Finally…. the end of the year! WOW! The 20 week protective style challenge flew by so fast! How did you all do with the challenge? Please feel free to post your pics on either of our Hydratherma Naturals fb pages when your challenge ends. We would love to see to see your final pics within the next few weeks. I was able to gain about 2 inches in my bang area and sides. My bangs started at 13 in. and now measure 15 in. My sides measured at 11 in. and now measure 13 in. If you took part in the challenge in any way….thank you! This has been so much fun and we have to do it again!!!
More info. at: http://www.healthyhairjourney.com/untitled7.html BLESSINGS!

GREAT PROTECTIVE STYLE!!! Tutorial HERE----> http://www.healthyhairjourney.com/untitled7.html
If you ever wanted the look of locs without the commitment maybe you can try this style. I was thinking of a protective style to wear while on the Hydratherma Naturals 20 week protective style challenge and I'm glad I tried it! Who knows..... locs may be in my future!
Thanks for connecting with us on the protective style challenge! I love the fact that we are sharing styling ideas! It is not too late to join us on our Hydratherma Naturals 20 WEEK PROTECTIVE STYLE CHALLENGE! Connect with us on our website, FB and Twitter pages. Post pics (tag us) / tutorial vids / and encouraging words!
http://www.HealthyHairJourney.com -- click on protective style challenge link for info and many styling ideas!!!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hydratherma-Naturals/186951174658 Hydratherma Naturals Facebook Fan Page
http://twitter.com/Hydratherma TWITTER

Join Us! http://www.healthyhairjourney.com/untitled7.html
What are protective styles:
Protective styles are styles that protect the hair ends. The hair ends are (protected) tucked away protecting them from drying out. The tucked away ends are moisturized and sealed with oil. These styles require no heat and does not require much manipulation of the hair. Our hair ends are the most fragile because they are the oldest. These styles protect the hair from air exposure and extreme cold / hot temps. There are so many fun options for protective styles...just have fun and be creative with it!

Options
Options are endless!!!
Buns, braids, sewin weaves, cornrows, french braids, twists, bantu knots, updos, lace fronts, french rolls, or any other style variation that tuck in the hair ends. Those with very short hair may try twists, coils, corn rolls, braids or wigging it while your hair is braided.

Purpose
- Healthy hair. Give your hair a rest from heat and daily manipulation. The less you manipulate the hair, the less likely you will experience breakage.
- Length retention. The ends of the hair are the most fragile because they are the oldest strands. If the ends are properly moisturized and tucked away, less breakage will occur.

What are your goals
Length, thickness or healthy hair overall? Write down your goals and take starting / ending pics.


Rules
1. Shampoo and deep condition every 7-14 days. Be sure to alternate your Hydratherma Naturals moisture and protein deep conditioning treatments to maintain a balance of moisture and protein.
2. No direct heat- hood dryers are permitted.
3. Wear protective styles daily. Allow yourself a 3 day pass per month. (Optional) On these days you may wear your hair loose for special occasions / events.
4. Maintain a moisture / protein balance in the hair daily. Be sure to moisturize and seal with oil daily. This is very important. Applying the Hydratherma Naturals Protein Balance Leave In Conditioner, Daily Moisturizing Growth Lotion and sealing with the Hair Growth Oil will ensure a great moisture / protein balance on a daily basis. .
5. We encourage everyone to post protective style / progression pics on our facebook fan page so that we can share styling ideas! Tag us!
(Please adjust the rules based on your hair's needs.)

INTERACTIVE
We want this challenge to be very interactive. Please connect with us on our Hydratherma Naturals facebook fan page. There we will exchange ideas, styles, progression pics etc. Please tag us with your protective style pics on FB!
We will also be connecting on twitter and posting protective style tutorials on our HEALTHYHAIRJOURNEY youtube page.
Connect with us on FB and Twitter for our weekly updates!

