Caring for Ethnic Hair tips

1.        Healthy living will result in healthy hair. Eat a healthy, well balanced diet; drink plenty of water and avoid smoking.

2.       Massage your scalp regularly to stimulate oil production and to reduce the dryness of your hair. Remember… African hair, generally black hair, is the slowest growing of all ethnic groups, at less than 0.9 cm a month. It is also slightly more dense and grows almost parallel to the scalp, twisting around itself as it grows but as in the case with ALL hair, the follicle NEEDS nutrients and vitamins to produce healthy hair strands. African hair also produces plenty of protective oils, called sebum. In fact, African hair actually produces more oils than Caucasian and Asian hair. However, due to the tight curls, the oil fails to spread evenly along the hair fibre.

3.       Therefore it is even more important for African people to massage their scalp and get the oils spread evenly as much as possible because without this very necessary lubrication, the fibres become very dry. This causes the brittle strands to flake and roughen, resulting in hair that is coarse to the touch.Do not shampoo every day. Ethnic hair is dryer than other hair and if you wash it everyday the shampoo will strip away the natural oils from your hair. Rather shampoo every 3 to 7 days instead.

4.       If you enjoy going to the gym or exercising daily and you sweat, it is recommended that you rinse your hair out with water and only use shampoo occasionally. However, if you want to use a shampoo every day, use a moisturising one with a low PH level when washing your hair.

5.       Don't use a 2- in-1 shampoo and conditioner. They are not suitable for very dry hair. Use a separate shampoo and conditioner.

6.       When washing your hair, rub only in one direction to avoid tangling.

7.       Hot water can dry and irritate the scalp, so rather use warm water when showering or bathing.

8.       Massage oil into your scalp and brush out to the ends of your hair, while your hair is still damp.

9.       Moisturize your hair with a conditioner when you shower, to add shine and give it extra protection, as well as to reduce static and untangle the hair.

10.   Use a leave-in conditioner to hydrate and protect the hair. It also makes it easier to comb.

11.   Blot the water out of your hair, instead of rubbing. Rubbing causes hair to tangle and break

12.   Limit your use of blow dryers, hot irons and straighteners

13.   Use a pick or wide-toothed comb. It makes it easier to comb if your hair is slightly moist, because it can slide easier across the hair.

14.   If your hair is very wet, wait until it dries more, hair is most fragile when it is wet.

15.   If you have a tough knot or tangle, use your fingers to loosen it and then continue combing.

16.   Comb your hair to remove any tangles before brushing it, using a brush to detangle your hair will stretch your hair and may cause your hair to break off.

17.   Use a soft hairbrush on your hair daily which will distribute the oil at the root of your hair and scalp to the rest of your hair. Dampen the brush slightly before brushing.

18.   Get a hot oil treatment once a month to deep-moisturize your scalp and hair.

19.   Satin or silk pillowcases are kinder to your hair, because it can slide across it without getting caught. An alternative to the silk pillowcase is to wear a silk or satin scarf over your hair before your sleep to prevent breakage.

20.   Avoid hair products that contain alcohol which dry out your hair.

21.   Use the Oleda Hair helper vitamins by Hair Beauty -  this product Feeds Hair Follicles To Help Hair Grow and at last South Africans have a product that besides being very affordable, truly works. For Men, Women - All Hair Types and Colors - Light, Dark, Sun Damaged, Wind Damaged, even Over-Processed Hair! Beautiful hair starts with FEEDING your hair from the INSIDE through the blood stream. Lifeless, brittle, thinning hair is very often caused by poor nutrition. Hair follicles (the roots) must have special nutrition in order to have the best thickness, shine and strength you want.

And remember...the very best hair treatment applied ON the hair strands themselves can never ever make up for FEEDING THE HAIR PROPERLY FROM THE INSIDE through the blood vessels. We just can't eat enough foods rich in vitamins and minerals for the kind of strength, thickness, shine, vitality and growth we need for the most beautiful hair. The best way to feed your hair and scalp - is through your mouth, as with the help of our special HAIR HELPERS VITAMINS.

Tips for black women on skin care.

You have all seen it on TV and in magazines.  You so much desire it and often wonder how you can get it.  What is it??  BEAUTIFUL SKIN.  Is it perfect? Not likely, because the models and celebs have a mountain of beauty weapons that the average woman doesn’t have access to like professional make up and expensive skin care.

