Donna's Blog

Vision boards are essential tools for anyone truly serious about bringing their dreams into reality. It’s a poster board or cork board that’s composed of all the ideas you want to achieve. With the power of visualization, you continue to remind yourself on a daily basis to stay focused on your end goals. However small, big, and (maybe to others) unrealistic your hair goals are, a vision board is the perfect place to visualize them. As you continue to work on maintaining and growing healthy hair; a healthy hair vision board is the perfect home addition for you. If you’ve never done a vision board or are unaware of how to make a board specifically for your hair goals, here are four must-include ideas:   Positive Affirmations Affirmations are positive and specific statements that help drown out negative thoughts entering your mind. Having positive affirmations that you constantly tell yourself is key to accomplishing any goal. When you begin to build your hair vision board, having affirmations throughout will help remind you to always stay positive about your healthy hair journey. Pictures If you are a visual learner that is trying to grow out your edges or want a specific hairstyle, pictures are what you need. If you see a celebrity, YouTuber, or someone you personally know with a similar hair texture who has achieved something you want to emulate, add their picture to your vision board. Name Drop Have a favorite hair and beauty vlogger or social media influencer? Let their name shine on your vision board. Similar to an affirmation, putting the name of your internet icon can help you through your journey of achieving your goal. This way they can be your virtual accountability partner. Creativity When something tends to lack imagination, it’s less likely to be utilized. That includes your vision board. You don’t have to stick to the vision board guidelines and rules. Make it colorful, unconventional, and most of all original. Just make it, YOU!  Make sure you put in real time and effort because this board is a vital must-have on your healthy hair journey.

You’ve heard of a “Standing Ovation” right? You know, when the audience stands on their feet and applauds to show their admiration or support for a play, speech or sporting event. Now, have you heard of a “Head Standing Ovation?” If not, here is how and why you should be performing this Ovation weekly for your hair It is no secret that our hair can ‘act up’ at any given moment. It will put on a performance with or without an audience. Let us just say our hair has a mind of its own and wants to show the world their true self. Well, at least my ‘Gina’ does. Yes, Gina is the name I gave my hair. I’ve realized that Gina is going to be Gina and she should be embraced just as she is. Therefore, for Gina’s performance, she deserves a “Head Standing Ovation” at least twice a week.   For Gina’s ovation, I found that standing on my head or head inversions a couple times a week promotes healthy hair growth and increases blood circulation allowing for more nutrients and oxygen to get to your scalp. Research also shows that blood flow at the scalp can enrich your hair follicles with everything they need for added strength and health.  By incorporating “Head Standing Ovations” you could start to see improvements in the health and growth of your hair, even with protective styles. Keep in mind to massage your scalp with Donna’s Recipe Hair oil to stimulate hair follicles before performing your headstand. This also increases the blood flow to the scalp! If you’re nervous or hesitant to try headstands, instructions are separated for beginners, intermediate and advanced. Choose the one that is safe for you that you feel most comfortable executing.  Are you ready? Okay, let us HEAD on over to begin our Head Standing Ovations. HOW TO DO HEAD STANDING OVATIONS: (Word of caution: do not try to perform headstand without any help or if you have the following: Neck, shoulder, or back concerns Concerns with blood coming to your head Osteoporosis A heart condition High or low blood pressure Eye concerns, including glaucoma (Take baby steps; choose the right Head Inversions or Headstands for you) FOR BEGINNERS  Simply begin with a Standing Fold Pose:  Place your feet together and bend over as far as you can, letting your head and arms hang freely and loosely. This along with our other poses helps relieve anxiety and stress which is one of the primary hair loss causes.  If you are limber enough, touch your nose to your knees while placing your hands around your legs. Inhale, exhale, and hold this pose for about 30 seconds. FOR INTERMEDIATE (Word of caution: Use a spotter, a trainer, or a flat wall) For all headstands, remember to engage your core the entire time, drawing your navel into your spine and keeping your body in alignment. Begin by getting on your knees and hands (Also known as ALL FOURS). Place your head on a yoga mat or pillow while your knees are still bent. Once you are comfortable, place your head on the floor right between your hands Let your elbows drop down while keeping your hands on the floor. Take note where your right elbow is and place your right hand there. Do the same by bringing your left hand to where your left elbow is. Adjust the distance further away from your head as needed. Raise your hip up so that you are on your toes. Slowly walk your feet towards your head. Hold this position for a few seconds. Once you are balanced, slowly place your right knee on top of your right elbow. (repeat this action by placing your left knee on your left elbow). Hold this position for 30 - 45 seconds. To get out of the pose, bring down one foot and place it on the floor then bring the other down slowly. Avoid standing up immediately after a headstand. If you feel lightheaded once you stand up, gently lower yourself back down into a seated position FOR ADVANCE For all headstands, remember to engage your core the entire time, drawing your navel into your spine and keeping your body in alignment. Begin by getting on your knees and hands (Also known as ALL FOURS) Place your head on the yoga mat or pillow while your knees are still bent. Once you are comfortable, place your head on the floor right between your hands. Let your elbows drop down while keeping your hands on the floor. Take note where your right elbow is and place your right hand there. Do the same by bringing your left hand to where your left elbow is. Adjust the distance further away from your head as needed. Raise your hip up so that you are on your toes. Slowly walk your feet towards your head. Hold this position for a few seconds. Once you are balanced, slowly place your right knee on top of your right elbow. ( repeat this action by placing your left knee on your left elbow). Once you are balanced, raise one leg or both legs straight up towards the ceiling depending on your strength. *remember to engage your core the entire time, drawing your navel into your spine and keeping your body in alignment* Hold for 30 to 45 seconds. To get out of the pose, bring your left leg, place it on your left elbow, and bring your right leg to your right elbow. You may also bring both legs down at the same time to either your elbows or to the floor.   Avoid standing up immediately after a headstand. If you feel lightheaded once you stand up, gently lower yourself back down into a seated position. Listen to your body and take a break if you develop any pain or tension after you practice. There you have it! Are you ready to give yourself a Head Standing Ovation? Let us know where you stand! Let's welcome Arnita Champion, as we she will be a featured contributing blog writer for Donna's Recipe. Arnita Champion was born “A Champion to say the least. Her passion is to “Champ-Changing” lives by igniting the champion within individuals focusing on her “4 F Words” - FAITH-FITNESS-FOOD- and FASHION. 

