New Year, New You right?? Well for those of you contemplating going Natural, there's one MAJOR collabo site created just for you! It's called Transitioning Movement and it's hosted by Carol's Daughter.
It has most of my favorite natural hair bloggers and vloggers. I definitely encourage you to check it out.
Of course I decided to wash my hair at 11pm last night and my original plan was to twist it and do a quick pin up. But in my laziness, I decided to just do 2 roll and tucks to the back with a Johnny Bravo hump protective style.
Here are the results:
*whew chile...look at that denseness*
That's it folks. Feel free to jazz it up with some hair accessories.
Hey guys!! One of my closest friends is about to take the plunge into this world of Natural hair. She's doing her BC right before Christmas and I am so excited!!!
So for those of you pondering the BC, here is some post-BC fabulousness just for you!!
This vid came in my inbox and I just had to share. It's seemingly very simple and takes about as long as it does for me to twist my hair. And I think this is a good way to maybe blend textures if you're transitioning too.
*CONFETTI* YAY!! CONGRATULATIONS!! *CONFETTI* You've reached your hair goal!!!
Now what??? Do you let it continue to grow? Keep it at your dream length? Cut it? What??? I sure as heck don't know. That's why I'm asking. I am pretty close to my 2012 hair goal *CHEERS* and although it's not my ultimate hair goal I want to have a plan in place for when I do reach it.
When I got my hair straightened the last time, it was annoying the crap out of me. It was always getting caught on something, flying in my mouth, landing my food, on and on and on. Now. If I want my hair to ultimately be BSL, how am I going to handle all that hair when my hair is just shy of APL and working my nerve?? Sigh.
But I'm curious, what have you done since reaching your hair goal?
Ever saw a cute style that wasn't on YouTube and wanted to know how to do it?? Well YT Naturalite CharyJay has something for you! It's called a Style Card. For only $5 she will customize a style released on her Style Card specifically for you. All you have to do is let her know your hair length and hair type. Why not try a new style for the holidays ;) You can order yours from her store here.
CurlBOXis a monthly subscription service ($20) that caters to women with natural curly/afro textured hair by sending them 5-7 samples of hair products. They also include a mini magazine featuring your favorite Natural hair bloggers and vloggers.
CurlKitsends out a selection of 6-9 samples of everything from pomades and conditioners to natural hair tools, from well-known brands as well as emerging gems. It is also $20/month.
Now. The difference is not only the products themselves, but how you must subscribe. CurlBOX has a list that is like super duper hard to get on. You have to be at your computer practically about to press the button as soon as the list opens. I mean I've seen them tweet about the subscriptions being sold out in less than 5 minutes!! I ain't got that kind of patience or energy *shrug* Meanwhile you can get a CurlKit anytime. No muss, no fuss.
*INSERT DISCLAIMER {cue Silkk the Shocker & Mystikal} IT AIN'T MY FAULT*
Seriously though, what's NOT to love about this??? BUT do you see the pic above?? It's definitely representative of underneath my bathroom sink. And to think I am considering adding more??? I can already see this becoming a problem for the kid. I mean SERIOUS problem. *hides face in shame*
*Peeks head in* HEY GUYS!!! Let me just say, I'm glad grad school is over for the semester, I can commence my blogging routine again. It'll be like I never left. So let's get this party started :)
I started these last few months of 2012 really wanting to retain my length. I decided to take better care of my ends, moisturize and moisturize some more, be more gentle when manipulating my hair - all that jazz. Now, it's been a few months and I decided to do a protein treatment, more out of curiousity than anything else.
Of course, I had to do some research because A. I didn't want to spend a ton of money and B. I've never done one on my own head before, so I needed to know what other Naturalites were using.
I found this vid on YouTube and gave it a go.
I did sit up under the dryer for about 30 minutes and I didn't use a comb to rake the product through, I did it with my fingers. After it dried, it was exactly as she described. My hair felt like...well remember "Crunchies" aka waves that hadn't been lifted up after they were dried?? EXACTLY like that. I was so paranoid my hair was going to just break right off if I touched it. I mean I was a nervous WRECK!! This is when I was most grateful for my shrinkage. I didn't have to worry about snagging like she did *YAY* Like when does that ever happen??
