COILS COILS COILS GALORE!!

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Since my hair is shorter, I decided to finger coil it.  It took 3 long hours, but since I don't have to do my hair for a few weeks and it holds up great while I work out, I'd DEFINITELY say it was worth it.

I co-washed my hair using Tresemme Naturals and used Motion's Naturally You! Define My Curls Creme to coil (you can't tell from the pics, but the creme actually provided a lot of shine and didn't make my hair super hard). 

I grabbed and coiled.  I didn't use a comb and really didn't intend on making them super small, but I did.  I didn't pull them apart for 2 days.  No particular reason, but after I pulled them apart my hair is a little bigger and I like it.

Check the results:

Clearly I have cowlicks :(  Still working on that

5 Day Hair!!



Enjoy!! Happy Styling!

GROW OUT CHALLENGE UPDATE ~ PERRINNE

Hey all!!  Here's an update from Perrinne:

I wash my hair in sections, condition it, then detangle with a leave-in conditioner. 

For styling I usually wear twists.  I twist my hair with gel and wear them for 2-3 days before I rock my gigantic twistout.

The key for me is to make sure I take my time to do the twists.  This ensures they are presentable to wear to work and around the city.

We see you Perrinne!!  Keep GROWING!!

GROW OUT CHALLENGE UPDATE ~ ALBERTA

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*

We see you Alberta! Very cute!  Keep GROWING!!

NAPTURAL85's GREEK YOGURT CONDITIONER

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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!

Check out the vid below:

 

Enjoy!!!

INTRODUCING ~ PERRINNE

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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.

 
Kudos to Perrinne!  Here we GROW!!!

INTRODUCING ~ ALBERTA

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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



Kudos to Alberta! Here we GROW!!

JAMAICAN BLACK CASTOR OIL

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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!

INTRODUCING: KIMA

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Hey guys!! Let's all welcome Kima!!

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!!

INTRODUCING: MELANIE

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**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!!


Kudos to Melanie!  Here we GROW!!

**EVENT NOTICE** CURLY CRUISE

 

 

 

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 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.

 

 

Here's the vid:

 

 

 

 

Enjoy and start saving!!!

FALL 2012 GROW OUT CHALLENGE

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Hey guys!!!  Happy Friday to you all!  So. One of my hair goals was to do a hair challenge.  Well, instead of joining a challenge, I've decided to host my own **CHEERS**  Are you ready??  I am so excited!!

Here are the guidelines:

 
**GUIDELINES**


1. Join the challenge by becoming a follower of The Natural Girl's Guide to Cleveland.  All you have to do is subscribe via email...easy breezy!

 
2. The challenge will start on September 1, 2012 and run through December 31,2012. The challenge is open to join at any time. No cut off date!


3. Once you've subscribed, send the info below to naturally.cleveland@gmail.com

* A beginning picture showing your current hair length

* Length goal for the challenge

* Current Regimen and styling choices

* What do you plan on changing (if anything) to make it to your goal?

* Something you've learned or tweaked during this process.

4. Send update pics/info every month to the email address provided.  I'll share them so everyone can see how wonderful you're doing. (You can also post pictures with updates, ideas, and and anything else hair related that you'd like to share throughout the month via Facebook.)


5. NO NEGATIVITY ALLOWED!!! Don't beat yourself up too bad.  It will get rough and you may be discouraged, but hey that's what we're here for!! 


SO GET READY!!  September 1 will be here before you know it!!  Let's Grow Together!!

HAIR CHRONICLES

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You see the pic?? That's EXACTLY the length I want my hair to be *HAIR ENVY* I am far from it, but here's to my hair goal of 20???

This is where I start chronicling my personal hair journey of 2012. I need to keep better tabs on how my hair is doing with you guys anyway.

The beginning

*Sorry for the grit face..I look totally unhappy, lolol*

Of course I'm looking for y'all to chime in too. Let's do it together, the more the merrier!!!

Send in your hair pics of where you are at the beginning of 2012, what's your regimen, style, etc... and I'll feature you! Email me at naturally.cleveland@gmail.com

BUN'D UP

I've never actually tried to do a bun before for fear of me not having enough hair...SO WRONG!! I was looking for a quick style I could do in 20 mins. or less and came across this vid...

