Check out this demo showing only takes three short steps to get your loose curls/coils defined, soft, shiny and bouncy so that you can get out and enjoy life wherever you are!
Some Quick Curl Care Tips:
Do you have some cool tips that you want to share? Do so in the ocmment section below.
]]>As we step into a new year, it's the perfect time to prioritize self-care and cultivate healthy habits. One aspect of self-care that often goes overlooked is hair care. Our hair not only contributes to our physical appearance but also plays a significant role in our overall well-being. Let's explore some simple yet effective ways to enhance both hair care and self-care in the coming year.
Begin the new year by establishing a consistent and tailored hair care routine. Identify your hair type and choose products that cater to its specific needs. Regular washing, conditioning, and occasional deep conditioning can promote healthy hair growth and maintain shine. Don't forget to trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends and breakage.
Prioritize Scalp Health:Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Consider incorporating scalp massages into your routine to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth. Using a gentle shampoo and conditioner that nourishes your scalp can also make a significant difference. Remember, a healthy scalp lays the foundation for beautiful hair.
Embrace Protective Hairstyles:Reduce the stress on your hair by incorporating protective hairstyles into your routine. Styles like braids, twists, or buns can help minimize exposure to environmental factors and prevent damage. Additionally, these styles can give your hair a break from heat styling, contributing to overall hair health.
Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Balanced Diet:Proper hydration and nutrition play a vital role in the health of your hair. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day, as dehydration can lead to dry and brittle hair. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins in your diet to provide essential nutrients that promote hair strength and vitality.
Practice Stress Management:Stress can have a direct impact on the health of your hair. Make a commitment to manage stress through activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Taking time for yourself and prioritizing relaxation not only benefits your mental well-being but can also positively impact the health of your hair.
Conclusion:In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care, including proper hair care. As we embark on a new year, let's make a conscious effort to prioritize ourselves by adopting healthier hair care habits and integrating self-care practices into our routines. Embracing these changes will not only lead to luscious locks but also contribute to an overall sense of well-being in the year ahead.
Wash day using the Naturaz 3-In-1 Conditioning Shampoo.
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Curly hair is a beautiful and unique feature that requires special attention and care. For those blessed with tight curls, managing and maintaining their natural texture can sometimes be a challenge. However, with the right techniques and products, you can transform your curls into a gorgeous crown of bouncy coils. In this article, we will explore some essential tips on how to care for tight curls and celebrate the beauty of natural hair.
Hydration is Key: One of the most crucial aspects of caring for tight curls is keeping them properly hydrated. Curly hair tends to be drier due to the natural oils from the scalp struggling to reach the hair shaft. To combat dryness, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for curly hair. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera. Deep conditioning treatments once or twice a week can also work wonders in restoring moisture and enhancing the elasticity of your curls.
Gentle Cleansing: Avoid using harsh shampoos that strip the hair of its natural oils, as this can further dry out your curls. Opt for sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse without stripping away moisture. When washing, massage your scalp gently with your fingertips, allowing the shampoo to reach the roots. Avoid piling your hair on top of your head as this can cause tangles and breakage. Instead, let the water flow downwards, allowing it to cleanse the hair while maintaining the natural curl pattern.
Detangling with Care: Tight curls are prone to tangling, and forcing a comb through them can lead to breakage. To detangle your curls effectively, start by dividing your hair into sections and use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to gently remove knots, starting from the ends and working your way up. Applying a leave-in conditioner or a detangling spray can help to ease the process. Remember, patience is key when detangling tight curls, and never forcefully pull through knots.
Embrace the Right Styling Techniques: When it comes to styling tight curls, it's essential to adopt techniques that enhance their natural shape and minimize damage. Avoid excessive heat styling, as it can lead to dryness and breakage. Instead, embrace protective styles like twist-outs, braid-outs, or bantu knots to define your curls without subjecting them to heat. If you do use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant and keep the temperature low to minimize damage.
Nighttime Care: Protect your curls while you sleep by investing in a satin or silk pillowcase or using a satin bonnet or scarf. These materials reduce friction and prevent moisture loss, keeping your curls intact and frizz-free. Prior to bed, you can also pineapple your hair by loosely gathering it on top of your head and securing it with a scrunchie or silk scarf. In the morning, gently shake out your curls, and if needed, refresh them with a water-based leave-in conditioner or curl refresher spray.
Tight curls are a gift, and with the right care and attention, they can be a source of pride and confidence. By following these essential tips on hydration, gentle cleansing, detangling, styling techniques, and nighttime care, you can unlock the full potential of your curls and showcase their natural beauty. Remember to embrace your unique texture and experiment with different products and styles to find what works best for you. With a little extra care and love, your tight curls will shine and become a statement of your authentic self. Learn what other nine steps you should be taking to hold and retain moisture in your hair.
