and twist it in a corn row style. Be sure to coat each section you cornrow twist with the setting products you use. If the hair began to dry up, just spritz it with water.  

 

3. After you completely twisted and conrowed your entire head, your hair should still be damp. It will take some time for the cornrow style twists in the front to completely dry underneath. At this point you can sit underneath a hooded dryer, or if you prefer to avoid heat, you could sleep with this overnight to allow it to set; then take them out in the morning. Depending on the thickness of your hair and how long it holds moisture, will determine how long it will take to dry. Either way, personally, I prefer to set the twists by keeping them in overnight (can't stand sitting under the dryer!lol)

Photo by RK Photography

These two pictures are what my curl pattern looks like after I do my twist set.  

Please comment any thoughts, tips or techniques you have come up with! Thanks for following!