The Struggle

Hey All!

I know I haven't been posting lately..the reason being that I am struggling with whether I want to continue this blog. I started this blog as a way to keep track of progress but I haven't seen too much progress lately. Well as far as my length retention in the past 4 years. I've had more setbacks then I can count and my hair has been at a stalemate.

I've also been contemplating starting another journey...a loc journey. I had two strand twists in for a week and seriously thought about leaving them in.  Which is crazy because I haven't even completed this one, and there's where my other struggle lies. I've always loved locs, hence, the yarn braids I installed for the past 3 years. I love the immediate long hair..as does any woman I'm sure. Lol.

I don't know.. I just need some change. I'm definitely open to suggestions!

~Naomi

Super Useful!

Hey Y'all!

I was on Facebook browsing, and I stumbled across this picture. It was too perfect not to share!

 It has the 4 main oils people chose to use in their HHJ and explain their uses.

I thought it would be helpful to those of you just starting out or were curious about these oils.  I have used all but Avocado, and would like to try it one day.


Anyway, do with it, what you will! (Lol)

~Naomi

Product Review- Ampro Pro Styl Shine n' Jam Silk Edges with Olive Oil

Hey All!

I have been meaning to do a product review on this product for a while now. I have been using in I would say since May. I'm bad I know, but I kept forgetting. I wish I had pictures of how my edges look when I use this, but as of right now I have no camera so y'all just going to have to take my word on it. Lol.

Now this product is for slicking as I like to say, or laying down your edges. I don't have the kind of edges that roll up, but they fuzz up, and I need them to not do that when I want to wear a puff or whatever. Especially since I kind of use the to cover up that my side panels are missing (bald spots on sides of my head).





The first kind of edge tamer kind of stuff I used was Organic Root Stimulator (think the go by ORS now, not that forums weren't already calling them that)  Edge Control. Now I like some of their stuff, like the Herbal Cleanse, it's wonderful when I'm braided, and their Replenshing Conditioner that is a light protein/moisturizing, but that Edge Control, I do not like. (Just because I don't like it doesn't mean it won't work for some) The texture isn't any different from any other product made for the purpose, but the way it feels after how it goes on got to me. It felt like glue, and after a couple of hours, my edges frizzed right on up like there was nothing ever on them. I use to really like Design Essentials Sleek Edge Control, the problem with that one is the price, it's about $11 USD, which to me is pricey for a product only meant to smooth down hairs, but if you can afford it, it's worth it. It does the job and smells lovely, the texture on the hair is a bit like ORS' but it is not as glue feeling.

 On to the product at hand, Ampro Styl Silk Edges. I got this product simply because I didn't see the ORS brand. Yeah I know I said I didn't like it, but it was the only one I knew of that kind of did the job at a decent price ($5.49 USD) and was sold at beauty supply stores...I remembered a while ago that this was one of the products (think it was a basket, or a least a couple of others to go along with it) that Nikki from CurlyNikki was doing one of her product give away MONTHS, not day, hun-ty. (Lol) She is one of the natural hair Pioneers, (Lol) check the site, but back to the review. I saw it, so I was like, hey, I should try it, why not, it's only $3.49 USD, and I have to say, it was the best $3.49 I've ever spent. It is only 2oz, but it is so worth it. It like the other edge pomades is clear, and has a jelly like consistency, it has a pleasant scent, and is really pliable, meaning I can smooth it out with a brush. I will say it can get greasy on you, meaning if it's a hot day, it may melt a little, but your edges will not go frizzy on you! Another thing that is cool is that it is Paraben and Alcohol free. Parabens from which I hears are linked to breast cancer (don't quote me on this) , and Alcohol is simply bad because it is very drying to the hair.

 Ingredients:
Aretsian Water, Ceteareth-25, Glycerine, Oleth-5, Peg-20 Hydorgenated Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Fragrance, Olea Euroea (Olive) Fruit Oil, DMDM Hydantoin, Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, Iodopropynl Butylcarbamate, FD&C Yellow #5,  FD&C Blue #1.


This is definitely 4.9/5 for me! The only thing that I don't like about it is that it gets a little shiny/greasy looking in the areas it's applied to if it gets hot out, and that is something I can live with!