]]>Remember: Detangle your hair prior to cleansing. This will help the cleanser reach all your hair strands.
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Below are six possible reasons why your scalp is itchy and what to do about it.
Your scalp is not producing enough sebum (oil) to stay healthy and supple. Your scalp is probably also tight and desperate for moisture. You could also be suffering from a fungal infection or have a condition like dandruff.
Use the Naturaz Moisture Burst System that is aloe vera based and which contains nourishing natural and organic oils to nourish and replenish the moisture that your scalp needs. Cleanse with the 3-in-1 Conditioning Shampoo which is gentle to your scalp and hair. It will soothe your scalp and moisturize it. Then liberally spray the Rehydrating Mist & Detangler onto your hair and scalp and finish with the Styling Moisturizer and apply it directly on your scalp. Massage well and also apply to your hair. Ingredients in these products contain vitamins A, C, E to nourish, proteins to repair and strengthen, and they also have antibacterial, antifungal properties which are great for both your hair and scalp.
]]>As we grow, our natural hair goes through three phases of growth. Anagen, Catagen and Telogen. Anagen is the active phase of growth. It ranges from 2-6 years and during this time, about 1 cm of hair grows every 28 days. Anagen can consist of a short growth phase and a long growth phase. The length of your growth phase will determine how long your hair will grow. Catagen is the transitional phase during which the hair follicle prepares to rest. Telogen is the resting phase and lasts for about 100 days. In this phase the follicle completely rests and the hair does not grow. It is also during this phase that hair sheds. About 25-100 hair strands can be shed per day.
So, how can you keep your hair growing longer based on your hair growth phase?
Enjoying a full head of healthy hair requires that we keep our lives in balance and our bodies healthy. Great products complement great health and that is reflected in your skin and hair.
Read more about how food and diet can keep your hair healthy. Eat Your Way To Healthy Hair!
]]>Anyway, today I'll share the secret to trapping moisture in your natural hair on wash day so that on day 2, your hair feels soft and easy to manage. Do you use a foaming shampoo? If you do, you might want to consider a gentler solution. Shampoos can over-cleanse and over-dry hair, such that you have to spend way more time replenishing what you stripped off! That's why many shampoos come with a deep conditioner! Have you ever wondered about that?
Learn more about ingredients in hair care products that could affect the health of your hair. Six Tips To Help You When Selecting Products For Your Hair.
Wash your hair with a sulfate free, non-foaming shampoo like the Naturaz 3-In-1 Conditioning Shampoo.
After cleansing, remove excess water with a T-Shirt and then liberally apply the Naturaz Rehydrating Mist & Detangler.
Lock in moisture while nourishing your scalp and hair!
Apply the Styling Moisturizer so that you fully lock in the moisture you've introduced in your hair. It will nourish your hair and scalp while continuously conditioning your hair!So, now you know my secret😊 Try the steps I've outlined above and drop me a line at customerservice@naturaz.com. Or tag us on Instagram @naturaz_hair and let us know how your hair feels and looks!
Mumbi Dunjwa is the founder and CEO of Naturaz hair. She has been a lifelong naturalista and has a passion for educating people on how she has been able to stay natural all her life even when “natural hair” was not popular. She has a background in Chemistry, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Information Systems Management and has worked in large health care systems as well as big pharma. Curly, coily hair is fascinating to her and consistently shares that healthy hair is not only about product. |
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Health on every level is critical to growing and keeping a vibrant head of hair. She believes there is so much more to be invented that will transform hair care and help folks with curly, coily hair better harness their magnificent crowns and she wants to be a part of this transformation. Learn more at www.naturaz.com and Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Youtube.
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I’m Mumbi Dunjwa and I’m a chemist, I love science and technology and I’m a life-long natural. I was born and grew up part of my life in Kenya, East Africa. I was raised alongside five siblings, by a father who was a university professor and a mother who was a high school biology teacher. Academics were important at home and I juggle interests inspired by both my mother and father.
Naturaz has been a passion for a long time. Even before I knew it would become one of my life’s major missions. When I was young, I took care of my younger sisters hair. I was probably ten or eleven when I started doing so. It wasn’t easy back in the day to care for coily hair because we didn’t use the right products. In college my hair was big and perms were the “in thing”. I avoided perms because I didn’t want to experience the breakage and hair loss that I saw others in and outside my circle of influence grappling with. I knew that the root cause that drives many of us women towards using harsh grooming techniques such as high heat, chemical relaxers, tight weaves or braids, is because curly or coily hair is intrinsically dry and can be a nightmare to manage! I know what it is to have dry hair that can take up to two hours or more to detangle! I was determined to find a solution for myself and others who were struggling just like I was.
