maneconcern

[maneconcern]

Do you know of,a luxury salon that has color classes in nyc

Hi! 

Yes, I have personally tried a couple : Warren Tricomi, Bumble & Bumble.  You're best bet is to call a salon you have heard great things about and just ask if they offer color classes, need models and if so is there a charge.  Other questions to ask : how long has the stylist been working? do they offer color corrections? do they offer styling or access to a blow dryer after color treatment.   On average most stylist have to take classes 6 years while working for a high end salon, and all of them are licensed professionals supervised by a master stylist.  

Do let me know who you try and send me a review! 

In color and beauty, 

Merary 

[maneconcern]

Hi so I've just started trying your coconut oil and the tea tree mixture on my itchy scalp. I wanted to know how long until it works because I've found that lots of hair falls out when I apply it and my scalp is still itchy after and the next morning when I wash it out, even more hair falls out. (Although it was like that prior to using the oil). I don't think it's made my hair fall out worse but it doesn't seem to have made it better either.

Hi there!!

Thanks for reading, it sounds like you can use less tea tree oil, use about 3 drops instead. Also add 4-8 drops of essential lavender oil it will be soothing.  With consistent usage, you will see a healthier scalp in 2 months.  Consistent : 3 times a week, light massage.  To recap the recipe so you have the ratios:  mix 1/2 cup of pure virgin coconut oil, 1/2 teaspoon of organic tea tree oil, 1 teaspoon of essential lavender oil.    

Please keep me updated on progress. 

In health and strength, 

Merary

[maneconcern]

Mane Concern Throwback  

[maneconcern]

Scalp Tips For The Season

Fact: winter is shedding season. To minimize that effect, you have to treat your scalp with a bit more attention.

Hair can’t grow to its fullest potential if the scalp is clogged. Styling products and frizz fighters build up and clog the scalp. True Moringa offers light and absorbent moisture that enriches your scalp with vitamins and allows essential oils to work effectively.

Best method of applying scalp oil is a massage before bed. My hair is thick and wavy, but oil does weigh it down. A good recipe that you can use for up to 3 days (1-2 days for thinner hair) before having to wash out goes as follows:

For my easy recipe check out:  Moringa Connect 

If you try the recipe, snap a photo, share your thoughts on Instagram or Facebook , hashtag #ilovetruemoringa  would love your thoughts and feed back!!

In health and growth, 

Merary 

[maneconcern]

Natural Resources! Trip to Rwanda

This month I had an amazing trip to Rwanda and Burundi.  Where I had the honor of meeting women from all over East Africa, some of which I introduced to this blog.

There were 2 challenges I encountered when introducing some of my DYI recipes.

The area being so plush and beautiful led me to believe that there were oils available everywhere and that passing on some of my recipes would be easy.  Well, I was wrong.  The region has plants, nuts, seeds I am familiar with but beauty aisles aren't filled with exotic oils.  It turns out that oil is very expensive to produce in mass quantity and because there isn't vast knowledge of benefits the demand doesn't encourage production or import.  

(mandatory travel selfie)

The other challenge, which I enjoyed was learning and identifying the different names for plants and learning that they are everywhere just used for different reasons.  Among those plants, Rosemary Leaves. 

Since my trip, I have put more thought into using raw materials to create hair nourishing recipes.  Let's start with the readily available miracle that is Rosemary Leaves.  Found in most grocery stores, farmers markets and if you are lucky backyard. 

In my home, Rosemary was what my grandmother called hair food. Known to nourish scalp and hair follicles, stimulate growth, relieve itchy scalp.  My grandmother would boil a strong rosemary tea, later cooled and used as a leave in rinse.  

What will you need? 

Fresh or dried rosemary leaves- 2 oz

Fresh Peppermint leaves- 1oz

5 cups of water. 

Step 1: 

Place all ingredients in a pot

Step 2:

Boil on low heat for 15 mins, until liquid condenses to 2 cups. 

Step 3:

Place in covered jar for 10 days. 

