Donna's Blog

Our edges are the most vulnerable and needs special, consistent care. Here are some healthy hair habits to follow for our loving edges.   1.  Stop all that pulling Our edges can't take that long term.  Over time, the tension and pulling can cause permanent damage and you know we don't want that.  So, look into styles that doesn't require as much tension like twist outs, wash and go, minimum heat styles where you straighten and can wrap.  Also, let your stylist know when a style is too tight and pulling your edges beyond comfort.  Your edges are counting on you to be their advocate since they can't speak for themselves.  Yes!  Very good!   2.) Apply Oil A good oil that has moisture and sealant oils are great for our edges.  Oils that provide moisture is avocado, olive and coconut oil.  Sealing oils are best to seal in the moisture provided from the moisturizing oils.  Good sealing oils are jojoba and grapeseed oils.  Donna's Recipe Strength Oil  has you covered with both the moisture and sealing oils to apply to your edges.   3.) Mist water on edges Water gives flexibility and moisture so edges aren't so easy to break while styling.  When you use edge gel, it makes your edges hard and more susceptible to breakage.  Misting on water is great before applying styling products.\   4. Don't touch or rub them Some people have made it a habit of rubbing your edges and this is where eventually a clean bald spot or very little hair will result in this habit.  Replace this habit with something else such as rubbing your sleeve. Whatever you do, leave that rubbing alone on your edges!   5.) Use a satin/silk pillowcase and head wraps I know you've heard this before but we're going to keep saying it because cotton can cause friction and pull out our poor edges.  We need them, you hear.     6. Eat protein rich foods and take supplements to strengthen edges.  Great items for your grocery list include almonds, quinoa, lentils, pumpkin seeds, and brussel sprouts.  These are some high protein rich foods to snack on and add to meals.  Also Donna's Recipe Set includes 10,000mcg of biotin gummies that are great to add to your list to help a healthy hair routine for your edges.   Thank you for taking time to read healthy habits.      

Donna said put those flat irons down but we know some of her cousins still may enjoy using them.  So, here's some heat hair crimes to avoid when using heating tools. Let's get right into it!   1.) Setting heating tools on the hottest setting This is a big NO as it will cause severe damage to your hair and most hair strands simply can't handle that high of heat even on one use.  Talk to a stylist that specializes in healthy hair on a setting that is acceptable for your hair type.   2.) Not using a heat protectant This is necessary on so many levels and so many people skip out on using a heat. protectant before heat styling.  It's important to help protect from moisture loss which works to prevent hair breakage.   3.) Using flat irons on dirty hair The best time to flat iron hair is on clean hair right after shampoo and conditioning.  Flat ironing on dirty hair from the oil and dirt will "burn" your hair making it more vulnerable to more damage than standard heating.  4. Passing the flat iron too slow When you’re sliding the flat iron down your hair it’s imperative to keep it moving. Don't move too slow because you are simply frying your hair out. If you go super slow thinking you are getting it straighter, you are actually overheating your hair and causing major irreversible damage.    5. Not giving your hair a break There's no other way to escape this.  You have to give your hair a break.  Allow moisture to absorb in your hair and be restored from being dried out.  You can wear your hair in it's natural state (check back soon with easy natural hair styles) or use a protective style like twists or braids.  Make sure to keep up your healthy hair routine with Donna's Recipe Strength Hair Oil and Donna's Recipe Biotin.      Share some other heat crimes that can help your fellow cousin.        