My goal was to summon age old wisdom from Africa and to focus on rich, exotic, natural ingredients that have been successfully used traditionally on hair. I chose ingredients that have been tested over time and scientifically combined them with deeply moisturizing discoveries of our time. The result was the “Moisture Burst System®, which delivers and sustains moisture in hair and feeds the scalp with the nutrition it needs because healthy, soft, manageable hair grows longer and is easy to style.
The Moisture Burst System® is designed to support a healthy, active lifestyle—merging health and beauty in our lives. That’s why I am committed to using only the highest quality ingredients, never adding fillers or questionable ingredients to our formulations and always sourcing our ingredients ethically and sustainably. The Naturaz Moisture Burst System has transformed my hair and my life and I know that it will transform yours too!
My love for Science & Technology runs deep in my veins. I dedicate part of my time to talking to students in high schools about the power of Science Technology Engineering & Math (STEM) in changing the world to be a better place for all.
When I was about eleven years old, I started caring for my younger sister’s hair. I was also starting to learn how to braid hair and so she was basically my little teacher. Her hair was maybe a little less than an inch long. I had access mainly to bar soaps, foaming shampoos & petroleum-based oils and at the time, coconut oil was very pungent and so I didn’t use it. I also knew nothing about its benefits. I mainly wanted to learn how to corn row hair and that’s what I practiced the most on her 4C hair. My 4C hair in the meantime was a few inches longer, dry, hardly retained length and somewhat brownish in color. I cared for my sister’s hair for some years and her hair grew out past her shoulders! It was jet black and long. Mine in the meantime was at a stand-still and didn’t show any remarkable change over the years. My hair health started changing as I grew older and learned how to take better care of it. I would apply some oils to my scalp, brush both my scalp and hair (gently in small sections) and from time-to-time blow dry it. So, what made my younger sisters 4C hair grow long and what started transforming mine? Below are some ideas gathered from my journey then and now that could change the game for you.
Understand your hair growth phases
Hair grows from the follicle (root) underneath the skin (scalp). Blood vessels at the base of the follicle feed and nourish the hair. You’d think that hair would keep growing until we cut it off but that’s not the case! Our body has its own regulation mechanisms and cycles and goes through three distinct stages:
In a normal hair growth cycle, a larger percentage of hair is in the Anagen phase and every hair is at a different stage of the growth cycle. We normally lose 50-100 strands of hair per day and when we create conditions that cause hair loss, we cannot replace additional lost hair with new hair quickly enough. We then start noticing thinning and if we continue in this vein and damage our follicles, we start suffering from alopecia.
My younger sister’s hair has a longer growth cycle before it breaks and/or sheds. That was one contributor to the growth she experienced.
Breakage vs Moisture
4C hair is particularly prone to breakage because it’s intrinsically dry. The oils produced by the scalp don’t effectively travel far along the hair shaft. If they do, the cuticle layer is likely lifted and absorbs as well as losses these oils quickly thus exacerbating dryness. This was a major issue for my sister and I. I would use water to add moisture to my sister’s hair before combing and braiding and sometimes I didn’t. It helped somewhat but wash day was not much fun for either one of us even though we loved the end results. Fast forward to today, a product like the Naturaz Rehydrating Mist & Detangler would have transformed wash day for my sister and I. Note though that you shed up to 100 hair strands a day so you’ll always have some minimal shedding.
If you want to see steady growth month over month, use products with humectants and moisturizing and nourishing ingredients. Using my background in chemistry and experience in research and development, I formulated the Naturaz Moisture Burst System to infuse and sustain moisture in hair. I always advocate that you stick with one product line for at least three to six months to give it a chance to transform your hair based on your needs and the brand promise.
As you can imagine, as we comb, brush, hang out at the beach under the hot sun, swim, apply chemical and heat treatments etc. our hair experiences wear and tear. So I also formulated the Moisture Burst System to deliver proteins needed to repair and strengthen the hair shaft.
Protective Styling
I braided my younger sister’s hair in corn rows all the time. I loved trying out different hairstyles on her head and she loved the experience of checking herself out in the mirror and exclaiming “I look nice!” I always felt so happy hearing her acknowledge the effort even though she didn’t enjoy the process. I think this is one major reason why I was driven to creating a solution so that girls, moms and caregivers don’t struggle like we did. Regardless, the protective styles allowed my sisters hair to rest and grow without much manipulation. Over time, the results were evident in the length that she enjoyed.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you’re protective styling:
When I went to a boarding school to complete high school, my sister ended up cutting her luscious mane because her crazy hair loving older sister wasn’t consistently around to fuss over her hair! I’m forever grateful for my first teacher, my sister, who graciously allowed me to learn about hair by caring for hers.
