Happy Holidays and Healthy Hair & Skin!

We're often so busy during the holiday season that we have a tendency to let a few things go to make up for hurried time.  The first thing is usually our hair.  We're saving for holiday spending so we skip our hair maintenance.  The winter is the worst time to skimp on your hair.  The air is dry, cold and often windy, leaving our hair dried out from the air and battered from the wind and cold.  Winter is the time that our hair and skin need extra moisturizing on a consistent basis.  Here are a few tips to keep your hair in tip top shape during the holiday season:

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize 
In the African American community moisture has always been associated with oil.  Moisture comes from water and water based products.  A good deep moisturizer is critical to natural hair which is usually curly and has a tendency to dry out when exposed to dry air.  Hair should be washed and conditioned with an excellent moisture shampoo and conditioner.

My favorite shampoo & conditioner:  Paul Mitchell Instant Moisture Daily Shampoo and Instant Moisture Daily Treatment.

My favorite leave-in moisturizer:  Care Free Curl (that's right!) Moisture Gold

Protect
Here is where you oil based products come in.  Oil serves as a protectant for the hair and as a vehicle for vitamins, nutrients and essential oil properties to penetrate the scalp.  Oil based products should be used in modertation and work best when the hair is damp.  As the hair dries and the water evaporates, the evaporation pulls the oils into the hair shaft and into the scalp.  Oil on dry hair sits on the hair and just gets on your clothes and pillow cases (yuck!)

My favorite oil protectant:  Organic Jojoba Oil (put in a few drops of lavender and rosemary for conditioning and to stimulate the scalp)  Jojoba is the only oil that most closely matches the sebum that is naturally produced in the scalp, its a light oil that absorbs very quickly into damp hair and scalp and is excellent as a carrier oil.  Jojoba is also very affordable.

Aloe is great for dry, itchy scalp and skin. Excellent alone or mixed with your favorite conditioner, lotion or bath product

Argan is also great for dry hair and for protection from the elements, but you rarely find pure Argan Oil as its very expensive on it own.

Neem and Tamanu Oils are excellent for dry hair and skin issues and over the top as an addition for your hair conditioner and your favorite lotions.  I reserve these oils for clients with skin and scalp problems such as psoriasis, exzema and other inflammatory skin issues.

Healthy Diet
I would be in error not to mention that you can do everything listed here and still get no results if you're not eating properly and drinking enough water on a consistent basis.  As hair and skin are made up of protein be sure you're getting enough protein in your diet on a daily basis.  Drink at least 64oz of water daily (more if you exercise) and eat plenty of fresh fruits and veges.  If you take medications, ensure you're taking them properly and know their possible side effects (hair thinning comes with a variety of medications).  Don't always feel that just because so-in-so does such-and-such for her hair and its growing, means the same will work for you.  We're all different and you need to learn your bodies needs and what works for your body.

Hope these tips help you spend less time worrying about what to do to keep your hair and skin healthy during the holiday, and spend more time loving on friends and family.

May the joy of Christ fill your holiday with peace and love!

Many blessings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Byond Natural

byondnatural@gmail.com

This is truly a new time, an exciting time for Byond Natural.  Our focus has always been meeting the needs of our clients, but I feel a push leading me to move in a new direction.  Keep it simple, make it plain.  I want to serve you not just with my knowledge of hair care, but my ministry of love for people.  You no longer see a price list, but my clients can guarantee my pricing is the same.  You don't see a long list of "hair and scalp issues", but you can rest assured that any issue you may be facing, I'll still take the time to work with you and help you focus on solutions to make your situation better (if it is possible within the scope of my knowledge).

I feel a move of the Lord and my business is flowing with that move.  A move of healing, a move of peace, a move of new beginnings, a move of rest in Him, a move of restoration.  Byond Natural has truly become a place of healing, a place where LOVE rules.  I love hair care, but I love people more.  Anyone that knows me knows that I don't call myself a "hair stylist", never have and never will.  I CARE for the needs of my clients hair and scalp, but I LOVE my clients.  Having said all this, Byond Natural is not just my business, its part of my ministry of Love and Hospitality.  Those that the Lord brings get exactly what He needs them to get and I'm so glad He uses Byond Natural to do beyond natural things.

Be blessed and if its worth living, its worth living beyond.....................................

Byond Natural is now blogging only

I'm always trying to find ways to make sure I'm developing relationships and not just marketing.  Byond Natural is no longer has a website, we are blogging to have a more interactive relationship with our clients.

As my clients already know, I take new clients by referral only.  Please share the blog with them for weekly information.  You'll now get articles and information on living byond natural to help you not only have healthy hair and scalp, but to live a whole, healthy lifestyle.

More to come soon..........

Living green, saving money and loving life!

