Favorite New Hairstyle- Flat Twist Out's

Hey All!

I remember saying that I was going to share my holiday hair with you all, sooo that is what I am here to do!

I originally wanted to do a rod set, (which I am still lusting after) but because I was up late the night before, I had to do a rushed hairstyle, and though I am terrible at doing Flat Twists, it is faster than two strands, and I knew it would take better on dry hair.

All I did was dampen my hair a tiny bit, and used Shea Butter to give my hair a little moisture. I did six Flat Twists all together, and Bantu Knotted the ends, so they would blend with the rest of my hair.

I slept with them, and took them out in the afternoon. They were perfectly stretched, and wavy! My exact desired results. I have to say that I prefer this to my beloved two stranded twist, my hair looked less clumpy and blended.

I even got compliments from my mother, who stands by the creamy crack and constantly picks at me for being natural. So that is a plus in my book. Even my transitioning sister rocked her fro proudly.

Even with being natural for 2 years, I am still discovering what styles work for me! Oh, and I believe my sister did a really chunky twist out, with a side part.

I hope you guys love it as much as I do!

~Naomi

Update

Hey All!

So I have spent the weekend in my home city, New York, and it was quite an adventure! (Heading back home today) What I really want to share is my renewed love for my 'fro!

I blew my hair out Thursday night, for the purpose of my hair being stretched, to wear a braid out this weekend. Due to Friday's humidity, my braid out turned into a 'fro, by the time I left work. So I was rocking super big hair.

I felt a bit self conscious about it, but quickly got over it, after a few guys tried to "holla". Yes, I know I shouldn't look for validation, but catching a guys eye is an instant confidence boost...married or not!

So I rocked my fro with pride, I did braid it again to attempt another braid out for Saturday, but ironically, I made the plaits too small, so I did not get the definition I was looking for.

Though with this, I did a new style! Remember how I told you guys I learned how to do flat twists, well, I parted my hair in the middle, and did one flat twist on either side, and secured the twists with a bobby pin, and my flat twists served as a headband.

I want to do this style over, but my cheap dollar store hair dryer finally gave out. So now I can't put off buying a new one. I will still post the pictures of the flat twists, I will just ponytail it in the back. So stay tuned!

~Naomi

Twist Out Results Using Shealoe

Hey All!

As you guys know, I made my first batch of Shealoe (a mixture of Shea Butter and Aloe Vera Gel or Juice. I made mine with the Gel) not too long ago, and to tell you the truth...I love it!

It works amazingly for definition, for low manipulation styles like Twist or Braid Outs, also for Bantu Knot outs and two strand twists. It has a way of giving hair a nice sheen as well as allowing it to retain moisture for days at a time, which I for one, love! My hair does not like to be moisturized daily. Trust me, I have tried. Which is why I say, everyone's hair is different!

My only gripe is that it is hard to tell how much to use, because if you use to much, it will stick to your strands rather than blending, and being absorbed.

My favorite style to use my shealoe for is twist outs, it could be my length at this time, but this is my go to style.

I do 12 twists, 6 on each side, oil my scalp with my JBCO mixture, and then use my leave in of choice, usually for twist outs, I like to keep it light, so I use my Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructurizer.
I always secure my ends with one my (cold wave) perm rods, to make sure that the ends are uniform with the rest of my hair. My hair is too long for the yellow 5/16th inch rods, so they are perfect on my ends.

The Shealoe comes into play, just before twisting, as I use it as a sealant. I keep my twist overnight and cover my hair with my satin bonnet/scarf, and untwist in the morning.

Here are the results

Here is a mini comparison twist comparison.

March 2010

February 2011

I hope I conveyed how great Shealoe is! So I encourage you to try it!


~Naomi

(Finger) Coil Out Results

As promised, I am back with pics of the results of my (Finger) Coil Out. I did not use an product, just used my fingers to pull the coils apart, and threw on a headband.

 

I am pleased with the results, so I'll be adding this style to my repertoire! I actually find that the curl definition I got with this coil out is similar to two strand twist out curls. If you do smaller twists as I tend to do.


I only wore this coil out for a day, since I had to cowash (itchy scalp), but I am sure this style can last 2-3 days, perhaps more depending on how you care for it.