This is a time where we should put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on our bathroom door so we can go to work..yes? For some, wash day is a breeze, but for most people wash day is a whole job.  Here are some quick tips to better prepare for wash day and make it more enjoyable! 1.) Get Mentally Prepared Sometimes we just jump into and forget what we get ourselves into.  Don't you do that.  Get into the right mind space so you can be patient with your beautiful glory of hair.  Don't you treat Donna's cousins wrong because you're impatient!  Don't do that.  This is a time of giving good TLC to your hair and scalp not rush.  Think of wash day as a spa day where Donna's cousin are going to get pampered and spoiled.  Yes!  So, make sure you don't have any close plans so you don't rush.   2.) Get a Good Playlist to Get You In the Right Mood  Do you like to listen to slow jams or do you like more hype hip hop?  Whichever gets you in the right mood, the cousins are here for it.  This will make the time more enjoyable and light.   3.) Get everything you need out in front of you on the counter in order * Section clips *Shampoo *Conditioner *Deep Conditioner *Donna's Recipe Strength Hair Oil *Microfiber towel *Leave-in Conditioner *Conditioning cap *Moisturizing cream   4.) Invest in a conditioning cap so you still be mobile in the house Long are the days where we have to be under a hooded dryer.  Invest in a good conditioning cap so you can still cook food, clean, wash and hear your netflix show.  Wash Day Routine 1.) Soften Hair Before Shampoo (10 mins) Applying a moisturizing conditioner before your wash will soften your strands for your wash and allow less manipulation during the washing process.  Let it set for about 10 mins.  You can also use oils that has moisture such as avocado, coconut or olive oil.     3.) Gently detangle (10 mins up to 30 mins) Once you have softened the hair, before you begin to wash, you should gently detangle if needed.  It's best if you can detangle with your fingers.  Yes, this requires time and patience but that is why you have a good playlist going to make this enjoyable, TLC time. Very good.   4.) Shampoo (15 mins) Cleansing is very important to focus on your scalp to remove buildup and debris.  We don't need anything blocking the follicles to prevent growth.   5.) Condition & Deep Condition (20 mins to 1 hour) Important step in the washing process to replenish moisture that may have been stripped from the shampoo.  Concentrate on the strands and especially the ends.  You know the ends are the most vulnerable so slow it down to get those ends.   6.) Leave in Conditioner (2-3 mins) Leave in conditioner is a great liquid that puts moisture on the strands that will keep it soften to avoid breakage and can handle low manipulation.   7.) Apply Donna's Recipe Strength Hair Oil  (5 mins) Apply to a freshly washed clean scalp and tell me it doesn't feel like a refreshing massage all on its own.  Donna's Recipe has 18 all natural ingredients that provide moisture and seal in the moisture from the leave in.  Ingredients such as avocado and olive provide the moisture and the grape seed and jojoba offer as sealing oils.  All working to do your scalp right.  Massage in for 3-5 mins.   8.) Moisturize (2-5 mins)   End with a good moisturizing cream to keep your strands protected from issues on the outside such as the weather and protect from styling.   And make sure you get in your daily Donna's Recipe Biotin to work from inside.   Have the most amazing wash day!  But even it you can't don't you dare go messing up nobody else's!  

The very mention of hair loss can get us all worked up.  However, this time of year for the fall season it may be more than the leaves falling at a faster pace.  Yes, the fall season, there is a greater chance of increased hair shedding than other times of the year. Settle down, it is normal. However, you know your body and if it is a concern of yours, it's time to schedule an appointment with a specialist for hair such as a dermatologist or primary care practitioner. Here are some helpful tips during the fall season to help with reducing seasonal hair loss as much as possible:   1.) Don't use hot water when you shampoo & condition Hot water can feel really good especially with cooler outside temperates from the fall season.  Unfortunately, hot water can take the moisture from your hair and make it more susceptible for breakage.  It's best to use warm water for shampoo and cool water for final rinse after condition.   2.) Use a humidifier Heating your home can suck the moisture out your hair and leave it dry and dull.  Humidifiers restore the lost moisture from heat in your home.      3.) Good Scalp Health We always talk about consistent scalp massages are always good for scalp and hair.  A good tip is warming up your Strength Hair Oil  and gently massaging scalp for 3-5 minutes to stimulate circulation and blood flow.    4.) Don't Have Protective Styles in Too Long Since we know we will have an increased rate of hair shedding during the fall, let's not give it assistance with too much pulling or tension. Protective styles are great for time saving but is hard on the hair when installed too long and will result in even more shedding. There is tension in the same spot without a break.  That is just not good for our poor strands long term.   5. Be Mindful of Big Changes in Your Life Some major life events include surgery, stress at home and/or work, death in the family, taking care of a family member, switching medications, drastic diet changes and so much more.  When you know you are entering a big change in your life you need something to balance that new stress such as go on a daily walk, get up earlier for peace and quiet, join a dance class.  Make sure you put something in place to prepare for an added responsibility or weight on your life.  Major stressors are huge with contributing to hair loss so let's get in front of it and tackle it now.   6. Take your supplements & Eat Right Honey, Donna's Recipe Biotin is a good choice to promote healthy hair.  Also, remember to have a high water intake in addition to any biotin and a healthy well balanced diet.  Some great foods that promote stronger, healthier hair are berries which are high in antioxidants and avocado which also has a great source of biotin as well.   This fall season is temporary.  Remember, take into action some of these things like changing our water setting when washing and a good ole' fashion scalp massage can do ALL OF US some good!  Now, go about your business and have the most amazing day.  But even if you can't, don't you dare go messing up nobody else's!          