Changing to a "green" lifestyle is more than a notion, but once you get good, practical information it becomes so much easier to acheive.  I just want to share a few tips you can use to live green and save some green:)

Household Cleaning

Disinfecting with 70% Isoprofil Alcohol
My son has allergies gallore, so I'm always mindful of the products I use to clean our home.  One of the easiest and least expensive things I've done is to use 70% Isoprofil Alcohol in a spray bottle to clean my kitchen and bathroom hard surfaces.  Its a great alternative to using chemical laden products and is very effective at removing many harmful microbes.

Scrubing with Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
Need a great scruber to remove stubborn stains without having to wear a facemask to prevent fumes from overcoming you.  Consider using baking soda and lemon juice.  Mix 1/4 cup lemon juice with 2tbsps water and mix in enough baking soda to make a paste.  Excellent for cleaning stains from the sink, tub or toilet.  Be sure to use on hard surfaces only.  Works well and smells great!

Natural Air Freshner
Cinnamon sticks and cloves make a great natural air freshner.  Place 2 cinnamon sticks and a palm full of cloves to a simmering pot of 2 cups water and allow to simmer on low.  The fragrance will fill your home with the warm, relaxing scent of spice.

Air Purifier
Plants, plants, plants.  A study conducted by NASA found that for an average home of under 2,000 square feet, the study recommends using at least fifteen samples of a good variety of these common houseplants to help improve air quality. They also recommend that the plants be grown in six inch containers or larger.


The recommended plants are easily available from your local nursery.


1. Philodendron scandens `oxycardium', heartleaf philodendron

2. Philodendron domesticum, elephant ear philodendron

3. Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana', cornstalk dracaena

4. Hedera helix, English ivy

5. Chlorophytum comosum, spider plant

6. Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig', Janet Craig dracaena

7. Dracaena deremensis `Warneckii', Warneck dracaena

8. Ficus benjamina, weeping fig

9. Epipiremnum aureum, golden pothos

10. Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa', peace lily

11. Philodendron selloum, selloum philodendron

12. Aglaonema modestum, Chinese evergreen

13. Chamaedorea sefritzii, bamboo or reed palm

14. Sansevieria trifasciata, snake plant

15. Dracaena marginata , red-edged dracaena

For more on the study and its findings and recommendations visit http://www.cleanairgardening.com/houseplants.html

Fabric freshener for dryer
A few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton gauze tossed into your dryer will freshen your clothes minus the synthetic chemicals used in conventional dryer sheets.

Floor cleaning
Although I don't usually recommend products, I will say that a good steam mop is well worth your time, money and health.  You use tap water in the steam mop and its converted to steam while you clean the floors.  No chemicals, no dirty water to dispose of, no gloves............... Just wash your cleaning pads when finished.  Steam mops are awesome!

These are just a few great options to get started on your journey to green living.  Stay tuned for more green living tips:)

Byond Natural March Promotion - Luck of the Irish!

March – Luck of the Irish Package $90

Step outside the box with a Barley & Hops infused cleanse and condition. It takes more than luck to get strong, soft, conditioned and volumized hair. It takes beer! With essential vitamins, biotin, barley & hops it’s the perfect addition to your hair pampering regimen!




Package includes ($100 value)

Beer infused cleanse

Beer & Honey infused steam conditioner

Argan oil & Acai berry leave-in treatment

Your choice of silken or rod set

Locs add $20 Interlocs add $50

http://www.byondnatural.com/

Hair thinning and/or loss don't have to mean the loss of your self-esteem

I found myself in a beauty supply store several weeks ago looking a wigs.  That's not so unusal as I always look at wigs and I love to wear wigs for a quick change of pace or fresh look.  What was problematic is that I was looking at wigs because I really felt I needed one.  There is a hugh difference from wearing something because you want to and wearing something because you feel you need to.  I felt I needed to.

Over the past two years I've been sharing with my clients that my hair is thinning.  I've also acknowledged that I deal with Trichtolomania (pulling the hair out) when I'm under stress, and I take a hypertension medication that also thins the hair.  The Trichtolomania I'm very aware of and make every effort to keep my hands out of my hair with the exception of styling, but I must say that I learned that I've been pulling my hair out of the crown of my head while sleeping with the the last stressful event.  This is unsettling, but I'm not defeated.  I finally decided to take authority over my thoughts and I decide who and what I give space to in my mind...............worry won't be one of the things that gets any space.

I encourage women on a daily basis regarding hair thinning and loss.  I support my clients in having healthier lifestyles, focusing on learning to treat ourselves well and making time for ourselves.  I have to remember the lessons and words of encouragement I give to others and start encouraging myself as well.

I'm a "sold-out" women of God, and I know who I am and Whose I am.  I recognize that I walk in victory and that I don't have to give in to feeling defeated.  I decided that my hair is what it is.  If I want to wear a wig I will, if I don't, I won't.  Either way, I'm still me and that's a pretty good person to be.  I love people, I love helping and taking care of people and I refuse to walk in defeat.  The Lord is so big and there's nothing He can't handle, nor is there anything He allows me to go through that I can't handle.

