What's in the Phytospecific Relaxer??

This is the ingredient list for the Phytospecific Relaxer. Just the straightening cream though because I really do not feel like doing everything that comes in that box because it's entirely too much going on in there. They say it's "non-chemical" and "odorless" but one of the ingredients says "fragrance" and there are "carefully selected molecules from egg and soya" so..........? which one is it?

The DO-NOT'S of the relaxer are:

That's crazy to me. A lot of people think it's so much work to use/make natural products, and honestly whether you're relaxed or natural, using natural products will make and keep your hair healthy, and it'll be worth the effort. Some of these ingredients are used in your cleaning products, and parts of some of them are used to clean rust off metal.... and this is what you're putting into your hair. Anyway. I'm not going to tell you to not use anything, but at the end of the day, there's alternatives for everything. Even relaxers. Yea... But send me a message and tell me what you think about this!

Water <  we don't need to explain that.

Mineral Oil: it's not terrible, but it's not the best. it's a lubricant and forms an occlusive film on hair. That means it doesn't let moisture (water) go in or out of our hair. basically it's a film on your hair. you can't just use any or everything to wash it off because it's a "water-hater"

Emulsifying Wax NF: it's four ingredients:

-Cetearyl Alcohol (a mixture of fatty alcohols),

-PEG-150 Stearate (PEG= polyethylene glycol. used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and grease as well as thicken products. a lot of times used in caustic spray-on oven cleaners. caustic = "able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action." Stearate is a fatty acid. a waxy solid. stearate is derived from the Greek word 'stear' meaning tallow, which is a rendered form of beef or mutton fat and sometimes lard.)

-Polysorbate 60 (used to help "grow hair" by breaking up sebum. we need sebum because its a natural oil. its only potentially harmful to hair when our body creates too much of it; but if that happens, that's why we wash our hair..)

-and Steareth-20. (It mirrors the properties of cetyl alcohol while promoting the thickening features of stearyl alcohol.)

Propylene Glycol: It is widely used as a moisture-carrying ingredient in place of glycerine because it is cheaper and more readily absorbed through the skin. It is related to polyethylene glycol (PEG) and is known to cause contact dermatitis even at very low concentrations. It is recognized as a neurotoxin by the US National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, and it may cause kidney damage. The Material Safety Data Sheet for propylene glycol warns workers handling this chemical to avoid skin contact. [X]

Egg Extract: see egg oil Lanolin is the smelly pale-yellow natural oil found on sheep's wool. As a waste product in wool processing, it's also known as wool oil, wool wax, wool fat, or wool grease. It's a natural water repellant.

Steareth-100: a cleansing agent and solubilizing agent. A waxy compound

PEG-75 Lanolin:  Lanolin is the smelly pale-yellow natural oil found on sheep's wool. As a waste product in wool processing, it's also known as wool oil, wool wax, wool fat, or wool grease. It's a natural water repellant.

Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate: a synthetic amphoteric surfactant routinely used in personal care products. amphoteric is a molecule or ion that can react as an acid as well as a base

Oleth-20: Organic perfume stabilizer, derived from unsaturated fatty acids. an emulsifier.

Cetearyl Alcohol: a mixture of fatty alcohols, consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols and is classified as a fatty alcohol. 

PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol:  PEG + the fatty acid component of the rapeseed plant. Used as a surfactant and to help make products soluble.

Hydrolyzed Soy Protein:   The extraction process of hydrolysis involves boiling in a vat of acid (e.g., sulfuric acid) and then neutralizing the solution with a caustic soda. The resultant sludge is scraped off the top and allowed to dry. In addition to soy protein it contains free-form excitotoxic amino acids (e.g., MSG) and other potentially harmful chemicals including cancer-causing chemicals in many cases. A newer method of hydrolysis involves the use of bacteria by itself or in addition to the chemical processes described above. There is a possibility that genetically-manipulated bacteria may be used.

In almost all cases, hydrolyzed soy protein contains a significant amount of genetically-manipulated soy. The hydrolyzed protein products currently added to foods should be considered a detriment to one's health. There are much healthier sources of soy protein and soy nutrients. [X]

Fragrance

Egg Oil: some special process they do to extract natural oils from hen eggs. they used to do it using heat, but now the process is done using hexane or ethanol. 

