Curly Girl Comic

Hey all!

I was browsing Facebook when I really should have been doing homework. Shame on me! Anyway I saw a link for a curly girl comic, and could use a laugh so why not. It was fun-ty y'all!

If I tell you anything I'll ruin it! Just check the link

Curly Girl Comic








~Naomi

Weavalicious Who?

Why me, of course! Lol.

Hey All! I have never had a weave in my entire life. The idea of having hair sown into my own just rang foreign to me. Plus I could never see myself patting my head to stop it from itching.

Working in the field I do, I have become obsessed with the idea of being able to change my look. Yes, I love my natural hair, but somehow changing my look makes me feel some what, that of a celebrity. Lol.

My coworker, whom also is my friend, had some hair she did not intend on using. Lord knows what type it is Lol. The one thing I do know is that it is synthetic; which was okay with me, because I didn't intend on keeping it in for more than 2 weeks, but I may extend to a month.

I'm posting this by mobile, so I'm not sure where the photo will be placed. Oh, and please excuse the faces in the picture, I know I don't look too enthused. Lol. Next time, I'd definitely would want to use human hair, and have it be fuller, but I do like the outcome. I'll never become a permanent weave wearer, but ill visit every now and again. ~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)

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.

2 Product Reviews- Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructurizer & Hask Placenta Henna 'n' Placenta Dual Action Pack

Hey All!

I received Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Reconstructurizer as a gift! It was a product that I had been wanting to try for a long time, mainly because it is a 'two-in-one' product. It's main purpose is for it to be used as a heat protectant, but it can also be used as a leave in.

I have tried it as both. Once to blow dry. My blow dryer is not the best (in terms of quality). I have a remington, which is what you call a 'drug store brand', meaning I can find it any CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aide, etc. At some point I will be purchasing a professional blow dryer, but that is what I am rocking with right now.

Prior to use. I went about my wash day routine, shampoo, cowash, dc, oil scalp etc. I used a Deep Conditioner I have never tried before. Hask Placenta Henna 'n' Placenta Dual Action Pack. It states that it  "Strengthens and repairs dry, brittle, lifeless hair." This 'Henna' product does not change hair color. Although eventually, I would like to invest in purchasing some real Henna, for color.

The consistency was very much like creamy petroleum, and it felt waxy going on. It was easy to apply none the less, and the package was just enough to cover my hair thoroughly. I left it on for about an hour, and covered with a plastic bag. I did not use heat. My hair felt nice after rinsing, not super soft, but nice, and it was pretty easy detangling. It is hard to pinpoint the scent with this one, to me it smells like scented crayons. You know the kind Crayola makes. It was nice, not sure if I would repurchase, but for a pack dc, it did a good job. Maybe I will have to try it again to see if I feel any different about it. For now it gets a 3/5.


I sprayed my hair with the Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea, after rinsing out the deep conditioner and oiling my scalp. This product made it easier to blow dry, and my hair did get straighter, near my roots, but it took a little doing with my ends. Again it could be my blow dryer, but to get my ends dried thoroughly, and with ease, I had to respray my ends, and blow dry them. I did this in sections with my ends after getting done with my roots.

The only thing that I was a bit disappointed by, is that it did not give my hair any sheen, but I am sure this coupled with oil sheen, spritz, or simply sealing can fix this. Something else I am not crazy about, is the scent. It smells like cleaning product to me. The smell dissipates quickly, so that too, is not a big issue. It works well as a leave in. This is a spray, and not cream based like my homemade leave in's, so I definitely have to make sure to seal after using this product, or my hair will dry out.

Although I am not crazy about the smell, this product does a great job at straightening my hair in time for heat styles, and works as a leave in, so because of that it get's a 4/5 from me!

I used it again last night, as a leave in, and used my Shealoe to seal, for a twist out. I did about 12 twists, and used Yellow Perm Rods on my ends, so they would be uniform with the rest of my hair. These rods are too small for Rod Sets, so that is mainly what I use them for.

Here is how it came out.

I think I got pretty good results, so I think I will be sticking to this combination for my twist outs!


Just wanted to share with you all!

~Naomi

Shealoe (Melt & Blend Method)

Hey All!