Whether you’ve been rocking your natural hair forever or you're new to taking on your natural and healthy hair journey, investing in deep conditioning can do wonders for your hair! What is Deep Conditioning and the Benefits? Think of it as the ultimate moisture boost with lots of essential nutrients penetrating your hair making them softer & healthier! Making it a habit to deep condition your hair once a week or once every two weeks, will over time help reduce frizz, roughness, and dryness, and therefore, restore your hair’s health.  Do You Need It? It cannot be stressed enough how important this step is for people with textured hair, especially for people with heat & chemically damaged hair. Deep conditioning is also very beneficial if you swim often or spend a lot of time outside, exposing your hair to harsh weather conditions. The best way to see if your hair needs a deep conditioning is to pay attention to it. If it is drier than normal, gets tangled and breaks easily, then of course. If it already feels moisturized, then skip it this week. Don’t get carried away and over-condition. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing. How Often To Deep Condition  How often you should deep condition will ultimately depend on your hair’s health and hair pattern. The curlier and more coarse your hair is, the more frequently you may want a deep condition. You’ll also want to deep condition more often if your hair is more damaged or fried. Another key to remember, if you’re in a transition phase, you’ll want to deep condition more often to help reach your healthy hair goals sooner.  In regards to how often, in the beginning, try starting with once a week. Then pay attention to your hair and adjust from there, whether it may be once a week or twice a month. If your hair seems like it’s drying out, and you’re noticing more frizz or less definition before the week is up, add another deep conditioning in the middle of the week. In case that you find your hair feeling heavy, this may be a sign of too much moisture. Instead of hydrating your curls, your deep conditioning routine may be weighing them down. If this is happening, cut back on your deep conditioning to twice a month. How To Deep Condition Start with freshly washed hair After cleansing your hair, apply the deep conditioner to soaking wet hair from root to tip. To make sure all of your hair thoroughly obtains the deep conditioner, split your hair into sections. Unlike regular conditioner, you’re going to rinse the deep conditioner out completely. You can apply your conditioner during your shower or immediately after, depending on how much time you’re planning on leaving it in for. Letting the deep conditioner sit on your hair for an extended period of time is where the deep hydration is going to come from. Typically, you leave in the deep conditioner anywhere from 5 minutes to 1 hour. However, it’s best to follow the package or recipe time guidelines for best results. Simply wash your hair at the beginning of your shower, then apply the deep conditioner either after your regular conditioner or in place of. Then leave in the deep conditioner for the remainder of your shower and rinse out. Cover with a Shower Cap and/or Apply Heat Heat will help open your hair cuticle to allow the conditioner to soak in more easily. If you’re applying your conditioner in the shower, use warm (not hot) water before you apply.  The lingering heat and steam of the shower will really help while the conditioner works through your hair. If you decide to leave your deep conditioner in for a longer post-shower, consider wrapping your head with a plastic bag, plastic wrap, or a shower cap. This will help trap your natural body heat. Also try using a blow dryer or hooded dryer on medium heat to warm your covered head. Make Sure to Follow Package Instructions Some products have higher protein ingredients, or are made for intense hydration specifically for a shorter time period. Because of this, it’s very important to follow the designed instructions. In some cases it is not recommended to leave a deep conditioner for natural hair on for hours or overnight. This can actually be too intense for your hair which can lead to weakening your hair as a result of over-conditioning.    Please note that if your hair feels too soft & the curls are losing shape, you might need a protein treatment instead of moisture. Check out our Protein Moisture Balance Blog HERE! 

