Alot people don’t understand that to lose weight you have to eat, especially women.
They think that by cutting calories to a very low number “starving themselves” and doing extreme amounts of cardio will give them the body they always wanted. Nothing could be further from the truth.
To get a bikini body you have to eat (HEALTHY) small meals, frequently throughout the day and do a combination of weight training & cardio exercises… It took me a long time to realize this!
It also took me a long time to understand that diets DON’T work… You can’t diet to lose weight and go back to eating the same after losing all the weight…b/c you WILL gain all the weight back! (Speaking from experience)
You have to make a conscious decision that this will become a lifestyle... That eating healthier and exercising is part of your everyday routine! Once a person realizes this, everything else will fall into place.
You’ll start to understand that you won’t be eating to lose weight, you’ll be eating to be healthy….. Losing weight will just become an added benefit!
Below is the plan that I am currently doing as I prepare for my next Bikini show.
This is how a person should be eating to lose weight. Notice there are no fried foods, fast foods, simple sugars (soda, white rice, pastas, etc) or any kind of junk food.
I am allowed to eat those foods, but only in moderation … 1x a week!
Even though I am preparing for a competition, this is how someone should be eating regularly if they want the body of their dreams.
Be committed … Stay focus … It is possible!!
Training: 30 min cardio- 4 day/week, weight training 5 days/ wk
Day 1: Chest
Flat bench press with DB
Incline press with straight bar
Dumbbell Flies:
Day 2: Quads/Hamstrings
Squat: Shoulder width apart
Dead Lift
Lunge front: holding DB
Day 3: Shoulders:
Smith machine, overhead press
Side Lateral Raise w/DB
Bent over rear delts w/DB
Day 4: Arms:
Preacher Curls with bar
Sitting alternating DB curls
DB kickbacks
Day 5: Back
RG pulldowns
DB one-arm rows
Hyperextensions
~4 sets each exercise
~ No rest between each exercise
~ After each giant set take a 2 minute rest
~ Before workout warm-out with 2 sets of 15 with first exercise
~Keep rep range between 12-15 reps (close to failure)
Meal plan – 1500 Calories / 5 small meals daily
*1.5 cup Special k cereal
10 almonds
1cup 2% milk
*1 individual size Greek yogurt
*4oz ground turkey or chicken breast
2slices of bread (45 cal each)
1 small apple or banana
* 2 rice cakes
2 tbsp peanut butter
*5oz chicken
¾ cup brown rice
2 oz green beans
*1 choc pudding cup (Dessert)
I know it’s been a little while since my last post.
Took this year off from competing in shows so I could focus on some personal financial goals of mine…
My business- Bademous Enterprises, LLC
On Aug 27, 2012 I formed Bademous Enterprises, Limited Liability Company (LLC)
As of right now, I am still working my 9-5 and even though I don’t “dis-like” my job, I have realized a 9-5 isn’t for me.
I was born to be an entrepreneur!
This post is about starting your own business and building your business entity to stand on its own!
I have been doing a lot of research and reading a lot of books about how you can build business credit and now feel a little confident about how to set my business up the RIGHT way.
My future long-term goal is to be able to get “Unsecured Business Loans and/or Lines of Credit” with NO personal guarantee (PG).
The “secret” with building business credit is to “operate” everything in the business name.
When you operate your business under YOUR OWN SS# *aka* Sole Proprietorship, you are telling banks that you are willing to personally guarantee your business loans.
This means… if your businesses fail “YOU” fail, because everything is reported on your “Personal Credit Report”
When you get business credit cards in your social security number, it’s reported on your personal credit report.
When you get business loans, they ask for “YOUR” social security number.
This means the growth of your business; it’s based on “YOUR” personal credit history and report.
So, that ALSO means if you have bad credit…. Well, you get the picture!!
The goal is to build everything around the business name so it can have its own identity.
Just like your personal credit, you have to “strategically” build it up to meet the criteria of the business world.
You can’t just form an LLC or Corp then walk into a bank and ask for a loan.
This is pretty much where I am now….. Building my business identity!