Yes I did say Shealoe! It is a mixture of regular (unprocessed) Shea Butter, mixed with either Aloe Vera Gel or Juice. Hence, the name.

I made mine using Aloe Vera Gel.

If you are looking for a moisturizer or something that will be good for hairstyling, (two strand twists, bantu knot outs, twist/braid outs) this is it!

I am definitely not the first person to think of this recipe, but I have been wanting to try it for some time. Mainly because you can make it yourself, and it is all natural, which is the best part! I am really getting into making my own products, I love knowing what is in my products, and being about to try new recipes, and of course share with you all!

Anyway, moving along, many people who make Shealoe, will add AVG to their desired amount, and then blend the two, so it will have a nice whipped buttery texture. Some may like it a bit looser but that is all up to the persons discretion.

I did not use this method. I had to do the Melt & Blend method, since I do not own a blender or a hand mixer.

I used the 8oz clear tub thingy my Shea Butter came in before. I purchased a 16oz block this time around, so that is why I was able to split it up. I used 4oz of Aloe Vera Gel, and 4oz of Shea Butter.

(In case you are wondering, I buy my Shea Butter from ebay. this is my second time buying from this person, their Shea comes from Halo's Soaps and Bars, they also make natural soaps, with different scents and flavors if you will. The Shea is of good quality, not crumbly, softens easily, smells nutty, as it should, and she delivers quickly! I purchased my Shea Butter on a Monday, and received it on Thursday. Oh, and I would like to add that it was very reasonably priced, altogether for the Shea plus shipping and handling, it came out to $10.50.)


I used the microwave to soften the butter, no more than 10 seconds at a time, just enough to loosen the texture, and then add the aloe.

Here is how it came out

I repeated this process probably around 5-8 times I cannot remember how many exactly.

I heated it a bit too much at some point and it became a pool of Aloe & Shea.....

so I put it in the freezer for about 20 mins, checking and mixing it every 5 minutes.

I think I may have popped it in the microwave maybe 3 more times after to make sure it was the right texture, and then it was all done. I would say it took me about an hour to complete. Here is the finished product ( I let it sit for a while before taking the pic, so it hardened a bit)

Like I said before, it is great for simply moisturizing your hair, or to use for styling. It also leaves my hair feeling nice and soft!

The only thing about the Melt & Blend method I do not like is that I have to keep melting and blending so I can get that pudding texture I need for the Shea and Aloe to be fully mixed. Just for 5 seconds though , so it is not too bad.

Also keep in mind that it also can be deceiving! It may look like a little bit, but it is a lot, I over estimated the amount of Shealoe I used in my hair, and I had to go cowash! As it does not take much for me to get buildup. Of course it get's a 5/5 from me!

So that was my experience with Shealoe.  I love it to pieces, I would like to whip it next time though, so I guess I will have to invest in a blender or hand mixer.


~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 ~

Natural Hair In The Work Place

I've come to realize that this is subject that is always being debated among naturals,relaxed, and texlaxed sistas alike. After becoming natural, I realized how taboo it is for naturals to rock a fro in the office. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with someone who is natural to color or straighten their hair (every once in a while), but I find that many naturals are uncomfortable wearing their hair as is to an interview or to the office and I understand completely.

I went to an interview not too long ago, and all the staff (from what I could tell), were Caucasian, which did not bother me. My hair gotten a little wild during the day, but I wore my hair in a braid out, with a headband. It still looked neat for the most part. I was interviewed by two people, and from the impressions I received from both, I assumed I had a good chance of getting the position, but for some reason, I feel like how I wore my hair had a lot to do with why I did not get hired. Of course there is no way of knowing this for sure, but that is my take on it, because was more than qualified for the position.

I for one, find it really hurtful, that those from other races, including some naturals/relaxed people feel that natural African American hair is inappropriate in the work place. Of course I know there are people out there who could care less how I chose to grow or wear my hair, and I am most thankful for those people! However, there are those who are not so forgiving. I believe it is that way because African American's have been relaxing our hair for so long, to cater to what society feels is acceptable (of course now it really can be just a preference) it is like people forgot what it looks like naturally. I find that the only way it is, is if  your hair is type 3 and above, and because of this, it has caused a lot of inner hate in the African Comunnity. In my opinion this is where the "Curly/Straight hair is good hair" mentality came from.

