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​When I was first introduced to shea butter by a friend, it was presented to me as the "and all be all" hair care product right up there with coconut oil. I've been using it on my hair lately and it has inspired me to  write about it. A few questions came to mind: What is shea butter? Where does it come from? How can it be used?

After some extensive research, I found that shea butter is defined as a fatty substance obtained from the nuts of the shea tree, used chiefly in cosmetic skin preparations. Shea trees are found in East and West tropical Africa. The shea butter comes from two oily kernels within the shea tree seed. After the kernel is removed from the seed, it is ground into a powder and boiled in water. The butter then rises to the top of the water and becomes solid.

According to WebMD, shea butter can be used for just about anything skin related from eczema to acne. So, how did shea butter become a go to hair care product? Our scalp is skin that needs to be nourished too. A healthy scalp can produce beautiful kinky, coily, and curly hair.

Before I began using shea butter, I looked for content on how I could best use it for my own hair. To remedy my dry hair woes, I use shea butter as my cream in my L.O.C. (liquid, oil, cream) method. I personally like to cut out extra steps when doing my hair, so I mix my oils with the butter. The butter act as a carrier for the oils. Shea butter helps to lock the oils deeper into my hair and roots. I've really been loving the results; my hair stays moisturized longer, feels soft and looks healthy.

Have you used shea butter in your hair care regimen? What were/are your results? ​
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​​Ria's Beauty Collection is a local brand of whipped shea butter here in my hometown! Check them out on Amazon Handmade for their handcrafted products. 

Cierra - AKA Accessory Diva

​Being different means acknowledging the uniquely wonderful person that you are.  Not apologizing for seeing the world unlike others and living in your true skin and loving your true skin and hair no matter what the trends of the day are. - Zahra

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As a black woman with kinky coily type 4b hair, society makes me feel different every day. I embrace being different by wearing my hair out in its naturally curly glory whenever I have the chance. In being different and accepting it, I'm practicing self love and showing others that they can do it too. - Korynthia
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​​One of my favorite songs from Cardi B’s album Invasion of Privacy is I Like It! In the lyrics she talks about the things she likes; dollars, diamonds, stunting, and shinning. Well, two things that I like is summer and hair accessories!

Summer is my favorite season filled with cookouts, vacation time, and lots of fun in the sun. Summer is also when many naturals choose to wear their hair in protective styles. These styles allow more time for fun and less time on daily hair care needs. Click here for tips on how to maintain your summer protective style.

Braids and twists are the most common summer protective styles. A great way to add some “pop” to these styles is with hair jewelry. Loc jewelry and hair cuffs are hair accessory designs that can be worn on braids or twists. When styling with hair jewelry there are three things naturals should consider. 

​1. Closed Loops: If the hair jewelry you’re styling with has loops, make sure the loops are closed to avoid getting your hair tangled in the design. Also, check wire or metal accessories for nicks to prevent additional hair snags.

2. Lightweight: Lightweight loc jewelry and hair cuffs are best. Designs that are light eliminates the worries of jewelry falling off. For single strand braids or twists, light jewelry avoids unnecessary pull on scalp from weight.

3. Care Instructions: To prolong the life of your hair jewelry, follow care instructions for the design. Depending on the type of material used to create the jewelry; most care instructions recommend that you remove the accessory during tasks and activities involving water.

For more advice and tips on styling with hair accessories click here for my Styling Guide. To view Accented Glory's Hair Cuff Designs on Amazon click here.

Tonya – Visionary of Accented Glory

​​“Being different means showing my creativity, passion, and unique flare in my style. I always aim to be myself and admire the beauty that I have on the inside and out! What makes all of us beautiful are those different qualities that are unique and stand out. ❤ “

Bryanna