I tried looking for an Arizona-specific thread in here, but no go...if there is one, lemme know! What are our success stories for Arizona hair care, in general -for as we know, black hair care in Arizona is quite different from...everywhere else in the country. No humidity...have you ladies found that it means we can't use humectants here? No honey or glycerine allowed here, because it'll suck any moisture you have out of your hair, since there's no humidity to grab from the air? Or have you found that you're able to successfully use a humectant? Using water to add moisture (underneath your other products)? What kind of water are you using - straight from the shower faucet, using a water system, etc.? Or is more oil than water working better for your hair in AZ? What's working well, y'all?
Arizona Ladies! Get in Here, quick! About winter hair care...
- Thread starter Riss Swan
- Start date
hatmat6
Member
Hi there,
I'm her in AZ as well. Although I'm only a few months into my HHJ I have noticed quite a few things. Humectants that I hear others RAVE about (wave nouveau, S-curl) don't necessarily work for me, I do attribute that to the lack of humidity in the air. I don't have an RO system in my home but I do use a filtered shower head (purchased at Lowe's) and it makes a HUGE difference because our water is SO hard here. I have found that EVCO works wonders on my hair, my daughter's hair and my sister's hair so it's definitely a staple. Other than that I prefer creme based moisturizers ( HE leave in, cantu shea butter etc) I'm in braids right now though so I tend to use a spray mixture to moisturize that has many different things as well as Infusium 23. HTH
I'm her in AZ as well. Although I'm only a few months into my HHJ I have noticed quite a few things. Humectants that I hear others RAVE about (wave nouveau, S-curl) don't necessarily work for me, I do attribute that to the lack of humidity in the air. I don't have an RO system in my home but I do use a filtered shower head (purchased at Lowe's) and it makes a HUGE difference because our water is SO hard here. I have found that EVCO works wonders on my hair, my daughter's hair and my sister's hair so it's definitely a staple. Other than that I prefer creme based moisturizers ( HE leave in, cantu shea butter etc) I'm in braids right now though so I tend to use a spray mixture to moisturize that has many different things as well as Infusium 23. HTH
goldielocs
New Member
I can only co-sign what these ladies said. My hair is locked and I have to keep it extra moisturized w/ aloe vera and oil. My daughter's hair reponds well with CoN leave in conditioner and Just for Me detangling spray. I keep it in pig tails all the time. The good thing about AZ is you don't have to worry about humidity messing up a nice roller set-lol. I've had the best roller sets since moving here.
It's definitely a different world when it comes to hair care in Arizona! I live in Arizona and humectant works wonders for my hair but I think it's because of how I use it. It's true that we don't have any humidity and since humectant is supposed to take moisture from the air you would think that it wouldn't work. But if I use something like Suave Humectant Conditioner right after washing my hair the humectant actually starts working with the water that's already in my hair to keep it hydrated longer. I think the problem with using humectant is that if you wait too long to seal it in your hair starts to look for the nonexistent moisture in our air and ends up drying out our hair in the process! So I usually quickly seal the moisture in (I might even use Wave Nouveau's Finishing Moisturizing Lotion for good measure) and then seal it with either Amla oil, Chi SIlk Infusion (I'm currently testing out the generic stuff from Sally's) or believe it or not KeraCare Conditioning Hairdress and I am good to go!
I also try to stay away from the blow dryer as much as possible out here which means that I usually have to do a roller set and sit under the dryer. I don't do honey or glycerin because they aren't moisturizing for me. In fact they act like sealants (or force fields) and if I don't have any moisture in my hair before I put them on my hair then they basically keep any moisture that could possibly get in my hair, right out of my hair. So whatever the honey's supposed to do, it's not worth it for me.
As for the water-honestly I don't know what to do about that! I've lived in several places and this is the hardest water I have ever experienced!
My hair practically lives for clarifying shampoos because of the residue this water leaves and sometimes I myself mixing water and a little baking soda together to counteract the water. I think after reading what Hatmat6 said, I'm rollin' out to Lowes to get a filtered shower head because it's just that serious! LOL! Nice to see you guys on the boards!