Of course I cannot speak for everyone, and I know not all feel this way, and chose to relax just because it is a preference. I think that is perfectly fine, but I do not like that some feel it is the only way, or that African American hair cannot grow if it is not relaxed, among many other silly stereotypes that are out there.

What has also come to my attention is that those with locked/dredlocked hair are not accepted or discriminated against as well, on my home forum, we were discussing an article about a teen in Floria was banned from attending his homecoming because of his locks. They said it went against school policy, however, this so called policy was not actually written, so in other words, it did not exist, although it is commonly enforced. In the article the teen stated "I thought it was acceptable, but from what the principal told me homecoming is of a higher standard and dreads are just not acceptable."

I feel like we were all made and look different for a reason, and by society only accepting straight hair, it makes it so that we all look the same. We were created differently for a reason, but we should all be treated equally. Is that not what we fought so hard for, yet, we are still being discriminated against. My question is, will it ever stop?

Since that is a question that cannot be answered, I feel that at the end of the day, we have to live with the people we chose to be, and the decisions we make at the end of the day, and I say do what makes you happy, or comfortable, you can't live your life for others. Anyway, that is just my opinion on the matter. You guys are more than welcome to tell me your take on the situation, good or bad. I just feel like it is something I needed to bring to light.


Until Next Time, Naomi~

I Believe It Is......Shedding!

I know I promised you all an update about whether I have breakage or not, and I finally got around to it yesterday, I cowashed, which I am most thankful for, because my hair was super stiff with gel, I'm heavy handed with products lol. I was running out of both my HE Hydralicious Self Targeting Conditioner, as well as my VO5 Free Me Freesia, so I decided to mix them to cowash. Which made my hair feel super soft, but I cowashed again just to make sure my hair was free of product.



Detangling was pretty easy, but hair came out, but it look to be the usual amount. I managed to catch most of it.

The strands did not have a white bulb, which usually is the tell tale sign of shedding, because that means it came directly from the root, however, it seemed to be the length of my hair, so I do not believe it is breakage, I guess we'll see as time goes on.


I was in a rush, so I did not have time to do my overnight low manipulation styling as usual, so I opted for a Wash N' Go. I did not dry my hair, I oiled my scalp with my usual oil mixture (JBCO, ABUHO) in my applicator bottle, and then used what was left of the same conditioners I use to cowash with as my leave in. I was prepared to use gel, but I was satisfied with the curl definition I got from using the conditioners alone. Her is how it came out...

My hair was still damp with product, but it essentially looked the same when it dried fully. We'll that is the update!

Until Next Time, Naomi~

Stretched Strand Length Check

Okay, so I am not the best when it comes to length Checks, but I was going through one of my old hair albums and came across old length check pics. So I figured it wouldn't be a bad idea to compare the two to see how much length I have gained. Flat ironing hair is the correct method, as you can see the length of your hair all around, opposed to a strand length check, however it is not convenient, at least for someone like me who does not flat iron all the time.

My birthday is coming up on the  27th so I may flat iron for then, and I can do a true length check.I tried to stretch the same strand shown in my previous pics.

I think the first pics were taken 03/15/2010, and the second pics were taken today, 09/15/2010. So that is a 6 months difference, eh, not sure if that's a tremendous amount of growth, but I'll take it. Hopefully the next 6 months I'll be closing in on APL (Arm Pit Length)


All I can do is keep up with my regimen, and tweak it to my needs...anyway, just thought I'd 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~

Update: Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut

I like it! I cowashed with it yesterday and it left my hair soft, moisturized, and fluffy! I think it gives my hair a different kind of soft feel, than VO5 conditioners, I'm going to cowash with VO5 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia, on Sunday, and see how my hair feels afterwards, and will compare the two, and ultimately decide of the two, which I like better, which will be difficult because I love a lot of the VO5 conditioners, but we'll see, stay tuned!





Until Next Time, Naomi~

Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner Review

Sometime last week I went to Walgreens on lunch break to get another bottle of VO5 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia, and the PJ (product junkie) got the best of me, I broke down and purchased Suave's Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner. Their 15 ounce was on sale for $1.00 USD, so I figured I was not loosing much if my hair did not like it, also I have been wanting to try this for myself since this conditioner is a staple for many natural and transitioning ladies.