While perfect skin is usually the hallmark of babies and retouched photographs, beautiful, healthy skin is within your grasp. For black women, a smooth, even complexion is attainable with proper care.

Beautiful skin often begins inside and radiates outward. A healthy diet is absolutely vital. This means eating good-for-you foods and saving indulgent treats for special occasions. Fruits and vegetables should make up a large portion of your daily intake and if impossible to maintain then think about purchasing the Oleda Veggies and Fruit concentrate. Fatty, fried foods should be kept to a minimum. Instead, bake, sauté (in olive oil or oily sprays), or broil your food.

Also, the importance of water cannot be overemphasized. Drink at least the recommended eight cups a day and compensate for alcoholic and caffeinated beverages with more water.

Exercise is also a good component to skin care. Regular workouts keep the skin toned and make you feel good. Find an activity you like, be it biking, walking, jogging, swimming, or sports. If you like what you do, you're more likely to stick with it for the long haul.

Besides following a healthy lifestyle, what else can black women do to maintain touchably soft skin?

Moisturizers are a an absolute must. Darker skin has a tendency to appear "ashy" when it's not well-lubricated. Creams and lotions, best applied after showering when skin is slightly damp and better able to hold in moisture.  You can chat to the Hair Beauty skin care specialist for free advice and helpful tips at any time on the email hairbeauty@iburst.co.za 

For the face, it's best to use a separate moisturizer and our consultants will explain in detail in order to ensure that you get the very very best from your skin care and/or anti aging formula.

A facial cleanser should be used in the morning and at night, especially to wash off make up and a day's worth of grime. You can use your clean hands to wash your face, but if you use washcloths or sponges, these items must be washed or replaced frequently to prevent an overgrowth of germs and bacteria, which will lead to skin problems.

Black women, especially of the darker skin tones, often believe they don't need to use sunscreen since blacks rarely complain of sunburn, but this is false. Black skin also needs protection from the damaging rays of the sun. It is nice to find moisturizers which contain sunscreen as this single combination product does the job of two. Make sure to use sunscreen daily, year-round, to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer. It's also a good idea to wear wide-brimmed hats if you know you're going to be outside for a while, whether gardening or just being out and about; the hat will shade your face from the sun.

If you suffer from acne, do not pick at pimples. This often leaves unattractive scarring and black skin is much more prone to developing keloids as a result. Keloids are scar tissue caused by trauma or surgical incisions. It is important to treat the acne gently, but effectively. Washing too vigorously and handling roughly will only make the problem worse. Chat to the Hair Beauty team on the email provided if you are worried about acne.  One of our consultants will work hand in hand with you to help you work towards having a beautiful, flawless skin.  Again, following a healthy diet and being active also can help to prevent breakouts.

For those who are worried about fine lines and wrinkles, the Oleda anti aging formula is rated among the best in the world and rightly so.  At a whopping 78 years of age, Oleda still looks in her 50's and has the attitude that BEAUTY IS AGELESS ......

For most of us, having healthy skin takes a small amount of work, but beautiful skin is worth the effort. Whether you have ten minutes or an hour's worth of pampering, take the time you need. Whether you are a black woman or a white woman.  Every time you look in a mirror, you'll be glad you did.

The importance of massaging the scalp

As we age, our skin, the body’s largest organ, loses elasticity, some of its natural oils and becomes thinner.  You might see small lines developing, while your skin no longer looks as moist and dewy.  So, you compensate for that by treating the skin with what it needs: creams, lotions and a better nutritional intake for feeding from within through the blood stream.  The little blood vessels under the scalp, just below the skin’s surface, are responsible for feeding your hair follicles (The Papilla).  When we’re young, there’s not much problem, the follicles have a rich, fast flowing blood supply, bringing oxygen, nutrients and natural oils to the hair – and carrying away carbon dioxide and other wastes.  The result:  A healthy, shiny, thick head of hair.

In addition to thinning skin, aging also causes thinning hair.  There are several reasons for hair loss in women.  Sometimes it is due to hormonal imbalances, but also a tightening of the passageways that feed the hair follicles, preventing a full, rich, fast flowing blood stream and depriving them of their full complement of oxygen and nutrients.  Let this continue and you have a death sentence for the thick, shiny, healthy hair of your youth.

One of the hormonal problems has to do with Testosterone.  Yes, that male hormone, which women have some of too, that produces a by-product, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that causes hair loss.  But, women also have the female hormones, Estrogen and Progestin, both of which act to block the effect of DHT on hair – unless there’s a deficiency in them, which can happen often after pregnancy and during menopause.  The answer to this could be hormone replacement therapy under the proper guidance of a competent doctor.