Learn to use the "CHASE METHOD" to get a silky / smooth press from root to tip with kinky hair textures. In this video I demonstrate how to use the flat iron chase comb (with the Hydratherma Naturals products) to get silky smooth straightening results on natural hair textures. http://www.healthyhairjourney.com/FLAT-IRON-CHASE-COMB.html

Prep- Hair was washed and deep conditioned with Hydratherma Naturals Products. I then applied the Hydratherma Naturals styling products and proceeded to blow dry my hair. I then two strand twisted the hair in about 12 twists and placed the twist in bantu knots. The next morning I finger combed my hair and formed soft deep waves in the front with my fingers. I sprayed my hair with the Hydratherma Naturals Herbal Gloss heat protector for more shine. This style was actually an accident but I rolled with it :-) More info at www.HealthyHairJourney.com
More pics on our FB Fan Page--> http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hydratherma-Naturals/186951174658

This is a blown out -2strand Bantu knot out. Tired of my straight hair all week...wanted it kinky again:-)

Pin curling the hair is a great alternative to using daily heat. I straightened my natural hair with the bellezza flat iron with and I have been pin curling my hair a lot lately. My hair loves it! For more info check out www.HealthyHairJourney.com
Stay Blessed!

I did another blow-out then braid-out:-) I washed and deep conditioned with the Hydratherma Naturals products and added the Hydratherma Naturals Protein Balance leave in, daily moisturizing growth lotion and the hair growth oil to each section. I then did a blowout with the blow dryer and comb attachment. My hair was soooooo soft!
Before bed a added a little more growth lotion and hair growth oil to each section and braided my hair in 6 braids. In the morning I unbraided and fluffed. Loved the results.
www.HealthyHairJourney.com

Video Tutorial:
http://www.healthyhairjourney.com/untitled12.html
How you can curl and condition your hair with a molecular steam set. This was done with the Caruso rollers. This method will not result in heat damage and offers a great alternative to using the curling iron. These rollers can be used on natural and relaxed hair. Important note* if you are using the rollers on natural hair, the hair must have been straightened first. I wore my hair straight for a few days and wanted to add some bouncy curls without using the curling iron.

9/08 to 12/10
To get the straight look on my natural hair I washed and deep conditioned with Hydratherma Naturals products. I then sectioned my soaking wet hair in about 8 sections and applied a pea sized amount of the Hydratherma Naturals Daily Moisturizing Growth Lotion to each section and a few pumps of the HTN Foaming Sea Silk Curly Styler. I then roller set my hair and later flat ironed with the Herbal Gloss Heat Protector.
More info at
www.HealthyHairJourney.com

Updos, twists
www.HealthyHairJourney.com

Check out our latest video. Twist out with the HTN Foaming Sea Silk Curly Styler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moXv1bJfKSQ
Start to finish twist-out tutorial introducing our new Hydratherma Naturals styling product- The HTN Naturals Foaming Sea Silk Curly Styler. This styler is loaded with extracts of certified organic ingredients. Offers a nourishing balance of moisture and protein in the hair while still providing light to medium hold. Great for braid-outs, twist-outs, wraps, curly locks, roller sets, and any curly style! Excellent for chemically treated and natural hair. This non-flaking styler provides a light to medium hold for your curly styles without a hard / crunchy feeling. Formulated with an exclusive blend of proteins, herbs and extracts which will aid in balancing the moisture and protein levels of your hair. Contains no alcohol, mineral oil, petrolatum or parabens. Leaves your hair soft, shiny and moisturized with lots of body.
The below pics -
Braid out and
Two Strand twist out set on rods with the Hydratherma Naturals Foaming Sea Silk Curly Styler
More info below
http://www.healthyhairjourney.com/Foaming-Sea-Silk-Curly-Styler.html

Check out our latest video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVW8oUVh3Ws
In this video, I will demonstrate the Hydratherma Naturals intense (foil / steam)deep conditioning treatment / technique that I use every 6-8 weeks and especially during seasonal changes. Weather changes can cause changes in your hair so be sure to give your hair that extra TLC with each change of season. Please do not do this treatment more often than 6-8 weeks. I will also discuss the importance of obtaining and maintaining a moisture / protein balance in the hair. Too much moisture or too much protein can cause breakage. The goal of the Hydratherma Naturals Healthy Hair Product Line is to help your hair fall into balance. This Hydratherma Naturals treatment will help your hair fall into balance a lot quicker and will maintain a nice moisture protein balance in your hair. This treatment can be done on all hair types.
www.HealthyhairJourney.com

