To Exercise or Not to Exercise...

Not many people enjoy working out. The truth of the matter that most people love the results of working out which is then translated into loving to workout. However you trick your mind into being active is totally up to you. Have you thought about hair health as your motivation for getting or keeping your body in motion?

Let’s face it! Exercising is great for the body, so it would make sense that it is great for the hair; even though we DO NOT like to sweat out our hairstyles…LOL! Research has proven that exercising can increase hair health because it provides healthy sebum (the oil secreted by our scalp that keeps hair from drying out), highly oxygenated blood flow to your scalp, and sweat aids in detoxing your body. Exercising on a regular basis can reduce hair loss and increase hair growth.

Here are some exercise ideas that can prove useful on your hair journey.

1. The old tried and true Scalp Massage is fabulous for hair health, because it improves blood flow of the scalp. Now that isn’t so hard. 
2. Cardio is considered to be great for your hair and body! All of that movement produces oxygen rich blood that the hair and body love. 
3. Yoga, which is my personal favorite, elicits breathing to increase blood flow in the scalp region by way of meditation. Of course, you know that increased blood flow is a plus in overall health.

Bodies in motion are plus in health and hair care. In order to really care for our hair, we must really care for our bodies. Exercise alone is not enough. We must also watch what we eat and how we physically touch our hair. So let’s be active and proactive for our hair and body’s sake!

XXOXX's

The Natural Sophisticant

Meet Sunday Sophisticant....Seccori

                                           

Introduction

Seccori Green is the 34 years old wife of a former service man and mother of four wonderful children.  She has recently moved from Hawaii and is now currently residing in Tupelo, MS. After working many years in Corporate America, Seccori made the choice to become an entrepreneur. She is a consultant with Paparazzi Accessories, Partylite Candles, and Advocare Weight Loss Management. Seccori spends quality time with her loving husband and children along with taking care of herself and engaging in things she enjoys such as reading, researching new recipes,  social network, and taking care of her hair and body.

How long have you been natural?

Seccori has been natural since April 2011.  She did so because she thought it would be easier and less expensive to care for, and a nice transition into locs, which she has always wanted. 

Her natural hair regimen

Her go-to hairstyle is two strand twists and twist outs. In between styles, Seccori washes her hair twice a month, re-twisting nightly using a light misting of her spray bottle cocktail and shea butter as needed.

Her favorite hair care products 

Her favorite hair care products are Taliah Waajid Bodifier Mist, Au So Natural Handwhipped Shea Butter, Tea Tree Oil, Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner, Eden Bodyworks Coconut Shea Leave-in Conditioner, Silk Elements Straight Edges along with a Denman Brush and a satin bonnet.

Secorri's Haircare Tips
Tips to keep your natural hair healthy are to stay hydrated, keep your hair moisturized, conditioned, and detangle while wet. Never comb or brush your hair while dry. 

It is important to understand YOUR hair and what it is capable of. Remember, healthy hair is most important, the length will come.  

Feel free to contact me via email seccori.green@gmail.com or find me on Facebook Seccori’s Paparazzi Boutique

"Naturals in the Spring" Event

In September 2014, we hosted our very first natural hair event entitled "Curls, Kinks, and Drinks: A Natural Hair Affair. This event provided natural hair care information regarding the development of a natural haircare regimen, headwrap and hair straighten tutorials/demonstrations, a rousing Q& A natural hair discussion and a live hair cutting session. In addition, this event featured a hand full of vendors and fabulous food/drinks, as well as, swag bags and an event t-shirt. Attendees happily socialized, shopped, ate, drank, and learned a lot about each other and natural hair. It was a great night! Needless to say, "Curls, Kinks, and Drinks" was a success and left us even more exhilarated and passionate about natural haircare/lifestyle, as well as, sharing that information with others! As a result, our next event, Curls & Kinks Holiday Social was created. Our holiday social was chic, laidback, and enjoyable for all who attended. It was just what we advertised a "social"; however, we were able to secure sponsors who provided wonderful gifts for all our attendees, as well as, our special guest bakers. You see, not only did we socialize and enjoy gifts from our generous sponsors, we also indulged in delectable desserts from some of our local African American bakers/chefs. The night was divine and delightful.