So grow your hair longer by:
Check out our nine recommended steps to retaining moisture in your hair!
Mumbi Dunjwa is the founder and CEO of Naturaz hair. She has been a lifelong naturalista and has a passion for educating people on how she has been able to stay natural all her life even when “natural hair” was not popular. She has a background in Chemistry, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Information Systems Management and has worked in large health care systems as well as big pharma. Curly, coily hair is fascinating to her and consistently shares that healthy hair is not only about product. |
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Health on every level is critical to growing and keeping a vibrant head of hair. She believes there is so much more to be invented that will transform hair care and help folks with curly, coily hair better harness their magnificent crowns and she wants to be a part of this transformation. Learn more at www.naturaz.com and Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Youtube.
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How long should you keep your braids in? How long can braids last? Are you wondering whether to keep your braids in to protect your natural hair for another month? If you do, how can you stop excessive shedding when you do remove them?
I ran into a woman one time, who shared her braid ordeal with me. She had gotten a really nice micro-braid hair style and she went about enjoying her protective hair style. One month with braids turned into two months, then three, four and beyond six months. When she decided to try and remove them, she practically couldn't comb out her hair! She was distraught! She ended up with terrible hair breakage and thinning. This story is based on an extreme case and I share it to discourage you from keeping your braids for too long.
In normal situations, people leave their braids in for two months, others might stretch it a little. Some go and get the areas that look messy repaired especially around the hairline. Regardless of how long you keep your braids whether you have box braids, lemonade braids, braided ponytail, feed in braids, cornrow braids etc.(and I advice you not to overdo the length of time), here are some ideas to help you avoid shedding when removing your braids on wash day.
What do you do to prevent your hair from breaking when you have braids? Please share in the comments below.
Photo courtesy - Eloise Ambursley
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
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To boost moisture retention in your hair, use the Naturaz aloe vera based Rehydrating Mist & Detangler as often as you need to refresh your strands and help your hair attract and hold moisture.
What other tricks do you use to retain moisture in your hair? Leave us your comment below.
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
]]>You never know what unexpected gifts will come into your life. Diet, supplements, exercise, rest, acceptance, and visualization of what you want can make a huge difference inside your body that expresses itself on the outside.
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
Photo Credit - Eye For Ebony
]]>I’m a black woman, mother of a young black girl, wife of a black man. Our family members and friendships are diverse, yet I worry most about the safety of those with a darker shade of skin in my circle of influence, not only in the hands of law enforcement, but in the community at large, in the hospitals and more. Living in the U.S., it is not lost to anyone that black people are treated differently in many cases especially within the criminal justice system. The sentences donned out are usually swift and harsh and in way too many unfortunate cases, black people are killed. For many of us, the people that are killed symbolize brothers, partners, husbands, sisters, cousins, uncles, friends, coworkers and more. Every time a death in the hands of law enforcement or a racist member of our community is broadcast, our hearts break.
Within our communities, at our jobs and elsewhere, many of us have experienced racism in many forms. Late last year, I met a woman who was so raw because her daughter had been killed by a racist man. My husband and I have had an irate man in a truck who was trying to ran us off the road, point his fingers towards us, arranged in the symbol of a gun. A dear friend of mine was frightened and insulted by some young men in a truck who stuck their heads out of the vehicle and yelled racial slurs at her as she walked home. I’ve been called the “N” word, “black witch” and more. In many cases, these encounters have felt hopeless but nothing compares to actually dying or having a loved one perish.
As Rev Al Sharpton eulogized George Floyd yesterday, he mentioned that the color of those on the street protesting is very diverse. This is something he said he hasn’t seen in the past. I have seen protest signs saying that “Silence is violence” a sentiment amongst others, that has motivated many to be a part of the black lives matter movement. This shows that there are many people who:
I feel passionate about what’s going on in our community and I'm participating by reaching out to our leaders, writing letters to congress, making phone calls, collaborating with friends and family to safely march in the streets of Philadelphia calling for lasting change, meaningful dialogue and collaboration in our community of citizens.
What are you feeling about race relations & criminal justice in this country? What are your experiences? What are you doing about it? What organizations have you joined that make a difference in our communities?
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
]]>There are only approx 100K ICU beds in US. These would supposedly service a population of approximately 330M people. If we don’t follow all possible precautions, during this time, the health system will not be able to support the influx of ill, critically ill and severely ill people. For example, if 200K people fell very ill, and needed ventilators, there would only be enough today, for about half. You can now do the rest of the math.