A healthy way to set your hair without the use of direct heat. The caruso molecular steam rollers allow your hair to be curled with steam and left very soft and moisturized. I have learned that you CANNOT use the Caruso steam rollers on natural hair that HAS NOT been straightened. Hair must have been straightened or at least blown straight first. I typically do this set on my hair once I wear it straight for a few days and it starts to revert. Instead of adding more heat, I steam set it. This style last for a few days. I just add the Hydratherma Naturals daily moisturizing growth lotion and hair growth oil to the hair daily....just a small amount to prevent reversion. More info on www.HealthyHairJourney.com and on Facebook www.facebook.com/people/Hydratherma-Naturals/1848081641

Roller setting natural hair video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYh2wykiEis

Hi ladies! In this video I did a roller set on my natural hair. The next day, I wanted to do a length check so I flat ironed it. My hair type is 70% 4a/b and 30% 3c in my crown area. I wanted my curls very soft so I didn't use setting lotion when my hair was set. I used only water and the Hydratherma Naturals Herbal Gloss Heat Protector. The key is to keep the hair soaking wet while setting it and definitely use mesh end papers. This will give you a smoother set. To maintain your hair you can pin curl or wrap your hair at night. Maintaining a nice balance of moisture and protein is the key to healthy hair and preventing breakage. Hydratherma Naturals products keeps my hair in perfect balance. I moisturize with the Hydratherma Naturals Daily Moisturizing Growth Lotion and seal in the moisture with our Hair Growth Oil. When I wear my hair straight, I use a very small amount of these 2 products to prevent reversion.
More info at: www.HealthyHairJourney.com

Blessings!!!!!

CONGRATS to our Hydratherma Naturals contest winner TASHERA EVANS!!!!
CONTEST CLOSED!

ENTER TO WIN FREE HYDRATHERMA NATURALS PRODUCTS! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY! Just takes a few minutes to enter. We are giving away a Cordless Heating Cap and a Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein deep conditioning treatment!
Tell us .....What are the 3 layers of the hair strand? Easy question right???
Let us know the answer at www.healthyhairjourney.com
Click on the contest link and answer the question.
Enter you name in our raffle to WIN!!!!!!!
CONTEST ENDS 7/15/10

5/10
I missed my very short hair and wanted to recreate the short look without cutting again. In the below style, I did two strand twist and rolled the twist very tightly on small rollers. I wore it for a week then unraveled. For more pics and info please check out www.HealthyHairJourney.com

Washing and deep conditioning your hair does not have to be such a drag! Actually, it can be a fun stress reliever. In this video, I show how to shampoo and deep condition your natural/ relaxed hair with the Hydratherma Naturals Products WITHOUT EXPERIENCING TANGLES AND BREAKAGE!! This technique can be used on all hair types. In this video, I deep conditioned my hair with the Hydratherma Naturals Amino Plus Protein Deep Conditioning Treatment. This deep conditioner allows the comb to glide through your hair. This technique can be done on relaxed and natural hair.

CHECK OUT MY INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7omqhZ_IsM

This is my wash and go look that I wear sometimes when I'm in a rush. My hair has not been stretched.
Massive shrinkage.. I still love it though!!!
Check out our "Natural Styling" link for the wash and go how to!!!
http://www.healthyhairjourney.com/untitled21.html

My latest growth update from 12/2008 to 1/2010.
These are the Hydratherma Naturals Products that I use on a regular basis to help me maintain a nice balance of moisture and protein in my hair.

