HONEYSMOKE

There are plenty of hair products for children, but I don’t see the need to have a shampoo and conditioner for me and another set for the girls. It’s just another way companies separate you from your cash.

When we’re out and about, parents of curlies often ask how I maintain Simone and Nadia’s hair.

Here’s the answer: We’re a sulfate, silicone, and paraben free family.

Sulfates are drying. They are harsh detergents and strip oil from the hair. Silicone is like a plastic and gives the appearance of shiny, healthy hair. Some silicones also are difficult to wash out of your hair, unless you use shampoos with sulfates. If you don’t apply silicones to your hair, there’s no need for sulfates. As for parabens, they’re just controversial. If it’s not needed, why bother. The bottom line: None of those chemicals are needed to achieve beautiful hair.

Sunday is hair day at our house. I wash Simone and Nadia’s hair with castille soap, put a dollop of conditioner on their hair, and then detangle with a wide-tooth comb. I start detangling at the ends and work my way up to the roots. When I am finished, I leave in the conditioner and allow their hair to air dry.  In the mornings, I use hair milk to help tame the frizzies.

The castille soap costs about $6 for an 8-ounce bottle. Conditioner runs about $14, and the hair milk goes for about $12. All three will last a long time, as long as they are kept out of reach of little hands.

We have added coconut oil to our daily hair routine. It is a light oil, gives a lot of shine, and tames the frizzies. It is also less expensive than Hair Milk and can be used by the girls and me. Nadia (pictured above) has very fine hair, and this oil is light enough to use every few days or so. I apply it to Simone’s hair daily, and it helps keep her hair smooth and tangle free. As for me, I use it to seal my hair after I moisturize it with a conditioner.

Coconut oil may be purchased at many natural food stores. Our coconut oil is infused with Ayurvedic herbs, and I buy it at a local Indian store for about $6.  If you go to your local Indian store, be sure to read the label and buy the pure coconut oil, not mineral oil. The latter just sits on the hair, while coconut oil is easily absorbed into the hair.  Check it out and tell me what you think.

When I learned I would be in Florida on business, I made an appointment with the Curl Whisperer. I had been reading all about her advice on curlynikki.com, and I wanted to see for myself whether she could tame my curls.

First, I showed her a picture of Simone and Nadia and told her about their hair. The Curl Whisperer recommended Aubrey Organics GPB for Nadia’s hair. It has protein in it and that will be great for her fine tresses. For Simone, she recommended Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose, which is protein free and more appropriate for thicker hair.

We then moved on to my hair. I was concerned about breakage and didn’t know what kind of porosity I had or whether I was protein sensitive. The Curl Whisperer said I simply needed a trim to help with breakage. That was good news. I had thought she would have to do a drastic cut. She said I had normal porosity and said my more coarse strands would not like any protein. Armed with that information, I can better choose products with the proper ingredients for my hair.

She gave me a dry trim, washed my hair, and rinsed it with cool water. My curls really liked the spa treatment and formed perfect little coils. She applied a little of Curl Junkie’s Curl Assurance Aloe Fix Hair Styling Gel and sent me on my way. I paid the Curl Whisperer and left a tip I hope conveyed I appreciated her curly advice. I wanted to buy her a plane ticket to my home, but it turns out she likes living in Florida. That’s okay. I will just add a trip to see her to my long list of excuses to visit Florida.

When it comes to all things hair, I take the simplest route possible. I do not create intricate styles or use a lot of color. My hat is off to those who do. Beads, Braids and Beyond and Happy Girl Hair have this down to a science. I see the intricate styles they create and I am in awe.

I focus on the health of the hair, and I have found the Flexi-8 instantly adds a little style. It is a contraption that holds all of the hair comfortably. It is ideal for French twists and other up-dos, even the traditional ponytail. This hair tool is incredibly flexible so that you don’t hurt yourself or your hair using it on a regular basis. It also does not tear or pull at the hair like a scrunchy.

Flexis come in several sizes, and a few of them are designed for little girls. Simone has taken an interest in Tinkerbell, and there is one with blue wings and one with pink wings that I purchased for Simone and Nadia. Now these are on the pricey side — 13 bucks apiece — so I will reserve them for special occassions and other times I know they will return home.