(hexane is a colorless, significant part of gasoline with a gasoline-like odor. relatively safe when not exposed to it a lot of it.)

(ethanol is also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol. it's a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid) 

- Lauren

On The College Tip #3

You're either entering your Junior or Senior year of high school, or you're a freshman in college. Some people ease right into the college groove.... others need a little help. We've asked college upperclassmen and graduates to share some advice, so throughout the year, we'll share tips from two people a week. Our second tip is coming from: Teka

Dorm Food (if you have a fridge and/or microwave):
I always had fruit snacks, real fruit (like bananas and apples), peanut butter, chips/pretzels, red bull, bottles of water, and bread. And of course ramen. Anything that's quick and easy for class, studying, late-night-after-the-club-cravings and just hanging out in general.
And please remember to TAKE YOUR VITAMINS! They make a world of a difference in regards to endurance, studying, and weight gain.
Oh, and every college student should have B-12. It metabolizes the food you eat into energy!!!

Extracurricular Activities:
Get involved with the association affiliated with your major!!! Especially if it's one you have to be invited into (meet the criteria, of course). That's a must and looks great on your résumé (shows commitment to your major/profession). Also, have fun at the club/organization fair freshman year. Mingle. Pick up brochures and cards. Network and talk to an array of people. This is your chance to explore what you do and don't like because more than likely the club you're most involved with in college will either (a) end up giving you some of the best friends you've known and/or (b) end up being a career or hobby your very dedicated to when you graduate.

Hair Tips:
Find out who braids on campus or learn to braid your own hair. Protective styles are your friend!!! If you rather not braid or weave your hair, be sure to perfect styles with minimal manipulation because trust me, after late nights of studying or partying or hanging out, you're not going to want to have to do a lot to your hair in the AM. Also, I loved comparing and sharing products with my friends. We helped each other with our hair and even developed some staple products and regimens.
Now, the more acclimated to your schedule and the more you perfect your time management, your hair will become a part of your identity and walking statement!

Stress Relief:
Talk to someone! You'd be surprised how much better you feel after venting. It's great to have that friend that always listens, but also make sure you know where your school's counseling services are located. They're available to help and provide resources if you feel overwhelmed. Other ways to relieve stress can be working out, writing, taking time for yourself to be pampered or shop (within your budget!), or even taking a nap! Sleep helps.

Hope these tips help, and congratulations on beginning the BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE!

Teka, C/O 2012 from CNU

Have some tips to share or questions? email untouchmyhair@gmail.com

On That College Tip #2

You're either entering your Junior or Senior year of high school, or you're a freshman in college. Some people ease right into the college groove.... others need a little help. We've asked college upperclassmen and graduates to share some advice, so throughout the year, we'll share tips from two people a week. Our second tip is coming from: Alex

- Incoming freshman: don't be intimidated. You'll probably remember every horror story about "fresh meat" you've ever heard but it's really not that horrific. There are plenty of upperclassman, professors and staff that are happy to ease you into this new environment. With that said, be careful. There are freshman who fly out of the proverbial nest and straight into the lion's den. It's easy to get caught up in the freedom and become involved with some damaging situations and people.So have fun but don't lose sight of why you're in college. 

- Studying/test taking: study groups are your best friend. Pick out a few students in the front and acquaint yourself with them (this also works in case you have any questions about class). If you have difficulty focusing when studying, it helps to have people around who will keep you on track. Some professors give tests online so be on top of the dates and times.

- Scholarships: be open to asking the staff for help. Majority of them are more than happy to help with finding information on scholarships and other opportunities. Also, check your e-mail daily. You'll regularly receive information on scholarships so you don't want to miss out on any potential scholarships.

- Dorm food: the struggle is real. That's about as good as I can sum it up. Everyone I knew loaded up on the regular snacks (crackers, chips, bread, candy) and some frozen dinners for the fridge (small fridges) but spent most of their time at the local Cook Out or on campus restaurants. Whatever you do, though, keep any open food carefully sealed and locked up. Roaches will try to get the jump on you (so will greedy roommates).

- Dating: like I said before, don't lose sight of why you're in college. College relationships can be new and exciting but they're not drastically different from high school. Drama comes along with the territory especially if everyone and their mamas are involved. And it can get disheartening if everyone seems to be linking up around you and you're single but that can work in your favor. I've learned that the less you're invested in someone, the more you'll be able to focus on you and your education.