Happy happy Monday!  Join in on a fun challenge this week!  We always say who we want to be, right! But sometimes forget about the consistent steps to be the person we say we want to be.  So, this week let's have a fun action challenge. There is power in saying things out loud and writing things down.  In all caps, write down who you want to be (i.e. I AM A NEAT PERSON).  Then write down one thing you will commit to doing everyday this week to be that person (i.e. I will make my bed everyday), put it someplace where you will see it (i.e. bathroom mirror) and say it out loud everyday (I am a neat person. I will make my bed every morning).   It's that simple.  Well, of course you will do the action step you committed to doing, right?! Yes, very good!!  If you're joining us in this challenge, share in the comments, who you want to be and the one thing you are committing to this week.  Or if you don't want to share, just say "I'm in!"    Yay!! This is great!! Now you know Donna is excited too!  Whatever you choose as your one commitment this week, it will help with your overall well being and you know Donna says that helps all her cousins with the health of our hair..yes!    Have the most amazing day, but even if you can't don't you dare go messing up nobody else's! Love you!   We'll be checking in!     Check out more of Donna's Articles    

If you have wavy, curly, or coily hair, most likely you’ve experienced hair shedding. With most of us, it can be concerning when hair falls out on a daily basis, but it’s actually completely normal! The question is, what causes hair shedding? How much hair loss is too much? And, how can one prevent it?  What is shedding and is it normal? Shedding is when the hair follicle naturally falls out from the root. Let’s not confuse this with hair breakage. Breakage occurs when the hair follicle is damaged and literally breaks off. You can see the difference between breakage and shedding by looking closely at the hair strands. If you see a bulb (sort of like a plant bulb) at one end, it’s shedding. If you notice split or frayed ends, then you have breakage. Unfortunately, shedding is more common for people with textured hair because we don’t wash or brush our hair compared to people with straight hair. In reality, it’s normal to lose up to 100 hairs per day. Each strand lasts anywhere from 2 to 5 years. On a daily basis, hair grows and dies, some faster or slower depending on how you take care of yourself. So if you’re only washing your hair once or twice per week, it’s possible to see hundreds of strands of hair come out in the shower all at once! Just remember that this is completely normal and you’re not alone.  What if I’m losing more than 100 strands? If you’re losing more than 100 strands of hair per day, then you’re dealing with excessive shedding, which is also fairly common. Excessive shedding can be caused by several different reasons which include giving birth, stress, scalp buildup, dandruff, losing weight, certain illnesses, and more. If you can identify the reason for the shedding, you can most likely prevent or slow this down. If shedding has been a concern for some time now, and you can’t figure out the specific cause, try seeing a dermatologist for a more in-depth discussion.  Can I prevent shedding? In a nutshell, not entirely. While you can lessen the amount of hairs that shed, you’ll never be able to fully prevent shedding. If you’re really concerned about the amount of shedding, it’s recommended to see your hairstylist or dermatologist. How can I lessen the amount of shedding? Find the right cleanser and conditioner for your hair texture. This will ensure that your hair won’t dry out or be damaged which could lead to shedding. Remove product build up. Product build up and dandruff can block your roots which affects new growth and breakage to older strands, so be sure to clarify and exfoliate a few times a month. Don’t skip, or rush, your detangling process when you wash your hair. Using a pre-poo before cleansing and finger detangling afterwards can make a huge difference. Consider switching up your products. Your hair may be “over them.” The product itself may have changed . Whether the company improved their formula or your hair changes (which happens naturally), your hair’s needs may change. It’s okay to change up your hair products, just listen to your hair and what it needs. Look at your nutrition. Could your body be lacking certain nutrients, particularly iron and magnesium? It may be a good idea to meet with a nutritionist to learn what nutrients are best for your body and hair.  Be cautious of your hairstyles. Any style that your hair holds for too long that’s too tight or restricting to your hair’s follicles may cause hair loss, otherwise known as traction alopecia.   Do you deal with shedding? Have any tips to reduce shedding? Sound off in the comments below!