But female hormone reduction isn’t the only problem that causes hair loss.  Frequently, it can be lack of stimulation of the scalp and hair roots and insufficient feeding the hair follicles a rich source of nutrients.  There are two major actions we can take to improve hair loss and hair thinning, firstly taking your daily Hair Helper Vitamins and secondly:

Massage … Massage … Massage

The goal is to bring a greater flow of blood to the hair follicles, faster and to make your scalp more flexible.  You can do this by becoming serious about massage treatments that you can do yourself at home.  Massage will also help carry away carbon dioxide and waste and speed the removal of oil and dead cells that combine to form debris on your scalp’s surface.  Such debris hardens and sticks to the scalp, reducing circulation and eventually destroying hair roots.  Often the debris can’t be seen by the naked eye because it can form in the skin’s pores and be invisible.

 With the fingertips of both hands placed firmly on your head, push the skin under your hair in a circular motion for about ten seconds, moving from place to place on your head until the entire scalp is covered.  Do this until your head tingles and feels warm (from increased circulation).  Pay special attention to any thinning areas or bald spots.  You can’t massage too much and don’t be afraid to rub vigorously.

Next, after the blood is coursing through your scalp, take a clump of hair in each hand and pull on it gently with a smooth, firm motion and hold it for a count or three, then release and repeat until you have “pulled” the hair all over your scalp.

You won’t lose any more hair than has already been programmed to come out.  In fact, in the first week or two of this treatment, you may notice a bit more hair loss, but those will be hairs that were coming out anyway.

In eight weeks, or less (maybe even three or four weeks) you should notice many new hairs growing.  Separate your hair flat at the part and look at it when you begin this treatment and again two months into the program to see the difference.  You should notice what will appear to be little singed hair beginning to grow that will eventually become strong, full single strands.

Keep massaging your scalp every day, twice a day at least, more, if possible.  Fingertips work OK to stimulate circulation.

Oleda Hair Helpers is a "combined vitamin" containing vitamins, minerals and even "trace elements", ingredients your WHOLE body needs, especially your hair. Why not find out what it can do for YOUR hair?

Hair Helper vitamins for Africans in South Africa - Will these work?

The Hair Beauty team have many African clients and have monitored our clients throughout South Africa who are using the Hair Helper Vitamins, for sometime now and are happy to report a more than 80% success mark. We also did quite a bit of research on African hair and this is the message that we would like to convey with all Africans throughout South Africa who are thinking about trying the Hair vitamins.....

Whether it be straight, wavy, curly or frizzy, a hair is always a hair and grows from a follicle which is a small pocket underneath the scalp. Its basic composition, largely based on keratin , is always the same. African hair has a flattened cross-section and is finer, forming frizzy heads of hair, the ringlets of which can form tight circles with diameters of only a few millimetres. African hair, generally black hair, is the slowest growing of all ethnic groups, at less than 0.9 cm a month. It is also slightly more dense and grows almost parallel to the scalp, twisting around itself as it grows but as in the case with ALL hair, the follicle NEEDS nutrients and vitamins to produce healthy hair strands. African hair also produces plenty of protective oils, called sebum. In fact, African hair actually produces more oils than Caucasian and Asian hair. However, due to the tight curls, the oil fails to spread evenly along the hair fibre.

Therefore it is even more important for African people to massage their scalp and get the oils spread evenly as much as possible because without this very necessary lubrication, the fibres become very dry. This causes the brittle strands to flake and roughen, resulting in hair that is coarse to the touch. Very curly hair from all ethnic groups often lacks the silky smoothness of straight hair. This may be due to the same reason, but to a lesser extent. It is also very important to note that many Africans enjoy relaxers and braiding. If hair is braided too tightly, it puts enormous strain on the hair follicles below the surface of the scalp and will eventually kill the follicles (roots) and will result in hair strands breaking off.

Relaxers can also be extremely damaging to dry hair and can also result in hair strands breaking off. Therefore, the Hair Beauty Team are confident that the Hair Helper Vitamins will benefit ALL South Africans and although the process may be slightly longer for some groups, the end result will be worth the time and effort. We have monitored clients from all over South Africa and are proud to note a more than 80% success rate and among our top achievers, African clients who have understood the process and have been prepared to go the whole way.