Based on what we’ve seen in China, Italy etc. the rate of spread is very high because the virus incubates for about 5 days without creating noticeable symptoms. At the time that it is incubating, it’s still very virulent and can be passed on very easily. In addition, it lives on plastic and other hard surfaces for up to 3 days and on cardboard or softer surfaces for at least 24 hours. Children and young people up to about 18 years old, are not being affected the same way as those who are older although a small percentage are getting very sick. This group could unknowingly be a major transmitter of the disease.
The rate of mortality for those who are 60 years and older is higher and up to 15% for those who are 80 years and older. So if you do the math, if there’s a group of 100 people who are 80 yrs and above in one location and they all catch this very easily transmittable virus, 15% are likely to pass away. That is, 15 people! That’s staggering! Percentages are lower for younger people but the mortality rate can still be high. So if you’re a younger adult, take this seriously and protect older people around you. If you’re older, please practice social distancing as much as possible so that you stay safe.
Please take all messages to protect yourself and others very seriously. Do everything you can to help flatten the curve.
With all this said, don’t stay cooped up all day indoors in front of digital devices or TV. It’s healthy to go for a walk, jog or run. Get some fresh air and sunshine and in the process, keep a safe distance from others. Also keep in touch with others in your network through all the wonderful technology we have in place
Keep safe and let’s defeat this invisible monster by heeding all the guidelines and advice that has been provided. Together we can "flatten the curve", beat this pandemic and help save lives.
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
Image: CDC/Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS
]]>Many women shy away from exercise because sweat invariably messes up one's hairstyle and styling curly hair AGAIN the next day is a nightmare! Many women with curly hair who have spent time (and money $$$) straightening it, shy away from all sorts of water!
So what should curly, coily haired women do???
My advice is: Get your sweat on! Working out might ruin your hair style, but it might be worth re-thinking how you style your hair if it's preventing you from living your best and healthiest life.
My naturally curly hair isn't an impediment to exercising. In fact, it is so versatile for me that I don't worry about rain, getting water in my hair from swimming or sweating. I'm able to exercise and by using the Moisture Burst System regularly, I'm able to keep my hair soft and manageable.
Might keeping a simpler, more natural hair style give you options to be a healthier you with the express benefits of happier hair? There are so many options for styling hair that with some learning, a little frustration, good advice and persistence, you can work out a way to integrate regular exercise into your life while rocking the coolest hair styles.
Exercising at least 3 times a week:
Supplementing your exercise by drinking eight glasses of water a day will boost your health enormously. This is because water transports nutrients into your cells while carrying waste and toxins out.
So change your hair style if you need to and get your sweat on! For inspiration and ideas, check out our social media pages. Sometimes, imitation is the best form of flattery. Eat well, drink your water, get your sweat on and enjoy the healthy transformation that you will experience in your hair and skin!
We're rooting for you to win the race!!!
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
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In short, below are the steps:
If you have recently taken down a natural hair braided updo or any other braided style, the Naturaz Rehydrating Mist & Detangler can help you moisturize your strands and significantly reduce breakage while detangling.
You need patience to effectively detangle your natural hair without damaging it or causing too much breakage. You also need a product that delivers slip and that isn't so heavy on your hair. Take your time and be gentle with your tresses!
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
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@curliecrys shows us how she creates volumized, shiny, defined twist outs on her thick type 4 natural hair. What goes into her secret sauce to achieve the style shown?
In this example she has used the Naturaz Moisture Blurst System and the Curl Defining Cream. Naturaz products are 100% vegan, aloe vera based and contain nourishing and conditioning oils like jojoba oil, black Jamaican castor oil, palm oil, coconut oil and more. They nourish the scalp and hair and also support hair growth. This natural hair style is easy to create given her technique, and is great in casual and professional settings.
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
]]>I developed the Naturaz Hair Care line to help people like myself with dry, very curly, coily natural hair. My hair can be described as having an afro hair texture with different curl patterns and sizes ranging from small to medium. I've always worn it natural ad in my younger days, it was always a challenge to manage and it tangled a lot. In addition, when I looked around me, I noticed a lot of women suffering from non-genetic hair loss. When I was testing out my formulations in the market, many women would approach me about hair thinning around their temples or on the crown of their heads and wanted tips to grow natural hair. I noticed how children were struggling with painful and long wash days. I was determined to get to the root cause. Curly, coily hair is made up of different hair types and regardless of the texture or coil pattern it generally tends to be dry. Oils produced by the scalp do not travel far along the length of the hair and this results in dryness.
I understood that the root cause that was driving women and children to practices that affected their hair and scalp was mainly because of dry, really difficult to comb natural hair. I was determined to find a solution.
