Why did American Indians believe that long hair gave them strength?

American Indian’s Belief in Long Hair.

The belief that long hair gave strength to American Indians is deeply rooted in their cultural and spiritual practices. Here are a few reasons why they held this belief:

1. Spiritual Connection: Many Native American tribes believe that hair is an extension of the nervous system and acts as a spiritual antenna, connecting them to the spiritual realm. They believed that long hair helped them maintain a stronger connection to the spiritual world and receive guidance and protection from their ancestors and spirits.

2. Symbol of Identity: Hair was considered a symbol of one's identity and cultural heritage. It represented their tribal affiliation, family lineage, and personal history. By keeping their hair long, they felt a sense of pride and strength in preserving their cultural identity and traditions.

3. Protection: Native Americans lived in harsh environments and faced numerous challenges, including extreme weather conditions, physical combat, and spiritual battles. They believed that long hair acted as a protective shield, both physically and spiritually. It was believed to provide insulation against the cold, protection from the sun's harmful rays, and even offer some defense against physical attacks.

4. Energy and Intuition: Native Americans believed that hair was an energy conduit, capable of absorbing and retaining energy. They believed that long hair helped them gather and channel energy, enhancing their intuition, perception, and spiritual abilities.

5. Respect for Nature: Native Americans had a deep respect for nature and believed in living in harmony with the natural world. They saw hair as a part of nature and believed that cutting it off would interfere with the natural flow of energy and disrupt their connection with the environment.

It's important to note that these beliefs varied among different tribes and individuals, and not all Native Americans shared the same beliefs about long hair. Additionally, these beliefs are rooted in their cultural and spiritual practices and may not align with Western scientific explanations.

Shampoo Facts - Cons & Pros

Shampoo Facts - Cons & Pros:

1. Cleanses the scalp and hair: Shampoo is designed to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup from the scalp and hair. It helps to keep the hair clean and refreshed.

2. Formulated for different hair types: Shampoos are available in various formulations to cater to different hair types and concerns. There are shampoos for oily hair, dry hair, damaged hair, color-treated hair, and more.

3. Some Shampoos Contain surfactants: Surfactants are cleansing agents that help to remove dirt and oil from the hair. Common surfactants found in shampoos include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).

4. May contain additional ingredients: Shampoos often contain additional ingredients such as conditioning agents, fragrances, preservatives, and botanical extracts. These ingredients can provide additional benefits like moisturization, scent, and improved hair texture.

Shampoo Cons:

1. Strips natural oils: Shampoo, especially those with harsh surfactants, can strip the hair of its natural oils. This can lead to dryness, frizz, and an imbalance in the scalp's natural oil production.

2. Potential for scalp irritation: Some people may experience scalp irritation or sensitivity to certain ingredients in shampoos, such as sulfates or fragrances. This can lead to itching, redness, or flakiness.

3. Environmental impact: Many shampoos contain ingredients that are harmful to the environment, such as sulfates and microplastics. These ingredients can end up in waterways and have negative effects on aquatic life.

Shampoo Pros:

1. Cleanses the hair and scalp: Shampoo effectively removes dirt, oil, and product buildup from the hair and scalp, leaving it clean and refreshed.

2. Promotes hair and scalp health: Shampooing regularly can help maintain a healthy scalp and hair. It can prevent issues like dandruff, itching, and excess oiliness.

3. Provides specific benefits: Shampoos formulated for different hair types and concerns can provide targeted benefits. For example, moisturizing shampoos can help hydrate dry hair, while volumizing shampoos can add volume to fine hair.

4. Enhances hair appearance: Shampooing can improve the appearance of the hair by removing impurities and enhancing its natural shine and texture.

5. Preps the hair for styling: Clean hair is easier to style and manage. Shampooing can provide a good base for applying other hair care products and styling techniques.

It's important to note that the effectiveness and suitability of a shampoo can vary depending on individual hair type, scalp condition, and personal preferences. It's always a good idea to choose a shampoo that suits your specific needs and to consider gentler alternatives if you have sensitive or dry hair and scalp.

Here are some Natural Shampoos that are worth trying- Morrocco Method & ST. Tropica

How to Treat High Porosity Hair

High porosity hair is hair that has a high level of moisture absorption and retention. This means that the hair cuticles are open and easily absorb water, but also lose moisture quickly. High porosity hair can be caused by genetics, chemical processing, heat damage, or environmental factors. If you have high porosity hair, it is important to take extra care to keep your hair moisturized and prevent further damage. Here is a full guide to high porosity hair:

1. Understand your hair's porosity: The first step in caring for high porosity hair is to understand its unique characteristics. High porosity hair tends to feel dry, frizzy, and prone to breakage. It may also take longer to dry and may have a tendency to tangle easily. By understanding these characteristics, you can tailor your hair care routine to meet the specific needs of your hair.

2. Cleanse gently: High porosity hair is more prone to damage, so it is important to use gentle cleansers that won't strip the hair of its natural oils. Look for sulfate-free shampoos or co-wash products that will cleanse the hair without causing further dryness.

3. Deep condition regularly: Deep conditioning is essential for high porosity hair as it helps to restore moisture and repair any damage. Look for deep conditioning treatments that are specifically formulated for high porosity hair, as these will provide the necessary nutrients and moisture to strengthen and nourish the hair.

4. Use protein treatments: High porosity hair often lacks protein, which is essential for maintaining the hair's structure and strength. Regular protein treatments can help to strengthen the hair and reduce breakage. Look for protein treatments that are specifically formulated for high porosity hair and follow the instructions for use.