Hair Helpers stopped my hair from falling out

I am 21 years old and have battled thin and breaking hair since I was 17.. I had patches on my scalp where no hair was growing even though tiny ones were visable and this was scary at my age and it really started affecting my life.

I tried absolutely every product on the market, but after spending a lot of money on the various products advertised and NO results, my aunt finally introduced me to the Oleda Hair Helpers vitamins. At first I was very sceptical simply because I couldn’t understand how this inexpensive product was going to help my problem, if so many others at more than triple the price had not helped at all, but, because my aunt was so sure and so excited about it, I started using them. I cannot even begin to describe in words how I feel after only two short months. I know that the results differ person to person and some people only see a result after 5 and some even 6 to 9 months but I used them diligently every single day and helped them along with massaging my scalp.

You can see in the pictures how the new hair has started growing out and as the new hair is growing, I can see and feel a major difference. It’s early days but I am so excited and am happy to share with anyone who is battling the same problems as I was just two months ago. I am now able to do my hair and go out feeling a whole lot more confident than what I did a few months ago. Thank you so much to Oleda Hair Helpers and of course, to my aunt who was so insistent that I give this product a try.

I will NEVER be without this tablet that I call my “miracle pill”. Kaylin

Hair Helper Vitamins hits South Africa

A testimonial from one of the very many happy Hair Beauty clients on the Hair Helper Vitamins.

I battled with thin hair for most of my adult years but became especially bad after I had my first daughter. It was so frightening because the little that I had was falling out and leaving a trail on my pillow each morning. I dreaded washing my hair because I could see the strands land in my hands and could picture myself being completely bald by age 30 (frightening thought for any woman).

I spent thousands of rands trying to save the little hair that I had left but absolutely nothing helped... and then, I met Judith Fulkes, the owner of Hair Beauty and my life changed forever. I used the product diligently and did everything that the Hair Beauty team advised me to do, accepting that results differed person to person and that it could possibly take me longer than others because my problem was really bad, but I also use the Veggie and Fruit concentrate and now...... just 8 months later, I am confident that I will NOT be a bald 30 year old.

To think that I now pay R280 for 3 months supply of Hair Helper vitamins and R191 for the Veggie and fruit tablets monthly... two products that have truly made me smile, compared to the R1200/R1500 a month that I was paying out on my hair for products that came with HUGE promises and absolutely NO RESULTS. Thank you Judith and the Hair Beauty team of angels. I also refer to this product as MY own personal miracle pill and I can absolutely swear by all that is meaningful in life, I will never ever stop drinking them. Ever! Shelley

Caring for the skin around the eyes

It is  the MOST delicate part of your entire skin so important to know exactly how to handle this area in order to ward off the lines and the wrinkles that tend to appear in this area first.  Once you have the knowledge and the understanding, you can then ensure that your eye area stays young and beautiful for as long as possible.  Enjoy

The skin around the eyes displays expression and emotions that are an important part of our individuality. Proper care of this area can provide long term benefits. Changes to the skin around the eyes, also known as the periocular area, can have functional, cosmetic and psychological ramifications. Since the eyes are the focal point of the face, having bags, bulges and wrinkles can not only interfere with vision, they can give an individual a tired, sad appearance.

The skin around the eyes is ten times thinner than the skin on the face. As we age, skin loses its elasticity and becomes even thinner due to a breakdown of collagen. This can be further aggravated by sun exposure, smoking, and other environmental exposures. The skin of the eye contour is constantly moving, blinking alone produces 10,000 movements per day! Other facial movements and expressions such as smiles, squinting, and stress can also affect the eye area, creating fine lines or crows feet – lines that appear on the outside corner of the eye. Under eye puffiness can be exacerbated by salty foods, allergies and internal dehydration.

Rubbing and tugging of the delicate skin under the eye due to allergies, crying, eye makeup removal and insertion and removal of contact lenses can contribute to sagging of the this area. The skins elasticity is similar to a rubber band - constant tugging and pulling eventually causes loss of elasticity. Because the tissue around the eyes has very few oil glands, it lacks the natural moisture present on other parts of the body.

The Anatomy of the Skin Around the Eyes

The anatomy of the skin around the eyes, also referred to as the adnexa is unique to the face and body. In order to properly care for the skin around the eyes, it is important to understand not only the anatomy of this area, but also the process of skin cell renewal.

