Tea Tree Oil-I Wouldn't Dare Live Without It!

If you do not know by now, I mix tea tree oil with absolutely everything!
It is a natural antiseptic and it is also known to stimulate hair growth. It is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as Narrow-leaved Tea-tree which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia.When used correctly it will clean the impurities from your scalp and treat and eliminate dandruff. Tea tree oil stimulates hair growth not only by increasing the health of the hair follicles but also because the oil boosts overall health and immune system stimulation.

It is an essential oil...
Tea tree oil is an essential oil and it should be diluted because it is extremely strong. Before using directly on the scalp or skin it is recommended to do a skin test using only a few drops of tea tree oil. By mixing the tea tree oil with one of you favorite carrier oils you will quickly fall in love with this oil.

Why I love it?!
I love the tea tree oil because it naturally cleanses my scalp. Since it is an antifungal/antibacterial it relieves my scalp of any impurities. Before I started using the tea tree oil on a regular basis, my scalp was always really itchy and I would experience dandruff. After approximately a week of using the tea tree I did not have anymore of those problem. In addition to treating my itchy scalp and dandruff, it has also been known to treat cradle cap, baldness, psoriasis and much, much more!

How I use it...In just about every mixture that I make I add the tea tree oil.
To Seal Moisture > Shea Butter Mixture: Shea butter, EVOO, Few Drops of Tea Tree Oil
Clarifying Shampoo > Giovanni's Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo
Deep Condition > Giovanni's Triple Treat Invigoration Conditioner
Moisture > Water Mixture:Water, Few Drops of Tea Tree Oil, EVOO
Treatment > Castor Oil Mixture: Castor Oil, EVOO, Few Drops of Tea Tree Oil

Just a few drops is VERY effective! Just add a couple drops to your shampoo and/or conditioner and you will be amazed. XOXO-Chic Sista

My Top 10 Tips for Transitioning to Natural Hair

There are tons of things to do while transition to natural hair. Many transitioners do not want to do the BC(big chop) because it is so drastic. Some transition without chopping off their hair; however, this can be a difficult task because you are working with two types of hair (natural & relaxed). For this reason, you must take extra good care of your hair while it's in transition. Natural hair tends to be a lot drier than your relaxed hair and this can lead to a lot of breakage at the line of demarcation (where your natural & relaxed hair meet) and shedding due to the breakage. Here are my top suggestions for those transitioning to natural hair:

1. Condition, Condition Condition!
• Use silicone free conditioners to reduce product build up and to add moisture into your hair
2. Minimal Styling
• The more you handle you hair the more strain you are putting on it. Keep your hands out of your hair by trying low maintenance styles
3. Take Vitamins
4. Moisturize
• Natural hair tends to be fairly dry. Use water based products to retain moisture the seal in the moisture with shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil mixtures
5. Don't flat iron
• Trying to blend the two textures is probably one of the worst thing to do while you're in transition. This can cause the hair to break at the demarcation line or even cause permanent heat damage
6. Find your go-to hair style
• Find what looks best on you and rock with it! For me it has been the twist-out. It's simple and it's cute!
7. Detangle your hair when it is wet
8. Protect your edges
• The most fragile part of our hair is usually the edges and the nape. Try not to put a lot of tension on these areas when styling. Do not use harsh styling tools (rubber bands, bristle brushes, etc), bobby pins with the rubber ends are my favorite!
9. Cut off the damaged/relaxed ends gradually
• Eventually you will have to let go of the ends that are not natural. Either you will cut them off or they will end up breaking off
10. Make sure your scalp stays clean
• Us naturals love to try new products, but sometimes this cause a lot of build-up in our hair and on the scalp which ultimately prevents our hair from absorbing the moisture it needs. Shampoo as needed and Co-wash frequently to prevent build-up and  to clean your scalp

These are a few things that have helped me transition to natural hair over the years and hopefully they will be helpful for you. Do you have any tips you would like to share??