BeUNIQUEhaircare.co.uk is now trading!

I've taken the first step of many, the BeUNIQUE website is now up and running and trading, we're selling herbs and powders, including Bentonite Clay and Marshmallow Root Powder that you can use to make deep conditioners, and final rinses, as well as moisturising spritz for your hair. So go along to http://www.beuniquehaircare.co.uk/ and take a look at what's on offer.

Who's your hairspiration?

I was just reading Angel's new post on http://www.thenaturallounge.com/ about Mahogany Boisseau and I felt so inspired to see a beautiful black woman with beautiful long hair the kind of hair that, in the past, I thought, was only achievable if you had a relaxer. I kind of decided this month that I was going to do my own mini growth challenge, but now I am inspired even more to want to look after my hair and grow healthy, long, natural hair.

WHO'S YOUR HAIRSPIRATION?

(please answer via posting comments) 

Natural hair: document your progress

"Put down the Eco Styler!" - Dangerous Ingredient

I'm doing my public service bit and have come to inform you all about an ingredient called TRIETHANOLAMINE. You'll find this mostly used in hair gels and it's used in Eco Styler and African Essence (I'm sorry to say when desparate I still use my African Essence). Please read extract below taken from Aromantic.co.uk (http://www.aromantic.co.uk/buy-organic-natural-emulsifiers-cosmetic-skin-care-uk.htm)

"Another Emulsifier to avoid is Triethanolamine. It is produced within the petroleum industry and has been used for several decades (and continues to be used) within the cosmetics industry to support emulsification. This chemical is severely irritating for the eyes and skin. It penetrates the skin and can cause liver damage. In addition to this, when combined with nitrate ions - normally found in drinking water and many meat products - it produces a carcinogenic substance, Nitrosamine. It should never be used in Skin Care products but is regrettably, common in the UK."

Click here for detailed break down, and you can look up other ingredients too!

1 Years Growth - Time to Celebrate

17 months natural and a whole year since my second BC (Big Chop), it’s gone so fast. I feel like I’m entering a new phase of my natural journey and saying goodbye to my TWA. So what lessons have I learnt on this journey:

The following is what I have learnt and advise from my own personal experience.

DON’T BE A PRODUCT JUNKIE!

When you first go natural it’s almost like being a kid in a sweet shop, you sit down and watch YouTube and want to order everything that is suggested. I’m not saying don’t try out different products, but there is no need to try out a new product every single week. I would say, that you need to stick with a product for at least 4-6 weeks to know if you hair likes it or not UNLESS, you have drastic results from the first use then, just say bye.

STAPLES ARE GOOD

Find the products that work for you and stick with them (this may contradict my 4th point, but oh well). Have the standard staples, the old friendlies that you can return to and won’t let you down. From a retail point of view my old friendlies are (these are products that are not used regularly but I know when desperate they’ll work, even if they’re on the bathroom shelf gathering dust!): African Essence hair gel, Dr. Bronner's Castile soap, Garnier Fructis repair and shine, Faith in Nature Conditioners. My staples (products used regularly): Afro Shampoo Bar by Shea Butter Cottage, Twisted Mango Custard by BeUNIQUE, my own leave in, my own curl definer and my own hair spritz. I use natural oils and herbal infusions, some oils regularly used jojoba, avocado, coconut, black seed, sapote, poppy seed, rice bran and castor.

BE PATIENT

It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you’re hair isn’t growing that’s why it’s important to take pictures, not to be vain! But to document your journey, when you look back you’ll realise actually your growth was normal for you. Remember everyone is different you are unique, take time to get to know your hair, love your hair and it will love you back.

AS YOUR HAIR GROWS YOUR ROUTINE WILL CHANGE

As your hair grows you may to adjust what you do to it and what products you use, the products you used to achieve curls for your TWA (Teenie Weenie Afro) may not work as well as your hair gains length.

RESEARCH

Be aware of every single ingredient in your hair care products, I’m hoping you all know the basics, no mineral oil, no petrolatum and no parabens. Now cones, that’s another thing, me personally, I’ve learnt that my hair doesn’t like products with silicones in them, but they agree with some people, I would advise if you are going to use them make sure they are water soluble so that they don’t build up on your hair. Researching can be time consuming but you’ll start to get used to some of the frequently used ingredients and then it will become like second nature. When you research this is when you’ll realise that you maybe able to source the ingredients yourself and start making your own stuff.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

It’s not just what you put on your hair that’s important but also what goes in your body. Case in point I personally do not take in many liquids on a daily basis I can actually go a whole day and only have one drink with my evening meal. How my hair survived I DON’T KNOW. I have now started to drink more water and can see improvements in my hair and skin. Look up foods that improve hair health.