Using my chemistry, health and technical background, I formulated Naturaz hair care products.
My goal was to focus on rich, exotic ingredients that have been used traditionally on hair and combine them with other deeply moisturizing ones to create what we now call the "Moisture Burst Experience." Mother's have often referred to our Naturaz Rehydrating Mist & Detangler as the "Magic Detangler!" It is a moisturizing spray for hair and acts as one of our leave in conditioners. Our clients have shared that their hair is healthier, shows volume, shine and has bounce or that for the first time they can comb through their hair! Based on the feedback we've received, I know for sure that the Moisture Burst System will make a difference for your dry tresses. It has for my daughter who has the tiniest coils you ever saw and her natural hair type is 4C. If you're wondering what is type 4c hair see her picture below. As you know, the tinier the coils, the dryer the hair!
Naturaz Hair Care products will deliver lasting moisture to you hair. Your natural curls will blossom and your well moisturized hair will be soft, manageable and easy to style.
Read the Naturaz Blog to help you along your journey and if you need additional help, reach out to us at customerservice@naturaz.com
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
]]>Natural curly hair tends to be dry and this ranges across many different curly pattern types. The cuticles tend to be more open making it porous. It therefore soaks in moisture easily but also looses it just as easily. You might be wondering what a cuticle is. Picture a hair strand and then imagine that it has a bunch of shingles neatly arranged up and down its length. In curly, coarse hair types, the "shingles" tend to lift and not typically lay flat. This is what causes the hair to be more porous, harder to manage and more prone to breakage. So how can you lock in that moisture so that it is not such a struggle?
A great moisturizing routine with effective products is going to make a huge difference.
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
VIDEO: Mumbi Dunjwa - Founder of Naturaz and Creator of the Moisture Burst System
]]>I've had folks tell me that they've kept braids in for 6 months and experienced extensive hair breakage. So I would not recommend keeping braids in for that long. Two months is a little long but with really good maintenance and care, you might be able to get away with it. When we have a protective style like braids, we tend to create build up. This could be from oils that we use, lint (curly hair loves attracting and holding on to lint), dust, shedding skin from your scalp, shedding hair etc. This build up mainly collects towards the roots of the hair and can make it difficult to take the braid apart as you approach the roots. The longer your braids stay in, the harder it might be to maneuver around the build up. Some people end up having to cut their hair after leaving braids on for too long.
So how long is safe? I'd recommend 6 to 8 weeks and if you want to go longer, you have to really take good care of it to avoid a lot of breakage.
Here are some thoughts that can help you take better care of your hair when it's in braids:
When you take your braids down, it is important to use a moisturizing oil for hair like the Naturaz Styling Moisturizer. It nourishes and moisturizes both the hair and scalp and can help you reduce itchiness on your scalp with or without braids. The moisturizing and conditioning oils and emolients keep it soft and manageable. Always stick to the same line of products for six months to allow your hair to acclimate to it. You don't want to mix different products some of which might have synthetic and harmful ingredients or some which may have ingredients that don't work well together. Using the same product line for longer gives you enough time to evaluate whether or not it works for you. If you have a reaction to any products, stop using them immediately and consult your doctor. If a product line makes your hair and scalp dry, also stop using it and research another line that might help.
How long should you keep your braids in? You will have to balance a number of key factors. Is your natural hair dry? Is your hair breaking? How well are you taking care of your braids? Are you accumulating a lot of build up on your scalp? All things considered, I'd say 6 to 8 weeks is just about right!
How long do YOU keep your braids in? Share your questions and comments in the comment box below or reach out through instant message on the bottom right hand corner of your screen.
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
]]>Jojoba oil is high in vitamin E and in combination with it's effective emollient properties it supports and contributes to hair growth and thickness. It also contains chromium, zinc, copper and vitamin B complex like vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) which promotes healthy hair by strengthening and nourishing the hair follicle.
Jojoba oil is not for consumption. Use it topically on your naturally curly hair and scalp to nourish and promote healthy natural hair, scalp and skin.
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
]]>Natural hair can get contentious in this day and age! Even with a blossoming natural hair community globally, we still have a long way to go to feel comfortable in and fully accept our natural curls and coils. Styling is a major challenge for many women with natural hair and maintaining a style throughout the week can seem difficult. Check out our Natural Hair Styles for work on our Pinterest Inspiration page. Give them a try and I'm sure you’ll get many compliments and inspire others to express their infinite beauty inside and out.
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
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About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
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Hair Healthy Foods
Although we’ve covered this in previous articles like Eat Your Way To Healthy Hair, I'll highlight a few foods to help foods that can help keep your hair healthy and growing.