Bosley

Hey All!

I'm sure you all have seen the commercials on TV. If not Bosley is this hair restoration company that helps restore people who suffer from forms of alopecia, or balding. I have always wondered about the cost of the procedure, and how exactly it worked, but now I'm too frustrated with them to find out. Lol.

I scheduled an appointment with them, and forgot to go. They called and I set up another appointment. I had intentions for a vacation to New York for close to two weeks, so to be polite I call back and try to cancel the appointment. They ask if I would like to reschedule, I reply no being that I was not sure what date I would be back, especially with school coming up (Yes y'all, I's in college now. I'm going to be educated! Lol.) so I simply said that I would call back myself when I felt I was able to.

Why are these people calling me once a week talking about rescheduling. I almost cursed somebody out today, but I had to remind myself they are just doing their job. I may schedule eventually, but I feel like they are pressuring me, Bosley, why do you have to be so pushy?!

Just something random I have going on with me. Oh, and the Yarn Braids are out. I feel bald headed, but it feels nice to be able to wash my hair.


Will be back with some stuff. I really want to try to be consistent with you all. Bear with me!




~Naomi

Setback # a Zillion

(Lol) Hey All.

I know the title is silly, but that is really how I feel right now. Ever since taking out my Havana Twists, I've been back on my regular regimen. M&S, deep conditioning, all that good stuff.

The one thing that I was NOT doing was...duh, duh. Duuuuuhhh!!! Comb my hair. I was liberally putting my hair in 5 flat twists and taking them out the next day.

I wanted to try something different the other day so I used some small cold wave rods (blue, white, and gray) to get a tight curly/coily fro look, which in this case I actually did comb my hair to smooth it onto the rod.  My ends looked chewed up!!!

At this point I knee a trim was not optional, but ridiculously necessary. My hair needed to be straightened to do so, so to make sure I get a really good trim, I had a good friend and co-worker of mine do it for me.

Lord, when she combed my hair it sounded and felt as if she were using a rake! Total torture! She trimmed a bit at first, and tried to "save" my hair, but after seeing it wouldn't curl, she went ahead and cut a bit more... Somewhere between 1- 1/2 in. Were cut so I went from a damaged CBL to a healthy SL. I'm a little saddened, and feel a bit bald-headed, but I know it was.for the best. Can't hold on to hair that is already gone.

Let's just hope I can keep it healthy this time. Not sure how I'm going.to work out tonight without totally ruining my hair, but we shall see!

Oh, and make sure you baby those ends!

~Naomi

I Colored My Hair!

Hey All.


For a long time now, I have disliked my natural hair color. It was a very odd ashen shade of, brown. It pretty much was my deterrent from rocking my hair out for a long time. I have always had braids, or put it in some for of a ponytail, or straightened, to avoid having to wear a 'fro. Not because I was ashamed of my natural texture, but because I loathed my hair color! Sound strange I know.

I've always liked black hair, and it is always my go to shade, whenever I chose to do a protective style with extensions. I was afraid of the whole notion because of the way Naturals segregate themselves. I felt that I would be categorized as a "Colored Natural" opposed to just being, Natural. I understand it to a degree, because Color does have chemicals and can alter your texture slightly; but after talking to my lovely ladies on BHP, I decided to go ahead and darken these strands!

The first time...yes there was more than one, (Lol) I used Adore Blue Back,

which is a Semi-Permanent bottle. I paid around $4.00 USD for one bottle. I made sure to do this on clean hair, it was wet, so I let the color sit for maybe an hour, without a cap. I used about half the bottle. A good portion of it was used on my white wall, which I'm sure my Landlord is going to kill me for! (Lol)

I liked the idea of a Semi Permanent because it pretty much is deposit only, meaning it contains on developers. It merely coats the hair until it washes out, which is great for someone like myself who is afraid of commitment. I was so pleased to have my Blue Black Hair, it was Black but you could see the Blue in the light.