For those who have natural hair, more than likely you’ve experimented with layering or ‘cocktailing’ different products to find the right combination that works best for your hair. Layering and cocktailing are very common techniques for the natural hair community, but they are also a little tricky. If you’re unsure of which technique to use, or not aware of what these terms mean, I’m here to break them down so you can understand which way is best for your specific hair needs.  LAYERING Layering is the process of applying one product at a time to achieve your desired style. A benefit to layering is that you’re able to control the amount of each product you apply by building it onto the strands. Using a styling cream on wet hair then layering with a gel helps promote definition and less frizz.. This technique also works great on most thick and dry hair types. A cream will help with hydration and frizz, and a gel will help with bounce and definition! COCKTAILING Cocktailing is slightly different from layering. Instead of applying each product one at a time, you’ll mix two or more products together all at once in your hand before applying to your hair. With this technique, you can switch up your mixture depending on your daily specific needs for your hair curls. During the spring and summer months, you may want to add a bit more gel to help with frizz and definition. While during the colder months, when your hair is a bit drier, you can add more moisture into your cocktail with a leave-in conditioner or styling cream. HOW TO CHOOSE? Not sure which technique is best for you? Experiment with both using your go-to products to figure out what works best for your hair. No matter which one you use to style your hair, never forget to ‘break your cast’. Casts are extremely helpful for locking in moisture and keeping frizz away. To make sure your curls are soft and bouncy, use your hands to crunch out the cast. Another great tip is to add a few drops of the Donna’s Hair Strength Oil onto your palms, then glide your hands through your hair.  Share how you layer or cocktail your products with the Hair Strength Oil on social media using the hashtag #DonnasRecipe! Feel free to follow and tag us on @DonnasRecipe to be featured!

Air-drying and diffusing are the two main hair drying techniques for people with naturally textured hair. Another drying approach you may have also heard rumors about, or even experimented with, is plopping. What is plopping you may ask? Plopping is a heatless and simple way of drying wavy, curly, and naturally textured hair hair and can be used by anyone who may have thick, fine, long, or short hair.  What is Plopping?  Plopping is a great method to dry your hair as it helps encourage definition and prevents frizz. Plopping also reduces the need or urge to touch your hair while it dries since they are wrapped up in a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. Another benefit is that it can also cut down on drying time, especially for those with long or thick hair that tend to retain more moisture because of their length and density. Plopping can also benefit those who have finer or looser textures to create more definition since their hair is being scrunched up and creates lift at the root while they dry. How to Plop Wavy, Curly and Textured Hair If you were unaware, terry cloth towels are not ideal for anyone who has naturally textured hair because the rough material can cause frizz. Therefore, it’s highly recommended plopping with a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. These materials will be gentle on your hair and will help absorb excess moisture. Step 1: Once your hair is freshly cleansed, conditioned, and styled, squeeze out any excess water so your strands are damp but not soaking wet anymore.  Step 2: Lay the microfiber towel or t-shirt flat out on your counter or bed. Lay it down on your preferred surface with the tail of the towel or end of the shirt facing down. Step 3: Bending at your waist, flip your hair forward and place your hair at the center of the microfiber towel. Step 4: While your head is still facing downward, grab the piece of the towel that is behind your head and pull it up and over your head so it lands at the nape of your neck. Wrap and tie the extra fabric of your microfiber towel behind your head. Your hair should fall in a mound at the top of your head. Step 5: And Voila! Finish drying your hair while plopping! You can even go to sleep while you plop so when you wake up the next day your hair will be dry, defined and frizz free! Step 6: Once you take the plop down, add some of Donna’s Recipe’s Hair Strength Oil into your palms. Scrunch your hair to break any remaining gel cast and fluff your hair at the root.  Are you new to plopping or have you tried it before? Let us know below!