My goal is to not have to be “personally liable” for anything.
Everywhere I’ve read states this process can take up to 6 months to 2 years. Banks supposedly wont’ lend to any business if it doesn’t have a financial statement of at least 2 years.
That’s why I’m setting up the business now, so when I need the money, it’ll be available to me.
I’ve also come across a lot of “Business Credit Builder” companies that seem to charge a hefty penny to help build your business credit for you.
I chose to do some more in depth research and found that you can pretty much do the same stuff by yourself… with a little more effort ,of course!
A really great site that I found A LOT of very valuable information for FREE was gboogie.net/
All of his youtube vids helped me!!!
1st thing 1st ….. Obviously, you need a business name
In short…. (You can Google the long process)
You go to IRS.gov to search your business name. After you have the name, it’s time to form a company. Your company should be a LLC, LP, LLP, S-Corp or C- Corp. Whatever you do, DON’T make it a sole proprietorship!
You pay the fees, get the business registered, obtain licenses for the business if you need them, then you have to obtain a Tax ID #- which is your EIN #.
Your EIN# is the business SS#... this is what you will use from now on for everything that has to do with your business.
All this can be done by you online, with an attorney or businesses that specialize in start-ups.
They were cheaper than an attorney and they were there to answer all my questions while setting up my entity. I could have done it online by myself, but I really wanted to understand the process.
Cost… $399: NCH Fee + $125: State fee = $524 … Which is considered my start-up fee, which is also considered a business write off J
After you set your business up, it’s time to make it look like an actual business….. It’s time to flood the market!!!
I then opened 2 business checking accounts… one at PNC and one at Wells Fargo in the EXACT business name… remember everything MUST match… the goal is to separate the business from yourself.
I then opened up a $500 CD got a secured business loan backed by the CD for that amount. I then took out a loan for that amount and repeated the process at the other bank.
Now I have loans in my business name. These secured loans will mostly be reported by Equifax Business.
The next thing I did was got a business land line through ATT. This will list your business in the 411 directory.
This can take up to 3-4 weeks, but I have found out that if you call back a few days after you place your order, ATT can give you the designated phone # before they come out to set your line up.
You MUST make sure everything matches… the business name, the business address (I use my personal residence address as my business address also)
When you go to fill out applications and apply for credit for your business, most places will ask for a business phone number. You don’t want to use your personal cell phone number
This is important because Lenders what to make sure you are operating as a “Real Business”The next thing I did was start listing my business with all the search engines. This will help expose your business to the world for lenders, consumers and other businesses to see.
After listing the business name, I started registering my company at every business site I could think of. Especially, the places I plan on doing business with in the future.
Such places are:
· Uline.com
· Grainger.com
· Rapid Forms.com
· Quill.com
· Seton.com
· Fed ex
· Reliable
· Home depot
· Office depot
· Staples
· Best Buy
· Wal-mart
· Target
· Ups
· Amazon
· Radio Shack
· Sams Club
You get the picture…. In addition to registering the business with these companies, I also requested a catalog to be mailed out.
This is all still part of the process of getting the company’s name out into the business world.
Now it’s time to get trade lines that report to Dun & Bradstreet.
1st let’s talk a little bit about the TOP 3 Business Credit bureaus ….
Dun and Bradstreet, Equifax business and Experian business Dun & Bradstreet is the largest business credit bureau in America. This also means they hold the most clout with the creditors. Dun & Bradstreet (also called DNB, DUNS) set the standard for business credit scoring. It is the one credit profile you, as a business owner, must protect. Having a solid DUNS profile is critical to the success of your business.
After getting the business TAX ID #, you will want to get a free DUNS #. You get this by going to the website www.dnb.com and applying for it. This number is used to identify your business.
The second is Business Equifax, which is also one of the three primary consumer credit reporting agencies. It provides business credit evaluations for over 22,000,000 small businesses and corporations.
The third one is Business Experian, which is similar to Equifax business.
After I did the background foot work for my business (listing the business everywhere) I started opening trade lines (NET 30 accounts) at different companies. Most companies that have net accounts will report to D&B.
