Check In

Hey All!

I haven't posted anything lately, as I have gone back to Yarn Braids for the summer. I've had them in since the 1st of the month. I have realized that I cannot go more than 2 weeks without cleansing my scalp. Can't exactly wash it, but it's close enough. So during these times, ORS Herbal Cleanse is my best friend.

My scalp was itching so bad, it felt as if it were on fire! On top of the fact that it didn't smell to great. I tried to hold off afraid that the scrubbing would make my roots fuzzy, but I had to give in. My hair doesn't look a hot mess, so now I know it's safe to use bi-weekly. You know how us women can get when we just got our hair braided.

This is kind of gross, but I wanted to share the joy of seeing the dirt that left my scalp.

I said it was gross! :)


That's about it for now. I don't wrap my hair, my head is allergic to scarves. How do I know? It's on my pillowcase by the time I wake up. (Lol) I at least try to oil and moisturize once a week. I definitely don't want to overdo it and get buildup too soon.

I'll be back with stories, styles, or even posts about styles on others I like. Think it's finally time I branch out from talking about me. (Lol)


Until Next Time,

~Naomi

Guess what?

I'm braided up again! You guys I couldn't take it! I found myself with little to no time to take care of my hair, and doing the same 2 styles all the time. So I decided to braid my Locs back in.

By far it is my favorite style, not because I have gotten a million compliments on them (which helps lol) but because I have always wanted Locs but I do not have the density to have them look they way I would want them to. Perhaps if I didnt have bald spots but, c'est la vie.

Yarn is really hard to come by (no Walmarts in NYC) so I had to find a Michael's Craft Store, after walking around for an hour and half looking for independent Yarn stores. I bought a huge bundle for $9.49 USD, and I would say that I used more than half of it. It took me over the course of y2 days to put them in (roughly 20 hours). They are much thicker than last time, but that's probably because I tripled up on the strands in the back. (Figutedd I had the yarn, so why not. Lol)

Again I love them! I've already been trying to experiment with styles. I'll be keeping them in the whole summer, and cleansing my scalp with a backing soda, water, ACV mix, with a handy dandy toothbrush.

And that's all folks! Lol I'll be popping in with more styles, so stay tuned!

(If you would like to know how to do them yourself, search yarn braids on the blog and I wrote about how I do them in an older post. Back in 2010 I think lol)

February Feature- Meet Stephanie

Hey All!

As well all know, the month of February is coming to an end, and I have one more feature for you guys! While on your HHJ, you meet a lot of great people, be it in the streets, Forums, blogs (like mine ;) lol) anywhere really, and she is definitely one of them! I have grown to adore her, and her curls...and maybe envy every once in a while lol.

Anyway, Stephanie was kind enough to let me ask her a few questions, and share a piece of her NHJ with me. She is a woman of the Military, so for all those ladies who are stationed out somewhere, or are part of another branch, and are contemplating starting your HHJ or NHJ. This is for you!!

So let's meet her!

Hey there! If you don't mind, could you please introduce yourself, and tell us where you're repping? 

A: My name is Stephanie Ramsey and I am stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona. I've been in the military for 6 years. Natural for almost two years. I'm originally from California.

How is the natural scene there?
A: I've seen a few naturals here. There's not very many women of color here. But of the ones that are here I have seen a handful of naturals and it surprised me!

Where did the idea of going natural come from, what was your inspiration?
A: I was inspired to go natural in 2009 while I was on deployment. I had met a girl who had beautiful waist length hair. She told me she was 5 years natural at the time and she had done the big chop. Prior to meeting her I never considered to stop relaxing my hair.

What made you choose transitioning over doing the Big Chop?
A: I ended up transitioning unintentionally. At the time I was doing research on natural hair maintenance and products and had stopped relaxing my hair but had no idea that there was a name for what i was doing. 

Was there anything that proved to be a challenge while trying to manage those two textures?  
A: The biggest challenge for me was trying to keep moisture in my hair. My hair always seemed so dry.

What helped you get through those tough times?
A: Deep conditioning and cowashing. I cowashed whenever my hair felt dry and I wanted to give it a quick rehydration.

Many of us are obsessed with trying to figure out our texture while transitioning, was that one of your concerns? If not, what was your main focus?
A: I didn't care about texture that much. My biggest concern was trying to figure out why my hair was so tightly curled in the back but in the front it was a frizzy, poofy mess. lol

When did you finally Big Chop?
A: In May 2010, I decided to BC. I cut off all my hair myself. It was a freeing experience! I loved my new look. I got a lot of compliments and many girls ended up BCing and going natural after they saw my hair.

Are the products and or methods any different from those you used while transitioning?
A: YES! When I was transitiong I used a ton of big name, expensive products but these days I get my products from the 99 cent store and they've been working great in my hair. My favorite products are Suave (for my deep conditions), VO5 (for my cowashes), Vitamin e oil, Method of Style activator gel and Vital Care shining gel thats all I use on my hair and they work great!