I had one of my coworkers wash my hair since I felt like I wasn't able to wash my hair properly alone, and low and behold...I lost some color! I was UPSET when I saw my Ash Brown roots rear it's ugly head! I mean I should have expected it, a Semi is only meant to last 4-6 washes, which a lot of people mistakenly call a rinse. A rinse, washed out in 1 wash. Another one of my coworkers suggested a Demi Permnent Color, which lasts a little longer than a Semi, because it contains a small about of developer (ammonia). Then I thought, what am I afraid of, so what if I get called a "Colored Treated Natural", it's my hair, and I should be able to do with it, what I please!

That same day I ended up got to a local Rite Aid, I know box color, horrible, (Lol), and ended up getting Revlon Colorsilk in Blue Black.

It was extremely cheap for Permanent Hair Color, I believe I paid $4.00USD for this as well. Again I did this on damp hair, it made it easier for me to work it through the sections, because my hair is prone to tangles when dry. I followed the directions, application was easy, and left it on for the allotted time, but it started to itch/burn so then I ran to the sink! It felt like a relaxer when you first get that itch sensation.

Again I was pleased with the results! I'm natural so I wet my hair on multiple occasions during the week, and have yet to see a fade in my color. I love the darkness of it, but to be honest, I don't really see any Blue, but that's okay, I finally have my black hair I've been wanting for years!

I wear Flat Twists out's and, Puffs just about all the time now. Though I'm deeply suffering from those pesky SSK's! Either way I'm just in love with my hair again, my family and friends are too! Which makes it all that much better!!!

Tip: Just because you are natural, doesn't mean you have to limit yourself! It's your hair, have fun with it!

~Naomi

Havana Twists

Hey All!

I have not been sharing something with you all...and that is this my new favorite style; Havana Twists!

They are twists that are suppose to look like that of your natural hair. They can be as big or as thin as you prefer though the style is meant for a puffier look. The creator of this style has a specific hair for this style. It can be purchased on their site Fingercomber.com The hair is being sold for $12.99 USD per pack.

On the site it states that it can take 5-7 packs of hair to achieve the look.


My struggling stylist, pockets could not handle a price so steep, so I chose to use Marley Hair. Lol. Now the issue with Marley hair is that is has a "crinkly" look to it, and does not mimic the smoothness of a twist done with one's natural hair.

For that I had a trick; I blow dried the tufts before I used to sort of iron the hair out, then I twisted with them. I used 4 tufts for each twist, and I have 29 or 30 twists altogether. Not sure which one lol.
I did something different and incorporated a little color, by using a red in 4 twists, placed randomly, just for a element of surprise to the look. Due the the blow drying time, I would say it took me two hours to put in, not counting the time it took to wash and blow dry my actual hair the day before. To seal the ends I put Cold Wave Rods on the ends and dipped them in hot water.

Here is how they came out.

I have had to redo them over a couple of times due to slippage. I used 5 packs but really I needed 6. I probably would have had 2-3 more twists if I had extra. I originally liked the middle part, but it looks a bulbous-y due to me opting to start of with a braid, rather than the twist in method. That method truly does give the "Natural" effect, but something about puffy roots drives me bananas. Lol. That is just me I guess.

They are about BSL length, which reminds me a lot of my Yarn Braids I had all last year, so to have "my" length back is nice.

I really love the ease of this style, it takes me 30 mins to take out and redo my whole head if I feel fit. It is also easy to keep my hair moisturized. Next time I think it would be best for me to just shell out the extra cash and buy the real hair. As it is reusable and you can treat it as your own hair, which is great!

Again, I adore this protective style, and definitely recommend for you Curly-Kinkies out there!

~Naomi

Flat Iron Regimen (No Heat Damage!)

Hey All!

I am pleased to announce, that my flat iron regimen was a complete success! How do I know,  because I did not suffer from any Heat Damage! I have 100% reversion. Now, I feel comfortable enough to share my regimen. I was afraid that I used too much heat, but apparently my delicate strands can handle it. It was a two day process.