We've had such great positive experiences at our past natural hair events; therefore, we decided to host another one. "Naturals in the Spring" is the evolution of our past events. It's going to be bigger and better than other events we've presented. This event will cater to naturalistas, fashionistas, women, and men. With topics and demonstrations, such as, rebooting your hair regimen for Spring, dreadlock/sisterlock care, style show(hair & fashion), perfecting your twist out, natural hair/lifestyle panel discussion, live hair cutting, using apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay for natural hair care/lifestyle, this is must attend event. In addition, this event will offer food, drinks, vendors, swag bags, event t-shirts, and giveaways! We're excited to present "Naturals in the Spring" and we hope to see you there!! For more information, check out our flyer and/or contact us at, thenaturalsophisticant@gmail.com. Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Google +. But in the meantime, enjoy photos from our previous events! - The Natural Sophisticant

Sunday Sophisticant...Kimberly

Please meet Sunday Sophisticant...Kimberly!
Introduction:

My name is Kimberly Spratt.  I'm a 35 years old mother of two boys 19 and 7. I've been happily married for 3.5 years. My hobbies include baking, cake decorating, and crafting. 

How long have you've been natural: 

I transitioned back to natural 4 years ago.  My busy schedule was the reason for transitioning.

Her hair regimen:

My regimen includes...daily washes,  towel drying,  moisturizing is a must,  a lot of brushing  and weekly hair cuts. Personally, I do not miss spending hours in a salon. Now, I have a naturally defined wave/curl pattern. 

Favorite hair care products:

My go to products are in the African pride Olive oil line. The olive miracle anti-breakage formula stops breakage, split ends, and ends dryness. I love that it also has shea butter and herbal oil extracts in it and even with all of that, it's extra light.

Two tips: 

Do wash your natural hair. Do comb or brush it.   Moisturize your hair daily.
Natural hair is a beautiful thing.  Its not an easy journey.   You hair requires care.  Be patient,  it takes time to undo the years of chemical treating but the end result is well worth it.

If you have additional questions/comments for Kimberly, post them below. Follow Kimberly on IG @Simply Irresistible Treats. Believe us, her treats are definitely irresistible!!! Thank you!

Are you a Sunday Sophisticant? Want to be featured on our site? Email us at: thenaturalsophisticant@gmail.com.

Do you Pre-Poo?

Do you suffer from dry and crunchy hair? Try Pre-pooing! What is pre-pooing you may ask? It is the short form of the word pre-shampooing. Pre-pooing can increase manageability, shine, and moisture. Some women use oils such as coconut oil which penetrates the hair follicle, extra virgin olive oil, grape seed oil and the list goes on. Others select different foods that have been proven to be beneficial to overall hair health such as avocado, bananas or coconut milk. I, myself, prefer to use warm coconut oil as my pre-poo. First, I section my hair into 4 sections using my fingers then I carefully finger detangle my hair using coconut oil. I totally saturate my hair from root to tip with  coconut oil to help with detangling and removing shedded hair to make washing my hair easier. Then, I cover my hair with a plastic cap or bag (Wal-Mart bags are the best…lol) for about 20 minutes to allow my body heat to promote oil absorption. Lastly, I rinse my hair and continue my regular hair care regimen. Have you pre-pooed? If so, what did you use? Did you have noticeable results?

Our Sunday Sophisticant...Davina

Please meet our very first Sunday Sophisticant...Davina!
Introduction:

I am a college student at the University of Mississippi, majoring in Communicative Science and Disorders with a minor in Art and Environmental Studies. Born and raised in Jackson, Ms, where both of my parents and older brother lives. In my spare time I love to do community service, exercise, and create art work. 

How long have you've been natural: 

I have been natural for three years now! And I went natural because I absolutely hate perms. 

Her hair regimen:

I am a very simple person when it comes to my hair. Since my hair has gotten longer (Bigger), I have started to do more wash-n-go's. I do them every 2 or 4 days depending on my hair or how I am feeling. 

I just started using TRESemmé Keratin Infusing Conditioner and it work great on my hair for wash-n-go's. 

Every two weeks, I do a deep conditioning / hot oil treatment on my hair. I sometimes use the TRESemmé or Herbal Essences: Hello Hydration and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I leave them both on my hair for about 40 minutes then wash it out. Then I go on to do my wash-n-go. 

And the most important regimen is to KEEP HEAT OUT OF YOUR HAIR! 

Favorite hair care products:

•WATER

•Herbal Essences: Hello Hydration. 

•TRESemmé Keratin Infusing Conditioner

•Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

•Coconut Oil

•Cantu Shea Butter: Leave-In Conditioner 

•Cantu Shea Butter Natural Hair: Coconut Curling Cream

Two tips: 

*Always keep moisture in your hair to prevent breakage. 

•Be Patient with your hair. 

Follow Davina on Instagram: vina_dt ; If you have additional questions/comments for Davina, post them below. Thank you!

Are you a Sunday Sophisticant? Want to be featured on our site? Email us at: thenaturalsophisticant@gmail.com.