Net 10, Net 15, Net 30 and Net 60 are forms of trade credit which specify that the net amount (the total outstanding on the invoice) is expected to be payment received in full 10, 15, 30 or 60 days after the goods are shipped by the seller.
Some companies are:
· Uline.com
· Grainger.net
· Nebs.com
· Seton.com
· Reliable.com They say it’s best to have at least 5 or 6 lines reporting to build credit faster.
The whole point of doing all this is to get a PAYDEX score of 80.
You are probably familiar with the FICO scoring system used in personal credit. Your FICO (Fair Isaacs) score ranges from 450 – 850. In business credit, a different scoring system is used called your PAYDEX score. Your PAYDEX score ranges from 0 – 100. An 80 PAYDEX score is equivalent to a 750 FICO score used in personal credit.
This is pretty much where I am so far with my business...
After the trade lines start reporting, my goal is to start applying for revolving credit lines such as: Home depot, Lowes, Amazon, Office depot, Pep Boys, Staples places like that. Most revolving accounts report to Experian Business.
The goal is to get companies reporting to all three credit bureaus.
Then ultimately start applying for lines of credits with the bigger banks. That’s why they say it’s a process that can take up to 6months – 2 years!
The niche for my company is real estate. I want to buy, sell and rent.
However, real estate is considered “High Risk” so most lenders are wary about offering finance to this type of business.
Bademous Enterprises, LLC is a privately owned, New Jersey based management company that provides business services.
These “business services” can include anything from a messaging service (bringing checks or cash to the bank), cleaning, repairing, answering phones, to showing rentals.
My goal is to build my management company up and use the “management company” to buy my real estate (Hint: with no personal guarantee)
So when I go into the banks, my business will look more favorable then going in as a “real estate investor”
A really good article to read about business classification is called
Earlier I stated that banks want to see a financial statement of about 2 years.
So my plan is to buy properties in my name, but use my company for everything else.
Which means Bademous Enterprises, LLC will be listed on leases; repair forms; rental payments will be made out to the company name and processed through the business checking accounts, anything that has to do with the “business side of Real Estate” will be done in the company name. This will show financial history and help build the business.
Knowledge is Power… I've said it before and I’ll keep saying it!!!
~You can make more money with your mind, then you can ever make with your hands~
We all have heard the saying…. As the Rich gets Richer: The Poor Gets Poorer
Well … I can sum up what I’ve learned in the last 5 years in 3 short sentences:
~The Rich buys Assets
~The Middle Class buys Liabilities that they think are assets
~The Poor only have expenses
My Story...
I graduated college (Temple University) in 2007. After graduating, I had about $75,000 in student loans (and you thought your $25,000 was a lot. HA!)
That was about 5 years ago…. As of now, after interest and deferring payments, let’s just say they are well in the six figures... Especially sense I’m doing my masters program.
See, doing my undergrad years, I did a lot of stupid things!
Like take out way more money that I needed. You know, that refund check! Yea, I lived for that refund check. I actually bought my first car with it one year. Crazy, right! Well, back then I didn’t know any better. I wasn’t thinking about paying anything back, nor did I care!
After graduating, I started reading a lot of books about paying down my debt and getting rid of student loans!
It wasn’t until I read: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki that my mind on money began to CHANGE… like I literally had a paradigm shift!!!
To sum up the book:
Robert Kiyosaki tells a story about how he grew up with 2 dads.
His real dad (Poor One) and his best friend’s dad (Rich One)
He goes on to talk about how his poor dad told him to go to school, get a good paying job, buy a house and invest in mutual funds. While his rich dad said to work hard at buying income producing assets.
In the book he breaks down:
~ The importance of your personal financial statement and how to read one
~The difference between an asset and a liability
~The difference between how the middle-class thinks about money and how the rich think about money
~ How to invest for cash flow instead of capital gains
According to Kiyosaki, An asset is something that puts money into your pocket whether you work or not.
In the book he gives examples of why the financial statements look different for the rich, middle-class and the poor!