Have you ever been to a salon and your stylist or their assistant are giving you the most amazing scalp massage?  You close your eyes and it feels like heaven here on Earth.  There is a reason you feel so good.  Let's first talk about why a consistent scalp massage is important and then we will get into the how.   Back to feeling like heaven on Earth when your stylist gives you a scalp massage at the washing bowl.  A scalp massage is beneficial not just for your scalp but your entire body. Scalp massages releases the natural chemical, serotonin in your body which relaxes you and puts you in a better mood.  It is a great way to relieve built up stress as well. Scalp massages encourage good blood flow helps lymphatic drainage You may notice yourself or people thinning at the crown of the head first.  It is because it is the top of the head where the blood is highest to reach.  With a massage, it gets the blood flowing to the places it needs.  Using active ingredients such as menthol and peppermint stimulate the scalp best and stimulate the follicles.  Other oils such as rosemary, tea tree and jojoba are great with awakening the skin and promoting a healthy scalp for growth production.  Donna's Recipe Strength Hair Oil or the nut free version consist of all natural essential and carrier oils to promote a healthy scalp.   Now let's get to the proper ways to do a scalp massage: There are 2 common ways you can massage: 1. Effleurage which is most common which involves circular, stroking movements. and  2. Petrissage which is a process of gentle kneading and lifting of the scalp.   Both are beneficial to a relaxing, beneficial massage for the scalp.     One way to really ensure to get the blood flowing to the scalp is massaging doing the inversion method.  Below is a quick guide on how to massage your scalp doing the inversion method. Inversion Method First, stimulate your hair follicles with Donna's Recipe Strength Hair Oil or Nut Free Version Hair Oil: Use doppler to apply on fingers or directly on scalp. Apply the oil only to your scalp.  A little goes a long way so you won't saturate your hair with the oil. Massage with light pressure in circular motions on your scalp for 3-5 mins. Start the front of your head and work your way to the sides and lastly to the back.  Avoid pressure on sensitive areas.  Be careful not to tangle hair with your fingers.  Then , hang your head upside down to increase blood to flow to your scalp: Bend over standing (advanced) or sit in a chair and spread your legs apart and flip head between your legs down. Use your hands to flip all of your hair forward so it’s hanging upside down. Hold this position for 4 minutes and massage scalp in circular motions.. If you begin to feel dizzy, weak, or any other discomfort, stop and bring your head up slowly.. Sit up, raising your head slowly to avoid a head rush or dizziness.. Repeat daily for one week each month. Don't do the inversion method if you have heart issues, back pain or high blood pressure.     IMPORTANT TIPS TO LEAVE YOU WITH: -A good scalp massage is good for the entire body- relieves stress and mood stabilizer - Massaging for 3-5 mins a day is great for blood flow which can encourage a healthy scalp and  stimulate growth. -Accelerate the blood flow by trying the inversion method a week every month   Share some useful scalp massage tips you've discovered on your hair journey in the comments section.        

