HAIR LOVE AFFAIR

Hey guys!!! Let me just say I am absolutely LOVING my hair right now...I cannot stop thinking about what I've been through to get to this point and I am definitely ecstatic about the results. It could be because my birthday is Saturday and I'm in full reflection mode, but in any case, I am so proud of myself and the results are the proof.

I decided to get my hair pressed because I haven't seen my hair straight since April and was curious to see how long it is. TALK ABOUT SHOCK :O

**hang time** woot woot

My hair is almost to my ideal length (mid-back). It's the longest and healthiest it's been since about 5th grade.

The finished product

GO ME!!

Transitioners this Natural thing ain't no joke, but it is WELL worth the journey!

BE INSPIRED!!!!

FAB WEEKEND

Welcome back from the weekend ladies!! I had an AWESOME time at the W.I.N.K.K event. We talked about 'Winter'-izing our hair, styling, moisturizing, the whole sha-bang!

These lovely Naturalites got SPOTTED as well:

Oh and to top it off...yours truly won the 'Cutest Style' **cheers** Thanks to all the ladies who voted for me!!! I NEVER, I repeat NEVER win anything. I got some Hawaiian Silky 14-in-1.

I got the style off youtube that morning and decided to try it out. It was super easy too. Here's the vid:

FAB 'FRO-BACK

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture of Pam Grier!! She is just working her 'fro.

The lady who sings one of my all-time favorite classics, Minnie Ripperton, gives us a fro with an innocent edge.

AND because I am such a fan (fanatic is more like it)

Michael Jackson...I think this is one of the cutest pictures I've ever seen of him *tear*

WORKOUT HAIR

I was talking with a few Natural girlfriends this weekend and the topic came up of working out with Natural hair. How do you maintain your style?

Now I opt for the Towel Routine. But they said they tie their hair with their scarf super tight and don't take it off until their hair is completely dry. I must admit, I've definitely taken my scarf off when my hair was still wet (of course my hair was pressed), my roots were sooooo puffy . I was lightweight mad! I sure could've used this advice. So tell us, how do you preserve your sexy while/post working out?

WHAT IS HENNA?

A while back, I posed a question "Are you still considered Natural if you color your hair?" I thought about Henna, but since I was unfamiliar with it, I needed to do some serious research on what it actually it is and if it is REALLY considered "Natural?" *hence the long delay*

Here it goes...

What is Henna?

Henna [Lawsonia Inermis] is a flowering plant used to dye skin, hair, nails, leather, and wool.


HENNA QUICK FACTS:

* Hair quality henna is not fine, it's chunky. It does not provide a robust, permanent color, and is hard to rinse from your hair

* Body art quality henna is the finest quality pure henna for body art and hair coloring. It is pure lawsonia inermis, with a high natural dye content

*Henna is hypo-allergenic, allergic reaction to henna is extremely rare.


What are the benefits?

Strengthens/Conditions Hair - Henna has Lawsone, a tannin dye molecule, in its leaves. The lawsone molecule penetrates the hair shaft, binding with the keratin in the hair. This makes hair stronger. Once the lawsone coats the hair, it starts to penetrate the cuticle. This adds a second layer of strength, but it DOES NOT lock out moisture.

Smoother and Shinier Hair - Since Henna does not lock out moisture, the cuticle takes a lot less damage during styling making your hair feel smoother and glossy.

Treats dandruff - Many people who have itching, flaking scalps after dying with chemical dyes develop an allergic reaction. Henna is anti-fungal and is effective in restoring healthy skin and hair.

and finally....IT IS COMPLETELY NATURAL!!! *CHEERS* Almost ALL of the henna powders [ground plant leaves] only need to be combined with lemon juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, or vinegar. So it's basically, the plant and whatever you mix it with!!


What are the disadvantages?

Hair Quality henna removal is nearly impossible :( {plug for using the better quality Body Art Quality Henna}

It is VERY time consuming. The paste has to set overnight, then once you apply it, it takes 2-4 hours to 'set' in your hair :.......(

It is EXTREMELY messy. See for yourself, here's a video on how to apply it. **looks like guacamole on her head**

Where to purchase?

Just about anywhere online and most Asian/Indian supermarkets. (Be sure to read your labels)

Where to find more info...

Mehandi

Henna for Hair

LET'S MEET AGAIN

Hey All, there's another Natural Hair gathering going on!

Theme: A PRODUCT SWAP

When: September 25, 2010

3:30pm to 6:00pm

Where: Panera Bread (oh yeah!!)