I wore rod set curls all of last week, which has been the longest time I've ever kept a rod set. I believe I can contribute that to using  (Olive Oil Eco Styler) gel. I usually use Motions Foaming Wrap Lotion, which is great, and holds my curls well, does not leave my hair crunchy, but it does not give my hair sheen. The gel left a little crunch, but that could be because I did not use anything on top of the gel, but I like curls to be a little crunchy because I think the last longer that way, and my hair had nice sheen.

Anyway, back to the review. Since single strand knots usually decide to come along when I wet my hair and it has not been combed or moisturized in a few days, which was the case yesterday. So, I decided to use Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner as a pre poo by saturating my hair in the conditioner, and wearing a shower cap, for a little over an hour. 


I would say it did a fairly well job at softening my hair, I also did not have to do much work in terms of detangling my hair, I think it would be better if you add an oil to it, for extra moisturizing properties!


I went about my regular wash day regimen...cayenne treatment, clarifying (1-2x a month). I conditioned with Suave again to see how it would  do after my hair had be clarified. Now it did not do so great hair, it was not horrible, but there was a few kinks I had to work out with my wide tooth comb. It could be how I washed my hair that affected how tangly it was, which I will have to try again to see if my theory is true.


So far I like the product, I think it will serve as a better prepoo, than a cowashing conditioner, but again, we'll see, it could be that I just have a bad shampooing method that causes tangles, I'll post again sometime soon to see if my experience differs next time.

Ingredients: Water , Cetyl Alcohol , Cetrimonium Chloride , Potassium Chloride , Fragrance , Distearyldimonium Chloride , Disodium EDTA , Glycerin , 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol , Methylchloroisothiazolinone , Methylisothiazolinone , Propylene Glycol , Tocopheryl Acetate , Silk Amino Acids , Honey , Urtica Dioica Extract , Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract , Cocos Nucifera Extract


So far I'll rate this product: 3 maybe 3.5 out of 5


If you have any suggestions or recipes for or using this product, please share! I'd love to hear what you guys have to say.


Until Next Time, Naomi ~

Braid Out Results on Natural Flat Ironed Hair

Last posting I promised you guys that I would do a braid out, on my straight hair, and post results...here is how it came out.

I did not use any product, didn't even part to be honest, just braided my hair in plaits, and added yellow cold wave rods which are 3/16th of an inch, to the end of each plait. I covered my hair with a satin scarf, kept them overnight.

I took the curlers and plaits out individually, and used a paddle brush to tease the front pieces for volume, separated the rest of using my fingers, and put on a headband, and voila! 

Hair turned out big and curly, which I liked, I kept it really for that day to be honest, but it was cute while it lasted.


Until Next Time, Naomi <3

Rod Set on Dry Flat Ironed NATURAL Hair

As you all know, I flat ironed my hair not too long ago for dusting purposes, I decided that I will leave my hair that way for the rest of the week. Thing is, I haven't really styled it, just thrown it into a pony/bun, and called it a day. 

Last night I decided to do a rod set, since I wanted to change it up a bit. Only this time, I did it on dry hair without any product. I used gray cold wave rods, to my knowledge there are three brands. Salon Care, which I believe is a Sally Beauty brand, and Diane & Annie brands, which are sold in beauty Supply Stores. I believe the gray colored ones are 3/8ths of an inch in size.I use this size rod for medium curls (I have SL hair). 

I also have the blue rods which are 1/4th an inch , which are for tiny curls. The largest size I have used is the pink/orchid 9/16th an inch which are for bigger curls. Pretty much, the larger the roller the less tight the curl, but more volume, and the opposite for smaller rods.

These rods are great because the are easy to use, because they have a cap like thing at the end of the rod to close it, so there is no need for metal clips or bobby pins. They come in a pack of 12, and the price varies where you go, but they are usually less than 1 dollar (USD). I also believe the larger the roller the more it costs. I believe the biggest size still is less than 2 dollars, so it think they are still relatively cheap.

I put my hair in rods last night, in the same fashion as usual, left them overnight, slept with a satin scarf, and took the rods out. I picked the curls out a tiny bit, and that was the extent of my styling.