Oh baby, the edges!! Yes!  They are often the shorter hairs that go around our hairline and while they are shorter...they often get the most attention.  Many people ask, "How do you grow your edges??", "How do you style your edges?", "How do you care for your edges?"  Edges are a very important topic of discussion, right?! Today let's discuss edges and how to grow them back. The edges are often the most vulnerable and need more TLC than the other parts of hair on your scalp.  Let's quickly go through some common causes of the dreaded thinning of our edges. Food Intake Now you know this was coming! We have to be mindful of what we are getting at the grocery store.  To start, check out the 5 Hair Friendly Foods Blog to get you started.  A good place to be to help strengthen our edges is the produce section with lots of dark green leafy foods.  Think of eating the rainbow.  Greens (kale, spinach), Orange (carrots), Yellow (Squash), Purple (eggplant) etc.  These are the foods that will give life back to our edges.  Also, taking supplements such as Donna's Recipe Biotin Gummies are great addition to support promotion of edge growth.   Hair Styles that Pull the Edges Anytime your edges are pulled, it is causing tension and making our edges susceptible to breakage.  For a little while, Donna's cousin can take a slicked down hairstyle but for many weeks and months is a big no no from our baby hairs.  They said they just don't like being pulled like that.  Try low manipulation styles where the baby hairs can be slicked down but not PULLED especially long periods of time...longer than a night out.   Medical Conditions Anemia, postpartum shedding, low Vitamin D levels, alopecia to name a common few are all conditions that can take a toll on edges and other parts of hair on the scalp.  It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to help with solutions for the hair loss in edges.   Unhealthy Products It is important to look at the ingredients of products that are going to go on your precious scalp and hair.  Products such as synthetic fragrances and alcohols are not good for the edges.   Stress This is a big cause of hair loss and usually the edges are the first to go when we experience stress.  This past year has caused so many of us stress we could definitely do without.   Now, lets get to the SOLUTION part.  What can we do to grow these edges back.  Our edges help us to create the beautiful styles that we love.   Switch up your Styles Sometimes we like a style, particularly a protective style and opt for the same style because it works.  It's best to switch it up so the hair isn't being manipulated in the exact same spot.  Switch up your styles and give it a rest if needed.   Out with the Cotton, In with the Satin Cotton pillowcases are my favorite but a good satin pillowcase will ensure the edges aren't getting caught in the material or rubbing against the cotton fibers.  A satin pillowcase allows the hair to glide along without disruption.  Same goes for cotton towels, opt for a microfiber towel on wash day.   Massage those Edges It's a great idea to give your hair daily TLC with a 5-10 min massage.  Even if its 2-3 mins. it will stimulate the follicles to "wake up" and flourish... aka grow out our scalp.  Our Donna's Recipe Strength Hair Oil or  the Nut Free Version Donna's Recipe Strength Hair Oil will do great combined with massage to stimulate the follicles.     Talk to a Dermatologist A good dermatologist will determine what condition you have and can guide you on a journey to recovery of your edges and other hair loss.  It is best to seek out a dermatologist that has experience with your hair type as well.  It's best to ask for referrals from people who have had success with a good dermatologist.  You can also search on social media in your area to get a more intimate experience with a qualified doctor.     Be Mindful It's a saying, "Think what you're thinking about." When anxiety and stress starts to attack, begin to be mindful of that and redirect to a place of peace.  Think about 3 things that will make you smile instantly.  It could be giving birth to your child, reminiscing of your first kiss, laughing with your mother.  Think on these things...yes!! Very good!  Also, getting out with nature is another way to relieve or avoid stress.  Sun is a happy drug.  Get out in the sun and soak up that Vitamin D.  These are things that can cause a side effect of growing these edges back!   These are just a few ways to encourage growth back to our edges.  We're on this healthy hair journey and so it's vital for us to be well and our hair will follow suit.  Join or continue with us on this healthy hair journey with Donna's Recipe.  Love you!! Have yourself the most amazing day and even if you can't don't you dare go messing up nobody else's!

Retaining length is about how you care for your hair. Here are some tips that you can incorporate into your hair care regimen to help your length retention:1. Drink Water. Healthy hair starts from the inside out. Water stimulates nerve endings on your scalp which helps make your roots more active.2. Protect your hair while you sleep. Cotton pillowcases can remove moisture from your hair. To retain moisture sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf or sleep on a satin pillowcase to protect your hair.3. Keep your hair moisturized. I know this is probably something that you hear all the time when it comes to your hair. Use leave-in conditioners, oils, and creams to help you keep your hair moisturized, and also do hot oil treatments.4. Treat your scalp. Healthy hair growth starts with a healthy scalp. When you shampoo your hair make sure to massage your scalp and remove all the debris from your hair. Also, make sure to massage your scalp when you apply Donna's Recipe Strength Hair Oil it helps to stimulate hair growth.  5. Detangle your hair with care. Be careful and take your time detangling your hair to minimize breakage.  The trick is to stay consistent and remember even when it doesn't feel like your hair is growing it is. Stay patient and drink some water cause thats your business!