Take care! Blaize
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Soliel185
New Member
A lot of ladies warn against glycerin in the desert, but honestly I swear by it. I read the trick is to make sure it's mixed with equal parts water/liquid.
Moisturizer of choice: Equal Parts Aloe Vera, Glycerine, & Rosewater - spritz away. It makes my hair smell pretty, and it keeps it SOOOOOO soft. I also add a splash of a protein like SAA or Hydrolyzed Wheat on occasion
Cheapie Leave in: Suave Tropical Coconut
Oils: Vatika/Coconut mixed with Olive Oil
Gel: Eco-styler. Occasionally Long Aid Curl Activator ( I bought a jar, I gotta use it up!)
Pre-Poo/Detangler: Amla Oil
I'm glad there are more ladies in AZ - I feel like everybody else is in CA, GA/MD or TX
Moisturizer of choice: Equal Parts Aloe Vera, Glycerine, & Rosewater - spritz away. It makes my hair smell pretty, and it keeps it SOOOOOO soft. I also add a splash of a protein like SAA or Hydrolyzed Wheat on occasion
Cheapie Leave in: Suave Tropical Coconut
Oils: Vatika/Coconut mixed with Olive Oil
Gel: Eco-styler. Occasionally Long Aid Curl Activator ( I bought a jar, I gotta use it up!)
Pre-Poo/Detangler: Amla Oil
I'm glad there are more ladies in AZ - I feel like everybody else is in CA, GA/MD or TX
Hi Soliel!
If you don't mind me asking, where do you buy your Vatika oil from? I live on the NW side (Glendale) and yesterday I had to go all the way out to India Plaza in Tempe to get a bottle! I can't believe that there's no other place to buy a bottle between here and there but I couldn't find any. Do you know if there's any place else I can get it between North Phoenix and Tempe?
~Blaize
Soliel185
New Member
Last time I went to a place called Zam Zam World Foods:
Address:1638 North 40th St, Phoenix, AZ, USA - United States of America, 85008
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zam-zam-world-foods-phoenix
It's at 40th & McDowell..that should be closer for you.
I've ordered it online via Amazon, and seen it at LeeLee's in Chandler as well, but that would be further for you than Tempe. Most Indian groceries should carry it though.
DivaD04
New Member
at night, i used to spray my hair with ubh moisturizing spray and baggy. in the day time i would always use the cream....simply amazing but thick as he//. and when i would braid my hair avocado/hemp seed butters were on my top fave list. for the 6 mths i was back home visiting, i cut my hair off and was rocking a super short, but by the time i left, my hair was damn near shoulder. i just used glycerin based products or added glycerin in them and my hair flourish, oh, and i also used aloe vera gel (liquid)....btw i need to put in an order from fnwl.
i think life in the dessert is all about moisture and ps'n for any hg regimen.
i think life in the dessert is all about moisture and ps'n for any hg regimen.
DivaD04
New Member
Last time I went to a place called Zam Zam World Foods:
Address:1638 North 40th St, Phoenix, AZ, USA - United States of America, 85008
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zam-zam-world-foods-phoenix
It's at 40th & McDowell..that should be closer for you.
eta: soliel is zam zam next door to a check cashing place or diagnal? it's been a minute since i've been back home. and isn't that store a african store?
meka
Well-Known Member
I live in Glendale as well and Im currently in a sew in but I swear by braid sprays mixed with castor and olive oils whenever Im in braids or a sew in.
When my hair is out, I use Keracare shampoo and condish and their leave in or Lacio Lacio on soaking wet hair. Then I add some EVOO onto my hair. I also do hot oil treatments. I have a shower filter as well.
When my hair is out, I use Keracare shampoo and condish and their leave in or Lacio Lacio on soaking wet hair. Then I add some EVOO onto my hair. I also do hot oil treatments. I have a shower filter as well.