Flat Iron Regimen
Day 1
Wash my hair. I used Suave Naturals Juicy Green Apple. Yes I use sulfates, (LOL) I know, I am horrible
Cowashed quickly, because I used a sulfate poo.
Protein Treatment using Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner, mixed with Mayonnaise, for extra umph. Covered with baggy for 1 hour.
Moisturizing DC I used Suave Professionals Almond & Shea Conditioner mixed with Ginseng Miracle Wonder 8 Oil, and Shea Butter. I ended up heating everything up in the microwave because the Shea Butter would not melt (Lol). I covered with a baggy for an hour.
Rinsed and Detagled with Tangle Teezer
Oiled scalp with my Sulfur infused Olive oil
Moisturized using Aphogee Green Tea and Keratin Restructurizer (Sprayed in sections)
Sealed using Ginseng Miracle Wonder 8 Oil (Sprayed in sections)
Put my hair into plaits (10) covered with a satin scarf, and let it air dry overnight.

Day 2
Undo plaits
Paddle brushed hair
Blow dryed hair using paddle brush
Combed out each strand before...
Flat ironing 

Sidenote**: I used two flat irons. Just to draw a comparison to the two, to see if one is better than the other.. My MaxiGlide Xpress on level 7 about 420 degrees, and my other I received from Cosmetology school, to which I have used on clients. It is a Diane Jetz #4010, which to my surprise, works amazingly. (I will do this regimen again this weekend minus the protein treatment, using the two flat irons so I can give a proper review next post, with pictures!)


I would say I was done in a little over an hour, and my hair came out silky straight. You would think I had gotten a fresh relaxer, and that is saying a lot because I have 4a hair.

Oh, and to finish, I sprayed my hair with....

Straight Sexy Hair Smooth & Perfect. It is not a sheen spray, but a flat ironing spray; which means you could use during the flat ironing process, I prefer to use it after, as I find it helps block humidity!


 It worked for me, so I wanted to share the wealth! I will be back with pictures!


~Naomi

I can do a review on the spray at a  later post as well.

Anyway, that is my Flat Iron Regimen. I kept my hair straight for 2 weeks, with flat ironing my edges and nape in between, and again, still did not suffer from heat damage. This is what works for me!

Oh and hair burns at 450 degress, so do not use your iron that high! (You will know because that is when your hair will start smelling like you are cooking it. Lol)

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 

Review- Tangle Teezer

Hey All!

I have not done a review in a while, so I figured I finally get around to doing one. Usually I do product reviews, because it is rare when I try a new "tool" but because of all the raves I have heard about it, I thought it would be nice if you guys heard my opinion.

Now I did not pay for this tool (lol) it was given to me as a gift as part of the Christmas Raffle, back on my Home Forum (BHP) I love the ladies over there! Anyway getting back to the review. I have the green one, and it is a seafoam kind of green, which I find pretty. I am not exactly sure where she bought mine from, because Sally Beauty only sells them in the Original Pink, Purple, and Black, colors.

So perhaps Amazon? I am terrible I know. Either way, no matter the color, they are sold for $9.99 USD at most locations. They should be in your, again, local Sally Beauty Supply, regular Beauty Supply Store, or online on websites such as, Amazon.

The purpose of the Tangle Teezer is pretty much in the tool's name; basically to detangle hair. I have been using this tool for a couple of months now, and I absolutely love it! I was afraid that the teeth would snag my hair, because the seemed fine, but with the help of conditioner, it glides through my hair. I also hear very little to know snapping (You know the snap sound your hair makes after it stretched too much, and snaps off), opposed to when I use to use a paddle brush to detangle.

The one flaw I can really say about it is that your hair kind of stays in it (Lol). The best way at least I found, to clean it is to run it underwater with it turned slightly sideways. It helps loosen the hair, so you can use the other hand to grab it out of there. I suppose hair texture has to do with how the hair stays in the tool as well. I am a 4a (with the tiniest part of 3c in the back).

Honestly I do not see me detangling with another tool, it has actually made co-washing somewhat pleasurable, which I have been doing a lot lately for Puffs. (Yes, I have finally ventured off into the world of Puffs!) I would NOT suggest using it without having your hair saturated in some kind of conditioner.

 It is a great product, it definitely works for those with Natural Hair, it is sort of pricey depending on what your view of pricey is, but it is worth every penny!