Overall, I was happy with my hair after the treatment. I think the way my hair felt after Step 2 and my DC sealed it for me. My hair was super soft, more manageable, and I didn't have any more hair in my hands than normal after I finger detangled. (I was too nervous to use my denman.)
So if you're hair is damaged or you're just looking to give it that extra boost of strength, give this a try! Let us know how it works!
I am completely in LOVE!!! This hair line is a hidden gem. There aren't many hair lines I love, but this one I swear by. I stumbled upon it a very long time ago and have been hooked.
I particularly love the HealthySexyHair Soy Milk Conditioner.
Besides the fact it smells divine, it leaves my hair feeling uber soft, moisturized, and very manageable. It's just the right consistency for me. It isn't super heavy or runny and works great as DC as well (mixed with Honey of course).
Love in a bottle. The best leave-in conditioner I've tried to date. It doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy like some leave-ins and once again leaves my hair very soft and manageable. When my hair dries it doesn't feel like a brillo pad either - I think that has helped with my length retention.
I will say, it's very difficult to find. I buy mine at Ulta (with a coupon of course) and sometimes I make a come up at Marshall's or TJ Maxx (these store have all the goodies). But other than that...your best bet would be online.
So ladies...give it a try. Let us know what you think.
hosted by Twisted Textures Natural Hair Studio and Prime Gentelman's Barbershop
This year we will be celebrating Natural Hair Harlem Renaissance style. We will be going back our "roots" honoring icons from that era who set the stage for creative and intellectual expression of African Americans through music, poetry, dance, literature, and comedy.
Come on out and enjoy some of Cleveland's greatest talents for a unique and unparalled artistic experience.
Friday, November 16, 2012 at The House of Blues
7:30pm til Midnight
Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door.
Check out more details on Facebook (The Twist - Cleveland's Premiere Natural Hair Affair).
There has to be something in the air and I am loving it. Two of my friends are starting their journey to Naturalville and I couldn't be more excited for them!! I got to thinking about what it took for me to make this decision. I pretty much saw a magazine and decided that was it. I wanted that hair so I made the transition.
Although it was relatively easy for me, I know making such a choice is not always easy for some. There's always those flickers of doubt and fear, but hey they didn't build the Pyramids in day and so it is with Natural hair. It is truly a process. I've enjoyed my process thus far and there is no turning back for me. However, it can be done! Look around you!! There are plenty of gorgeous manes walking around this planet and just like they took the plunge so can you. Keep these points in mind and you are on your way: ** BE PATIENT ** You are NOT going to know everything about your hair in one co-wash. It takes time getting reacquainted with your hair.
** TRIAL AND ERROR ** There's no one right way to reach your destination so you might as well get used to this. Some stuff you used to do just will not work anymore. Be flexible. That's the beauty of your journey, you get to experiment with different styles, products (just don't become a junkie!), and accessories. What's not to love about that! ** BE CONFIDENT ** You've got to OWN it. Whatever you choose - BC, protective/transitional styles, or a press you've got to be totally confident in rocking your 'do! ** YOUTUBE IS YOUR FRIEND ** I wish I had known about using YT earlier. It has helped me TREMENDOUSLY from looking for inspiration to rock a new style to actually learning how to flat twist my own hair. YT is amazing!! You can do it!! Happy journeying!
A friend of mine recently came back from overseas and stopped by for a short visit. She went to a country where all they ate were meat and potatoes everyday. Her diet is more on the vegetarian side of life, so when she came back she went into complete and utter veggie mode. She loaded up on spinach and kale. I was familiar with spinach, but not so much with kale.
So one day I stumbled upon Kale in the grocery store and decided to give it a try. Great idea! Turns out, Kale is rich in vitamins, minerals and iron. It also brings better blood flow to the scalp of your hair, which means that your hair will be more likely to grow longer faster and to have more strength. Who doesn't want that??
93% FEWER split ends!?!? WHOA *in my Joey voice* That's major!! Especially since we are now in the season where those ends are super sensitive to the colder harsher weather.
Carol's Daughter is getting rave reviews about not only this product, but this line overall. Here's what it boasts:
Seal 93.3% of split ends instantly with this repairing lotion that binds the separated ends of hair so you can skip the trim & keep the length.
