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Tammy Williams

About Tammy Williams

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think

Posts by Tammy Williams:

Your Scalp Saying Don't Ignore Me Sincerely Scalp

“Don’t Ignore Me.” Sincerely, Scalp

What is Your Scalp Saying Don’t Ignore Me?

Have you ever had a shampoo where the shampooist only washed your hair, barely touching your scalp? leaving you wondering what the “hey” just happened?

Healthy hair starts at the root. The health of your scaalp directly translates to the health of your hair. In essence, the scaalp has a lot to say when it comes to what your hair reveals.  What is your scalp saying about your hair?

Has your scalp started producing large flakes? You’ve oiled the area, but it returns.

Does the scaalp areas around the front of your face and along your hairline in the back tend to be dry scaling area? Perhaps the area gets sore when you scratch it? 

Is your hairline starting to recede?

Does your scalp feel itchy?

Our bodies are beautifully constructed in that it will give us hints and try to tell us when things are not going right. Is your scaalp trying to tell you something? Maybe the dry flakes are dandruff or maybe there is another issue to be addressed. Whatever the situation, give your scalp equal or more love than your hair.

You may love to read: Black Actors frustrated over Hollywood’s Hair Problem

 

Black Actors frustrated over Hollywood's Hair Problem

Black Actors frustrated over Hollywood’s Hair Problem

Black Actors Hair Problem is a major issue in Hollywood. For most actresses, beginning their day on set almost always starts with a team of hair and makeup artists. This process has proven difficult for many black actors, as most unionized stylists are uneducated on how to do black hair. This means that most of the time, these women end up having to style their own hair or come up with their own ways to avoid damaged hair from inexperienced stylists on set.


Many black actresses, including Insecure’s Natasha Rothwell, have told stories of how black actresses often wake up to prep and do their own hair for the set, anticipating that the stylists won’t know how to do it. She says that early in her career, buying her own supplies cost her all of what she was making in a day. “It’s a real disservice to actors of color who are effectively doing someone else’s job and not getting paid for it,” she says. Empire star Taraji P. Henson also reflects on a time where she was given a stylist who was inexperienced with black hair and used a root booster on her pressed hair. She said of the experience “A lot of times, we as Black women have to wear a mask, or swallow how we really feel, or take whatever is given to us.”

There are a few ways that black actresses can come to set with their hair styled to avoid interacting with stylists who are inexperienced with black hair. Actress, Alissa Chapman says that she often styles her natural hair in a puff or bun when coming to set. “Natural hair, especially that 4b/4c texture changes constantly based on temperature, moisture and frankly how it’s feeling…If I’m doing a reshoot of a scene Thursday that I did Monday, the continuity is off, and it’s obvious.” She says that wearing buns and puffs are easy hairstyles that can remain consistent while filming. She also says that wearing wigs is a time saving and consistent route that she likes to take when showing up on sets for roles.

Black Actors frustrated over Hollywood's Hair Problem
Black Actors Hair Problem

There are also some steps that guild members can take in order to expose themselves to more experience with black hair. Randy Sayer, the Make-Up Artists, and Hair Stylists Guild business rep tell the Hollywood Reporter, that free training is provided every other weekend in makeup and hairstyling techniques to expose guild members to different skin tones and hair types.

Best Scalp Massage | How to Give Yourself a Scalp Massage

How to Give Yourself a Scalp Massage

The first step is to decide if you want to use scalp oil. The best oils for a SELF-ADMINISTERED SCALP MASSAGE depend on your needs. First, choose an oil such as olive oil, sweet almond oil, or jojoba oil to use as a base. Then, pick the appropriate essential oils. For example, tea tree and lavender are often used for dandruff, rosemary and peppermint are sometimes used for hair loss, and chamomile and rose are often used if you are experiencing excess dryness. For each tablespoon of base oil you use, add two drops of essential oil. 

The next step to a successful SELF-ADMINISTERED SCALP MASSAGE is to brush your hair. This helps detangle the hair, adds some shine, and loosens any flakes that are attached to the scalp. The best brush to use before you will depend on your hair type. Long, straight hair requires a different brush than short, curly hair. Bend from the waist and brush your hair upside-down. This improves scalp circulation and helps give the hair more body.

To begin the SELF-ADMINISTERED SCALP MASSAGE. Place a small amount of the scalp oil on your fingers. Bend from the waist to allow MORE BLOOD FLOW TO SCALP. Touch the pads of your fingers firmly to the scalp area near your temples. Massage in a circular motion your hairline gradually working your way around the entire scalp. Add more oil to your fingers when necessary.