I give it a 4.5 out of 5. (Only because it takes a little work to get the hair out of it)

~Naomi

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/

2 Years Natural!

Hey All,

A couple of days ago (on the 16th) I hit my 2 year mark of being natural, and I have been relaxer free for 2 years and 8 months. I am not going to say that it has been easy, and I have not lusted after that relaxer box, because I surely did, I still do at times. I am still very happy about how far I have come and I always try to keep that in perspective when I do have those lustrous thoughts (LOL)


When I self bc'ed back in 09' my hair was super dry, and it probably was no longer than EL. Through the help of learning proper hair care, and educated myself on growth aides in a year I made it to SL.


This year's short term goal was to reach APL by June, but I did not make it until September I want to say. You cannot let not making goals discourage you from reaching your goals. It is just a way that to learn patience.

I feel like my hair is in the best state it has been since I had virgin hair (never relaxed), so that is something to be proud of. I made APL, though in layers, but then again, who says we have to have a blunt cut to claim a length, right?

That would dismiss all the Layered, V-Shaped, U-Shaped ladies out there. I say longest later reaches, claim it! (Lol) That is my philosophy and I am sticking to it.

I am currently wearing my hair straightened, and I know there are some "Hard-core Naturals" or "Natural Nazis" as I like to call them, out there who believe that you are no longer natural if you use heat to alter your texture (which happens to be temporary) or that you should not manipulate your curls or try to define them; Like we are suppose to be walking around with a matted fro. I will be damned!

Natural to me is simply not using a relaxer to chemically alter your hair that makes you lose your natural curl pattern. That is it. So as far as I know I have lived up to that.

I have yet to color, but if you want to lighten up that fro, why not? Straighten it from time to time; Go for it! Why do people who create these boxes for themselves feel like they are "More than" because they use all natural products, or chose a vegetarian/vegan life style. If you are doing something you feel betters yourself, why put the next person down because they are not doing what you do?

Anyway guys, all I have to say is, DO YOU! You are the only person who truly has to live with your decisions, and if it is not detrimental to the health and well-being of those around you, why should their opinion matter. Much less of someone who does not know YOU.

I know I will! So happy anni to me!

~Naomi

Natural Hair Self-Esteem

Hey All.

Today I rocked a fro, with a headband. A semi-stretched fro so it was almost at its potential froliciousness (yes I made that word up lol) and I caught quite a few stares.

Fortunately I have gotten to a point of security with my hair, so getting stares does not bother me. However, when I was transitioning, and my first year of being natural, I was really self conscious. I was always wondering who was looking at me, or if it was looking "too nappy" so I always did styles that produced a defined curl pattern; Bantu Knot Outs, Braid/Twist outs, Rod sets, etc.

Then out of the blue one day I just grew a tough skin, and said to myself, "this is my hair, it's okay if others do not like it, because it is not theirs!"

The thought came to mind because when visiting a friend, her boyfriend asked me if I did my hair today, and also that I looked like I got electrocuted. A year ago, those words would have been so discouraging, but now I can genuinely laugh at it, and let the comment roll off my back.

What I also found interesting is that people 4 (a,b,c) hair are those who suffer from texture insecurity. 3's do too apparently! My sister has 3b/c hair who has been natural, but goes to Dominican Salon's religiously suffers from texture insecurity too. Which is ironic, because I use to envy her hair.

I believe that this is due to media in America still trying to live up to European standards of beauty. Straight, or type 2 hair, along with other standards such as skin tone, hair length, etc. It all contributes to how we view ourselves.

This just shows me that we may never be totally satisfied with what we have, but we need to learn to love and work with what we got! Rock that texture with confidence, let those comments fall by the wayside, and do you!

I am interested to hear you guys struggles, or triumphs when it comes to rocking your natural texture, so share! I also hope that this helps encourage those struggling with the decision to go natural, or staying natural.

Just wanted to share.


~Naomi

Flat Twist & Pony (Protective Style)

Hey All!

I did a quick style using a couple of flat twists. I think it was a nice change from my usual side parted pony.