6130 Kruse Drive, Solon, OH 44139

Tell a friend!

Sidebar: I AM LOVING THIS PICTURE!!!

HOME REMEDIES: VINEGAR HAIR TONIC

I know, I've been partial...I sometimes forget that Naturalites and Transitioners alike do not all have Dry hair. Some people really struggle with oily hair. Here's to you guys!

A common mistake people assume is that oily hair = oily scalp. Well actually, it's the opposite. Dry scalp most times produce more oil on the scalp and then the oil plants itself on the hair as it grows. Vinegar and Lemons I've read are the best ways to combat oily hair. They act as an astrigent to soak up that excess oil.

Here's an Vinegar Hair Tonic, use this post Poo:

1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice

1 Cup of COLD water

If this is you, tell us if you tried and like these recipes. I'm super curious about it.

CAROL HAS COME TO CLEVELAND

OK, sooooo I may be late on this one, but I'm sharing anyway...CAROL'S DAUGHTER has FINALLY come to Cleveland!!!

I was shopping at Dillard's at Beachwood Mall and decided to take the route less taken - through the Cosmetics Section. Now usually I head straight for the shoes, but because it was crowded I figured I'd take my chances of being asked to try a fragrance instead. THANKFULLY I did. I saw a complete display of Carol's Daughter Hair and Skin Care products. Stopped me dead in my tracks. I asked a lady how long it had been there, and she said since the holidays...WHAT?!?! Clearly I've been under a rock. Anywho, I wanted to try the Khoret Amen Hair Oil, but since they were out, got the Tui Hair Oil and the Rosemary Mint Fortifying Shampoo. [Like I need another product] So we'll see how it goes. Just thought I'd let y'all in on Carol being here.

OUCHLESS by Goody

These might be the best things since sliced bread for us Naturalites and Transitioners!!

#1 - They are GREAT for Puffs and any style that requires your hair to be pulled back

#2 - Long-term grip! No sliding here

#3 - The headbands are so elastic, they wrap around MY HEAD TWICE!!! *faint*

GET THESE IN YOUR STASH NOW!! And save some for a rainy day. You can easily clip on a flower or some jewels to jazz them up. They worked great for my completely unexpected, but cute style I had going on this weekend.

I think these would also work well for the kiddies too. This may help with some of the pulling that comes along with regular ponytail holders, especially the ones with the metal crimp.

They were pretty hard to come by, for me at least, because every store I went to they were sold out. I lucked up at Wally World in Bedford and Eastlake.

CURLYSEXYHAIR CURLING CREME

Ok, so I almost had a breakdown this weekend. I went to Great Lakes Mall and to my complete and utter surprise my little piece of product heaven, Trade Secret, is GONE!! *TEARSTEARSTEARS* Now we all know I've lost my coconut oil, but for the place where I find my little trial goodies not to be there just about did me in!! I mean what the heck is going on here??? Now I have to travel all the way to WestBumHill and back (Strongsville) to get my goodies :/

Anyways, I bought a trial size of CurlySexyHair's Curling Creme from there a while ago and I forgot I had it until I was looking underneath my sink for my Miss Jessies. I used it as part of my W&G routine, just to try it out. I kinda like it. It made my curl pattern more defined and didn't dry my hair out. It actually made my hair super soft. Now usually when I do a W&G, my fro looks VERY dry in a matter of hours, but this Creme keep it looking moisturized. I said I was gonna try it out with my twists to see how it works. So I'll keep you posted.

If you've tried this Curling Creme before, what did you think?

OH NOOOOOOO!!!

Soooooooooo I could really shoot myself for this. I have LOST my coconut oil!!! I mean how did this happen. It was in my purse (b/c I do take it to work for a refresh after hard hat hair) and I remember bringing it home, but after that...BLUR!! It was BRAND NEW!! I've looked EVERYWHERE! I'm so upset, I got it from a vendor, now I have to re-purchase some from online. Any suggestions? Never done this before. Oh the pain...Have a great weekend!! I hope it started better than mine :(

CURLFORMED HAIR

Hey Guys! Here's my results from a Curlformer Set I did. Definitely a keeper, especially for Transitioners. It also works for us Naturalites for our fall hair collection.

The Hook:

Twist the hair, slide the Hook into the Curlformer, and pull through

All 'formed

I let it air dry overnight and...

VOILA!! So AMAZING!!

Semi-pulled apart (Remember never pull your curls apart with dry hands! Use EVOO or some type of coating - prevents frizz)

All DONE!

What ya think??