I have been wearing my curly fro lately and I absolutely love it! It is so easy to maintain.
I used the 2 strand twist technique. I then pincurled each twisted section.
Please check out my instructional video called "curly fro"
I used the jazzing black rinse to darken my hair a bit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSTBw0_ihTY
Or you can watch it at our www.HealthyHairJourney.com website

I washed and deep conditioned may hair with Hydratherma Naturals Products. I balanced the levels of protein amd moisture in my hair by applying the Hydratherma Naturals follicle invigorator, protein balance leave in, daily moisturizing growth lotion and hair growth oil to my wet hair. I then applied a little Fantasia IC styling gel to each section and combed through. I let may hair air dry but you can sit under a hood dryer.

Hello everyone! In this album I did my hair in two strand twists. I unraveled them and wore my twist out for a couple of days. I washed and deep conditioned my hair with Hydratherma Naturals Products. I balanced the levels of protein amd moisture in my hair by applying the Hydratherma Naturals follicle invigorator, protein balance leave in, daily moisturizing growth lotion and hair growth oil to my wet hair. I then applied a little Fantasia IC styling gel to each section before twisting for extra hold. I let may hair air dry.

This is my 1 year hair growth update.
I did my big chop on 9/08 and I'm happy with where my hair is at right now. Here are some pictures of my hair in many different states - kinky and straight.

Check out my "Straightening natural hair, My 1 year hair growth update" video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIJ15PzLPgk

9/08 (my big chop) to 3/09
6 months progress pics!
Yaaaaaay!!! My hair is growing out very nicely. I have been able to retain length without breakage! The key to obtaining long hair is to retain length by keeping your hair properly moisturized.
Hoorayyyyyyyyyy for Hydratherma Naturals Products!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here is my 6 month progress youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HexWiO8bwWY

I just wanna spread the word about my favorite water based moisturizer in the whole wide world..lol.... This is what I use on my hair and my dry / breaking hair days are COMPLETELY OVER!! Yaaaay! It contains emu oil too!!!!
I just use a very small amount (pea to dime size) daily..A little goes a long way.
I'm so excited about this product..all of our Hydratherma Naturals products are great but is my much loved baby!!!
Available at www.HealthyHairJourney.com

INGREDIENTS:
Water, shea butter, glycerin, olive butter, aloe butter, sweet almond butter, avocado butter, jojoba oil, olive oil, almond oil, peanut oil, macadamia nut oil, safflower oil, emu oil, kukui oil, emulsifier, fragrance Germall Plus (paraben free preservative)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This new and improved natural daily moisturizing lotion is excellent for chemically treated or natural hair. CONTAINS 5 NATURAL BUTTERS AND 8 NATURAL OILS....ALONG WITH GLYCERIN!!!! You can't beat the moisture in this product!!!!!!! There is nothing like it! Now contains more Emu Oil per bottle! This natural daily moisturizing lotion is excellent for chemically treated or natural hair. Use daily to soften and condition the hair while restoring a nourishing balance of moisture in the hair. Created with an exclusive blend of natural ingredients such as shea butter, olive butter, aloe butter, sweet almond butter, avocado butter, olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, peanut oil, macadamia nut oil, safflower oil and glycerin. This lightweight formula will penetrate each hair strand immediately and prevent breakage. Seals in moisture. Makes hair soft, supple and easy to manage. Contains no mineral oil or petrolatum. A little goes a long way with this lotion, so use sparingly. Smells yummy but please do not ingest. For best results, use with other Hydratherma Naturals brand products.

Just some extra pictures displaying my growth!

I tried some baby twist and l loved them! I wore them for 2 weeks. I just twisted my hair with my fingers after a fresh shampoo and deep conditioning treatment with Hydratherma Naturals products. www.HealthyHairJourney.com

I did my big chop in September 2008 and I'm loving my natural hair again!
Why did I go natural again?? Well, I just missed feeling my natural hair texture. I believe that that this will be my last time "going natural" Check out my big chop video at www.youtube.com/HealthyHairJourney
It was so much fun!!!
Here are some pics from Sept., Oct., and Nov., 2008

I was feeling like I needed a change so I gave myself another haircut and I really like it! I'm really happy with my length now!

The mission of Healthy Hair Journey Enterprises L.L.C. is to empower women and men with the knowledge necessary to acquire and maintain HEALTHY hair. We also want to provide encouragement during the "Journey". Visit us at www.HealthyHairJourney.com for hair tips, styling guides, videos and more info.