5. Seal in moisture: High porosity hair loses moisture quickly, so it is important to seal in moisture after washing or conditioning. Use a leave-in conditioner or moisturizing cream to lock in moisture and prevent further dryness. You can also use natural oils, such as argan oil or jojoba oil, to seal in moisture and provide added nourishment to the hair.

6. Avoid heat styling: Heat styling tools, such as flat irons and curling irons, can further damage high porosity hair. Try to limit the use of heat styling tools and opt for heat-free styling methods instead. If you do use heat, always use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature as low as possible.

7. Protect your hair at night: High porosity hair is more prone to breakage, so it is important to protect your hair while you sleep. Use a satin or silk pillowcase, or wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf, to prevent friction and breakage.

8. Avoid harsh chemicals: High porosity hair is already prone to damage, so it is important to avoid harsh chemicals that can further weaken the hair. This includes chemical relaxers, hair dyes, and excessive use of styling products. Opt for natural and gentle hair care products that are free from harsh chemicals.

9. Trim regularly: High porosity hair is more prone to split ends and breakage, so it is important to trim your hair regularly to remove any damaged or split ends. This will help to keep your hair healthy and prevent further damage.

10. Be patient: It takes time to repair high porosity hair, so be patient and consistent with your hair care routine. With proper care and maintenance, you can improve the health and appearance of your high porosity hair over time.

Shift to Simple Proven Hair Methods

Nearly 25% the weight of a single strand of hair is made up of water, If you drink at least 2 liters of water per day it will increase hair growth and help strengthen your hair, soft water preferably.

If you’re not drinking enough water hair growth can stop completely. The body, skin and hair function better with enough hydration, Just like plants do! We are, after all made up of 60% water.

If you’re trying to grow your hair, make sure to drink enough water and use all natural haircare products not the cheap (or expensive shampoos) that contain chemicals which clog your hair follicles and make your hair frizz and break. You may think that silicone is good for your hair (temporarily) but it will cause build-up and dry hair in the long run and damage your scalp.

Natural vitamins can also help our hair grow strong and long encouraging hair growth with natural nutrients.

Free Easy Steps for Healthy Hair

For some people healthy hair comes easy, for others it’s an ongoing struggle. Hair isn’t everything you say, but that depends on the person. I almost shaved off all my hair when transitioning back to my natural hair color which was turning grey at the time.

For me, it was about going back to my natural hair and stopping all the toxins and chemicals that I was coloring my hair with. I couldn’t wait for the new hair growth to grow and wanted to cut away the fake color….my family said don’t go overboard, don’t shave it!

I decided to go cold turkey and just let it grow out, it looked bad with the half grey and half brown hair although I could vision something extraordinary at the end of this path…yes, mother nature was right! The end result which was my true hair color was perfect!

The most important thing about letting your Natural Hair grow back is your health, your Scalp and Hair will be healthier and you won’t have those chemicals and toxins on and In your head and body!

A healthy scalp means healthy hair. A few Free Easy Steps for Healthy Hair for you to keep your strands their healthiest.

1) Massage your scalp every day, once or twice a day, preferably in the morning and again at night for 2-3 minutes each time and use an a few drops of an oil scalp massage for 20 minutes before shampooing your hair.

2) Use non-toxic natural shampoo and conditioners only. Try to rotate and use 3-5 shampoos.

3) Use filtered or distilled water for your final hair rinse.

4) Clarify your hair once a month with apple cider vinegar or something healthy.

5) Eat enough protein, biotin, zinc foods and supplement with vitamins if needed.

6) Protect your hair from the Sun with uv hair protectors.

7) Stop using any form of Hot Tools or use 1-2 times a week with a heat protectant on the lowest setting you can, it’s best not to go over 300F.

Natural Hair Dye Alternatives - Are They Worth It?

After trying to find a natural alternative and pushing away hair dyes that contained harsh chemicals and toxins I experimented with Henna which left my brown hair the same color with a tinge of red and my small percentage(at the time)of grey strands orange.

It was a nice natural scented, messy experiment. My hair had some shine to it, the color was not right for me so I chose darker henna powders and tried amla for a more ashy effect… still not impressed with the outcome on myself but my friend looked gorgeous. Although Henna might work for you if you have more of a warmer hair color preference and it would be the healthier choice if you choose to color your hair.

Next, I found Hairprint, it was natural just like henna although it did not leave an orange or red tint on my hair which I didn’t want anyway. Again, it smelled natural and was quite messy. My hair looked darker even though I used a light brown my hair looked darker and flat and it was rough to the touch, that dry feeling.

Just like the henna powder I would still need to apply this natural messy product every 3-4 weeks cause the roots would show the hair color difference and we couldn’t have that now, could we? I mean, what would the world say, it’s forbidden to show grey hair, it’s a bad bad thing….Really? It’s Not a bad thing, it’s an Awesome thing.

Mother Nature Knows Best and the Best thing You can do for Your hair is to Not Dye it or Hide it, Do Not Cover it, Show Your Beautiful Sparkly Strands and make them Sparkle even more with the Natural oils that work for Your hair like Coconut oil, Avocado oil, Grapeseed oil. Be careful with some oils that stain hair like Almond oil or Amla oil, these could leave a yellow tinge. My Final Thought, Flaunt that Sparkly Real Natural Hair and Don’t Hide it!