After you use all the oil, warm a dry towel for a few seconds in the microwave and place it on your head. Let the oil sit for at least ten minutes. Try not to do anything during that time. Just lie down, close your eyes, and listen to relaxing music. This allows the oils to absorb into your hair and scalp to give it added moisture.

When ten minutes are up, you will need to shampoo and condition your hair to wash out the SELF-ADMINISTERED SCALP MASSAGE oil. Gently brush your hair first to release any tangles. When you shampoo, keep in mind that you may need to lather up twice to get rid of all the oil. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. If your hair and scalp are extremely dry, leave the oil in overnight and shampoo and condition your hair in the morning.

Try to perform a SELF-ADMINISTERED SCALP MASSAGE once a week. If done regularly, you will notice that your hair is shinier and stronger and has a lot more body. You may want to vary the essential oils as your needs change. Just make sure to do your research. Some essential oils may be harmful and/or cause allergic reactions. Also, certain oils are not to be used if pregnant or nursing.

Baking Soda for Acene

Baking Soda for Acene

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Baking Soda for Acene. Natures’ Universal remote.

I’m sure we all know somebody who’s Great Grandma “Old school” practically invented the nearly twenty-five hundred and thirty-two, give or take, practical uses of the stuff. If baking soda doesn’t have more jobs than working Americans then it at least has a solution to our economic problems in-between teeth whitening, household cleaning, and deodorizing, of course.

 

This latest testament to soda’s extensive usefulness comes from the home remedy’s book by Jerry Baker Grandma Putt’s Old-TIme Vinegar, Garlic, Baking Soda, and 101 More Problem Solvers. In his book, he describes that moment of post-pubescence angst where you first begin to realize the struggle that comes with aging in the form of a pimple. Now… acne rears its ugly head in black, white, and many other ugly colors, shapes, and sizes, and it’s the first appearance or any re-occurring roles are never welcomed in the teen drama that is most teenager’s life. So how did Baker suggest the protagonist take on the villain and save the damsel in distress, with the stress bumps???


Why enlist the help of our good buddy and hero, bakking soda (along with some wheat germ but most sites say just use water and make a paste). But why is baking soda so effective against the defenses of acne when it has had centuries of malicious practice on the unsuspecting adolescents destined to wear their maturity on their face? It’s because bakin soda goes both ways. Or as more scientifically put by “NewHealthGuide.org” baking soda is amphoteric, meaning it is both an acid and a base. Whereas acne is generally a build-up of oils, bacteria, and cells swelling into blemishes on the skin.

Baking soda’s unusual characteristic allows it to restore balance to pH levels in the skin. But it gets better, instead of riding out into the sunset as mysteriously as it appeared baking soda’s “mild anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties enable it to lessen the irritation caused by inflamed acne.” You caught that, right? “NewHealthGuide.org” is basically saying baking soda stays with you to make sure you’re doing alright after it’s done is job. That’s one more for baking soda; in addition to facial cleanser, it’s also a role model for lousy partners.


However, before you start rushing to your local dollar-mart or filling station baking soda isn’t everyone’s McDreamy/Scar Jo and it might not be able to get your desired results at first or ever. If you start to see signs of failure from your bakking soda, DON’T THROW IT AWAY!!! Cause you know there are a dozen more uses for it. Instead, go see a doctor offer him some baking soda, I got a friend whose great-grandma “Old School” uses soda to barter with her physicians. Good luck, until next time…

Good things are going to happen to you today 🙂

 

Bee Gone Dry Skin | Dry Skin Types, Risk Factors, and Treatments

BEE GONE DRY SKIN!

 

There is no secret of the link between honey and health. People all over the world have acknowledged honey’s curative qualities. Honey is just a concentrated solution of sugars in water, but it also contains amino acids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. (Flentwood 33) For nutritional purposes these are unimportant, but they seem to be playing a part in assisting with medical conditions. There is rising support of honey’s usefulness in treating dry skin wounds and burns, and its healing effect in variations of natural treatments.

Honey is recognized for it’s anti-microbial activity. It goes beyond preparing your favorite meal or hot tea. Household items along with this sweet goodness can have your skin feeling refreshed and anew.

Furthermore, honey is an anti-inflammatory, it is also acidic and a source of hydrogen peroxide, which is a well-known antiseptic. Along with having antibacterial and antibiotic properties, honey has a great moisturizing and healing effect on dry skin, restoring growth, and renewing skin cells.  Instead of using harsh store-bought skin care products, you can try whipping up a facemask with honey and some other items that are stored right in your kitchen. Honey is gentler and will not damage tissues.

BEE GONE DRY SKIN!