Would you say there are any advantages or disadvantages to being natural? 

A: No disadvantages! I had a lot of issues with my relaxed hair. I always had scabs and extremely bad dandruff. Sometimes my scalp would even bleed. :( But since I've been natural I haven't had to deal with any of those issues! Being natural is amazing! I love my kinky curls!

Are there any tips or tricks you have learned on your Natural Hair Journey that you would like to share with contemplating beginning one?

A: Don't be afraid to try new products or styles & dont feel like you have to spend a ton of money to find a quality product. 

Is there any way we can we catch you?
A:  I'm on Facebook... I've shared pictures of my hair throughout my journey and product reviews on there.

Feature February!

Hey All!

I have not been posting really because I figured that I had nothing to post about; that is until my lovely sister suggested I post pictures of the styles I have been doing with my Yarn braids. So whenever I do something new or cute, I will be posting.


In other news, I will start doing Features! Since I will be showing my styles, why not share the stories and styles of all you other Kinkies out there! My first feature will be a special surprise guest.

If you would like to be featured on my blog please email  me at beautifulkinks@gmail.com, with the subject line Feature February. I would like to do 1-2 features a week. If possible please send pictures of your hair when you first BC'ed (Big Chopped), and (if you transitioning) your hair now.though the more pics the merrier! In the body of the email just state where you're from, whether you follow Andre or LOIS system, and if so, what do you classify your hair as.

I will try to vary the questions I ask, so once I get your info, then I will send your questions, and we will will take it from there!

~Naomi

Merry Christmas!

Hey all!

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to wish all my beautiful kinkies and kinkettes out there, a blessed and wonderful Christmas!

Mine definitely did not turn out as I intended, but there is always a reason to be humble, and to count your blessings. That is what Christmas is about anyway! I did have fun at my family's Christmas Eve party, so it was not all bad.

Just for fun, this was my Christmas Eve look...wish I had an after party to go to (Lol)

Oh yeah, I did Yarn Braids about a week ago (Lol). I did them a little longer this time, BSL instead of APL. I love them, they went wavy without me having to do the work to crinkle them! I will be keeping these babies in for while!

Enough about me and my Holiday nonsense, again, I would like to wish you all a very, Merry Christmas!

~NM

Refresh Old Braids

Hey All!

As most of you know, I have been in Yarn Braids, for a month officially now. Thing is, braids can slip, or you can experience new growth, the longer you keep them in. It is great, but it does not exactly look good as they did when you first got them installed. As your roots are no longer inside the braid, and can be seen, and at that point, you are fooling no one! lol

Well, my hair had gotten to that point, but since I have a month left, I did not want to go through it with my new growth being on display, so I opted to rebraid my edges, and my middle row.

I intially intended to rebraid my entire head over, but then I thought it would be logical to only braid the sections of my hair that would be visable. A couple of rows in the back, so I can wear a high bun, or pony if I chose to, the middle two rows-front only, so I can wear my hair parted. So now I look as though I have fresh braids.

I already had pre-cut yarn, because I saved it! From when I was preparing to install my Yarn Braids. I suggest saving unsed portion hair (if in package) or yarn . You can save yourself some money, and effort it takes to go to the store. So that is what I used!

Now my braids look as they did when I first installed them! It really helps because it would have taken me hours to complete my entire head, for the same results. It will help me get through the next month without feeling self conscious.

Anyway, I just wanted to share some tips and tricks I have learned with braids this time around.

~Naomi

Drying Yarn Braids

After washing my Yarn Braids yesterday, it took about 12 hours for them to dry fully. I washed them at noon yesterday and they were done drying around midnight.

So for those of you who have yarn braids, or are looking to get them, they do take quite some time to dry!I would definitely set a wash day on a day when you have no other plans. I

had to ring my braids out multiple times to get water, as the yarn was trying to retain the moisture, which is a good thing, but not to the point where they're heavy and full of water. Even after doing that they stayed damp throughout the day.

I am sure the length and amount of yarn you used has something to do with the drying time as well.


Just wanted to give you all an update!


Naomi~

Washing Yarn Braids

A process that I was dreading......turned out to be quite simple!


Prior to shampooing I oiled my scalp with my Lavender JBCO mixture, and then coated my braids, concentrating on the top half (where my hair is) with Soybean Oil (Vegetable Oil). I did so by oiling my braids in sections. I made four sections and when I was done with one, I would twist it, and put the length of my twist on top of my head.

It was hard to balance, but I repeated with the other three sections, and then made a bun on top of my head by tucking the ends, and securing with an elastic band. Like so...

I put on my satin scarf, and bonnet, and then went to bed. I decided to wash in the shower since it would be the easiest.

I let the water run over my hair, and then washed my hair in for sections, three times each. Using about a quarter size of Suave Professionals Shea & Almond shampoo. (The hair got sooo heavy!)

The first two times I concentrated on my roots, rubbing with my finger tips (not scratching!) rinsing after each wash, the third time, I focused on the hair, by using both my hands and rubbing the hair between both my palms, and then rinsed.