Although my hair type is 4a, I am sure 4b's and 3's can try this style too, since it requires you to use a curl defining product (gel, hair puddings, etc)


Anyway, just wanted to share, hope you guys like it, and try it for yourself! Comment and Subscribe!


Until Next Time, Naomi ~

New Low Manipulation Style: Finger Coils!

Yesterday I went through my normal wash day routine.

I have a couple of different brands I use,  but I ended up using Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut  to wash, cowash. 

I of course prepooed overnight, with coconut oil, after putting my hair plaits. I was able to do so did so overnight by using saran wrap. I made sure to put on my satin scarf and bonnet for good measure.


I made my own deep conditioner mix, using oils mixed with the Suave conditoner, and oiled scalp with JBCO/Castor Oil mix. I am out of leave in, so also used the same conditioner as leave in and sealed with coconut oil.

Now here came the hard part, deciding on whether to do a Low Manipulation (a style that requires little maintenance/does not need to be combed or redone. ie. Bantu Knot Outs, Braid/Twist Outs, Rod/Rollersets, etc.) ...... or Protective (styling that 'hides' your ends. These styles help retain length because your ends are not able to rub against clothing are are not subjected to the elements)

There are my go to hair styles , but I like to try something new every once in a while to switch it up.

So I eventually decided on low manipulation.

 Playing in my hair I realized that it can coil around itself resembling a curl. So I decided, 'why not try to do that to my whole head'?!


 I have products on my shelf that I rarely used, so I picked one of those to do my finger coils with, Redken Curlwise 14. It is a free sample I had received a while ago, and I have used it to do two strand twists, so I knew it would be okay to use.
Especially since this product is 'meant' to define curls.


This style was relatively simple to do, all I had to do is put a bit of product on my finger tip, and 'twirl' the hair around my finger.

I am sure you can use regular gel like Eco Styler brand, or your preferred gel or even a lock and twist gel like Organic Root Stimulator brand or something similar. I think anything product made to define curls would do.

Here are the results

It is a simple style, only took about an hour (if that) to install. It depends on how big or small your finger coils are. I like it so far, it kind of gives me the locked hair look, without the commitment.

Finger coils can start to lock (which is great if you are looking for, duck bill metal clips, may also be of help.) if kept in too long, so I plan to pull them apart tomorrow. Hopefully it will result in cute curls! *crossing fingers*


Will keep you guys posted on that one.  Anyway I just wanted to share.


Until Next Time! Naomi~

Dry Rod Set on Semi Straigth Natural Hair

You guys must realize by now, that I love, love, love, rod sets! It is my favorite staple. Anyway, as most of you guys know who have been follow, I straightened my hair a few weeks back. I believe I left it that way for a week and a half or two weeks. Within that time I of course did a rod set, but since my hair was still semi straight, and I say semi, because my roots were starting to revert, but none the less, I installed my trusty gray rods, and left them overnight with a satin bonnet. I adore this style because of the poofy texture, my hair has lots of volume! I made sure to take pictures for you guys!

Hope you guys like it! As you can see rod sets can look get on natural, or straightened hair, and I love to wear it on both.

Until Next Time, Naomi~

Hair- Back To School Edition

As you all know, school is back, some of you may have started school already, or starting this week, but that means busy schedules!

If you already have a regimen that works for you, great, if not, it is great time to form one, since you will have limited time to spend pampering your hair. So here are my suggestions for styling and a simplified regimen for you busy ladies & gents.


Shingling- Takes more time than wash n go's , but is similar in that it does give you defined curls. This method you can use a diffuser or a dryer to dry the curls to have it set.

Rod/Roller Sets- My favorite, depending on the size you can get tighter or looser curls, and can last for a week.

Two Strand Twists- A great style because it is two in one, it takes some time to install depending your hair density and length, but it is worth it, because this style can lasts for weeks with proper upkeep. The second style from these twist, is the twist out! Which can also last a week,with the proper care, or retwisting at night


Flat Twists- Like two strands, can lasts weeks if cared for properly. You can also do the twist out style.

Bantu Knot/Twist/Braid Outs- Are styles that can be installed overnight, and can last up to a week, and can be worn in different ways. Bantu Knots gives you curls, twists gives more of a wavy curl, and braid/plaits give you more of a crimped look.

There are also quick styling options like

Puffs- Forever simple, all it takes is a headband, and maybe a leave in for shine and moisture, and you are set for the day.