Usage:  Add 1/2 cup to favorite shampoo.  OR after you rinse all of your shampoo, towel dry hair and pour 1/2 of luke warm tea to saturate hair, cover with with a plastic cap for 10-15 mins, follow with a deep conditioner. 

3 easy steps that will  bring life and shine to your mane!

 While visiting Kigali, Rwanda  I developed a  hair crush on April (I mean seriously look at those amazing thick curls pictured below) !!  Mrs. April was an amazing host to life in Kigali as an expat.  She relocated over a year ago to work for the Ministry of Health as faculty for the Human Resources for Health Program in Rwanda.  April is a natural beauty whose hair health comes from the fact that she keeps it simple and doesn't stress her mane with heat! She is more committed to being present in her experience than finding ways to use a flatiron (as it should be).  I am honored to have met her in my travels and look forward to great friendship! 

Thanks for being the hostess with the mostess! 

In health and glow, 

Merary 

[maneconcern]

Attention all Beauty Bloggers and Product Junkies !

If you are a beauty blogger, product junkie who loves naturally derived products and want to try the latest trend and write about it  shoot me an email :  merary@maneconcern.com 

Nail Experts - Make Up Artist- Skin Experts welcomed too!  (Not just for hair)

[maneconcern]

Spotlight: Bhringraj Oil Recipe

Happy Almost Fall!!  

As the season approaches, I get excited about changing my beauty regimen and wearing jackets!  Fall also inspires me to take it back to my kitchen, explore new recipes, use more spices and find creativity.  

This Fall I want to highlight beauty oils from different cultures and areas of the world.   Beginning with Bhringraj Oil ( pronounced  bring - raj).  I made this oil last year and since then have received countless request for the recipes. 

First a few facts about Bhringraj Oil : 

What is Bhringraj?  A plant in the daisy family, which carries a host of medicinal value.  The plant is commonly found in India, Thailand, Brazil, and China.   It has a host of medicinal properties and vitamins.  Used not only to make oils but to make healing tonics. 

When made into an oil it promises to nourish hair follicles, slow down graying, and promote hair growth. 

My personal experience..  I was introduced to the oil in 2010 and used it to strengthen and moisturize my scalp.  I used it as a pre-wash conditioning oil, my saturating my hair 2 or more hours before washing. Back then  I bought it as an oil  and though I prefer the integrity of making it myself, buying it made was certainly easier and just as effective.  When selecting a brand make sure it only contains a carrier oil and Bhringraj powder.  The most common mix is Sesame Oil and Bhringraj powder.  Beware of synthetic oils and other fillers. 

Please note Bhringraj works best when massaged into scalp. Massaging increases blood circulation, creating a healthier environment for the hair shaft.   

How to make Bhringraj Oil

Shopping List: 

Bhringraj Powder : 1/2 Cup

Water : 4 CUPS 

Coconut or Sesame Seed Oil : 2 cups

Strainer 

Step 1.   Mix water and Bhringraj Powder in a pot and in low heat allow to boil until liquid is reduced to one cup. 

Step 2.  Let cool and strain mixture to remove particles. (pictured below)

Step 3.  Mix 2 cups of coconut OR sesame oil with Bhringraj Liquid in a pot, in low heat bring to a boil again until it evaporates from 3 cups to  One cup. 

Step 4:  Let the oil cool over night and you are all set!   This batch will produce over 3 months of oil, if used twice a month. 

Usage:  Massage  3 tablespoons into your scalp as a pre washing scalp conditioner over night or at least 2 hours before washing.  

Hope you enjoy making your own batch!  Sharing is caring and in my opinion this would make an excellent gift if packaged nicely. 

In creativity and beauty, 

Merary 

[maneconcern]

Hi new to your blog and let me say, I absolutely love it so far. I am new to hair growth on my own (scary business), after going to salons and having to cut back on spending. Can you give me some natural tips on how to grow thicker hair, my hair is thin and collarbone length. I have thin edges due to a medical condition. Any tips and help would be perfect. Thanks (almost forgot to mention. I am allergic to coconut milk and water like raw coconut, so unsure about coconut oil on hair).

Hi!