Protein: Hair is mainly made out of protein. Without protein, you will not produce enough keratin to support healthy hair growth. Eat foods high in protein like goat meat, chicken, eggs, fish, beans.
Iron: Iron deficiency can also cause thinning and hair loss so eat foods high in iron like spinach and kale.
Zinc: Foods like beans and sea food that are high in zinc which can help combat dryness in your hair by supporting the oil glands that product sebum/oil.
Biotin: Foods rich in biotin will help with overall hair growth and health of your scalp. Eggs and salmon are a great source of biotin.
Read more about Omega 3 and benefits for your hair here: Omega 3 Fatty Acids For Healthy Hair.
When you put this into practice, give your hair time to recover and grow. Keep massaging your scalp to stimulate follicles that are still functioning. Be gentle, be patient and you won’t be disappointed!
If you find that your areas of baldness or hair loss are not responding regardless of product, practice and diet, you may already have permanent damage to your hair roots and you may need a hair transplant. You also may have other underlying conditions that need attention. Consult with your dermatologist and/or relevant medical expert if you find yourself in this situation.
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
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Here is an analogy to help you fully understand why constantly yanking out strands of hair by the roots is bad for you, Most of us women tweeze our eyebrows right? If we tweeze them enough times, the areas from which we continuously pull out hair stop growing hair. The hair starts coming in thin and as we continue tweezing and pulling it out by the root, it stops coming in. This same response will be experienced if your hair strands are held too tight repeatedly such that they get plucked out. This type of hair loss is mainly experienced around the temples or more generally around the hairline. Over time, growth of hair in these areas can be slowed down. In serious cases, the hair roots are permanently damaged and the hair stops growing altogether.
Do you suffer from traction alopecia? What do you think caused it? Has your hair grown back?
]]>We live in a world where for the first time in years, the black woman is reclaiming the beauty of her coily crown. There’s a natural hair movement sweeping across nations and inspiring women to see, love and bring out the beauty in their hair again. There is an ongoing global conversation and sharing of information that is transforming lives, improving self worth and sparking innovation. Women are saying no to destructive hair practices that have left many bare temples, caused thinning and balding and that have affected their self esteem. Although this is a great time for natural hair, there is still the reality of hair loss. Especially as women grow older. Massive numbers of black women suffer from hair thinning and loss. In this article, I discuss alopecia, its causes and give you a preview of the hair growth cycle. I then discuss two major types of alopecia (non-genetic) that you can avoid. Read on.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is a condition where hair stops growing where it normally grows. It is characterized by balding or areas where the hair has significantly thinned out. The most common form of alopecia is male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia although it has become commonplace to find widespread alopecia amongst black women. Alopecia in women can be caused by various factors including: genetics, autoimmune disorders, improper diet, frequent heat treatments, traction and chemically induced alopecia to name a few. Jada Pinket is one of the most famous celebrities who is sharing her journey with alopecia and helping to spread information about this condition more broadly. This condition can really affect a woman's self esteem. I have encountered many women who feel extremely distressed as they journey through hair loss. There are two types of non-genetic alopecia: Chemically induced alopecia which affects women from all walks of life and is caused by the use of chemicals that straighten hair or relax the curl. Traction induced alopecia which affects women and children and is caused by tight braids or tight hair styles. Read more about both types of alopecia to understand the causes and how you can avoid these conditions in the long run.
Hair Growth Cycle
Before delving into the various types of alopecia, let’s quickly review the hair growth cycle. Hair grows from the follicle (root) underneath the skin (scalp). Blood vessels at the base of the follicle feed and nourish the hair. You’d think that hair would keep growing until we cut it off but that’s not the case! Our body has its own regulation mechanisms and cycles and goes through three distinct stages:
In a normal hair growth cycle, a larger percentage of hair is in the Anagen phase and every hair is at a different stage of the growth cycle. We normally loose 50-100 strands of hair per day and when we create conditions that cause hair loss, we cannot replace additional lost hair with new hair quickly enough. We then start noticing thinning and if we continue in this vein and damage our follicles, we start suffering from alopecia.
Now that you have some understanding of how your hair grows and sheds, let’s explore traction alopecia and Chemically induced alopecia .
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]]>My curls are not as small as they used to be. I’m still a type 4 hair type but my whole head of hair is not 4C any more. Some parts are 4A and others 4B. My crown is the frizziest as well as the hair right at the front along my forehead and temples. I think it’s because these areas are the most exposed. The hair in the back of my head is the softest and silkiest. Or at least my cuticle is more relaxed and smoothed. This is the most protected part of my hair. Some people think I'm a type 2 in the back of my head when I stretch & brush it in an up-do! I never thought in my life that anyone would think my curls were that loose. My guess is that most people might experience this same phenomenon.