Glad I took the pics before heading out today, as natural flat ironed hair does not like moisture, well more like it does, because my hair fluffed right on up. At least I know it can revert! Anyway, it is a good style whether you have straight or natural hair, I plan to do plaits tonight, so I will be posting about that soon too!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

Dusting (Natural) Hair

I felt it was about time that I went ahead and gave my hair a good dusting, so yesterday, I went ahead and flat ironed my hair. I do this because it is a lot easier to see ends fully and get to uneven or even split ends, that you cannot see as well when hair is it's natural state.

* To dust means to cut a very minimal amount of hair, that it resembles dust.

I twisted my hair whole, not two strand twists, and tried to trim most of the hair that poked out of the 'twist', as well as dusting the end of the 'twist'. I got this method from a video by Dprincess28 called How To Trim Split Ends on youtube. I used hair shears, it is important to use shears, as the are made to cut  hair, and are sharp, scissors can be blunt and cause more damage than good.

As this was the first time I've tried to dust my hair, I found that video to be extremely helpful. It was a bit tough to dust the back, but I did the best I could.

Dusting is a good way to scan your hair for split ends, without having to trim inches off your hair! I believe hair only grows 1/4-1 inch a month. So if you trim every three months and you get an inch of growth each month, and you 'trim' 3 inches, you just cut off all your growth. Which could explain how one's hair can stay at the same length for a long time. Which is why I feel trimming should only be done when necessary.

If you go to a stylist to have your hair trimmed, ask them for their honest opinion, if they really feel you need one, if they are a good stylist and value their customers hair, they will tell you the truth. I would also specify how much you wold like to cut, some stylists, not all, not only trim, but try to cut hair to a length where it all looks uniform, which can be great, but that can mean cutting more hair then YOU intended.

So to counter that, I would not only tell the stylist how much you would like trimmed, but also to show you how much they have cut, sure, it may be overbearing, or seem so, but it is your hair! You can also ask for a mirror so you can look at the back of your hair, so you can see what is going on back there. 

I just wanted to share my experience dusting my hair, and the methods I used to do so, and a few tips! 

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

First Pony!

I have been natural for close to 7 months now, and have never been able to catch it all in  pony tail.

Yesterday, I was in a rush to get ready, and had not done anything with my hair the night before but slap some LJBCO on my scalp. So I rinsed my hair in the shower yesterday morning, and made a side part, and put some Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel, throughout my hair, and brushed to slick it down and put it in a little pony, with the ends tucked! I am so pleased! 

The gel shows off my natural pattern!  It did dry hard, but that could be because I did not add any moisture to my hair before applying, but I like it because it lets me be able to wear it again without having to apply any gel or other products. All I did was put on a satin bonnet last night, and it looks the same as it did yesterday, will be rocking the pony again today!

I finally found a simple PROTECTIVE style. Before, the only protective styling I could do was wear individual/box braids (which I do myself) with extensions, and Kinky twists.

I Just wanted to share my good news with you all!

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

Cayenne Pepper Challenge (Part 2)

As you all know, I have a Cayenne Pepper Challenge on Black Hair Planet. part 1 began January 1st, and ended March 1st. The challenge requires participants to use ground cayenne pepper (must be ground cayenne pepper, oil is not an option) in a paste, using anything they so chose, water I feel is the best option, but oils are good too, the are to put the paste in an area where they feel needs growth, and leave it on for a minimum of 30 minutes, although I feel the longer, the better, for at least 2 times a week.  Pretty simple, you can do it while prepooing, or do it before cowashing or shampooing, but I definitely recommend doing either or after using cayenne as it helps it get all of the pepper out of your hair and scalp. The mixture does tingle, but to me it is a sign that is working.

Anyway, since I have more participants, I decided to go ahead and start the challenge again. It began April 1st, and check is the 1st of every month it ends in . We recently had check in, and I thought it would be cool to let you guys see how it has been working out.( Part 1 of Cayenne Pepper Challenge) 

(Part 2 of Cayenne Pepper Challenge)

Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

What is your Hair Type?

To be quite honest, one cannot know their hair type unless they are natural, have been natural before (relaxing/texlaxing), or if transitioning, and have a substantial amount of growth, at least six months. I am no expert at typing hair, just sharing stuff I have learned during my transition.