Soliel185
New Member
I think it's a check-cashing place. It you weren't paying attention you'd miss it b/c it's in a residential-ish area.
The store itself is pretty small too - Lee Lee's had more stuff, hair wise, but for any basics this is closer and easier to get in and out.
Soliel185
New Member
I go to the health food store ( I think some walmarts carry it too) and by the food grade Aloe Vera Juice/Gelly. I just got a giant jug for about $12. I've ordered online but I hate waiting and paying shipping - it's just easier for me to get it locally.
Most health food stores like Sprouts, Sunflower, or Trader Joes carry Vegetable Glycerine, Organic Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Castor Oil etc etc. Depending on where you live it might be easier to just grab them at the store rather than ordering online.
Hello Ladies and thank you....I live in Glendale as well. And I have been seeking some help for my hair and a support group while I am growing it out.
I was in a weave for the past year, I had pretty good growth but I need help establishing some kind of routine.
My brother who had about 4 inches of growth, 4 years ago, toke some of the tips I learned and applied them better then me (LOL) and now he sports locs well past his shoulders.
My love, my passion is Belly Dance, and I want longer hair as part of my dance personna, so any and all help, advice, critique would be greatly appreciated....
Kris
I was in a weave for the past year, I had pretty good growth but I need help establishing some kind of routine.
My brother who had about 4 inches of growth, 4 years ago, toke some of the tips I learned and applied them better then me (LOL) and now he sports locs well past his shoulders.
My love, my passion is Belly Dance, and I want longer hair as part of my dance personna, so any and all help, advice, critique would be greatly appreciated....
Kris
Soliel185
New Member
That's so funny! I used to bellydance too! I took lessons with Ava at ASU and then with Mahin in Chandler.
goldielocs
New Member
Last time I went to a place called Zam Zam World Foods:
Address:1638 North 40th St, Phoenix, AZ, USA - United States of America, 85008
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zam-zam-world-foods-phoenix
It's at 40th & McDowell..that should be closer for you.
Girl, you are way too close to my door step! I pass that store everyday on my way out...
Mane Event
Well-Known Member
Another AZ lady checking in!!!
I'm still trying to figure out the whole moisture routine. I found that mixing glycerin/water with oil works best. I also LOVE Cantu Moisturizers, Care Free Curl, or Wave Noveau.
I'm so jealous of the humidity in other states.
It seems like a lot of ladies in the Midwest/South have beautiful long locks!
As for the hard water issue. There's a shower filter that someone else on the board recommended. I think you can pick it up at any home depot!
I'm still trying to figure out the whole moisture routine. I found that mixing glycerin/water with oil works best. I also LOVE Cantu Moisturizers, Care Free Curl, or Wave Noveau.
I'm so jealous of the humidity in other states.
It seems like a lot of ladies in the Midwest/South have beautiful long locks!
As for the hard water issue. There's a shower filter that someone else on the board recommended. I think you can pick it up at any home depot!
Last time I went to a place called Zam Zam World Foods:
Address:1638 North 40th St, Phoenix, AZ, USA - United States of America, 85008
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zam-zam-world-foods-phoenix
It's at 40th & McDowell..that should be closer for you.
Thanks Soliel! That's much closer! I was actually going as far as ASU and that's crazy since I'm over by Arrowhead Mall!
I actually am going to start up with Mahin again next week, she teaches at Encore on
7th st. I also study with the Queen Helena Vhalos. I even toke lessons from one of Suhaila Salimpoors disciples....
Even got to take workshops with Ansuya and Jillina both very beautiful inside and outside, and both lots of fun.
Kris
7th st. I also study with the Queen Helena Vhalos. I even toke lessons from one of Suhaila Salimpoors disciples....
Even got to take workshops with Ansuya and Jillina both very beautiful inside and outside, and both lots of fun.