He states the poor work for a paycheck through their job. When they get paid, they use their (income) to buy expenses~ things that have no value. For example: clothes, shoes, T.V.’s etc
The middle class work for income also, but they use their income to buy liabilities~ they think are assets. Things that take money out their pocket. For example: a house with a mortgage, a car with a car note, family vacations etc
The rich however may also work for income, but use their income to buy assets ~things that put money in their pockets whether they work or not. For example: businesses, rental income, royalties etc
Fast forward to 2012 …
Some people may know the real estate market went bust in 2007. A lot of people started losing their homes to foreclosures and for-sale signs started popping up everywhere!!!
From 2007 – 2009 all I did was learn about real estate investing. I read book after book, went to investing seminars, church classes and even volunteered at an investing school- American Real Estate Investors Institute.
My goal during this time was to pay down all my “BAD DEBT” so I can focus on buying “GOOD DEBT"
In Jan 2010, I went back to school to work on getting my masters degree. Here’s the thing though, I only went back to get in- school deferment.
In May of 2010 I bought my first house- a 1 bedroom condo, with a den (that I use as a second room) for $65,000 (despite my large student loan amount). I only put $500 down out my pocket! I also realize now in 2012, that I paid like way to much b/c the real estate market hit rock bottom around the end of 2011. I could have gotten a really nice condo for around $45,000 - $50,000.
But I did get the Obama tax credit for $8,000. (A special program that Obama started for all 1st time home buyers) So I used that money to pay off my car and fix up my condo a little.
While in school I started getting refund checks again, BUT this time I started saving them. In about 1 ½ years I had stacked almost $20,000.
I have learned in real estate you have to THINK outside the BOX!!!
So, now in 2012 with the market still being pretty bad, I started looking again. I had a little bit of money, so I felt confident. Well, every place I went to, turned me down… Why?!
My debt to income ratio was way too high… too much student loans was all I kept hearing, even though my credit score was good. (I always made sure to keep good credit) Some people don’t care what their credit looks like, I do… I need my credit!
Another thing, I never really used credit cards. I had a total of 6, but the total balance was about $3000, which I paid off.
Tip: Never close your credit cards b/c it can hurt your credit score!
Every mortgage place I went to said no.... So now what, just turn around and walk away... Never!!
Thinking outside the box, I started looking at other ways to get in the game and came across SELLER FINANCING. Seller financing is where the seller of the property holds the mortgage (like the bank). You still go to closing and the seller still may require you to put money down.
I found two properties that were marketing seller financing. So I put an offer on one of them, offering 10% down. Well, the seller came back with a counter offer at 30%. Mind you, the price of the triplex house – (3units) was 129,999 and the seller wanted 30% down.
Needless to say, I walked away (heart-broken)… I mean really, who has that type of cash just lying around… I started to get frustrated b/c I felt like I was trying so hard and all the doors kept closing in my face!!
A couple months later I found a duplex (2 units) , in the decent neighborhood for $60,000 and the place had a renter already in it! I felt like I hit the lottery….
So immediately I go to look at it, HORRIBLE. I don’t even know how somebody was living in it, but there was a renter, paying $600/month.
I suspected the place needed about $15,000-$20,000 worth of work. I didn’t have that kind of cash, plus the money to buy the place, so I went to a hard money lender. (Supposedly hard money lenders are more lenient than conventional banks) But they also denied me… lol
At this point, I was getting pissed. These stupid student loans are messing my life up! But me being me, kept pressing on! That's when I found a partner/ family member. Someone I could trust. My partner got approved for a loan called 203k (where the government actually gives you money to fix up a house) You can use the loan on anything up to 4 units and that’s how we were able to acquire the property.
My long term goal now is to start paying off my students loans, while acquiring more rental properties!!!
I'm sharing my story b/c I want people to know that anything is possible!!!!
Set goals and work toward them!!
GOD put a purpose in us all… an idea... a dream… We were all meant to prosper!!
All you have to do is take action!!!!
Educate yourself..... then educate someone else!!!
