proteins, minerals and vitamins from seafood and fresh vegetables as well. Most importantly, Dr. Engstrand points out that all of these ethnicities experience balding and graying only after adopting American eating habits.
IODINE
Iodine is a trace mineral, which helps to manufacture thyroxin, an important element for healthy, strong thyroid glands. When the thyroid is healthy and functioning at its capacity, our metabolism is increased, which, in turn, improves the quality and growth of our hair. On the other hand, when our diet suffers from Iodine deficiency, this results in hair dryness, thinning and slow hair growth. Kelp (dried seaweed) is the richest natural source of iodine and is available in all health food stores in tablet or granulated form.
INCREASING GROWTH
As already indicated, some vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, panthothenic acid, para-amino-benzoic acid, and folic acid are directly linked to the health of our hair, and they all seem to have anti-graying properties. When used in conjunction with Brewer's Yeast, these vitamins and minerals further darken the hair while improving its quality and increasing its growth.
Wheat germ and wheat germ oils are known to promote hair growth and are used extensively by fur and mink growers. When used as a dietary supplement, however, wheat germ should always be fresh.
Essentially, fatty acids such as vitamin F are believed to assist the sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland produces sebum, which moisturizes the skin, scalp and hair. Vitamin F can be found in nuts, raw seeds and unsaturated vegetable oils. Vitamin A also can be used to combat dry, itchy, flaky skin and scalp. Cod-liver oil contains the richest source of natural vitamin A.
Protein is also essential to hair growth but can be over consumed. Fifty grams a day will suffice and can be obtained in one potato or two swallows of milk. Be mindful, people who live in Asia, India and Mexico have thick, black hair, although they live on low-protein diets.
Lecithin and B vitamins, including choline and dinositol, protect the arteries from hardening. When the arteries are hardened, the blood supply to the scalp is restricted and hair growth is diminished. Smoking, overeating and high blood pressure may also impair blood circulation to the scalp.
According to Dr. Engstand, if we wish to optimize the health of our hair, we should supplement our diet daily with the following:
•Brewer's Yeast, powder or flakes - 2 to 3 tablespoons.
•Lecithin, Granules - 1 to 2 tablespoons.
•Vitamin E - One 400 to 1200 LU. a day (before meals).
•Vitamin C (from a rose hips or other natural sources) - up to 1000MG.
Note: In case of high blood pressure, consult your doctor for proper dosage of vitamin C.
•Vitamin B Complex, High Potency, natural - 1 to 3 tablets.
•Cod-liver oil, unfortified 1 TSDP.
•Vitamin A, natural - 25,000 USP.
•Kelp - up to 10 tablets.
•Bone Meal Tablets, For Minerals - 5 to 10 tablets.
•Cod-Pressed Vegetable Oil For Vitamin F - 1 to 2 tablespoons a day. This may be used on salads, cereals, etc. Olive oil and sesame seed oil are most likely to be cold pressed and non-rancid.
Unless otherwise indicated, food supplements should be taken with meals. Consult your medical physician regarding the amount of supplements you should take and how long you need to consume them before seeing results.
Chapter 3
Going Natural: Breaking the Lyes
By Toya Watts, Managing Director, S.E.P.I.A., Washington, DC
Natural style options and advantages
Women choose to "go natural" for many reasons. Some cite religious practices, social and political movements or simply a desire to be a "down" sister. Sometimes, it's just a trendy here-today-gone-tomorrow fashion statement. Often expectant mothers heed the solid medical advice against using chemicals and allow their natural hair to flourish during pregnancy. There are as many reasons for the resurgence of natural hair as there are hairstyles.
For many years I had envisioned the endless afternoons of carefree child's play and the beauty of my plaits unraveling in the wind. Between touchups, I'd caress the sprouting tight wave pattern of my new hair growth. You see, in longing to feel the textured tresses I was blessed with from birth, I'd go for months without a touchup and became a master with the press-n-curl "the edges" technique. I did anything to keep my natural hair thriving under six to seven inches of relaxed hair. Then in angst and frustration, with pressure from impatient hairstylists, I'd throw up my hands and surrender my new growth once more to what had now become a way of life- styles, chemicals and burning scalp - the going price for vanity. All along I desired to experience, touch, see and wear my hair in its natural state.
I believe many women have this secret love affair with their natural hair. But through years of "burn red itch hot head afternoon" appointments, ending in straight, luxurious tresses, they have forgotten the splendor, feel and unique personalities of our natural hair. We have forgotten our hair and its sheer beauty, its versatility, the styling techniques and products, and the opportunities it allows us for nurturing and pampering ourselves. I admit it. I had just forgotten how or what to do with: "hair au naturel."
A PARTNER IN HAIR CARE
I wasn't giving up. My love for hair au naturel, a lean budget and growing intolerance for the six-to-eight-hour Saturday hair appointment sent me in search of hairstyling options. Luckily, I was working with a dear friend who was a very creative stylist and a proponent for ultimate versatility. She refused to over-process my hair and retouch new growth every six weeks. Instead, she opted for 12 weeks or more. Finally, I had found a stylist who was a real partner in my hair care plan. She opted for setting my shoulder-length hair on rollers and smoothing the natural hair with a curling iron. Occasionally, she would gently blow-dry the roots, producing more body and the beginnings of a full head of healthy hair.
TRANSITION TO BRAIDS
As the spring and summer months approached, my two to three inches of virgin hair became a bit more difficult to manage beneath four inches-plus of relaxed hair. Convenience then became the order of the hot, humid summer days. What is more convenient and versatile, with a more relaxed hair care regime, than braids? Or so I thought.
As you transition to braids, while making your way to natural hair, you trade several long six-to-eight hour appointments for maybe one daylong appointment every six to eight weeks. And you buy mounds of extra hair for braid extensions. Neck muscles and hair follicles often are strained from the extra hair on your head. You may even lose a few nights of sleep as you adjust to your temporary tresses. Braids also require careful maintenance, conditioning and washing to reduce residue and dirt. Over time, I found that braids could strain and reduce the natural hairline.
Choosing an experienced braid technician who will offer assistance beyond the initial hair appointment was the secret to my success. Braids are a beautiful option and a great temporary solution for growing natural hair without kutting. I wore casama braids for four