Did you know that black women purchase at least 9 times more hair products than any other demographic? We are always trying out new stuff to see whether our hair likes it. Or we might watch an influencer with larger than life hair demonstrate the use of a product line and want to achieve similar results. Many of us fall flat on our faces and pretty much give up on products we purchase when we don’t achieve our goals. Six months down the road, we can hardly shut our cabinets that are overflowing with disappointing products. Maybe we are too eager or too impulsive or maybe our vision for our hair is so tremendous that we forget to take the tiny, incremental steps needed to get to our envisioned destination. In our eagerness and impulsiveness, we give up quickly on seeing the products we purchase through, and quickly shift to the next fad that shows up on YouTube. If all this sounds familiar to you, read on because I have a surprising discovery to share with you.
If you want to experience real change in the texture and look of your hair, stick with one highly moisturizing product line for at least six months. Clients who’ve used the Moisture Burst System have shared that they’ve experienced a texture change with consistent use of the product line. Regardless of what you currently use or what you’re about to try out, stick with it for six months or at least finish the jars or bottles of products that you have. Give them a fair chance to help you achieve your hair goals. It takes time to really start experiencing a difference in texture so be patient and consistent.
If a product line is making your scalp itchy or you have an allergic reaction, definitely stop using it and make sure you alert the manufacturer. If your reaction is serious, see a medical professional as soon as possible. I’m a lifelong natural and I’ve lived the gamut when it comes to natural hair. Consider what I’ve shared in this article and remember that “a rolling stone gathers no moss.”
Let us know what you think by leaving comments below and let us know what your hair texture is like now compared to the past and what you’ve done to achieve it.
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
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Reach out to us if you have any questions! customerservice@naturaz.com
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Healthy hair is a sign that your body is also healthy. If you take great care of your body, it will in turn take great care of you! .
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System™. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
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I always enjoy my Tuesday evenings when I get coached by the absolute best yoga instructor I've ever had. We stretch a lot through the various poses. We also get a serious work out, tighten our abs, twist, build flexibility and more. I want to be doing this when I'm ninety!
So, what are the benefits of yoga and hot yoga?
Detoxification: You'll sweat especially when you do hot yoga! Sweating is a mechanism employed by the body to cool you down. It also cleans and helps carry toxins out of your body. When your body is not eliminating properly, it means that you're not in your best health. This also has an impact on the health of your hair and skin. You might experience break outs on your skin and hair that doesn't look or feel healthy.
Stress Elimination: Did you know that stress contributes to hair thinning and loss? At yoga, I have to focus on poses. Especially those that demand the most balance! If my mind wanders, I fall over! This level of focus stills my mind. The chattering in the brain stops and I get a reset. Many times I get clarity about situations that I'm dealing with. I feel so relaxed and peaceful after yoga that I sleep deeply and wake up rested.
Grounding: Yoga grounds me through the rhythmic deep breathing and connection to the ground or floor supporting my body when I do difficult balance poses. I feel more connected to the earth and to everyone every time I practice yoga. This grounding practice helps with focus and stress management as well.
Enhances Circulation: Any form of exercise enhances circulation which strengthens your blood vessels, your heart muscle and delivers nutrients faster and more effectively where needed. When blood is flowing strongly through your veins, your scalp and follicles underneath reap the benefits, the result being healthier skin and hair. Naturaz products like the hair & scalp moisturizer also contain essential oils like lavender and peppermint essential oils that promote circulation in your hair follicles. Increased blood circulation enables that follicle to obtain nourishment which supports hair growth.
Improved flexibility: Yoga improves flexibility by gently stretching your muscles over time and helping your body lubricate joints. For older people with arthritis and stiff joints, yoga can help reduce or eliminate pain over time while building flexibility so that they don't compromise on activities of daily living. Head stands are great in bringing more circulation to your scalp and hair follicles. Flexibility makes exercising fun and the more exercise you get, the healthier you are overall. I'm much more flexible due to yoga and I will do yoga well into my old age!
Combine yoga with an excellent diet for glowing skin and healthy hair!
About the Author – Mumbi Dunjwa is an award-winning chemist from the American Chemical Society. She is the Founder & CEO of Naturaz and she formulated the industry leading Moisture Burst System. This revolutionary 3-step system is an all-natural hair care product line which is 100% vegan and scientifically formulated to infuse long lasting moisture in curly, coily hair. Mumbi has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and nuclear medicine technology and a Masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University. She is passionate about seamlessly integrating health and beauty in our lives and she is a strong advocate for advancing STEM education among our youth, developing STEM careers and empowering women and girls around the world.
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