Now that summer is officially here, it’s time to embrace those protective styles before hanging out poolside. One of the best and most common summer styles to preserve your hair is through wearing braids - cornrows, box braids, microbraids; and they are all beautiful options. Braids protect your scalp and strands from excessive heat caused by blow dryers, flat irons and other styling tools. Braids also help your hair grow.
Braids originate in African and date back thousands of years as not only a hairstyle but also an art form. In ancient times, braids signified tribe, age, religion and even social status. During slavery, cornrows were used to design escape routes for those desiring to run to freedom because they were easily hidden from unsuspecting slave masters. In Native American cultures, braids signify strength in unity. In modern times, braids can also be a cultural or creative expression or a quick fix to combat humidity and control your hair during a trip to the beach.
You can maintain your hair health with braids by washing once a week and being sure to apply Safo Scalp Serum directly onto your scalp to keep your scalp moisturized and prevent breakage. Our scalp spray will aid in providing proper nutrients to promote hair growth while your hair remains in the protective style. When getting your hair braided, avoid wearing braids that are too heavy and make sure your braids are not too tight. If they are, they could cause other health issues like soreness or follicular pustules, which are inflamed, sore, raised bumps on the scalp, in addition to traction alopecia. Must protect the edges!
Do your research on styles to select one that’s right for you and prepare your hair before sitting down in the chair. Strengthen your hair prior to having your hair braided. Moisturizing shampoos and deep conditioning will help. Ensure you avoid dry and brittle hair by keeping your hair moisturized with Safo Hair moisturizer. Most importantly, your diet will impact the health of your hair in these protective styles.
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RECIPE:
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HEALTHY SPARKLING MOJITO LEMONADE
Ingredients:
2 cups cold peppermint tea
1/3 cup honey or other vegan substitute
a handful of fresh mint leaves
3 limes, juice and zest
3 lemons, juiced
sparkling water
fresh mint leaves and lime or lemon wedges for garnish
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Instructions:
Add the peppermint tea, honey, mint leaves, lime juice and zest, and lemon juice to a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
Strain the mixture into a large pitcher to remove any bits of mint leaves that remain.
Fill glasses half-way with the mixture and top it off with sparkling water, a lemon or lime wedge, and some fresh mint leaves for garnish.
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Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 4g| Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 43IU | Vitamin C: 58mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg