Author Archive

8 Ways Sex Does A Body Good!

Feb 9, in Health and Fitness, Sexuality, by Dr. Phoenyx Austin

Like we need REASONS?!

Are You Over-Moisturizing Your Hair?

Feb 1, in Beauty, Fashion, Hair, Make Up, Product Picks, Skin Care, by Dr. Phoenyx Austin

Women, especially those that have recently crossed over to natural hair, become very aware of the fact that they need to moisturize their hair on a regular basis. Afro-textured hair (i.e. Type 4 and combination Type 3 & 4 hair) is quite dry by nature and itâ€™s important to keep hair moisturized in order to prevent breakage that will result from lack of moisture.

But there is a catch. Moisture is indeed great for our hair. But it is possible to have too much of a good thing. And when I say this, I mean that is very possible to over-moisturize your hair and end up with hair that is just as weak as it would be if your hair were overly dry.

Dr. Phoenyx Drops Hair Care Knowledge In Fabulous New Book!!

Feb 1, in Beauty, Guests of the Inner Sanctum, by Dr. Phoenyx Austin

“If You Love It, It Will Grow” hair care book drops the knowledge and science to grow afro-textured hair long and strong

Coffee Bean Butter for Yummy, Healthy Hair!

Jan 26, in Beauty, by Dr. Phoenyx Austin

Yet another reason to love coffee…

Camellia Oil For Fabulous Hair!

Jan 19, in Beauty, by Dr. Phoenyx Austin

Camellia oil, or tea seed oil, is an incredible Japanese oil with a sweet, herbal aroma. It is made from the seeds of the Camellia flower and is a great source of unsaturated fats (similar to olive oil and grape seed oil), antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and is used in many high end beauty products. When used on hair, camellia oil helps to condition the hair shaft, stimulate scalp circulation, and promote healthy hair growth by preventing breakage and split ends.

Dr. Phoenyx Austin: Hair Vitamins 101

Jan 12, in Beauty, Guests of the Inner Sanctum, by Dr. Phoenyx Austin

Do you know which vitamin deficiency leads to stunted hair growth, or worse–hair loss?

Do You Define Your Hair, Or Does It Define You?

Jan 4, in Beauty, Guests of the Inner Sanctum, by Dr. Phoenyx Austin

An interesting thing happened to me once when I went to a salon looking for hair products, specifically those for detangling and curl definition. I was speaking to a group of natural-haired women when a passerby naturalista stopped by our group. She appeared agitated. And without any warning she interjected with this statement: â€œLook, our natural hair was not meant to be â€˜detangledâ€™ and â€˜defined.â€™ Itâ€™s meant to be worn â€˜as is.â€™ And doing things to manipulate it with products is no different than women who have identity issues and get relaxers.â€

Can Going Natural Really Affect Your Career?

Dec 28, in Beauty, Guests of the Inner Sanctum, by Dr. Phoenyx Austin

I ask this question because Iâ€™ve noticed an interesting trend in the whole â€œnatural hair is unprofessionalâ€ perspective. Iâ€™ve found many times that a black womanâ€™s perceptions of how natural hair might be perceived are oftentimes not reality, but just a reflection and projection of her own insecurities. Moreover, when I went natural it was interesting to observe that the only criticisms of unprofessionalism that I received were from a handful of other black peopleâ€” non-black people didnâ€™t seem to care.

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By Dr. Phoenyx Austin: Itâ€™s Easier to Find a Good Black Man Over a Good White One. Really?!?

Dec 21, in Guests of the Inner Sanctum, Swirling Singles, by Dr. Phoenyx Austin

Iâ€™m taking a break from my usually schedule hair posts to write a bit about love and culture. Yeah, I like to touch on the relationship stuff too!

So yesterday, I came across an interesting article in my Facebook Newsfeed about Robin Thicke. Actually, I just came across his picture and immediately clicked on it to get a closer look at him in all his glorious sexiness. Gosh I love me some Robin Thickeâ€¦ even back in his long hair hippie days.

Now in this Essence magazine article Robin gushed about his wife of 18 years, Paula Payton and how he loves giving her multiple orgasms (I hate her, lol). He also took the time to make some interesting comments about Black women, relationships, and finding a “good Black man.”

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Beauty: Dr. Phoenyx On Natural Hair, White Dudes and Black Power Fists

Dec 15, in Beauty, Guests of the Inner Sanctum, by Dr. Phoenyx Austin

“Since going natural, Iâ€™ve noticed a definite shift in male attention. First and foremost, I now get approached more by non-black men than black men.”

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Dr. Phoenyx Austin: Is Your Hair Worth Your Health?

Dec 8, in Beauty, Guests of the Inner Sanctum, Health and Fitness, by Dr. Phoenyx Austin

I remember when I was in medical school and had to speak with a young black patient about her weight and general health. She was an 18 year old girl with a BMI (body mass index) of 29, meaning she was severely overweight. She also had symptoms of metabolic syndrome- a very serious condition where an individual exhibits signs/symptoms of high blood sugar, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and increased weight. Metabolic syndrome is very serious condition that predisposes individuals to developing other deadly conditions like coronary artery disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

I explained this to my patient shared ways she could lose weight via exercise and other lifestyle changes. She seemed generally concerned about her overall health, but when asked about what steps she planned to take to tackle her weight issues, she expressed uncertainty about how she would be able to exercise regularly. She was willing to change her eating habits, but she was a bit more resistant to exercising. When I asked why, she basically explained that she didnâ€™t like to sweat because it messed up her hair.