Since I did not plan on deep conditioning, I followed with putting Suave Professionals Shea & Almond conditioner on my roots, and the top half of my hair, as this is where my real hair is. I then twisted my hair in sections, as I did to prepoo, and tucked the ends and secured with a elastic band.


 I did not keep time, but I am sure the conditioner stayed in my hair for about 10-15 minutes. I rinsed with cool water, and then rung my hair out.

I then oiled my scalp with my JBCO mixture, and then sprayed my hair with my leave in (diluted VO5 Moisturizing Milks Passion Fruit Smoothie & Castor Oil).


To keep my hair out of my face I took the front sections and braided my hair, and left the back loose. It is still pretty wet now, so I am going to have to ring it out some more, but I want leave it down so it can dry fully. Here is how it looks...

It actually was an enjoyable experience. It felt nice to let water touch my scalp again! I'll be doing this process every two weeks, until I take these braids out.


Anyway, just wanted to share my experience with you all!


Naomi~

(Yarn) Braid Regimen

Hey all!

I am loving my braids so far! I have been experimenting with styles here and there, which I have yet to take a photo of! I will make sure to do next time.

Lately my favorite style so far is a high bun.

Anyway, my regimen so far.....


-Moisturize 4x a week (Using diluted VO5 Moisturizing Milks Passion Fruit Smoothie Conditioner with Home Health Castor Oil)

- Wash 2x a month (Have yet to decide on shampoo)

- Deep Condition 2x a month (Have yet to decide on dc)

-Oil scalp 1x a week (Using a mixture of Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil, and Home Health Castor Oil)



I have yet to wash or deep condition my braids, which is why I have not set products for them. I have never deep conditioned my hair while it is in braids, so I am nervous about doing so. I may baggy with oils overnight, in place of deep conditioning.

Either way, I want to ensure my hair gets moisture while in braids, as I want it to grow! However, I do not want to get product build up, which is why I do not oil my scalp too often, and am weary of deep conditioning.

I will be washing my braids and I also want to do a moisturizing treatment next weekend, so I have some time to think about whether I will be deep conditioning or baggying. I plan on keeping my braids for 7 more weeks, and I will be rebraiding my edges in time for Christmas, so they will look fresh for the holiday!

Yarn Braids-Results

Hey guys!

After a grueling 20 hours (I'm a slow braider) I am finished! (Of course with breaks here and there.)

To my surprise, I only used about half or a 3/4 of one spool of yarn! There is still a good chunk left over, and I actually did the braids smaller than I originally intended.


My parts are not the best, but I would say I did pretty well for a first timer!

 I will admit, I did encounter some knots, my fault though, I did not moisturize properly, and started yanking the yarn out to redo some braids. I did not have to cut much knots out, maybe 3-4 strands, but I am hoping that the length grows back by the time I take them out.  After moisturizing, and combing through each strand properly, I did not encounter any more knots. Thank goodness!



I am not exactly sure how I will upkeep them. I plan on washing at least bi-weekly, and maybe baggy (baggying is when you apply an oil or moisturizer, and use a plastic cap, shower cap, or plastic bag over your entire head, or ponytail, for a couple of hours or overnight to lock moisture into your hair) in place of deep conditioning. I have not quite figured it out yet. I plan on keeping these in for at least a month, so I will have to develop some kind of regimen. I will keep you guys posted on that one.


Anyway, I just wanted to share my results with you all!


Until Next Time, Naomi~

Yarn Braid Prep

I know it has a bit since my last post, but I have been prepping my hair for Yarn Braids (similar to Individual/Box Braids, the only difference is instead of hair, yarn is used). So I have been getting my final Cayenne Pepper Treatments while my scalp is free.


This will be my first time wearing/installing them.

Today I have both a hard protein treatment, and moisturizing deep conditioner. (you should always follow hard protein treatments by a moisturizing deep conditioner, as you want the hair to have balance, and not tangle or break)

Now on to the yarn...


My Tools:

A Chair- To wrap yarn around base, to make sure yarn is cut evenly
Hair Shears- To cut yarn
Shea Butter- In case hair feels dry
Lighter- To burn ends of yarn to secure
Comb- To make parts

Those are all you need really. At least it is enough for me.

I purchased two spools of yarn from Wal-Mart. Red Heart brand for $2.33 and  the lighter from my local supermarket for $1.49 USD. So overall, this style costs less than $6.00 bucks (without tax).

I have already moisturized and sealed my hair, I braided my hair into six plaits, to stretch my hair since I had to go out. It was not dry by the time I got home, so I blow dried my hair by each plait/section.

My hair blow dried.

I wrapped the yarn along the legs of my chair, to make sure to cut evenly, I say they are about 16 inch 'strands'.


Here's how it looks wrapped

Here's how it looks cut

I am starting to braid tonight, we'll see how long it takes to finish. Wish me luck!


Until Next Time, Naomi~