Ok, so I know she did a high bun, but mine didn't work out so well lolol I don't even know why...I think I was tripping, but anyway here's the finished product w/a flower of course:

What ya think? I was proud of myself for it being my first time *CHEERS - GO ME*

WE HAVE OUR WINNER...

*loves the 'fro*

Go PERRINNE, it's ya birthday!

She's the big winner of the 'Live Life on the CURLY side' t-shirt!!

She likes living life on the 'Curly' side because "There is so much freedom! I no longer have to fun from the rain and can whip up a hair style in less than 30min!!!" *AMEN to that*

Style/product: Bumble and Bumble Calming Cream (for coarse hair) and pinned to the side

JUST IN TIME FOR SPRING

BIG NEWS:

I will be launching my online store very soon!!! *deets to come*

**CHEERS**

I'm so excited about this new venture, so here's to celebrating with me!! All you have to do is email the following to naturally.cleveland@gmail.com :

**NAME/ALIAS**

**WHY YOU LOVE LIVING LIFE ON THE 'CURLY' SIDE**

**A PIC OF YOUR FAVORITE 'CURLY' DO AND HOW YOU DID IT**

That's it!! Contest ends next Thursday, April 8 at 11:59pm. START ENTERING!!!

SELF TRIMMING

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I was randomly checking my hair one Saturday morning and noticed the very beginnings of split hairs **FAINT** I scheduled my appointment STAT and made sure she knew I wanted a trim. Prior to this I had hyped myself up to do it myself because I knew it was time. I went and bought trimming shears from Sally's, gave myself the 'Big Girl' pep talk, but of course, in the eleventh hour when faced with reality of actually doing it, I chickened out :( I justified this of course by saying "I'll let her get me started, I'll do it next time," lolololol.

I am SCARED TO DEATH to trim my own hair. I'm sure it's all in my head and I'm being super dramatic, but nonetheless if I ever plan on being completely self-sufficient when it comes to my hair I need to get over this hurdle. I would much rather rely on my stylist b/c I'm afraid I'll cut too much or make it uneven or whatever, I blame my Libra scale for making me have everything balanced ;)

For those who are struggling like me, these are the Trimming 101 Basics I've found:

* Invest in the RIGHT kind of scissors. Dull scissors or scissors that aren't designed for cutting hair can actually damage you hair causing split ends. Use them ONLY for trimming, NOTHING else!

* Trim on DRY hair, wet hair will mask split ends (I'd take this one with a grain of salt, depends your personal preference)

Check out this site too. She gives step by step instructions on the different kinds of cutting shapes - U-shaped, V-shaped, Straight. EXTREMELY helpful!!

These vids were great in hyping me up as well:

So tell me, have you trimmed your own hair before? If so, what/how did you do it?

AND THE TANGLE TEEZER GOES TOOOOO....

NATURALITE

ANGELA BESSAH!!!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered!! Next giveaway starts tomorrow :)

*CUE* TONY! TONI! TONE!

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YES IT IS FINALLY HERE!!!

The Natural Girl's Guide to Cleveland turns 1 year old TODAY!!!!!

Much love to EACH and EVERY ONE of my followers *BIG HUG* Thanks for hanging in there with me :) I cannot tell you how much y'all have inspired me on this journey.

Now for the good part, this week's giveaway is...a TANGLE TEEZER!!! I liked it so much I decided to give one away!! I want you to try it for yourself.

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You have until EXACTLY 11:59pm on Monday March 7, 2011 to email me 2 things at naturally.cleveland@gmail.com:

1. Your NAME/ALIAS

2. Whether you're a TRANSITIONER OR NATURALITE.

See ...it's dumb easy, so hop to it!!!

*Winners will be selected using an online random counter*

POSE FOR THE CAMERA NOW...

March Madness is upon us and though it has absolutely nothing to do with basketball, I thought I'd still use the title in honor of my 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY for the blog *CHEERS CHEERS*

I'm gearing up for some great giveaways, SO get your flyyest photos ready so you can submit them starting NEXT TUESDAY!!!

SEMI-HOMEMADE HAIR ACCESSORY

So guys, I was in DESPERATE need of a neutral/tan colored flower. Now I KNOW I have one somewhere, but for whatever reason my flowers have been coming up MIA *hmmm* So when I was running around trying to figure out what to do I looked in my potpourri basket and I saw one. I snapped a little black ponytail holder around the base and stuck it in with bobby pins. YAY!!! GO ME!!

My first homemade hair accessory...what ya think??