This simple regenerating remedy can be created using simple ingredients from your kitchen cupboard to make an amazing at-home spa treatment. So, now that you know it really starts at home, finish it there too. Enjoy this home remedy facemask and make it a part of your skincare regimen!

INGREDIENTS

30ml/2 tbsp honey

30ml/2 tbsp olive oil

30ml/2 tbsp natural (plain yogurt)

45ml/3 tbsp pinhead oatmeal

 

  1. Mix all ingredients together to make a paste and apply gently to the face, avoiding the eye area.

 

  1. Leave the paste on for 5 minutes, and then wash off with warm water. Finish by splashing the face with cool water to refresh the skin and boost the circulation to the face.

 

 

Sources

Fleetwood, Jenni. The Book of Honey. New York: Fall River Press, 2009. Print.

Dandruff - The Basics Symptoms, Causes and treatments

Dandruff – The Basics

Dandruff and dry scalp can be extremely annoying. Especially when your hair is styled in a way that makes scratching difficult like weaves, wigs, braids, or updos. Dandruff is a common condition of the scalp that causes flakes of skin to appear. It is often accompanied by dryness and itching.

What Causes Dandruff?

Dandruff can be caused by changes in weather, hormones, skin conditions, diets, and even mental stress.

Tips on Removing the Flakes

  1. It is not related to hygiene but washing the hair, and keeping it moisturized can help remove old skin flakes.

  2. Combing or brushing the hair regularly also reduces the risk of dandruff, because it aids in the normal shedding of skin.

  3. Increasing water intake can also help moisturize hair from the inside out. Tea Tree Oil is a natural wonder worker for dry scalp and dandruff due to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective because it removes dead skin, dirt, fungus and bacteria from the scalp to reveal healthy hair follicles.

  4. Apple cider vinegar is a cost-effective remedy to dandruff removal and does not contain any added chemicals or preservatives that might harm your hair. It is also anti-inflammatory and will help to prevent bacteria and fungal growth and keeps the hair and scalp healthy.

Hair Loss and Dandruff

In most cases, dandruff doesn’t directly cause hair loss. However, the itchiness it causes can lead to scratching. This can injure your hair follicles, leading to some hair loss.

Although some people may think they have danddruff, it can sometimes be product build up. Frequent washes can tackle this issue with no problem.

Braids tooooo tight

Braids tooooo tight?

We love to have our natural hair flourish under the protection of weaves, twists and braids, but a lot of times these styles hurt! Are braids tooooo tight? Here are a few ways that you can beat the pain caused by protective styling. Take a look at this great video by Essence Tierra.

 

 

Braids tooooo tight

  1. Opting out for knotless braids instead of traditional box braids with a knot can make a world of difference. The concept involves parting the hair how you would with traditional box braids, but allows you to feed in braiding hair after you’ve started braiding the natural hair for added thickness and length. Though knotless braids can take a little longer than traditional box braids, the style can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.
  2. Taking pain killers an hour before, and after you’ve gotten your hair braided is another way to combat pain from braiding.
  3. Using an oil of your choice and giving yourself a scalp massage will also loosen braids and twists to relieve pain.
  4. Placing a steamy washcloth that’s been soaked in hot water and wrung out over tight braids can help loosen them. Boiling a pot of water, and using the steam to loosen those braids are another way to help with pain caused by tight braids. But be careful not to burn yourself!

   5. Slowly rotating box braids and twists can help loosen tension caused at the scalp by heavy hair.

Dating You

Dating You.

Have you ever compared  yourself to other women and not just because  of her clothes or hair but because of skin tone? Perhaps a little lighter or a little browner? 

Maybe you’ve experienced the victimization of the dark-skinned, the comparison didn’t start from within but from what was said about the dark-skinned and what was depicted around as the norm. 

Whether you are Latino, Black American, African, Indian, or any other brown colored beauty that the world is blessed with, you might have had that moment when you wished you had a different color than what nature gifted you with. You were gifted with the best color you ever have, with all its uniqueness and beauty that makes you stand out.

Unfortunately, scares that came from society discriminatory practices, words from childhood teasing or something mom or dad spoke over you have caused you to feel less about the skin you’re in.

How can that love of you back? Let’s go on a date. 

Some say there are 5 stages to dating: attraction, reality, commitment, intimacy, and, finally, engagement.

Stage 1: Attraction/Romance

Have you ever met a guy and there was just something special about him? Just looking at him made you smile from the inside out. Remember that feeling? Your inner voice whispered so deeply that you literally thanked God for creating such a marvelous creature, “Oh God, he is soooo fine.”