CONTINUE TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR HAIR

I’ve gotten to a point now where I know what my hair needs, but as it grows longer I’ll have to continue learning about it. I haven’t trimmed it yet so that’s something to learn, learning how to balance moisture and protein and knowing when your hair needs what, monitoring shed hair and differentiating it from hair loss. This can be time consuming, or maybe that’s just me being anal, and having to check the plug hole to see if the hairs I’ve lost have got roots attached or not!

In conclusion this journey not only has allowed me to fall in love with what God naturally blessed me with, but has also allowed me to use gifts he has blessed me with by taking a big step and starting my own hair care business although still in it’s infancy it’s something that is challenging me to what to improve myself and not to give up.

Just before I sign off for this post I want to give thanks to some people who have helped this past year. Obviously number one, the big G, God for giving me the vision to use what I was doing in the kitchen and turn it into something bigger. My husband for being patient when I spend hours in the kitchen creating products and then more time in the bathroom trying them out, my Mum for always asking how plans are going and not totally disowning me after my 2nd BC! Zoe Penny aka ReviveUK, purchasing her online 'how to guides' helped me to learn the basics to produce my own products, and last but not least Ronke Ige (Emi & Ben Natural Skin Care), for being an inspiration, igniting my entrepreneural fire and giving excellent advice.

The 'Fro'

Here are some pictures of me rocking an afro, my intention was to do a braid out, so I did do my hair in small plaits using Twisted Mango Custard, but when I let them out the definition gave way to frizz. I think I did them too small, so I played with it sprayed on some Coconut Cocktail - this softened the hair - and viola a beautiful afro, my hair had so much volume! My other reason for rocking a 'fro was because I had to dress up as superhero for a school event, and I decided to investigate what Black female superheros existed, and I found a woman called Misty Knight who sports a really big afro, and has an amazing figure. Check out the pictures.

BeUNIQUE Hair Care Update

I'm overwhelmed with the interest from prospective buyers for my hair care products, and many people and YouTube subbies have been asking when I'm going to start trading. As much as I would love to just package my products and start trading, it's not as simple as that, there are certain things that I need to do in order to legally comply with cosmetic trading standards. For example, I have to get all formulations safety assessed and challenge tested, this is to ensure that I'm using the right preservation system/ technique (to prevent germs forming!).  All of this costs money, and so although I'm working on other items that I can sell through the BeUNIQUE website, the actual hair products that I'm developing may not be available until early next year. I'll keep you posted.

The ball is rolling...

BeUnique Hair Care is moving from a dream to reality, I have registered the company and it's now officially known as BE UNIQUE HAIR CARE LTD. I'm happy and scared at the same time, scared because now it's a little more real and getting registered is just the first step, and now I can't go back. The next step is to become certified so that I can legally make and trade homemade cosmetics. The plan was to have this whole thing off the ground by this time next year, but due to money being a big factor I don't think that will happen, but, it will happen!

Crochet Braids

So I've installed crochet braids, this was my second attempt, the first time I used Freetress Water Wave but it just seemed too silky to be able to stay, also I used the thread through and loop over technique. This time I used Freetress Bohemian Braid, and I used the thread through, and just knot technique (no loop), it stayed well. It took me 15 hours and 3 packs of hair, but I don't want to wear the hair down as there just seems to be too much hair. Next time I don't think I'll split the strand of hair and space it out a bit more along the cornrow that may reduce the bulk. For now I can live with it, and apart from twists this is my first protective style, I'm going to keep it in for 4 weeks if I can stretch to 6 that would be good.

Carrier Oil Comparison

The following information was taken from a post on the Long Hair Community

Almond Oil, Sweet (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus)

medium-light; slightly oily, leaves a slight oily feeling on the skin; absorbs semi-quickly
emollient for conditioning/softening skin; great for dry, itchy skin rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E used in massage oils, lotions, balms and soaps
in hair care, sweet almond oil helps condition, nourish, and soften hair moderately priced

NOTE: can stain sheets and clothing

COM 2

shelf life 1 year

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

available in powder, gel or oil traditionally used for healing burns and injuries soothes dry damaged skin

COM 0

oil has a shelf life of 6 mo-1 yr

Aloe Vera Butter

extraction of aloe gel into a solid fraction of coconut oil so that it can be used like a butter melts on contact with the skin good for treating dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, sunburn and chapping