“If your dreams don’t scare you, then their not big enough” ~ Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
10pm- Protein shake: 1 scoop ~ b/w 100-120 calories
*** I still get my cheat meal... 1x/ week : No more than 2hrs ***
Training:
4 sets each 45 sec rest 15 Reps or to failure
*** Add 30sec Plyos in b/w all sets ***
Day 1 ~ Chest/Back
Flat bench straight bar
incline DB press
Machine press flyes
Front WG pull downs
T-bar row
Assisted Pull up machine
Day 2 ~ Quads/Bi's
Leg press- shoulder width apart
step up on bench w/ DB in hands
DB wide sumo squat
BB close grip curls with bent bar
ST bar wide drip curls with straight bar
1 arm DB concentration curls
Day 3 ~ Shoulders
Side lateral raises Front raises Front Arnold press
Day 4 ~ Hamstrings/Tris
Leg curls (lying)
Reverse lunges w/ DB in hands
Dead lift with DB
Push downs w/ straight bar
Overhead DB extension
DB skull crushers
I’ve been on a healthy hair journey for about 2 years now. Learning a lot of information and new techniques about how to grow textured hair.
I love reading inspirational stories about women who grew their hair to great lengths…it keeps me encouraged to continue on with my journey.
Recently, I came across a blog featuring a young lady named "Pink Pearls"
Below is her story .... I hope it inspires you, like it inspired me!!!
What is your current length and hair texture?
"I am currently at waist length. It seems my hair has multiple textues: it's coily in some areas and wavy in others. My hair is thick and requires a combination of moisture and smoothing products."
How long did it take to get to your current length?
"With the exception of the time I cut my hair to ear length, it's always been bra strap length or longer. It probably took 2 years to grow from mid back length to waist length. I've never focused on growing my hair any length, just maintain healthy hair. My husband would always use my bra strap as a guide and cut above it. However, once I started trimming less, air drying, stretching and eating healthy, my hair grew more."
Are you relaxed or texlaxed? How often do you touch up, which relaxer do you use?
For years I visited the salon. Every 6-8 weeks I would get a touch up until my husband and I were relocated overseas and he volunteered to help with my touch ups. Now I touch up 2-3 times a year with Affirm Sensitive Scalp. I started using Affirm at the recommendation of my cousin who is a salon owner. He suggested using Affirm because it's a great relaxer designed for sensitive scalps. I usually stretch for 5 to 6 month. Currently I am 5 months post.
Tell us about your daily and weekly regimen.
"I've always had a simple regimen.
Daily
In the morning: I use a small amount of coconut oil mixed with avacado oil a few times a week. If my hair is dry, I use Kerastase Sublimateur Jour followed by the oil mix.
Nightly
If my hair is dry, I use Kerastase Nutritive Oleo-Relax Nuit, folled by the oil mix. I also massage my scalp a few times a week with the oil mix.
Weekly:
I usually shampoo weekly. I pre-poo overnight with coconut oil, shampoo with Kerastase Dermo-Calmor, Kerastase Bain, Nutri-thermique, deep condition with Kerastase Oleo Relas Slim and Kerastase Masque Nutri-thermique using heat. I also use a mix of apple cider vinegar and spring water as a final rinse. I incorporated the ACV into my regimen after moving to an area here the water is hard. The ACV also leaves my hair smooth and aids in detangling. I mix 3 tablespoons of ACV with 2 cups of Spring Water in a bowl and pour in the mix on my hair. This is my final rinse after deep conditioning. I leave the rinse in my hair and apply my leave-ins. For my leave-ins, I use Kerastase Oleo Relax Slim, Kerastase Nectar Thermique and Kerastase Oleo Relax Serum. I air dry in two ponytails and flat iron or 2-ponytail rollerset or braid out. I apply my leave-ins to wet (not dripping) hair while in the shower.
For my heat protectants, I use Chi Silk Infusion and Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide. In my opinion, the Redken offers more heat protection and the Chi gives my hair a silky, smooth feel. I also use protein and clarify as needed. "
How do you wear your hair throughout the week?