Hydratherma Naturals is a healthy hair care product collection. All of our products are natural based and contain no mineral oil, petrolatum or parabens. Our natural product line promotes healthy hair by infusing the hair with a balance of moisture and protein. This balance is a very important factor needed to strengthen and protect the hair. Our products uniquely infuse the hair with moisture while restoring the strength of hair that has been weakened and damaged. Our natural products are exceptionally gentle on the hair and with regular use you will be able to obtain and maintain healthy, strong and beautiful hair.

There is a shortage of hair care products that offer the hair / scalp the moisture and nutrients that it needs. The number one problem that causes breakage is dry and brittle hair. Hair that is "thirsty" need products that will penetrate the hair shaft and instill moisture into each strand. Chemically processed hair tends to be drier and easily broken therefore; it tends to be much more reliant on moisture. Resolving the "dry hair problem" is the key to having healthy hair. Providing the hair shaft with adequate amounts of moisture is one of the most important things that we can do to achieve healthy hair. Hydratherma Naturals products give life to hair that is dry and brittle however, it can be used on all hair types. With regular use, Hydratherma Naturals will gently facilitate the infusion of moisture and protein into the hair shaft resulting in hair that is Healthy, Shiny, Strong, Polished and SEALED with moisture.

We use only high quality natural oils and extracts in all of our hair care products. Our products contain many natural protein ingredients such as rice protein, soy protein, corn protein, wheat amino acids and silk amino protein. We also utilize many natural moisturizing agents such as shea butter, avocado butter, olive butter, aloe butter and sweet almond butter. Nourishing oils such as macadamia nut oil, sunflower oil, kukui oil, meadowfoam oil, sesame oil, olive oil, emu oil, jojoba oil, peanut oil, castor oil and sweet almond oil just to name a few. We also utilize numerous natural herbal extracts which encourage hair growth.

I don't use permanent colors on my hair. I stick with semi-permanent and rinses. I used manic panic chestnut color on my hair and i really liked the outcome. It is really easy to apply because it is thicker than the jazzing and colorshine brands.The color really doesn't look this bright....it is just the flash

Here are some pics of my hair curly.

--Regular Rollersets - I usually set my hair and sit under the dryer for 1.5 to 2 hrs weekly

--Caruso Steam Roller-set - I really like my caruso steam rolllers!!!!! i washed and blow dried my hair. then i added a little ic polisher and rolled my hair with the steam rollers. instead of using only water i added a couple of drops of Hydratherma leave-in conditioner to the unit before rolling my hair and my hair came out sooooooo soft, bouncy and full. i loved it. it lasted all day too! what a great way to do your hair without using heat!!! The secret is to not leave the roller on the steam for more than 3-5 sec and the same with the roller cap. Also use end papers for a smoother finish. after setting my hair with the rollers i let then stay in for about 45 minutes....these rollers are da truth!!!!!!!

--Bantu / Zulu Knot set - After rollersetting my hair I wanted to try a loose wavy look without using curling irons so i combed out my rollerset, added some Hydratherma Moisturizer and put my hair in 4 bantu knots. I sat under the dryer for about 5 minutes and left the knots in for about 2-3 hours. When I took it down, i had soft waves --

--Pin Curls - I HATE sleeping in rollers so i pin curl my hair at night to maintain a curly look. i use 2 different techniques. Technique #1 I roll my hair like i would with a regular rollerset but omit the roller...lol.. i use a long bobby pin to keep it in place. This will give you a tighter bouncy curl. Technique #2 I twirl pieces of my hair around my finger then pin very close to my scalp. This will give you a looser curl. After pin curling my hair, i cover my hair with a satin bonnet and go to bed.

Here are some pictures of my hair in straight styles by way of:

--Rollerset wraps

--Flat ironing with sedu tourmaline flat iron or GVP ceramic flat iron

These are pictures of my hair prior to relaxing it.
In these pictures my hair is natural and later texturized
These pictures are in no particular order.