Yarn Braids Be Gone! (Update)

Hey All!

I am back...officially! (LOL) I have taken nearly a year long hiatus from haircare due to my beloved Yarn Braids. It has only been 4 days and I miss them terribly. I kept them in way past their due date (4 months), and my poor edges paid for it; not to mention I made my bald spots worse. Gosh darn Traction Alopecia. (A form of Alopecia, Alopecia meaning hair loss, that is caused from pulling, or force being applied to the hair, caused by braids in my case.) My hair started to lock within the braid, making it extra difficult to remove them. It felt like I was really trying to undo Locs. The process took me about 3 days on and off. I lost a lot of hair in the process.


Honestly, I have forgotten how to care for my 4a hair, and my old regimen. I feel like a Natural Newb, though I am a 3 year veteran. Besides the hair falling out, I also cut my hair back up to SL back in March. Did not enjoy that too much, but it was needed, and I actually liked the Bob look. As far as length goes, I am about where I use to be, APL, I will know for sure when I straighten my hair, which I will be doing for the holidays.

I did NOT miss the mission of trying to hide my bald spots, and I have seemed to misplace all of my headbands, so it seems as though I have to start a new collection. As you can see, I am in sort of a hair funk at the moment, hopefully it does not last too long. I have to stock up on a bunch of products, and perhaps trying some new ones, since my hair has seemed to redefine the word DRY. (Lol) Oh and I will doing Hairdrenaline again, that may help get my hair to grow back.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you all an update on me, and the status of my hair. When I find a new regimen, you guys will be the first to know!






~Naomi 

February Feature- Meet Amber

Hey All!

I meant to post this feature yesterday, but sleep got in the way lol. This Feature is a tiny special because it is my very own sister. ^_^  I have been helping her with her hair lately so I figured it would be great for her to share her struggles and triumphs with her natural hair.

Where are you from, what are you reppping?

A: Well, I'm From NY! otherwise known as the best city ever. lol j.k No, I'm from the Bronx, but I've lived all over.

When did you decide to go natural?

A: Actually, it wasn't really a decision. One day I just stopped getting perms. It was probably around 2005 ( my freshman year of H.S) and I just never got another one since.

What made you chose Transitioning over going through with a Big Chop?

A: Like I said before, I kind of just fell into transitioning. I learned that term from you lol. My hair has been sort of like a gradual thing. 

Since your decision to go natural, have you experienced any flack or comments from family or friends because of your decision?

A: Oh my goodness. That is the single most annoying comments one can ever hear. I've heard all kind of stuff, from : you look like you got electrocuted, you look like a q-tip. Why doesn't your hair do that(While pointing to a relaxed girl), Can't you fix it? Don''t you ever comb it?....My personal favorite is my mother. She says I look like Michael Jackson from the Wiz. Yup, these are all true. Even my mother makes fun of my afro. Such is life when you're different, I guess.

Has any of those opinions affected how you, if so, in what way?

A: At first it made me want to run straight to the Dominican Hair salon. It felt so weird that people would stare, or always have something to say about. Now, I'm a little better because my boyfriends is very supportive and told me not to let close minded people affect me. So I'm much more confident. Well, you too, because you're my personal stylist. wink.

If you had to describe your hair, how would you?

A: Hmmm, I guess I would say it's curly, and big. It's thick, and I mean thiiick with 3 i's. It definitely has flair, I love my curly afro.

Have you had any difficulties or setbacks since your decision to go natural?

A:  I like twist outs and bantu knots mostly. On a regular day, I just wear it in its natural state. Lately I haven't because I need to cut my ends though.

Do you have any "Go To" products, or a set regimen?

A:  I don't really have any products I use regularly, but I am fond of Shea butter. That provides one of the best shine I have see, and I have dry hair.

What is your staple style?

A: I love what I learned was called Twist-Outs. I gives my big hair soo much definition, and I always get tons of compliments when I wear my hair that way.

What do you love most about your hair, and how does it compare to your relaxed days?

A: I love that my hair is versatile. I can pretty much do anything I want with it. I don't have to pay loads of money as I did when I relaxed it, and It doesn't matter if I get it wet. lol

Is there any tips or tricks you would like to share with someone who is thinking about transitioning?

A: The only suggestion I have for girls trying to transitioning is to MOISTURIZE. My hair had gotten so damaged once when I didn't condition and comb it through it often enough.

How can we keep up with you?

A: I have a Fb and twitter, www.facebook/bambi11791 and  @LuvBambii. Catch me there any time!