- Extracurricular activities: now is the time to put yourself out there. Whether it's volunteering, writing for the newspaper or getting involved in different clubs, extracurricular activities can only help you. People will want to see whether you're involved on campus when looking over resumes. Don't do too much, though, to the point where you're burned out. Find a few you can vibe with and commit. If you don't like them, you can always branch out.

- Hair tips: carry a hair tie and some smoothing creme. Those will come in handy on hot and humid days during walks between classes. If you straighten your hair sometimes, it helps to go natural on those days and rainy days. Trying to fight the elements will result in you using the flat iron several times in a few hours. 

- Stress relievers: different techniques work on different personalities. Whether that's meditation, exercise, reading a book, etc. you have to find what works for you. I will say, if that stress reaches a level where you're depressed or contemplating hurting yourself, please, please, please go to the health clinic. From personal experience, freshman year can wear you out quickly especially if you're dealing with issues outside of college. Even if you don't think you're depressed, seeing a counselor at least once can be a good stress reliever. 

- Extra tips: 1) Depending on how old your dorm is, always keep a bottle of insect spray. You never know when you'll wake up with a roach on your pillow. 2) I know those stilettos are fierce ladies but the walk to class is even fiercer; a sprained ankle isn't worth it. 3) Don't go into the bathroom without slippers. Just don't. 4) It truly serves to be a kiss ass in class. Your peers may not like you but they're not the ones grading you. 4) Claim your seat within the first two weeks at most. 5) Make the most out of this experience!

Alex

stilettobandit.tumblr.com

c/o 2015

Have some tips to share or questions? email untouchmyhair@gmail.com

On That College Tip

The summer's over, school is starting again, and you're either entering your Junior or Senior year of high school, or you're a freshman in college. Some people ease right into the college groove.... others need a little help. We've asked college upperclassmen and graduates to share some advice, so throughout the year, we'll share tips from two people a week. Our first tip is coming from: Brandi

     1. Books before boys.

If the person you are with wants you to spend time with them instead of going to class drop him. 

After working your butt off to get in your college of choice don't throw it away for someone who doesn't care about your future. If he does not care about your future, encourage you to go to class and do what is right he does not care to have a future with you.

     2. Protect your reputation

Some of the relationships you form in college will follow you into your career. Don't make life harder by creating a hill by having a bad reputation that you will have to overcome later.

     3. no dating until your 3rd semester.

Use ur 1st year to learn the lay of the land, learn who's who and get that GPA up as high as possible.

     4. go to all your classes.

     You've worked too hard to waste any opportunity.

     5. stay focused and find someone to hold you accountable for your goals

College is where you prepare your character and hone your craft don't miss it.

Have some tips to share or questions? email untouchmyhair@gmail.com

Blessings and a T-Shirt

About a week or so ago, I received my 'UnTouchable' T-shirt that I designed. I was so impatient when I ordered it, I almost went for a walk, just to show people. But I told myself to chill out.

This Friday I had my chance to show out. I was so excited! I couldn't wait to go out and stick my chest out so people could look. I went with my mom to get some groceries and to treat ourselves to some cupcakes. While we were sitting on a bench outside, eating our cupcakes, this lady walks past us, and my mom says "Hey I like your hair!" the lady looks at us and smiles and was like "Hiii I wanted to say something to you guys but I didn't want to bother you!" She tells us that she has a natural hair salon a few doors down, and that she makes natural products.

 My mom and I of course get really excited and she asks if we're going to be there for a minute so she can run upstairs to get a couple cards to give to us. When she comes back, my mom is like, "Lauren, stand up and show her your shirt!" She tells me she likes it, and I tell her that I'm a natural hair blogger and I focus on natural hair care, styles, tips, and I also do hair. That sparks another wave of excitement with us and the next 10 minutes are filled with us exchanging info about ourselves and our businesses (also about cupcakes) and I find out that she needs natural stylists in her shop!

YESSSS! Hopefully I'll be in a shop soon then, and will move on to the next level in this journey. Y'all don't understand how excited I've been this weekend just off of those 10 minutes

Make sure you visit her website and support her! because just LOOKING at her products are enough to make you want to throw your money at her:

Store: http://silkpaperflower.storenvy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silkpaperflower