Monoi Oil repairs hair damage
Carob Seed Extract binds hair fibers together
Babassu Oil helps strengthen hair’s structure from within
This is my current protective style. I rod it once a week, sometimes every other week. On the week that I don't rod it I'm "wiggin' out ;)
I've been co-washing with Garnier Frutis 3 Minute Repair, which is lovely. I've gotten an extra half inch or more under my permed ends and now I'm looking for a new style to wear so that I'm not tempted to wash or comb it so much.
I'm hoping to have crochet braids by the end of this challenge *crosses fingers*
Trade in your sundresses and sandals, it is now time for light jackets and boots. According to my sources (local farmers in line at the bank) we are about 6 weeks ahead of season and I couldn't agree more. Fall has officially arrived. Normally I would just drastically switch my regimen to using thicker conditioners and DCing more often, but this time around I'm pretty much going to keep it simple. I figure I don't have to completely change up what I've been doing, just tweak it a little. Here's my plan: Start off right by getting my quarterly trim. After 2 months of braids, I need it. Plus, I'm ready to whip my hair back and forth. Find a really good daily moisturizer. I haven't been diligent about this part of my regimen at all. I have to change that. Recommendations anyone?? Focus more on taking care of my ends. I want to actually retain my growth from this year.
That's it. Easy breezy. What are your hair plans for the Fall?
Well I took down my braids after 2 months and boy did it need some TLC!! I mean a serious DC was in order. Naptural85 is one of my favorite YouTubers so I decided to give her Greek Yogurt Conditioner a try. When I tell you it was the truth….it was THE TRUTH!! I haven’t been this excited since I began adding honey to my conditioners for my co-washes.
Now of course my hair was in all kinds of knots but I will say adding the conditioner and separating my hair with the conditioner in it helped A WHOLE LOT when I got in the shower. It was kind of like a pre-detangling session.
I know how my hair feels after it's been in braids or twists and it does not feel good. This conditioner left my hair feeling really soft and manageable. I poo’d and co-washed as normal after my DC, but I could definitely tell this conditioner worked its magic on my hair. It definitely has my stamp of approval. Go try it out!!
This is my rendition:
I only used what I had on hand, I substituted the lavendar oil for the EVOO. I was kind of nervous about the smell, but surprisingly it didn't smell as bad I thought it would. It could be from my 'poo and co-wash, but either way, it worked. This is a must try!
So I was walking around a fair and came across some Whipped Shea Butter mixed with Neem Oil. I asked the vendor what Neem Oil is supposed to do and he said it works to control an itchy scalp. SOLD. We all know I have scalp issues, especially around the cooler months, so I figured I'd try it out.
I will say, before I completely jumped off the deep end with trying it, I looked it up. I wanted to make sure I did a little bit of homework on this Neem Oil which I had never heard about.
Here's what I found:
Neem oil is antibacterial, antifungal and full of Vitamin E to nourish your scalp and hair
Neem oil can relieve symptoms of scalp psoriasis
Neem oil makes your hair soft, shiny and strong while encouraging growth
Helps with thinning and dry hair
It also works as a bug repellent and treats cold sores, and acne
Not too shabby for a $5 investment right? We'll see if it lives up to its description. But I will say, the smell is AWFUL. That's probably why it's mixed with the Shea Butter. My goodness :( If I had known it smelled this bad I wouldn't have bought it, but oh wells. Here's to trying new things!
Hey guys!! She's gotta a whole lotta hair already, but there's always room to improve. Let's welcome Perrinne!!
Length goal for the challenge: An additional 2 inches (lower back area)
Current regimen: Separate, wash (using spray bottle), rise. Condition, comb, then twist and let set. Rinse, leave-in condition. Final step twist with Gel. What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to your goal? More regular trims.
Something you've learned or tweaked during this process: I have to use a spray bottle for my initial wash to make sure I get all sections and parts of my hair. The separate in the shower then wash was not really getting all parts of my hair clean.
Hello all! Happy Tuesday to ya! We have another participant to introduce, let's all welcome Alberta!!
Length goal for the challenge: My goal at the end of this is to have a healthy inch or two protected by some braids until I reach my ultimate big fro goal.