Wash n Go's- Are a life saver if you are looking for defined curls, but are in a rush, because this style can be worn damp and dries during the day. To achieve this style you can use Kinky Curly Curling Custard, or use a cheaper alternative, Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel, which is what I use. It does not flake, but I recommend using an oil or conditioner on the hair before applying.

Ponytails & Buns... which goes under the category of protective styling, as your ends are not brushing up against anything and are protected.

 There are other protective styling options such as Individual/Box Braids, Kinky/Spring/Senegalese Twists, and Cornrows. With these I would pay careful attention to how it is installed, if not done by yourself, as if it is two tight, it can cause more damage than good. However, it is a good option because it eliminates most of things done in a weekly regimen, like cowashing every other day, etc.



As for a regimen, I say get it Simple

Wash Weekly or at least Every 2 weeks-as product can build up on the scalp, clarify once a month to get rid of product that is left over in deposits

Cowash according to your styling Schedule- For instance, if you do a style and it lasts 3 days, cowash on the last day, or on the day you intend on restyling.

 Deep Condition weekly- If you are short on time, investing in a hooded dryer may be a better option, as the time is cut in half because the heat is helping the conditioner penetrate the scalp faster so instead of an hour without heat, you can do an half hour with heat. You can always heat up the conditioner, or just put on plastic bag/shower cap, and leave it in for an hour or two if you are not pressed for time.



Anyway, I hope those tips help you curly/kinky ladies and gents out there!


Until Next Time, Naomi ~

Homemade Coconut Leave In Conditioner & Bantu Knot Out

 A couple of days ago ago was my cowash day, before cowashing or shampooing, I always do a cayenne pepper treatment (for growth), and then I cowash. I detangle while cowashing, it is the only time I detangle, as I cannot do so on dry hair, as I'll end up ripping my hair out! I oiled my scalp using my favorite oil mixture of Lavender JBCO and Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil (ABUHO) (usually it would also contain Home Health Castor Oil, which is regular Castor Oil, but I was out of it at the time) then it was time to decide what low manipulation style I wanted to do. Since I had not done Bantu Knots in a long time, I decided that that was what I was going to do.


 I discovered Bantu Knots( also called Chiney Bumps) back when I was still relaxed. It gave me the curly/wavy look without having to use rollers, or a hot curler. The reason the hair curls, is because of the method of which the knots are created.


You take a 'strand' of hair, and you twist it (not two strands), but all together twirl it around, I use my finger to twirl, it's easier that way, at least in my opinion. and then you wrap the hair around itself to form a little knot.

 Like this

Now that part was tricky when I was still learning, what really helped me, is of course is practice, but also watching tutorials on youtube. The one video that truly helped ME was a tutorial (how to bantu knot) by crownofHisglory. Her video's are great, and are really helpful!

After oiling my scalp, I used my Homemade Coconut Leave in to moisturize, and Shea Butter to seal.

The problem I encountered, the next morning, was realizing that my hair had not fully dried. I believe I kept them in overnight for about 8 hours or so. It could have been the size of the knots that caused them to dry slower than expected, but I prefer them that way, because my hair tangles when they are small, and that can form single strand knots, which I do not need!

It also could be that the combination of using my coconut leave in, and shea butter, made my hair too heavy. I sprayed the leave in, and then sealed with the shea butter. My hair was very oily when I took my knots out.

Here's how they looked when I unraveled them

Then with my fingers I separated the knots, again because they were not fully dry, my hair did not curl/wave like I wanted it to.

So I added a headband!

Next time, I will not use Shea butter on top of my Homemade Coconut Leave in, because that already contains oils, which could be the reason as to why my hair did not dry fully, as well as it being a bit oily to the touch.

This style is an easy low manipulation style, that generally lasts me 2-3 days. It could last longer if I slept better! Definitely one of my go-to styles.

I'm into my second day of the style, and will wear it for a third time, before wash day this Sunday.

I'm still in love with my leave in, it just can't be combined with any other products, or spray too much, as it contains oil, which is why I call it a moisturizer & sealer in a bottle!

This is not my best Bantu Knot Out, but I hope this still encourages you guys to try this style for yourself. (It also looks great on relaxed hair! Not just for the natural ladies!)



Until Next Time, Naomi~