"When I'm home or working out, I wear a loose bun or clipped up with a flexi8. When I'm out I wear my hair down or in a ponytail. Twice a week, at night, I curl my ends with medium size satin covered rollers and cover with a silk scarf. Other nights I sleep with a loose bun and a silk scarf. If I'm wearing a braid-out, I re-braid nightly."
Do you use direct heat? If so, how often?
"Yes I use heat, In fact, I usually experience more dryness and shedding when I wear heat-free styles. I usually alternate between heat styling with braid-out and bantu knot-outs. I try to limit the sue of heat styling by air drying. I flat iron on 300 degrees with my Cloud Nine wide iron using the chase method."
How do you maintain moisture levels and manage breakage?
"Most of the moisture in my hair comes from my diet: drinking lots of water and eating foods containing water. I also use products with moisture and use silk scarves and sleep caps. In the past, I used a hair steamer, which was great at adding moisture. The first time I experienced breakage was recently after my husband and I were relocated to Australia. Since my arrival in June, I've been battling extreme dryness and some breakage. Nothing seemed to work until I tried Kerastase Oleo fusion and a black tea rinse. The Oleo fusion has made my hair soft and mosturized. The black tea risne stopped the breakage. I also have few products from the Kerastase resistance line and will incorporate into my regimen when needed."
Do you do anything internally, such as diet, vitamins, etc, to promote healthy hair?
"Definitely! I love healthy foods, especially Asian food. I eat salmon twice a week, a variety of beans, nuts, fruit and vegetables: kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, bok choy, kiwi, dragon fruit, and many others. A few months ago, I purchased a large bobble and that has helped me incorporate more water into my diet. Normally, I fill-up mylarge bottle three times a day which is roughly 102 ounces of water. I drink green tea and take a multivitamin. I try to eliminate the white stuff: sugar, salt, and flour. However, good chocolate is my downfall."
Winter is around the corner, are you doing anything to prepare your hair for the colder weather?
"Winter has come and gone! The winter season in Australia is June-August. When I arrive in June it was the beginning of winter. It seemed like immediately my hair and scalp became dry. I had to add a second shampoo to my regimen, Kerastase Dermo-Calm to help with dry scalp. I also started using coconut oil as a pre-poo and daily nourishment for my hair."
You're stuck on a desert island and you can only have 3 hair related items with you. What would they be and why?
"Oh geez, only 3. Well, I would definitely need coconut oil. It softens my hair and conditions my scalp. Kerastase Oleo Fusion is another one I would need. It leaves my hair silky smooth for weeks. I would also need my seamless combs. When I'm past 8 weeks post, I use a combination of 4 combs to detangle and smooth. The 4 Comb Smooth method involves using multiple combs to detangle and smooth your hair as if you were roller setting. It use this method because the longer I stretch, the thicker my hair becomes. It involves using an extra wide too comb, a wide tooth comb, a medium tooth comb and a fine tooth comb. Depending on the density of your hair, you may only need two or three combs to achieve smooth, detangled hair. "
Some random stranger offers you $1million dollars to help her create healthy hair just like yours within a specific period of time, how would you do it?
"I would begin with making sure they were eating right: getting adequate protein, water, fruit and veggies. This step is not an overnight fix, but eventually eating right will aid in healthy hair. Next I would look at the condition of the hair and scalp. Does the hair have split ends and in need of a trim or cut, is it lacking moisture or protein, is the scalp unhealthy, etc? I would also develop a regimen and make product suggestions based on the hair texture and condition. I would inquire about their hair practices: are they protecting the hair at night, using excessive heat, wearing hair styles that add stress to the hair, improper detangling? And I would evaluate the condition of the hair tools and make recommendations."
Anything else you'd like to add as a word of encouragement or any other hair care tips you'd like to share?
"Don't get discouraged and don't jump on every bandwagon. When you discover what works for you, stick with it! Begin with a simple regimen, selecting products based on your hair texture (porosity, densit, etc). Make a list of products that worked and those that didn't work. Doing this allows you to look at the ingredients in those products that didn't work and avoid them when making future purchases. Most importantly, be patient and allow your regimen to work."
Winter is here and the #1 thing that should be on your mind is…..
Moisture Moisture Moisture!!!!