Feature February- Meet Alicia

Yes y'all I am doing it! (Lol)   I could not wait until February to do these Features!

 Today's Feature is actually a good friend of mine I meet over on my home forum; Black Hair Planet.  Remember Secret Santa? She was mine! Lol. So she was the one who gave the review on my Bebe Shea'loe, so I thought hey, why not feature her! (LOL) She really is a good friend of mine though, we began our HHJ around the same time so I know her journey is one worth The highs and lows are what makes each individual story unique...

So I would love nothing more for you guys to learn hers!  =)

If you don't mind, where are you from, and what are you repping now?

A: I was born and raised in Massachusetts but I've been living in Georgia for 12 years.

How is the natural scene there?

A: The naturals are in great abundance in Metro Atlanta. There is not a day that goes by where I won't see at least 1 natural....In fact I usually see more than 3 a day. I see lots of ladies who are just starting out on their journey with TWA's or longer. It is a wonderful feeling to know so many ladies are trying a different route in caring for their hair.

Was that a determining factor that lead you to go natural?

A: No. I didn't see as many naturals around when I first started transitioning. The final straw for me was being tired of finding someone I trust to give me a relaxer. I didn't trust salons and my friend who normally relaxed my hair moved away. I was already 5 months post and instead of searching for someone to do my hair; I decided to continue on relaxer free and try natural. It was always something I said I would like to try.

Did you automatically do a Big Chop, or did you transition and what made you chose that route?

A: My initial goal was to transition for 18 months. I was afraid of what I would look like with short hair. A little after a year, I was over the transition. I was tired of fighting the two textures and was too anxious to see my true texture. So I BC'd after 13 months.

How long have you been natural?

A: It will be 2 years on February 9th. I have been relaxer-free for 3 years.

Do you follow Andre Walker's hair typing system? If so, what do you consider your hair type to be?

A: I do follow Andre Walker's hair typing system. My hair is 3C/4A.

Is caring for your natural hair any different  or more difficult, in comparison to when you were relaxed?

A: I think that caring for natural and relaxed is hard work. When relaxed, I spent a great deal of time straightening my hair, and keeping my hair straight. And the whole relaxer process was a nuisance for me. With natural hair, the detangling, and styling keeps me quite busy. But if I had to absolutely choose, I would say that caring for my natural hair is less difficult. I style my hair in twists so that I don't have to manipulate it too much. In the mornings I literally get up, and go.

Have you had any setbacks?

A: Yes, lol. After I BC'd I did not cut, trim, dust my hair for almost a year! I went a year and a half with only 1 trim! I had about 4 inches of dead ends that were just hanging there. Not even my best moisturizers and oils could penetrate into these ends. They had to go so I cut my hair from APL back to almost SL. But I have come a long way since then. I am now BSL. I also struggle with a never ending battle with my edges. They are on the thin side and are very sensitive. I keep my hair twisted 80% of the time to avoid having to pull my hair back tightly.

Do you follow a set regimen, if so what are your staple products?

A: I do follow a regimen that I've been experimenting with over the past couple months. Many may not agree with my regimen but so far it seems to work for me. I wash my hair every 3 weeks with a Sulfate Shampoo like TreSemme Moisture Rich. I DC every 3 weeks after my wash with coconut oil mixed into either Lustrasilk Cholesterol Shea Butter & Mango, Silk Elements Megasilk, or Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Calming Conditioner. I rinse and will moisturize with either Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Conditioner or a homemade spritz. Later that day or the next day I start twisting using SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothing or Curl & Style Milk and ORS Lock and Twist Gel. Sometimes I like to apply my castor oil mix on my ends. I use a lot of product when I twist because I can't re-moisturize while my twists are in or I will experience heavy frizzing. I wear the twists for 2 weeks and the twistout for 3-4 days. Then I will cowash with Trader Joe's (and also moisturize with it) and a couple days later start the process all over again!

Is there any tips, tricks, or advice you would like to offer to someone who is thinking about transitioning or doing the Big Chop?

A:  1. Invest in lots of conditioner, lol.

2. Understand that transitioning is not a walk in the park. It takes work and can get very challenging. At the same time it is very rewarding in the long run. As long as you stay focused and keep a realistic goal, anyone can do it! Transitioning is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Where can we find you?

A: I am always on Black Hair Care Forum (forum.blackhairplanet.com). Otherwise, you can find me at http://public.fotki.com/ac22ford/