Kris
DivaD04
New Member
jaineblaize you might need a water filter. i think you can benefit from it. they have the kind for the shower.
if you're interested in one try home depot...there's one down the way (same side as wal-mart(40th and Thomas...go down some by walgreens)...please tell me walgreens survived the recession y'all. it has been on that corner since i was a kid.
otherwise here are some links if anyone is looking for a filter.
http://www.aquasana.com/
http://www.mrwaterfilter.com/
http://www.waterproducts.com/
if you're interested in one try home depot...there's one down the way (same side as wal-mart(40th and Thomas...go down some by walgreens)...please tell me walgreens survived the recession y'all. it has been on that corner since i was a kid.
otherwise here are some links if anyone is looking for a filter.
http://www.aquasana.com/
http://www.mrwaterfilter.com/
http://www.waterproducts.com/
LadyLeoSmile
New Member
Hello! Arizona lady new to this site and fairly new to going natural with my hair. I have been trying to figure out what to do with it because I found that while it grows considerable without relaxers and I love the curly/twisted look.. I had been having problems with dryness and nothing I tried was working.
Boy am I glad I stumbled across this site! You ladies Rock. And I'm happy now to know where to go in Tempe to find supplies for my hair.
Boy am I glad I stumbled across this site! You ladies Rock. And I'm happy now to know where to go in Tempe to find supplies for my hair.
The good thing about being in Arizona is that we're forced to learn how to grow and manage our hair in the toughest of conditions - that way, if we move to other areas, it can only get better. I've heard of many casualties - women moving from the south and having their hair fall out once they moved out this way. I'm originally from Utah, so I've stayed on some long hair without the benefit of humidity.
Soliel185
New Member
Once you figure out how to combat it, the lack of humidity really isn't a big deal. Humidity in other places often makes up for crappy products IMO.
I was natural with I moved here in '03 and never had any problems ( I wore my hair in braids 24/7) but decided to relax in '05. My first winter relaxed my nape broke off something awful. I just kept piling Pink Lotion on it. If I'd know about aloe vera, glycerin, and rosewater I never would have had those issues. Up to that point it had never even occurred to me that a: many commercial products are crap and b: using natural base things like coconut or castor oil would give me much MUCH healthier, softer hair.
I was natural with I moved here in '03 and never had any problems ( I wore my hair in braids 24/7) but decided to relax in '05. My first winter relaxed my nape broke off something awful. I just kept piling Pink Lotion on it.
If I'd know about aloe vera, glycerin, and rosewater I never would have had those issues. Up to that point it had never even occurred to me that a: many commercial products are crap and b: using natural base things like coconut or castor oil would give me much MUCH healthier, softer hair.
Mane Event
Well-Known Member
Good Point. I guess the flip side is that we also don't have to worry about hair frizzing up!
Once you figure out how to combat it, the lack of humidity really isn't a big deal. Humidity in other places often makes up for crappy products IMO.
I was natural with I moved here in '03 and never had any problems ( I wore my hair in braids 24/7) but decided to relax in '05. My first winter relaxed my nape broke off something awful. I just kept piling Pink Lotion on it.
that_1_grrrl
New Member
Thanks for posting this. I'm gonna be visiting a friend in AZ sometime in the winter, and I have been wondering what I'll do about my hair.
Does hair dry at that much in AZ?
Does hair dry at that much in AZ?
The Savvy Sistah
New Member
bumping!!!!
grownwomanaz
Love and Harmony
Hello fellow AZ ladies. I must be the only one in Tucson although I tell every sista I've come in contact with about this site. I lurked for a while before joining. Anyway, I do the same thing in the winter as I do the rest of the year. Co-wash every 2 or 3 days always use a cheapie as a leave-in my favs are: VO5 Moisture Milks and HE Hello Hydration and seal with coconut oil/shea butter. I've experimented with a lot of other products, but that VO5 is the truth. I'm transitioning, 39 weeks post, and rarely use heat anymore (except for DCing every other week) probably once every couple of months I wear my hair straight. I mostly bun, twist out, and braid out...keep it simple.
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