Ladies, we truly are not defined by our hair, but by our character.

Many blessings!

Dealing with my own hair loss, kinda

As a natural hair culturist, I've worked with women with a variety of hair thinning and loss issues.  I fully understand the process of hair loss, the cause of many forms of hair loss and the emotional toll it can have on the self-esteem.  I must say that there's nothing like experiencing it yourself.

Over the past year and a half, I've been slowly losing hair in the crown and on the sides of my head.  My hair loss is medication related.  I take Lisinopril to control my hypertension, and I must add it really controls my blood pressure very well (116/68).  The horrible down side, my hair looks a hot and thin mess.  Each time I run my fingers through my hair, its an ugly reminder of what I used to have.  Praise God my hair is nappy and I can cover the thinning spots with my afro, nappy hair gives the illusion of thick hair, so for the most part no one notices.  But I do.  It took me years to find the right medication to control my blood pressure without making my heart race or making me feel tired or that was really expensive.  Lisinopril is only $4 at most pharmacies and I only have to take one tablet daily.  But my hair!

Sunday morning I found myself crying in my husbands arms murmuring "I don't want to loose my hair".  Kevin is such an awesome husband and could truly care less if I have a head full of hair, a weave, braids, locs, whatever, I've done it all.  He reminded me that my hair wasn't what was important, but my health is of vital importance, and he agreed we will work with my doctor to find a new medication to curtail the hair loss while still maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

The irony here is that I truly understand and am committed to the fact that my ministry is to women who are going through hair thinning and loss.  The Lord reminded me that you can only minister to someone effectively when you've had similar experiences.  No one wants to hear, "girl just trust and pray", a sister wants to know "how did you get through it"?  Here's how: 

Put your health first and get to the root of the problem;
Research, research, research;
Surround yourself with a good support system;
Don't stress out, it prevents you from making sound decisions;
Seek holistic help as well as medical help (nature and science should work together);
Don't let your hair define you;
Take good care of your scalp and use great product with great ingredients;
A good wig or weave can be a girls best friend while finding the solution (if any) to your hair thinning/loss.

Be encouraged and know that I am.

What gives?

I just have to ask.  What makes a person want to go natural and use the best products on their hair and scalp, yet never drink more than 24 oz of water, rarely eat a balanced meal or get enough sleep, haven't taken a vitamin in years, eat junk on a regular basis and live in stress mode?   

It's more than a notion to attempt to live a healthly lifestyle.  Everything needs to be done in moderation and in a balanced way.  I love that so many women are living chemical free, but let's take that to another level.  This year make every effort to detox all the way around, that includes mind, body and spirit.  You don't have to completely give up donuts or throw away every hair product you bought last year.  Just use good judgement and don't get caught up in the marketing schemes that scare you into buying items you really don't need and before you saw the ads, didn't want.  Here are a few easy, economical things you can do to start living a healthy lifestyle:

Love yourself right where you are, but recognize what needs to change and change it;

Love others right where they are, but you don't have to tolerate ugly behavior or take on others issues, especially when they don't want to take on their issues themselves;

If going natural is important to you, lose the relaxer and get good professional transition hair care;

Schedule a physical;

Go through a good, holistic body detox 3 times annually; 

Eat 5 small meals a day to help metabolism work more effeciently;

Drink at least 64oz water daily;

Exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes each session;

Make quiet time for yourself;

Try to get 8 hours of sleep each night (set a regular bedtime and stick to it);

Turn the cellphone off at a certain time each evening;

Honestly evaluate your relationships, friendships, etc.  (anyone toxic?);

Honestly evaluate yourself (you may be the toxic one) make corrections;

Be the friend you want;

Stop letting life live you..............don't stress (this to will pass)

Know that prayer changes things.

Don't just go natural...............go Byond Natural.

In February show your hair a little love too

Byond Natural is always trying to find new and exciting ways to pamper and nourish the hair with the most natural ingredients possible.  This year we're offering our clients monthly promotions to take their hair care to another mouth watering level.  You'd be amazed what you can find in your cupboard to soften, condition, strengthen and protect your hair.  Follow Byond Natural as we take our clients on a delicious journey throughout 2010.  You can even try creating your own delicious hair pampering regimens.  Enjoy!

Love & Happiness Hair Care Pampering Package  $100 ($125 value)

Relax and rekindle the love affair with your hair with an aromatic, nourishing and stimulating cocoa and mint scalp scrub, a cocoa & mint steam conditioner and a refreshing warm mint tea hair rinse. Finish your service with a ginger infused twist out, rod set or blow dry & curl.


Package includes

Cocoa & mint scrub

Cocoa & mint cleanse

Cocoa & mint steam conditioner

Mint tea hair rinse

Argan Oil & Acai Berry Leave In Treatment

Ginger infused twist-out, rod set or blow dry & curl

(Locs add $30, Interlocs add $60)

Visit us at http://www.byondnatural.com/