Natural oils Archives - Walk With Ros

I have a love hate relationship with my natural hair. It took me a while to admit it, but it’s true. I can’t deny the love and hate that exists at the same time with my natural hair.

For starters, about 13 years ago I accidentally began my natural hair journey. After the birth of my daughter, like everyone else, I lost a ton of hair. I got mixed reviews of it’s just your hormones, breastfeeding, and lack of nutrients. I was told to continue my prenatal vitamins, keep the hair manipulation to a minimum, and maintain a healthy diet. Lastly, I was advised to trim it a little shorter. In which, I took all the advice above.

After a couple of months, my hair was still shedding terribly. I was once again told it was due to me breastfeeding. That’s when I made the decision to see what I can do on my own to help it stop shedding and begin growing back.

The first choice I made was to not perm or relax (chemically straighten) it again. I figured eliminating as much chemicals as possible was important to stopping the shedding. Along with that, limiting the amount of heat styling was essential to growing it back as well. That’s when I began researching styles to maintain that was low manipulation. Also what I can do to manage my hair in my everyday lifestyle without putting heat to it daily.

In come the thousands of hours spent on YouTube learning about products, styles, hair terms, routines, and maintenance of natural hair. I thoroughly was intrigued and excited to begin ”my journey”. I realized I was transitioning (naturally let the relaxed hair grow out) and that would take my hair a little longer to be completely natural. Although, I did do a nice trim as suggested, all my relaxed hair hadn’t grown out yet.

Over the years I eventually became completely natural. The last time I relaxed my hair was when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter and she’s now 13 years old.

I dived in with both feet spending endless amount of dollars on products. Something I know all naturals can relate to. The amount of time I spent on hairstyles and maintenance I can’t even begin to think about.

The versatility I loved. Flat hair has always been boring to me. The curls and different styles provided personality and fun for me.

However, taking care of natural hair is a lot of work and time. Because it’s in it’s fragile state constantly, maintaining the health is around the clock. I had long thick hair that required patience. Making sure it was moisturized and prepped before bed was a task. Maintaining the styles for a workout required time and effort. After a workout it was another task. In the morning, that was a whole other ball game.

For me I would always love the first couple of days. After that my styles never lasted or looked presentable enough to my liking. That meant I had to spend time restyling and moisturizing all over again. Too much product was always a problem.

Another problem I constantly ran into was having wet hair. If I washed, styled, and prepped the night before I was going to sleep with wet hair. Yes, I could have sat under a dryer but that would have taken my long thick hair 2 hours to dry. Plus, I was avoiding heat at all cost to get my hair to grow back.

Even after a long day at work, by 5p.m. my hair was still damp in the middle. I just didn’t like that feeling. I knew my hair constantly being wet wasn’t a good thing. In addition, my hair never turned out how it did on the YouTube videos or the Pinterest photos. I eventually learned it never would.

No matter what I tried, how short I cut it, maintaining my natural curls wasn’t giving me what I wanted it to give. I would always find myself blow drying and flat ironing again. When I would blow it out, I found I had less hair shedding, I was able to keep my fingers out of my hair, I spent less time and product on it, and it looked healthier, felt better, and I felt good.

Lastly, the comments I received from coworkers when I did where my natural hair didn’t make me feel good. I don’t want to repeat them here, but I knew how they felt about it. There were times I was told not to attend a meeting because of my ”look”. It was perceived as nasty, unclean, and unprofessional. 5 REASONS VULNERABILITY IS STRENGTH

I know I shouldn’t never let anyone make me feel a certain way. But picking up and finding another job making the money you’re making, having the flexibility you have, and position you worked hard for isn’t easy.

I would begin to where my natural on the weekend and then blow it back out for work. But the curls I get from my blowout, still give me volume, texture, and personality. All while easy to maintain on daily and keep up.

Will I ever try this natural thing again, probably so. I guess that’s the love hate part of this relationship.

Be well on your journey.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

My product spotlight for the week is almond oil. Yes, I’m still a beauty junkie and continue to experiment with products. Product spotlight, almond oil has been giving me everything for the last couple of weeks.

Around February, I was experiencing unusual dry skin. My skin is already on the dry side but for some reason it was a little more dry than normal. Whenever I have a hiccup in my skin, I know its time for me to rotate some products or try another technique. Self Care Beauty Routine

Of course, I’m aware of the elements in the air can have an effect on your skin. The changing of seasons can also cause skin not to react to its normal routine. Your diet, stress, and everyday life can cause the skin to react.

My initial thoughts were to try oil cleansing. I wanted to see if I could get my skin back on track the ole fashion way. My usual go to is a cold cream and I didn’t want to use any (Ponds Cold Cream is my fave) or any other balm to put moisture back into my skin. I used to love coconut oil but as many esthetician’s have told me that is the worst oil to put on your face.

After much research and just having a knack to try something new, I thought about almond oil. I knew it to be a light weight oil with many benefits. The thought of seasons changes was a great consideration. I didn’t want anything to heavy or greasy feeling. I wanted something that could sink in. Also I knew I was going to use it for more than one beauty purpose.

Beauty Benefits of Almond Oil

-Prevents water loss from skin
-Great for sensitive skin
-Rich in vitamin E
-Helps protect skin from sun damage
-Reduces redness and itching
-Improves skin complexion
-Natural moisturizer for skin and hair
-Effective makeup remover
-Tame Frizz and relieves dry scalp

How I Use Almond Oil

First, I use it as the first step in my cleansing routine, at night. The smallest amount goes along way. Almond oil is light enough to blend effortlessly. It sinks into the skin without clogging pores. When rinsed away with warm water and a microfiber towel, your skin is left feeling soft, smooth to touch, glowing, and clean. Within a week my skin was back to normal but with a healthy inner glow.

Next, I add a couple of drops to my night moisturizer. I love the way it made my skin feel after oil cleansing. So I thought why not add a couple drops to my moisturizer and help the dryness. In the morning I noticed my skin was still moisturized and glowing.

However, in my morning routine I don’t oil cleanse with almond oil. But after I do wash and pat my face dry, I add a drop to my moisturizer, with SPF of course. For a couple of weeks now my skin has stayed moisturized without feeling greasy or even getting oily throughout the day. I’ve been going without makeup as well. That is how much I’ve really been enjoying the glow this almond oil has been giving.

Another way I use almond oil is for my hair care. This oil is perfect for split ends. I use it on my scalp and it doesn’t weigh my hair down. I add it to my shampoo to give my hair natural moisture and shine. Also I apply it to my conditioner and my hair mask. Mixing it with my hair mask gives me the hot oil treatment moisture and shine.

Lastly I’ve used it as a eye cream/moisturizer. Just a dab on the finger and rub it around the entire eye area brightens and lifts your entire face. I was able to see (You know when you use oil on your face sometimes it gets on you eyelids and then you can’t see.) and my face wasn’t greasy. The oil didn’t rub off on any of my pillows, blankets or sheets.

My final recap of my product spotlight almond oil is its a must try if you haven’t. I purchased my bottle off Amazon( https://amzn.to/3219scN )and the 16oz bottle last forever. The multipurpose beauty benefits you receive are instant and amazing. This oil is perfect for the warmer months and effective enough for cold weather months.

Oils are a natural way to add variety to your beauty routine without the harsh chemicals. If you haven’t already I encourage you to give almond oil a try.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.