Now, imagine feeling that way about yourself.

Attraction: “the action or power of evoking interest, pleasure, or liking for someone or something.”

Take your breath away about how magnificent God created you. Let your inner voice speak lovingly and sexy to your soul, “I’m fine. I’m sexy. I look good.” Look at those curves and slap yourself on the BE-hind! There’s nothing nasty about it; perhaps it’s just a little naughty. Whether you have big breasts, small breasts, or are a breast removal survivor, acknowledge everything that you see and speak life to it. Then watch that shine start to twinkle in your eyes. Romance You.

Stage 2: Reality/Power Tussle

The second stage in dating is the reality check.

The first heavy disagreement is in this stage. You start to notice things, thangs and what not.
First, maybe he has a tendency to “smack” his lips when he eats, but you figure you can deal with that. That’s a little thing. Perhaps he’s between jobs, that could be categorized as a thang ̶ even Adam in the Bible had a job. After careful investigation, you discover he’s only been unemployed for a week, and he’s actively seeking and building a career. He’s unemployed, but not unemployable. You maybe fine with that. Now this third category contain characteristics that simply are not okay. Perhaps he’s disrespectful in subtle ways. You see signs that you would like to ignore because he’s so delicious on the outside, but you snap out of it and realize there’s much more going on on the inside. He has a what not and must not be the one (pronounced, “WHHHHAT!” not).

In dating You, you recognize that you may have a few shortcomings, but not as many as insecurity would want you to believe. You wrestle with changing your habits and with changing the lifestyle that you’ve known all your life. To acknowledge that there are some things, thangs and WHHHHAT nots that have to be dealt with is the first step to growing and bringing on change. Don’t be too hard on yourself. No one is perfect, not a single one. We as beings all have some things in common. If we don’t brush our teeth, our breath will stink. If we don’t bathe, our body stinks. If we don’t comb our hair, only God knows what will happen. The point is that we all have something that needs our attention. Moreover, the things that are what nots can have smelly consequences. Time for a reality check.

Stage 3: Exclusivity/Commitment

Oh! When he commits to you, and you commit to him!

You are ready to give this relationship a go! You have enough common ground, based on your current knowledge, to say, “Let’s do it.” You can officially say with a smile, “That’s my man over there. He’s the one with Denzel Washington’s walk, Dwayne “The Rock’s” chizzled body, the intellect of Barack Obama ̶ wait. Let me stop right here. Whoever your dream man is… insert here.

During this stage of commitment, you step into your reality with determination. You are fully ready to enter into your own life. No more comparing yourself to other women. No more lying to yourself about things you need to deal with in your inner and outer self. If you are overweight and have health risks, commit to change. If you over-process your hair or wear extensions to the point that you are losing your hair, commit to a treatment plan. If bad eating habits and lack of intellectual stimulation are stifling you, this is the stage to lock down the growth process.

Finally, commit to laughing at You. Enjoy yourself. As women, we can do some really laughable things and it’s okay. You’re enough, and you’re deserving of self-love from yours truly, You.

Stage 4: Intimacy

Just to be close to you…(smile).

In this stage, you let your guard down. You are not afraid to open up and share intimate details about your life. There is trust and a safe environment to be vulnerable with each other. It’s not always about physical sex; it’s about deep conversations and just being together in the same space and loving it. Intimacy says, “I see you. I see your weaknesses and your strengths, and I celebrate them both. I’m into you, and you are into me.”

In dating You in the intimacy stage, you open up to loving yourself more and to being loved. The love moves from the inside out. It’s not just about your sexiness or your intellect. It’s about true character and who you are. You see how you can improve and how you can love yourself more. This stage involves nurturing the love you have come to gain for yourself. Grow that love even more and begin to accept things about yourself that you never thought you could. When someone gives you a compliment, you can accept it with grace, and it simply serves as a confirmation on something you already know.

No one can ever love you as much as you can love yourself. With intimacy, you are truly looking from within.

Stage 5: Engagement/Blissful Love

This is the final stage of dating. This is where you take it to the ultimate level. You’ve decided that “we belong together” and “‘I do’ for the rest of my life in sickness and in health till death do us part”. You are all in.

At this stage, you accept all of you and love yourself unconditionally. Now, you’re working on mastering it all.

When you make a mistake or do something outside of your character, you forgive yourself. You learn to let go of guilt or shame. Self-forgiveness is the key to really seeing the beauty in You, even when others fail to do so. Even in perceived failure, you are still committed to yourself. No matter what external situation comes along, you won’t lose sight of who you are. You have dated You, and the love you have comes from the inside out.

 

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