Thanks for reading and I am certainly happy to help! Send me an email and I will provide you with a couple of questions that will help me come up with a good plan for you!   As for your allergy to coconut no need to worry, there are so many amazing oils that will nurture hair.   Crude Macadamia Oil is amazing, since lightening my hair (which causes a lot of breakage if unattended) I have been using plain Macadamia nut oil instead of coconut oil before washing and I feel a difference in strength and moisture.  I look forward to continuing our conversation. 

Macadamia Oil can be found online or at a local health food store. 

In health, 

Merary 

[maneconcern]

What heat protectents are good to use? Also miss you very much hopefully soon I get see you. Love you very much plus haven't seen you in ages 😉

I am going to guess this is someone I know and will say; hope to see you soon too!  Thanks for reading!

My favorite heat protector (from hot tools not the just the sun) is Bumble and Bumble Invisible Oil.   I don't use the entire line (comes in an orange bottle and sold at Sephora) but I use the oil if I am going to flatiron or curl. 

Hug, 

Merary 

[maneconcern]

Hi! I have survived menopause but for some reason my head gets the hot flashes! The sweat literally drips down the sides of my face and I hate it. Today I thought I was being ingenious and I put Ban roll on on my temples. It worked well but when I washed my hair it won't come OUT!!! HELP! The hair where the a/p was applied is gummy and feels sticky. Do you know of anything I can try to get it out? I am naturally blonde, with highlights and some ash blonde permanent color on the roots. THANKS!

Oh No!  I would suggest using jojoba oil over night.  Rub plain jojoba oil on the area before going to bed.  A teaspoon should be suffice.   I suggest jojoba because it is both easy to find and a very light oil to use.  In the future instead of Ban, use a rice based dry shampoo on your scalp to deal with the sweat.  I use it before hot yoga and it works super well.  Remember, a little goes a long way with dry shampoo. 

Good luck!  Hope this helps and thanks for reading!  

In health, 

Merary 

[maneconcern]

I don't have a question, but my name is Merary spelled with a y. That's cool that it's yours too because I've only ever met Merari's. I really like your website, keep it up!

I love it!!  Nice meeting you Merary!

hugs, 

Merary!

[maneconcern]

Do you put your hair up at night, or have any sort of routine for your hair at night? I'm asking because for years I've been putting my hair in a ponytail at near the top of my head with the ends curled under; that way I don't have to curl it everyday. But lately I've been wondering if there's a better way. Thanks for your help. P.S. My hair is natural but I wear it straight; it's just below my shoulders and I want to grow about 4-6 more inches.

I am not a believer of putting my hair up at night, I think it causes pulling and tugging and it's not conducive to restful sleep.   I use my satin pillow case daily and that keeps my hair strong and healthy.  When I don't use my satin pillow case, I do notice more breakage and shedding than normal. 

[maneconcern]

Hi Merary! For the tea tree oil and coconut oil hair, how often did you use it before seeing results?

Hi!!  Thanks for reading!!   Do this regiment for 2 weeks, if you see no change,  look into perhaps a problem with inflamation or a vitamin deficiency.  Personally, if I don't supply my body with adequate Omega 3 oils, inflamation will cause scalp flakes and irritation. 

In health, 

Merary 

[maneconcern]

The Chop

After years of nurturing my hair to grow, I decided last month to chop 10 inches off. Why? 

Change.  

The last year has been about change, some initiated by me and some just the natural flow of life.  

I wanted color, I wanted edge. I got both and I am challenged daily to find ways of styling.  At first I thought the length was the challenge but the truth is, I just need to be creative.   In essence, my hair is a reflection of the changes I have implemented into my life as well as the challenges that come with change. 

The constant battle between comfort and change. The process of letting go on the inside always manifest outwardly in some way or another, not just with  hair (but this is a hair blog so I will stay on topic) . 

I haven't decided if I want to keep cutting it or get it back to long but  I am excited about making sure it's strong from root to end and sharing that progress with you.   I am also excited to find new styles.  I am open to being patient on days I want it to be long again.   I am still a virgin to extensions and plan on continuing to be, not out of any judgement on others but out of my attitude of not wanting fast or temporary solutions.  I can hear my grandmother's voice in my head "cuida lo que te dio Dios" (take care of what God gave you) and that's the plan folks. 