One of the biggest struggles for us curly and coily heads is figuring out the right protein moisture balance. Conquering this mixture balance is important so that your hair isn’t weighed down or overly fragile. NATURAL HAIR AND PROTEIN MOISTURE BALANCE Curly hair is naturally dry, considering the way it grows from the scalp. The strand automatically curls rather than falling straight. This makes it harder for the natural oils on our scalp to travel down the hair length and keep the hair moisturized. That’s why moisture is absolutely key to healthy, juicy curls.  However, protein cannot be neglected. Our hair is made of 90% protein, which gives it strength and structure. Protein in our hair is broken down on a daily basis, so if we don’t restore what was lost, our hair will become weak and fragile. DOES MY HAIR NEED PROTEIN OR MOISTURE? In order to keep your hair healthy, you consistently need to maintain a balance of both protein and moisture. Make sure you drink plenty of water and eat enough protein-rich foods to create the right foundation for healthy hair growth.  Everyone’s hair is different, so a balanced protein moisture routine will depend on your hair porosity. The more porous and damaged your hair is, the more protein-rich products you should use. IS MY CURRENT ROUTINE BALANCED? Since we all have different needs in terms of protein and moisture, you might be wondering if your current routine is balanced enough or if you are adding too much of one or the other. Well Guess What?? There is an easy test that helps you figure out your hair elasticity, which is a great indicator of protein or moisture overload. Take a strand of clean and dry hair end and gently pull at the sides: If your hair stretches gently and bounces back, you are well balanced. If the hair doesn’t stretch, or even snaps and breaks, you are in protein overload. If the hair keeps stretching without bouncing back, and eventually falls apart, you are in a moisture overload. HOW TO RESTORE A PROTEIN MOISTURE BALANCE Depending on whether you are suffering from protein overload or moisture overload, you will need to use different products. However, a healthy hair journey begins with removing and product build up and resetting the hair. So make sure to balance between a clarifying shampoo and a moisturizing shampoo every other wash.  With fixing a protein overload, you’ll want to focus on protein-free products that will help restore your hair’s moisture. So try using a moisturizing deep conditioner to achieve ultimate hair hydration. Moisture overload requires using protein-rich products that focus on strengthening the hair, so look for conditioners, deep conditioners or masks that include protein ingredients.   

One of the most frustrating things for us with curly and coily hair is when we simply can’t find a hairstylist that knows and understands our hair texture. Who agrees? For us with natural hair, it’s often normal to occasionally want a protective style like braids, twists, locs or wigs. While there are other moments where we want to rock our natural hair bold, proud and well deep conditioned. If you’ve recently gone natural, moved to a new city, or just need a change, trying to find a new natural hair stylist can be quite overwhelming. First, take a moment to breathe, cousin! If you’re not sure where to start, or if you’re feeling stuck, here are a few tips on choosing your natural hair  stylist. Referrals: The oldest trick in the book to find business owners for practically everything. So, ask for your friends, family members, people you follow on social media, or neighbor for a referral. Don’t be shy when you see someone at the grocery store with really nice and neat braids or with big voluminous curls. That’s your opportunity to add someone in your referral book. Social Media: Social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook have been proven worthy multiple times when looking for a specific hair stylist. They’re basically databases for available goods and services. Search tags such as #naturalhairstylist #naturalhaircare #braidscityname #yourcitynaturalhairstylist etc. You might find several options in your area. Be careful, as not all hairstylists are alike. Do your research and make sure that the hair stylist has experience taking care of naturally curly or hair like yours.  Use a Natural Hair Stylist Directory If you hop on Google, and search natural hair stylist directory, it’ll provide a more filtered database in your city. These directories are filled with hair stylists that specialize in natural hair care, protective styles, or healthy options for coloring curly hair. These are helpful ways to help connect people with coily/curly hair with hair stylists in their area.  Schedule a Consultation Before scheduling an appointment, be sure to set up a consultation. Some stylists may offer this service for free while others may charge a small fee or deposit. Either way, a consultation is crucial when finding a natural hair stylist. Use this as an opportunity to discuss your hair’s needs, hair goals, and receive any feedback from the stylist regarding your healthy hair journey. This conversation will help you decide if a stylist fits your needs, budget, and overall confidence.  Talk About Products Figure out what salons and stylists use the same or similar product lines as you. Find out if they have the styling tools that work best for your hair texture. If a particular salon doesn’t have the tools or products that are more centered for natural hair care, then they may not be the right fit for you. Try a Few Stylists Before Committing So you did all your research, booked a consultation, set an appointment and got your hair done. Everything went smooth but you’re still not 100% sold. That’s okay! There’s no rule that says you have to commit to one stylist after the first appointment. Try a few other hair stylists in your area over the year to see who you’re comfortable with and who works with your hair best. Because that’s what’s most important!  If you love how your hair is done the first time, don’t feel the need to shop around. Continue booking with that stylist again and start building that relationship.