In the winter the air becomes extremely dry and harsh; inside and outside, which can wreak havoc on your hair and skin!
So to prevent excessive dryness and breakage, you should be taking extra special care of your hair during this time.
The key to winterizing your regimen is to prevent damage by being proactive in your hair care regimen. Switching to a routine that causes very little stress on your hair throughout the winter will help prevent breakage and retain length.
Below are some tips that I found to be very helpful in retaining length and keeping my hair hydrated.
~Minimize the use of heating tools
The quickest way to cause breakage is by using excessive heat.
• Always use a hair conditioner prior to using any heating tools. If you’re going to use a heating tool apply a leave-in conditioner and/or a heat protecting serum.
• Heat Protectants. If you decide to use a heating tool, use a hair product to protect your hair from heat damage. Bio Silk Therapy and CHI Silk Infusion are great for protecting your hair. In addition, you can also use a leave-in conditioner accompanied by a heat protecting hair serum to replenish moisture.
• Blow Dry on Cooler Temperature. When using a blow dryer to dry hair use a cooler temperature setting. Your hair may take longer to dry; however, it will minimize heat damage.
• Air drying. Try letting your hair air dry instead of blow drying it.
~Minimize Manipulation
• Comb your hair only when wet and with a conditioner.
• Finger Comb. If you choose to comb your hair while it’s dry, try finger combing instead of using a comb. This will reduce breakage. If you do use a comb use a wide tooth shower comb.
• Do NOT brush hair at all. Brushing hair leads to more breakage.
~ Moisturize Often
To combat dryness during the winter, it is important to moisturize often.
• Use a moisturizer daily or leave-in conditioner. A leave in conditioner can do wonders to dry and brittle hair.
• Try to use leave-in conditioners with natural ingredients. Some ingredients such as sodium laurel sulfate, mineral oil, and petrolatum cause more dryness, so avoid using leave-in’s with these ingredients.
• Reduce Wash’n’go’s during winter. Do not go outside with wet hair.
• Use lukewarm or cool water instead of hot water when washing hair. Do not wash your hair using hot water. Washing your hair with hot water can cause damage.
• Avoid shampooing your hair too often. During the winter, the hair and scalp becomes dry easily. Shampooing too often can only make matters worse. If you must shampoo your hair to remove buildup only Shampoo once a week preferably at night. This was you have time to let your hair air dry and you wont have to go out in the cold weather with wet hair.
~ Deep Condition and do Hot Oil treatments frequently
Deep Conditioning and Hot Oil treatments help restore and replenish moisture to your hair.
• Homemade Deep Conditioning Treatments Natural and/or homemade deep conditioning treatments are another great alternative to combat winter dryness.
• Hot Oil Treatments. Hot oil treatments are great for replenishing moisture as well. You can use a variety of oils for hot oil treatments.
~Protect
The best way to protect your hair during winter is to always try to cover it.
• Keep your hair wrapped and protected at night. Try wearing a Satin Bonnet or scarf to prevent hair from drying while you sleep.
• Wear protective styles (i.e. buns, braids, cornrows, etc). If you’re going to wear your hair in a bun try not to pull your hair too tight. You don't want to stress your hairline. Wearing protective styles help preserve your hair throughout the winter.
• Always moisturize your hair and ends. Apply oil on your hair after moisturizing with your favorite leave-in conditioner helps seal in moisture and protects your ends.
• Wear a hat or a scarf. Wearing some sort of hat or scarf that’s loose enough to allow scalp circulation will protect your hair against cold winds.
Following these simple black hair care steps during the harsh winter months will help prevent damage, breakage, and help you retain length.
For each new year, I like to give myself a motto that sets the focus for the entire year.
This year, I found a picture that had some very motivational writing on it and I was immediately inspired....so what better thing to use to start my year off right!!!
A lot of people have new year resolutions and goals that they want to implement at the beginning of each year... But months in, they seem to fall off or just give up!!
So, what I like to do is write down what my overall goals are for the entire year..... Then set smaller goals throughout the year.
This will help you stay on tract and keep you motivated!!!