There are many sites which help let us know what types there are. A lot of people, use the 1-4 hair typing system, which has A,B,C subcategories. Now I feel that density, can vary within these hair types, but that is just me.

Type 1- is bone straight hair, with no curl pattern. All hair (scalp) produces its own oils, but it distributes easily through straight hair, as opposed to someone with 3 or 4 (subcategory) hair. There is no subcategory for type 1 hair, as I have said before, it has no curl pattern. Think Jennifer Aniston.

Type 2- is wavy hair. To me it resembles hair that has a loose s curl pattern, which is the bridge between curly and straight hair.

A- C. From Loose S Curl Pattern to a tighter S Curl pattern, closer to resembling curls.

Type 3- is a curly hair. Which has defined S Curl Pattern.You can tell this because the hair is loopy.

A-C. this type of hair is curlier the deeper the pattern. For example, type 3a can start of straight, and then begin it's loopy patter, whereas type 3c hair can be curly from the root.

Type 4- is curly hair as well but this type hair can resemble an s or z curl. The Z curl looks  like a zig zag. This type hair is tightly coiled, but is the most fragile of them all, because the hair is packed more densely. 

A-C. This type can be tightly curled, all the way to 4c which does not have a defined curl pattern.

A website that truly helped me me make sense of this whole hair typing this is NaturallyCurly.Com Their hair typing gives an in depth detail of what hair types are, and what products is best used for each type, although in my opinion, you really won't know what works for you unless you do trial, and error. 

Another Hair typing system brought to my attention, was posted on my Home hair care forum, Forum.BlackHairPlanet.Com by one of our best contributers, V, she really knows her stuff. Is Mizani's Natural Curl Key. Their typing is a bit different, as it does not follow the 1-4 a/b/c categories, but has eight categories, from type I being Straight Hair, to type VIII Zig Zag Coiled Hair.

I knew my hair type by the time I found the Mizani Natural Curl Key, but it helped me narrow it down a bit more, and is also specific in how each type hair grows, and what have you.

Anyway, those two typing systems really helped me during my transition, and even when I was newly natural, and still trying to figure out what my hair type was, and what worked best for it. Again, I stand by the good ol' trail and error. Remember, what works for one person, may not work for the next. I am no expert, but I hope this information helps!

Until Next time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

Uneven Hair Growth

As you all know I have been natural for the past six months, and everything has been going well. My bald spots are growing hair, thanks to my cayenne pepper treatments, my hair is healthier than it's ever been, I experience little to no shedding or breakage, I have no heat damage, no split ends that I know of, but yet my hair decided it wanted to grow unevenly.

I BCed at home, and I believe my hair was EL (Ear Length) or close to NL (Neck Length) since then the back has grown to be about SL (Shoulder Length), but yet the front only reaches about CL (Chin Length) /EL, I know this because I decided to flat iron my hair, since I am not home, and cannot style it everyday because I do not have my beloved products! 

I am sure this is pretty common, but I am frustrated! I am hoping my hair becomes even by the end of this year, I refuse to claim SL until then! I also have a piece of hair that broken off while I was relaxed due to hair care ignorance lol. To help influence growth, I will keep up with my reggie, I have not been trimming/dusting (dusting means to trim a tiny amount of hair, small enough to resemble dust, hence the name), because I really haven't felt a need to, my ends are not not split, they are uneven in places, but I want to give it a chance to catch up, especially because it has been so long since I have retained length.

While I was relaxed, my hair never surpassed EL, which was really upsetting, because of how badly broken off it was, I cut my hair short back in 2007 so my hair would look decent. What I did not know, was cutting my hair was not going to solve the problem if I still had the same bad habits, you know, relaxing every 4 weeks, not sealing, not deep conditioning,washing/cowashing, basically not doing anything, and relying only on my visits to the salon, and the "advisory" of the beautician.

Anyway, I am entering myself in my own challenge! The retaining length for even hair challenge! Lol, my goal, like I stated before is to get my hair close or the same length all around without trimming or dusting. I hope it works, I am giving myself until the end of this year to complete this challenge! You all are welcome to join me, or set your own personal challenge, and share your experiences!

Until Next Time, HHG TO ALL! Naomi <3