Cosmetic Literacy: Coconut Dreams

hair that lacks natural hair proteins. In this case coconut oil supports healthier, shinier hair. However, if your hair is dry or coarse you may want to stay clear of coconut oil as it can make the hair drier and more brittle. Again, everyone’s chemical makeup is different, and you may not have the same response to coconut oil as someone else.

Coconut oil is loaded with tones of rich fatty acids and has many beneficial properties for your health but understand that healthy skin and hair starts on the inside. Incorporating coconut oil into your diet will be far more productive than using it topically.

Get the best out of coconut by using ...

COCONUT OIL

Unlike vegetable oils, coconut oil doesn’t break down under high heat which makes it perfect for sautéing and frying.

COCONUT MILK

Coconut milk and coconut cream are thick, light and delicious. They can be used to make creamers, yogurt, sour cream, whip cream, soups and desserts.

COCONUT WATER

Coconut water is super hydrating and high in potassium and electrolytes which is great for post workout and bouncing back from last nights cocktails.

COCONUT FLOUR

A great alternative to white flour. It’s also gluten free, grain free and high in fiber. Use for baking and frying your favorite foods.

COCONUT SUGAR

Great substitute for refined, white sugar. Contains iron, magnesium, zinc and B Vitamins. Bonus: it tastes like brown sugar.

LOVING YOUR

HAIR

As we redefine who we are and how we view ourselves, our hair plays a major role. If you’re on a natural hair journey, it’s helpful to learn what really works for your hair by understanding hair types, the best products to use, how to maintain your hair and what techniques will make your hair pop each time you step on the scene. Here we will give you a few guidelines to learning about your natural hair.

DENSITY

The density of your hair is defined by how many strands are on your head. Women with thicker hair have a higher density whereas women with thinner hair have lower density of hair. If unsure of what category you fit in just look in the mirror with your hair down and if you can see your scalp that means that you have a lower density and if you can barely see your scalp that means you have a higher density. Learning the density of your hair is crucial because some products like heavy creams are meant for thick hair while light products such as a leave in spray are best for thinner hair.

ELASTICITY

When hair is elastic it’s able to stretch and bounce back to its natural state. If you decide to straighten your hair will your curls bounce back? Initially when going natural it is best to use little to no heat for a while as your hair is learning how to stay curled and nourish your locks with the proper regimen and products. Elasticity is rated between low, normal or high. Take a few strands of your hair and stretch them out. Healthy hair when wet will stretch up to 50% without breaking, while dry hair will usually stretch about 20%. Hair with low elasticity may be hard to curl or lose its curl quickly. Hair with normal to high elasticity are easily styled with rollers and hot styling tools.

POROSITY

One of the first steps to take when learning about your natural hair is to find out the porosity type. Hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. Your hair is either low, normal or high porosity. By understanding your hair porosity you’ll be able to determine how to maintain your hair and what products work best for you. A simple way to find out is to take a glass of water and submerge a few strands of your hair in it (your brush or comb should have a few strands available). If your hair floats you have low porosity hair meaning your hair’s cuticles are tight and resistant, you might experience product build up often. Adding water or steaming the hair will help to open up the cuticles before applying your products. If your hair slowly sinks, you have normal or medium porosity. Which means your hair retains moisture well. Your hair tends to look fizzy, dull or dry. Sealing in the products you add to your hair with an oil will help you with moisture retention.