Current Regimen and styling choices: I decided to go Natural AGAIN in July...not wanting to do a 3rd or 4th big chop I'm deciding to transition and wear braids.
What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to your goal? I plan on wearing braids and wigs. Something you've learned or tweaked during this process: I leave it wrapped at times because it avoids too much manipulation
As if we need another product, but hey, I'm always open :) Paul Mitchell has jumped on the curly train and launched their "Truth About Curls" campaign.
Here's what the line boasts:
Spring Loaded Detangling Shampoo: Rich lather gently cleanses curls without roughing up the cuticle. “Prepares curls for a frizz-free finish.” Ultra-moisturizing and sulfate-free.
Full Circle Leave-In Treatment: Lightweight conditioning treatment won’t weigh hair down. Do-it-all formula hydrates, detangles and tames frizz. Replenishes thirsty locks and helps protect against damage.
Twirl Around Crunch-Free Curl Definer: Dual-formula swirls together hydrating cream and smoothing gel. Defines, separates and tames unruly curls and waves without frizz or crunchiness. Helps curls retain their shape and bounce all day long. Ultimate Wave Beachy Texture Cream Gel: Secret weapon for creating sexy, tousled beach waves. Forms, separates and adds loads of texture. Humidity-resistant for perfectly imperfect frizz-free styles.
I feel like I'm reading the same ol' same ol' same. Nothing really jumps out at me, but I might give the Curl Definer or Ultra Wave a try.
I've read mixed reviews and it seems to work better with curly girls who have a wavier texture. Not really for us kinky gals. But don't let that stop you, try it for yourself! Be sure to let us know how it works out.
After reading this article I am definitely adding Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my Fall regimen.
I have been meaning to try it for the longest, but life happened and I forgot about it...until now. I've read/watched reviews of it and mostly everyone who uses it is pleased. So why not now?
Here's what it boasts:
It works for all hair types.
It will moisturize, thicken, strengthen your hair.
Prevent hair breakages, dandruff, eczema and dry, itchy scalp. BOOM!!
Works extremely well for those who have thinning edges or just want a thicker fuller head of hair
There are many variations, but the one most used and loved is Tropic Isle. You can get it from Amazon.com and any other beauty outlet on the web or you can go directly to their site here. Get more info on JBCO here.
Have you tried JBCO before? Spill!! I can't wait to get mine!
Length goal for the challenge: I hope to have my hair reach my nose!! Current Regimen and styling choices: I recently cut the color off the tips of my hair because it was damaged :( *been there* I co-wash my hair every week and normally wear my hair in a Puff. What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to your goal? I plan on wearing protective styles such as two strand twists and braids to help my hair grow. Something you've learned or tweaked during this process: Patience is Key! Kudos to Kima! Here we GROW!!
**CHEERS** The Fall 2012 Grow Out Challenge has commenced!! I'm excited to introduce all of the participants and look forward to sharing their journey with you guys. So without further ado, let's introduce our first participant:
Melanie
Her current length:
Length goal for the challenge: To grow 2 full inches (and how about the Challenge ends on her 2-year Naturversary *fist pump*)
Current Regimen and styling choices:My current regimen is a weekly cowash and a biweekly wash.I deep condition weekly with an avocado mix. For any styling that's done I use a Shea butter mix. What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to your goal? I don’t plan to change much but I do plan to incorporate Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) and Nettle oil into my homemade mixes. Something you've learned or tweaked during this process: As for what I've learned that is too much to tell. I have fallen in love with my hair which in turn has made me love myself even more if that's at all possible.But I'm interested to use new essential oils namely Nettle, Lavender and Peppermint.So here’s to the journey!!
ALL ABOARD!! I ran across this video on YT posted by CharyJay. It's a totally different type of meetup. It's a cruise!!! I've never been on a cruise, so I think this would be kind of fun. What better way to network, meet your favorite bloggers, have demonstrations, and all that. It's April 25-29, 2013, leaving from Miami. Check out Curly Cruise for more details on pricing and all that jazz.
As I have journeyed and continue to journey, so shall you!
I hope I inspire you on this journey to or in Natural land. It's definitely a rollercoaster, but it's worth the ride!!