Eyelid skin is composed of several layers. The deepest, the subcutaneous layer contains a thin layer of fascia which lies on top of the orbicularis muscle, a muscle that allows the eyelid to move. Next, the dermis, which forms the support layer of the skin, is made up of threadlike proteins including bundles of elastin and collagen, fibroblasts, nerves and vessels. The top layer, the epidermis, is made up of basal cells, melanocytes, Langerhans cells, keratinocytes and on top, the dead cell layer (also known as the stratum corneum) made up of corneocytes. The epidermal layer gives the skin its appearance, color, suppleness, texture, and health.

Basal cells reproduce new cells every few days. As these cells migrate upward, they become drier and flatter. Once they reach the surface of the skin, they are no longer alive, and are referred to as corneocytes. This process of migration from basal cell to corneocytes is what gives the epidermis the ability to regenerate itself. This skin renewal process is known as desquamation.

Desquamation is an ongoing process that takes about two weeks in a young person, and significantly longer – about 37 days for individuals over 50. The build up of corneocytes gives skin a callous or dry, aged and thickened look. The skin feels and looks rough and its ability to retain water becomes impaired. 

Maintaining Healthy Skin Around the Eyes

Caring for the skin around the eyes is a delicate process. Because it is thinner, it not only tends to be the first place to show signs of aging, but also is more sensitive than the rest of the skin. Therefore, extra care needs to be taken when choosing a skincare product for this area. Products that contain gentle, non-irritating compounds that reduce the appearance of wrinkles (exfoliants), along with a wide range of vitamins, antioxidants, and skin-plumping substances are ideal choices.

In choosing a product, it is important that it be oil-free. Products containing oil increase the likelihood of clogged glands around the eyes that can lead to styes and other ocular problems. Contact lens wearers in particular, should avoid products containing oil. The oil not only sticks to the lens causing blurred vision, but can also cause permanent staining.

Common skin exfoliants are alpha hydroxy acids, often referred to as AHA’s. AHA’s are a group of naturally occurring substances found in a variety of fruits, sugar cane and milk. They cause a loosening of the outer dead cell layers, which leads to exfoliation (sloughing of dead skin cells), thereby combating the buildup of corneocytes. The accelerated turnover allows the epidermis to become smoother and softer, and reduces the appearance of fine lines. By thinning the dead cell layer, AHA’s enhance the penetration of other important ingredients. AHA’s also act as superb moisturizers due to their hydroscopic (water binding) ability. Only products containing a very mild AHA formula should be used on the delicate periocular area.

In addition to AHA’s, other ingredients such as moisturizers, antioxidant vitamins and herbal extracts are important for caring for the skin around the eyes.

• Antioxidant Vitamins including Vitamins A, B-complex, C, D and beta-Carotene provide protection against free radical damage. Free radicals are “off balanced” microscopic molecules usually found in groups of thousands. They have the power to do extensive damage to the cell membrane as well as complete destruction to normal cells by robbing them of oxygen. Pollution, UV light, smoking, large quantities of alcohol and daily stress can trigger the production of free radicals. Antioxidants render free radicals harmless before they damage the skin’s healthy cells.

• Moisturizers such as sodium hyaluronate help reduce fine lines caused by dehydration. Sodium hyaluronate is the most effective humectant available, and has the ability to bind moisture in the amount of one thousand times its molecular weight.

• Herbal Extracts and Liposomes including chamomile, cornflower, bisabolol and lecithin decrease redness, puffiness and act to nourish, revitalize and rejuvenate the skin.

Tips for Keeping the Skin Around The Eyes Healthy

In addition to choosing the proper skin care product, other things are important in maintaining healthy skin around the eyes:

• Drink plenty of water. Water plays a crucial role maintaining the elasticity of skin. 

• Avoid smoking cigarettes. Nicotine constricts blood vessels in the face and under the eyes. Constricted vessels also make it difficult for nutrients to be absorbed, which leads to a breakdown of collagen.

• Stay out of the sun. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays causes melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, to mature abnormally. This results in age spots and uneven pigmentation. UV rays are responsible for up to 90% of aging and can add several years to your appearance.

• Wear sunglasses to avoid squinting.

• Get plenty of rest. Fatigue can cause skin to look pale and gaunt.

• Limit alcohol intake. Excessive drinking can cause dehydration, so limit yourself to a glass or two of wine every week

• Use cotton balls when removing makeup to avoid unnecessary tugging and pulling on the delicate tissue.

• Use a quality professionally recommended skin care product for the area around the eyes like the Oleda fragile eye cream.