SUBMITTED: PK'S CURLY CONDITIONER

One of our lovely followers has submitted this recipe for all the Natural-lites out there.

She uses it when she wants to maintain the natural texture of her hair without it going dry and becoming a frizz. I might add, it's SOOOOOOOOOO EASY, you may want to keep this in your hair file.

9 oz of the creamy conditioner of your choice

3 oz of Lotta Body

1 oz of oil (EVOO, coconut oil, grapseed oil, or any other oil you like)

Here's what I'm gonna use

Thanks for sharing PK!!

PJ PICK OF THE WEEK: COCONUT OIL

Here lately I've been experimenting with different products, oils, butters and such, so I said let me just pick one and try it for a week and see what's really good.

I had been hearing about how virgin coconut oil was really good for African American hair and skin. So when my aunt told me she was going to an event where vendors would be there selling oils, shea butter and the like, I conned her into getting me some ;)

Now when I first got the coconut oil, the consistency was that of a soft, lumpy grease. BUT after travelling in my car for 2 hours it showed it's true nature which is....you guessed it OIL, LOL!! This actually has worked out better for me because it allows me to use it better as a moisturizer. I don't have to use that much and my hair is fused with just enough oil so it won't look/feel dry as a bone. It definitely holds true to what has been said, my hair was left shinier, softer, and more manageable.

For your reading pleasure, check out these articles on the benefits of Coconut Oil:

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

http://www.thehomeopathiccoach.com/blog/tag/coconut-oil

http://products.mercola.com/coconut-oil/

Try it out and tell us what you think.

POMP N HAWK

Ok, so last week, I posted how I was definitely in a funk. Standing in the mirror for what seems like FOREVER, I tossed and flipped and pinned my hair up in so many ways until I finally put some use to those banana clips I've bought. After breaking the teeth out of some of the flimsy ones I used the sturdier ones. GREAT CHOICE! They gripped my hair just right. I came up with this cute little deal.

From the front...

From the sides...

I took a short banana clip for the back half of my head and used bobby pins for a little pomp in the front. And because of the thickness of my hair I definitely had to use gel, water, conditioner, etc.. to get a semi-slick deal. I am inspired! I think I may try and do a curly rod set in the back...keyword MAY :)

Oh and this has Grandma's Seal of Approval (GSOA) and for those who know my Grandma..knows it had to be cute for her to approve, LOL!! Love ya Mama!!

MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER!!!!

If this doesn't describe me today/this week, I don't know what does. I have no clue what to do with my hair!! I'm in the funk of all funks :( Help!!!! I've resorted to putting my hair in a fluffy ponytail. I mean, I guess it's cool, seeing as how "the man" has me locked down for 12 hours a day, but ya girl needs inspiration or else the PNC will be in full effect very soon. Mama said they'll be days like this...

What do you do to keep yourself out of the day-in-day-out natural hair funk?

WHAT TYPE OF NATURAL ARE YOU? Part 2

So now that the formalities are out the way, let's deal with you Type 3, CURLY women. Often times you'll see variations, 3a, 3b, and 3c, but that's based on how tight of a curl pattern you have.

You know you're a Type 3 when there is a definite loopy "S" pattern. Your curls are well-defined and springy. There's a WHOLE lot of it too :)

Type 3 hair...

- is climate dependent (humidity = frizz)

- has a lot of body

- is easily styled in its natural state or straightened with a blow-dryer

- it is usually soft and fine

- Damage prone - Lack of proper care renders dull curls

- Too much styling product = weighed down/greasy looking curls

- Too little styling product = DRIED AFRO!

Tips for Type 3s:

- 3a's: Use gels and creams that offer light moisture and curl definition

- 3b's: Use gels and styling creams with extra moisture and serious frizz control

- Let hair air dry or use a diffuser

- Once your curls are dry, rub a little pomade into the palm of your hands and smooth over your hair gently

- Do not use a brush or comb on your dry curls

- Reduce tangles by sleeping on a satin pillowcase

Your hair point of reference: Rachel True

WHAT TYPE OF NATURAL ARE YOU? Part 1

Here lately, I've been attempting to learn more about how to do/deal with my hair. I figured it was high time I took matters into my own hands instead of relying totally on someone else's expertise.

The first question I came across when doing my research was "What type of Natural do you have?" I was like 'Whoa now, you mean there are different types of Natural hair???' I thought it all was "curly." And to some degree that is true, but there are different types of curly hair, which is based on your curl pattern.

Type 1 - Straight

Type 2 - Wavy

Type 3 - Curly

Type 4 - Kinky

And since everyone is different, different textures require different products, regimens, etc...Yes, this may shock you all, but don't worry, ya girl's got you covered.

Most Latinas or biracial women have Type 2 or Type 3 hair. The majority of African American women have Type 3 or Type 4 hair. (I'm a Type 4 sista all the way)

*CUE* I AM NOT MY HAIR

I absolutely LOVE Chrisette Michele's decision to shave it all off...how brave!!! And let me just say she is ROCKING her new fade-do, it fits her face quite nicely.

Check out the article here. It further confirms my decision to go au naturale. I'm not against wigs, weave, or anything of the sort, but shaving my hairline for a wig to lay better?? I think not. You have to draw the line somewhere.

What do you think about Chrisette's new look?

LAY FLAT!!!

How many times have you gotten your hair pressed only for your roots to be just as thick and poofy as they were before you got the PNC??

Well I have mastered the art of making sure my roots stay straight in between PNCs. What do you do?? Wrap your head in a towel... when you take a shower, workout, do anything that involves steam and sweat! Sounds crazy, but it TRULY works.

When I was transitioning, as I was the pressed transitioner, I could not see myself paying $40+ for a PNC only for it to be null and void the next day...ABSOLUTELY NOT! So I needed to come up with a solution and my stylist recommended this little trick to make my roots stay straight for extended periods of time. PERFECT!! Saves me money and time. What a combo!!

So just like you wrap your hair normally, add a towel on top to keep those roots FLAT!

Check it

OUT AND ABOUT: Jackie and Tyra

When I was volunteering I came across some lovely ladies that gave me Instant Inspiration! I absolutely ADORE their hair!

First up is Jackie, she's been Natural for 3 years.

Her top 3 products are:

- Shea Butter

- Grapeseed Oil

- Water (so not a product, but it works, lol)

'Go-to' Style: The Puff

I love the way her tendrils stayed curly ALL day without frizz (believe me we were there packing up at 9:30). They looked moisturized, healthy, and had tons of body. Go Jackie!!!


Next up is Tyra, she's been Natural for 1 year.

Her top 3 products are:

- Shea butter Moisturizer

- IC Fantasia

- Water (once again, not a product per se, lol!!)

'Go-To' style: Fro Hawk

I love it!! Adds a little spunk don't ya think? GO TYRA!!

Be on the lookout...you might get SPOTTED next!

HAPPY NATUR-VERSARY TO ME!!!

OH YEAH!! ya girl has made it 3 WHOLE YEARS without a relaxer!! I'm so proud of myself, this has been one of the most challenging things I've ever done. Now my fits for the creamy crack only come when I am absolutely frustrated (to which I will NEVER become an addict of again).

I'm still learning what to do with my hair, as it is a never-ending journey, but it has been well worth it. I've met sooooooo many awesome ladies who have inspired me and I hope I've inspired others. So let's keep the party going y'all!!

Who else is celebrating a Natur-versary this month (or this quarter)??