Special thanks to Pooja and Christie at Blackstones Salon in New York City for my thorough consultation, planning and execution of my fab make over!!  Since then, they have colored and cut some of my dearest friends.  All textures and lengths welcomed, cared, and loved. 

Color tip from Christie:  When going lighter protect and moisturize your locs with Davines Alchemic Conditioner (available in different tones).   I have it in Golden and it pops my color in between touch ups, adding shine and true moisture.  Free of parabens and great detangler!

More tips on caring for dyed hair soon!

In growth and change and color, 

Merary 

[maneconcern]

30 Days of Hot Yoga vs. My Hair

Beginning May 1st, I am taking on the challenge of 30 days of Hot Yoga at my favorite Yoga home.  It's not Bikram for those wondering, it's Modo which incorporates a diverse selection of classes, Vinyasa, Hatha, Music, Restorative. If you don't get that previous sentence, don't worry.. in sum it's Yoga in a heated room lead by amazing instructors who will help you work on balance, breathing, detoxing and you leave class drenched in sweat.   Which brings up my concern :  what will I do with my hair for the next 30 days?!! 

My mantra:  Hair style: temporary---Body transformation: permanent. 

Sweating out your hair shouldn't stop you from treating your body to health.  I am scared and excited about what 30 consecutive days of sweating will do for my body.  Scared because who on this planet wakes up wanting to work out 30 days in a month (if you do message me and give me all your secrets), excited because I know I am going to look and feel great day 30!  I realize it takes some planning and prioritizing to make this work in terms of schedule and grooming so I did a little shopping to make my 30 days a breeze. 

Yes, the studio provides hair shampoo, conditioner and body wash but I prefer my own ;). 

30 Day Hot Yoga Prep

Step 1:   Get a pedicure.  :)  If I will be looking at my toes this much they might as well make me happy. 

Step 2:  Travel containers for my shampoos and lotions.  I plan on going to yoga before work on most days.  So I want to pack as light as possible.   My personal faves are Go Toobs.   They are pricey but the squeezable material allows for no product to be wasted. It seals super well and if you want to switch the contents  they are easy to clean.  No need to label because there is a label system incorporated into the lid.  

Step 3:  Shampoo.   The plan:  Use clarifying shampoo, followed by 3 days of co-washing.  No need to pack a co wash shampoo: clarifying shampoo and daily conditioner will be suffice.  Wash with a clarifying shampoo on day 1, followed by 3 days of rinsing with a daily conditioner (no shampoo.)  Avalon Organics Scalp Normalizing Shampoo is a great clarifying shampoo (pictured above).   I love that it's gentle, leaves hair soft, scalp clean and infused with great scalp nourishing oils such as peppermint, tea tea, and eucalyptus.  Can be found at Whole Foods and most Health stores. 

Step 3A:   Conditioner.    ( co-washing:  rinse well with warm water, add conditioner, rinse out completely).  Avoid stripping, do not shampoo daily.  On days that you don't shampoo It is important that you use a lighter conditioner not a mask. It is also important you rinse your hair well before and after applying daily conditioner. My current personal favorite daily conditioner is Terax  Crema.   Moisturizes, detangles, shines, suitable for all curls and textures, suitable for daily use.  A great and cheaper alternative is MillCreek, you will need a little more for curlier hair but it works wonders for a daily conditioner.  Detangles while moisturizing and strengthening locs, and restoring the keratin in your hair. 

Step 4:  On Saturday or Sunday.  Deep Condition with a mask.  Ideally add coconut oil prior to class.  Not drenching my hair in coconut oil but enough to cover from scalp to ends with no dripping excess.  Followed by a good clarifying shampoo, followed by a deep conditioner.   I am currently in love with the L'Oreal ProKeratin Refill.  This mask is super thick, cheaper than most high-end conditioning mask and leaves hair strong and full of moisture.  You can certainly see the difference after one use. 

****Sample Wash Routine:   Monday: clarifying shampoo,  Tues-Thursday : co-wash, Friday: shampoo, Saturday: co wash, Sunday : deep condition routine. 

