SWEET AND JAZZY

Once upon a time, I used to be able to thumb the floor with my dancing shoes and swing those hips.

Music for me is the universal language - I know football fans would disagree - but what the hey!!! I love music and this morning with the sun shining and the "world on my shoulders", I was sent a link by one of my friends Yasmeen. I have met Yasmeen but never heard her singing voice until now. Her voice is sweet on the ears. Have a listen and enjoy. The song seems to have a calming effect on me.

BANK HOLIDAY PROMO

WHY BLACK WHEN IT IS BROWN IN COLOUR?

WHICH PALM? ADWENGO IS GOOD FOR THE HAIR.

Grab a bottle

BACK IN FULL SWING

Actually, I never went away. I took time off work although ironically, I was working behind the scenes. So much has been happening at Sheabutter Cottage and I would like to take this opportunity in thanking you for your support.

GUMU - GHANA: I am pleased to say that we have managed to raise 281.7% of our target [as of 11.Apr]. We hope that we can hit a 300% target before I visit the lovely ladies in June.
Our latest donation to Gumu was a much needed one to provide a roof before the raining season. I was glad to receive a phonecall yesterday to confirm this had been carried out. Some of the money also went towards providing a pipeline. Learn a bit more of this co-op.

NGO/CHARITY: Back in December 2009, I mentioned "I finally signed documents for the formation of our Ghanaian based company [NGO/Charity]. This will be to help meet the psychosocial needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable children". We are now planning on the inauguration in June.

KOMBO BUTTER: I sometimes receive requests for items that we do not necessarily stock due to our sourcing policy. I was excited though to be challenged with this butter. I actually did not have to look far as I managed to track this butter down whilst chatting to one of the ladies at Gumu. The butter was delivered yesterday - freshly pressed and is now available : on our site

NEW PRODUCTS @ CIOCCOLATINA: We have been known for our range of fair trade exotic supplies. However, we still make our range of natural toiletries under the Cioccolatina brand. Yes, all the products are handmade by yours truly and here is the latest offering:
Scalp butter
Frankincense & Lavender gift pack
Frankincense & Lavender shea soap
Frankincense & Lavender whipped shea

Until next time, keep pampering your skin.
Akua
Sheabutter Cottage

HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOUR HAIR IS LACKING PROTEIN

Black hair is prone to breakage. Some amount of hair loss is natural, but most hair loss in black women stems from mistreatment or a disproportionate amount of moisture or protein. Many stylists who focus on healthy black hair will tell you that your hair demands a balance of moisture and protein. Nothing else that you do to obtain a head of healthy black hair will matter if you that balance is thrown off. Follow these steps to test your hair.

Instructions
1. WET YOUR HAIR
It is best to do this test after you have shampooed your hair. While it is still wet you will need to grip about an inch of your hair between your fingers.

2. STRETCH THE WET STRANDS OF HAIR
Take the inch of wet hair and run a comb through it. Make sure that it is not tangled when you do this - you don't want to harm your hair. And remember, it is always best to use a wide-tooth comb in black hair

3. OBSERVE
Pay close attention to the way that the hair strands react after they have been combed. Healthy black hair strands will stretch, but they will not break unless they are under an extreme amount of stress. Again, what you are looking for in this step is to see how your hair reacts to the wet stretch.

4. DIAGNOSE
If your hair stretches just a little, then returns to its normal length without breakage, your hair is balanced. Good job, you're done!
If your hair exhibits any of the following tendencies, you need to focus on moisturizing:
* Does not stretch at all, then breaks
* Is extremely rough and brittle

If your hair exhibits any of the following tendencies, you need to focus on protein:
* Is limp and gummy feeling/looking
* Stretches a long way then proceeds to break off

5. TREAT
After you have found out which problem is affecting your hair, you will need to address it. Any stylist will tell you that lack of moisture is usually the problem for black hair. But, there are times when lack of protein is the issue. In either case, here is how you can solve each problem:

Lack of MOISTURE:
This one is simple. Black hair needs a great deal of moisture because it is very porous. Look for moisturizing conditioners or moisturizing creams, then make sure to seal in the moisture with a light oil sheen
Lack of PROTEIN: There are many protein treatments for black hair. You can also get protein based leave in conditioners as well.

6. RETURN TO YOUR NORMAL HAIR CARE REGIMEN
Once your hair is balanced you can return to your normal hair care regime. If you have completed the comb/stretch test, but you are still not sure whether your hair lacks protein or moisture, it is best to shoot for the moisture issue first in black hair.
Thanks to Zainab for allowing us to share this article © AU NATURALE BLOG

2 NEW PRODUCTS AT CIOCCOLATINA

Cioccolatina is our brand of handmade natural toiletries at Sheabutter Cottage. All the products are made by yours truly and I absolutely love mixing simple ingredients for effective use on skin and hair. These are the 2 latest offerings:

AFRO SHAMPOO BAR

ARGAN SOAP

Visit our online shop for more >>www.sheabuttercottage.co.uk