I did this style on freshly cowashed hair. I used one of my favorites, VO5 Moisturizing Milks. I then oiled my scalp with my Castor Oil infusion, and then followed with my Super Moisturizing Coconut Leave in. I sealed with EVCO.

 I did this pony without using my beloved Eco Styler Gel! I only used a bit to slick down my "baby hair" before tying on my satin scarf to flatten my hair.

It is cute and simple, so it will be added into my style repertoire. Especially since my goal is to reach APL this year, as protective styles are vital! I have also found out that I get better definition if I do the twist horizontally, instead of vertically, like you would do cornrows.

Flat twists can also double as a style in itself, so this is a great protective style. ( Flat twists are done like cornrows, except it is done with two strands.)


Just wanted to share with you guys!

~Naomi

Short Term Hair Goals & Braid Out

Hey All!

I'm still feeling a bit lazy about my hair, but I haven't been neglecting it completely, I mean after all, my goal is to reach APL by June. I am sooo not sure how I will accomplish it, and I am thinking about investing in some other stimulating oils. I have been eyeing this oil called Gro-aut Oil, it suppose to be chock full of these stimulating herbal &Ayurvedic (traditional oils native of India) oils.

Of course they do not share exactly what's in it so you cannot replicate their oil, but they have an ingredient list, and they say a few of those listed are in this oil.

They have "normal" oils listed like

Coconut- Helps with hair growth
Olive- Conditions/moisturizes hair and helps with elasticity
Lavender- Promotes hair growth, good for those with hair loss/Alopecia
Jojoba- Which is an oil closest to the oils our scalp produces naturally, and helps restore moisture
Rosemary- Promotes Hair growth (DO NOT USE IF PREGNANT)

Then they have the Ayurvedic Oils like

Bhringraj- Prevents hair loss, and helps with dandruff
Shakakai-  Also helps with dandruff and hair loss
Reetha- Helps give hair shine
Lodhra Chaal- Paste made from bark that helps prevent premature greying

Just to name a few.

I am interested in some of the oils listed, and thinking about making my own "Super Grow" oil, but we'll see!

I have been trying to embrace my natural fluff, and get over my hair not being as defined as I want it to be all the time, so tonight I rocked a braid out. I am a huge fan of low manipulation styles if you guys have not noticed!

Kept it simple, I cowashed with Suave Professionals Shea & Almond (my favorite), oiled my scalp with my Rosemary JBCO EVCO mixture, moisturized with my Creamy Aloe Mix, and sealed with EVOO.

I braided my hair into 9-10 plaits, put blue (Cold Wave) Rods on the ends, threw on my satin scarf and kept them in all night and didn't undo them until a couple of hours ago.

Before putting my hair in plaits, I parted my hair to the side, I also coated my finger tips with EVOO so my hair would not be as frizzy.

 Here was the result


















Poofy, but I like it! I am going to try to do braid outs more often, though my first love will always be twist outs!


~Naomi

Rod Set On Natural Hair

Hey All!


I am not sure if you guys know this, but I adore rod sets! It is the cutest and easiest style to do once you get the hang of it. You don't even have to own a hooded/hard hat dryer. If you are like me and do not own one, you can set your hair over the night, and take the rods out in the morning.

I "upgraded" to the orange 3/4 inch perm rods as my hair has gotten a bit longer, and I want voluminous  curls, and my 5/8th inch pink perm rods were not cutting it.

Here is how the rods look in my hair. I used 5 packs they come in 10, so altogether I used 50 rods.

How the curls look after I took out the rods.

....The final results, after I separated the curls.

 

All I used was my JBCO to oil my scalp, a little leave in, in my case I used my Homemade mix- Creamy Aloe Olive Mix, (you can use any leave in really) and my beloved Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion.

Since it is a foam, I do add a bit of my Africa's Best Herbal Oil to seal,  I add it in sections, and only a few drops of the oil per section. It is what gives me that shine!

So yes, you can achieve curls with natural hair! Oh and what is great about this style is that it is low manipulation, and protective, so long as your hair is not touching your shoulders while in curls, this style can last 4-7 days depending on how well upkeep it (wearing a bonnet/scarf at night).


Just wanted to share.


~Naomi