Step 5:  Leave in and Styling.   This part is obviously a personal choice but I will note a few rules.  1. Rinse any conditioner out thoroughly.  Do not use conditioner as a leave in or styling cream.  It will cause hair to get porous and over time frizzy and brittle. Use a leave in conditioner or a teaspoon of coconut oil post wash. 2. Dry your hair as much as possible before pulling back into a pony tail.  3. Detangle daily with a wide tooth comb. Try your best not to brush wet hair.  Favorite styling creams and leave in oil (pictured above): Oribe Styling Cream and Gold Lust Oil. 

Bonus:  Body Care 

With this 30 day challenge I want to get my skin tone as even as possible and rid of blemish marks. Start the month of June with supple summer ready skin! I also want to avoid getting backne or bumps near my sports bra.  

With that in mind, as picture above.  I am using a Giovanni Detox Bar soap, followed by Mother's Special Blend body oil.  An alternative to the Giovanni Bar would be African Black Soap which also helps with clarifying the skin and preventing body acne.  Mother's Special blend is a skin toning oil designed to prevent stretch marks and tone skin. Remember to wipe off all makeup before class to avoid clogging your pores. 

Last and most IMPORTANT for both hair, skin as well as yoga practice.  Drink lots of water before, during and after class.  I am so excited to see how 30 days of sweating will affect my skin and scalp!!  Will report on this my June 1st! 

Wish me luck!! 

Happy Sweating, 

Merary 

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Heat 101

We all know that heat damage is pretty much a nightmare, repairing requires tons of treatment and trims.  Unfortunately most of us can't part ways with our tools.  Here are some tips to help you do so as healthy as possible! 

Rule Number 1: 

Never flatiron or curl your hair when it's wet.  Yes, there exist wet to straight flat irons but I simply don't believe in them.  Shrug.  

Dry thoroughly with a blow dryer before using these tools.  Dry with a low setting or cool air.  Make sure the hair is fully dry then style as desired. 

Rule Number 2:   

Use Ceramic with Tournmaline or Titanium.  What is that?  What makes this better?  What are ions?   The easy answer: old irons open hair follicles and cause damage.  Ceramic irons regardless of price point, close the hair follicle and smooth hair. You can literally feel the difference IMMEDIATELY.

My personal favorites: 

Sultra Bombshell also know as my bestie. 

On the rare occasion I flat iron, I trust my  BabyBliss Pro  

(both pictured above)

Why are some more expensive then others? longevity, the cheaper ones will chip and crack. Speaking of.. 

Rule Number 3:

Never use a chip, cracked, iron.  The damage is not repairable.  You will have to cut overheated and damaged hair.. there is no working around that.   Chip and cracked irons and curling wands emit heat levels not meant for hair or skin.   What is too much heat?.... brings us to the next rule. 

Rule Number 4:  

If you color your hair, have curly hair, fine hair, thick hair, straight hair, simply want to have hair:  don't go on a setting higher than 380 degrees.  It is not necessary.  If you are using the right products before and after,  are brushing before use, it will work with a lower setting.  Higher setting exist for hair extensions which have been treated and processed to be worn one way.  Before buying a tool that doesn't disclose exact temperature, read the label and instructions on the box for this information.   All tools are labeled "For Professional Use Only" and yes they are sold to the public but if they protect themselves legally you should at minimum read the heat setting and directions on how to use properly. 

Rule Number 5:

Use a heat protector oil or serum before styling.  My personal favorite is Bumble & Bumble's Hair Dresser's Invisible Oil.  Protects against heat styling but it is light and won't weigh the hair down.   Suitable for all hair types.  Do not use coconut or other treatment oils as heat styling serums.

Rule Number 6:   

Don't over do it.  There is no need to heat style daily and most of the time there is no need to heat style your entire head.  Take a look, brush your hair and then access which piece could use the styling.  Are there any pieces that are already flat or curled?  Less is more, not only will it look more natural but it can avoid unnecessary hair stress. 