Amla Oil (Emblica officinalis)

good for all skin types used in hair products to strength and condition

shelf life 1-2 yrs

Andiroba Oil (Carapa guianensis)

has similar properties to that of Neem oil but *without* the characteristic un-friendly scent very light but rich contains a group of natural alpha hydroxy acids (a collagen booster and skin conditioner) currently being used as a natural oil base for many anti-wrinkle creams like Aveda & Oil of Olay great source of Essential Fatty Acids such as:
linoleic; required for the development of healthy skin and cell membranes, reducing puffiness and swelling. *vitamin F; helps to hydrate dry, parched skin palmitoleic; natural conditioner that imparts incredible softness to skin & hair myristic acid; regulates the skin cell regeneration, which prevents over active scaling accelerates the healing of unsightly skin damage balances the uncontrolled growth of skin cells balances the uncontrolled growth of the pigment producing cells treats insect bites, cuts, scrapes, abrasions, psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and age spots imparts a natural, non greasy, conditioning effect on both wavy, curly, and Afro hair types for sore, achy and tired muscles; used as a heat treatment the benefits are instantly noticeable used by professional athletes as a muscle rub and to treat sports injuries used by those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism used in salons as a hot oil treatment for their clients with thick naturally curly hair increases blood circulation in the scalp, which in turn promotes healthy hair growth will congeal, like butter, in cooler climates; simply place the sealed bottle in a bowl of warm water to liquefy

Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca)

very light, non-greasy, rich oil; easily absorbed into the skin emollient for conditioning/softening skin good for dry, tired, mature or sensitive skin great for removing makeup and softening delicate skin around the eye rich in vitamins A, D & E and in both oleic acid and linoleic acid. frequently used in massage great moisturizing and conditioning oil for mature and sensitive skin and skin that is inflamed and dry
said to aid in the repair of the skins elasticity in prematurely aged skin

COM 2

shelf life of cold pressed and expeller 6 mo-1 yr

Argan Oil (Argania spinosa)

has anti-aging and restructuring properties wonderful skin and haircare product contains many antioxidants and is rich in vitamin E

shelf life 2 yrs

Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima) (also available in butter form)

medium weight; leaves no greasy residue rich in vitamins A, D and E said to have healing and regenerating properties heals scaly skin and scalp very penetrating; imparts valuable nutrients to the skin softens, increases elasticity, moisturizes dry or mature skins, heals eczema used to treat sun damaged skin that is dehydrated and under nourished said to help with the regenerating of skin cells believed to be a good hair stimulant and an excellent protein conditioner for the hair & scalp helps restore luster and hydrate dry and damaged ends may overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier

COM 2

shelf life of refined or unrefined 1 yr

Babassu Oil (Orbignya oleifera)

fast penetrating oil one of nature’s richest emollients, beneficial for either dry or oily complexions used for generations by indigenous cultures of South America as a natural moisturizer gently moisturizes, conditions and adds luster to the skin with no greasy after-feel especially good for eczema, itchy, dry and inflamed skin nourish, moisturize, and restore hair strength, giving shiny, healthy-looking hairnon-comedogenic

shelf life 1-2 yrs

Baobab Oil (Adansonia digitata)

quick to absorb, exceptional moisturizing properties, does not clog pores, very rich and stable

shelf life 2 yrs

Blackcurrant Seed Oil (Ribes Nigrum)

rich source of GLA, superb moisturizer, can be used in place of evening primrose or borage seed oils, helps to improve acne and rosacea, great for dry, devitalized, damaged, and aging skin

shelf life 6 mo-1 yr

Black Raspberry Seed Oil (Rubus occidentalis)

ultra rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids [30% of these are Omega-3s], contains Vitamin E

shelf life 1 yr

Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)

very concentrated with essential fatty acids, great healing properties, good for eczema, psoriasis and dry skin. Use caution with this oil if pregnant!

shelf life 6 mo-1 yr

Blueberry Seed Oil (Vaccinium corymbosum)

potent anti-oxidant, conditioning, non greasy, gentle blueberry aroma

shelf life 1 yr

Borage Oil (Borago officinalis) (aka Starflower Oil)

thin to medium, leaves a somewhat oily feel to the skin, excellent moisturizer in skin care nourishes and reinforces cell tissues and membranes, retains moisture and slows ageing, rich plant source of GLA, said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions, expensive and is usually blended in a small (often 10%) dilution with other carrier oils


shelf life 6 mo refrigerated; goes rancid rather quickly—must refrigerate

Brahmi Oil (Bacopa monniera)

used for its diuretic properties in India, relieves itchy scalp, helps with hair loss, purifies and tightens skin

shelf life 1 yr (infused in sweet almond oil)

Brazil Nut Oil (Bertholletia excelsa)

rich in proteins and vitamins E and A, rich emollient/moisturizer similar to sesame oil, high in essential fatty acids, amino acids, zinc, vitamin A and E, and selenium, an important antioxidant, oil lubricates and moisturizes skin, helps prevent dryness, promotes a clear complexion, very stable


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