Below a picture of me curling my gorgeous friend's hair,  notice only the crown of hair is being heat styled with the wand,  the rest is dried naturally, she can achieve a styled look without curling her entire head. 

Lastly, always follow periods of over heating with deep conditioning the next time you wash.  It will soothe, moisturize and repair hair. 

In health and style, 

Merary 

[maneconcern]

Stop Excessive Shedding!

First and Foremost ..   Happy 2014!!

I was particularly happy about shedding 2013.  Personally a year of growth, challenges, letting go, release.  It made it's mark in my personal history with lots of ups and downs.  Both physically and spiritually we are constantly changing, constantly shedding. Learning to accept change is a natural part of adulthood but constant hair shedding isn't something I take lightly. 

Shedding happens for a variety of reasons and it's a natural process but for this particular piece I will discuss excessive stress shedding.  Which can easily become an ongoing spiral.  

Cycle:  You Stress --> You Shed--> You stress more because of shedding-->You Shed.   If that isn't frustrating!!!

What is Excessive Shedding ?

Depends on the texture and natural density of your hair but in general 50 or more strands a day.  Note that breakage can appear as shedding, so I am referring to 50 complete strands of hair (similar in length to your hair). If your hair is long it may appear like there is more hair shedding and it's usually just breakage that can be address with a trim and conditioning. 

Why is your hair shedding so much?

Does the fallen hair strand  have a little bulb at the root?  If so it has fallen out in its natural cycle and it's making room for new hair.  (stop stressing)

If you loose clumps of hair that create a bald spot...  see a dermatologist immediately. 

Do you notice more hair than usual on your pillow and shower?  If so...

Could it be an allergic reaction to a recent chemical procedure (coloring, relaxer, keratin, etc)?

Did you change your diet?  Vitamin intake?  New medication? Birth Control? Post baby shedding? 

If none of the above apply, likelihood ....it is stress shedding. 

Advising you to stop stressing would just be cruel and unrealistic  (see cycle above)..  Here are some tips to see improvement and move into this cycle : 

You Shed--> You make some minor adjustments--> You shed less -->relief and hope--> You stress less.

If you are thinking ..  I haven't been stressed in about 4 month!  It can't be stress, has to be something else..   It takes your hair 4-6 months to react to stress.  Mother nature is her own boss, sorry. 

If you think it's stress related shedding try these simple steps and if you see no improvement in a month to 6 weeks see a doctor.  Remember your goal is to get down to 50 strands or less (not zero strands), you are suppose shed and make room for new healthy strong hair. 

1. Vitamin B Complex : 

A vitamin B complex, not just Biotin will help.  When you are stressed you burn B vitamins.  B vitamins aid in nerve repair, anxiety and depression.  In general you can add more leafy green, whole grains to obtain more vitamin Bs from natural sources.  If your diet isn't perfectly balanced opt for a daily vitamin supplement.    Look for a dosage that only requires one B Complex a day so that you are less likely to forget. 

2.  Scalp Strengthening Oil 

You will need:  Texas Cedarwood Essential Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, Jojoba Oil. 

In a small glass bowl mix 4oz of Jojoba Oil with 8 drops of Texas Cedarwood Oil and 6 drops of Rosemary Oil.   Cover with saran wrap over night. 

The next day use a small amount to massage scalp.  (Only the scalp).  Massage lightly for 5 minutes.  Do not drench scalp, a little goes a long way.  Repeat 2 times a week. 

3.  Clarifying Shampoo 

Once every 2 weeks use a gentle clarifying shampoo to ensure your scalp is clean of product build.   You want to maintain a clean, healthy scalp.  This will allow for a stronger hair shaft. 

Try Neutrogena Anti Residue Shampoo. 

Continue to style and condition your hair as usual.  I personally advice to incorporate a routine that will take your mind off daily stress.  For some people meditation, journaling as little as 5 minutes a day can make a world of a difference.  Personally a work out routine like running and yoga which allow me to devote at least an hour to myself help me de-stress. 

Again telling you to not stress would be pointless but hopefully these 3 simple steps in conjunction to being mindful of your health will stop the shedding. 

In health and renewal, 

Merary