Havana Twists Revamped

Hey All!

I've been meanjng to post but have been busy with moving and school, which is exactly why I installed Havana Twists.

As you all know I've done them before but I got so-so reviews from family and friends..I myself wasn't crazy about the either. Don't get me wrong, they were cute but too scalpy. I already have fine hair and I try my best to not look bald-headed.

This time I used 5 1/2 packs of Reggae braid or whatever it was called, no different than Marley braid hair. I'm missing hair in spots so I probably would have ended up using 6 full packs.

The night before, I washed my hair with Vidal Sasson Color protecting Shampoo, deep conditioned with my beloved Queen Helene Cholesterol. Then m&s with Design Essentials HCO, and sealed with Africas Best Ultimate Oil. I then put my hair into horizontal flat twists. The next day I blow dried my hair on medium heat with my wide tooth comb.To twist, I used 3 tufts per twist opposed to the 5 I used before. I have 50 twists altogether and at the end, I used blue cold wave rods and dipped my ends in boiling water. Oh and I used both the twist in and braid at root methods. Why? Because my hair is super fine and the weight of the added hair wouldn't stay in, in some spots.

Friends and family kind of got on board this time, though I got compared to Predator from 'Alien vs. Predator' (They tried it. Lol.) I have received compliments everwhere from people of all cultures. So I am definitely not complaining.

It's a super simple style so it will forever be a go-to protetive style. Will be rocking these into the new year.

Just wanted to share.

~Naomi

Product Review of my Bebe Shea'loe (Homemade Shealoe)

Hey All!


As most of you know on my home forum BHP, we did Secret Santa. I had trouble finding the other items listed on my SS's list, so I substituted (Lol). 


Here is what I sent her. 

I was already about to make my own batch, until it dawned on me that I could send her some too! I am really glad I did, because it turns out that she liked it. I am too proud, over here, and yes I call it Bebe Shea'loe, because it sounds like name, and the Bebe gave it a nice ring. (LOL)

"I tried Naomi's shealoe to twist my hair earlier this week. Overall my hair loved it! I started with the front of my head and I noticed how well my dry ends absorbed the shealoe. It left my twists with a neater, shinier look than I've EVER had. The only downfall is that after twisting for hours and hours, I had the container open as I used it and I let too much air  This changed the consistency of the shealoe so I had to switch to SM Curl Enhancing Smoothing for the back. But the front is soooo on point! I finished my twists Wednesday and they are holding up really well and still look nice and neat. I owe that all to the shealoe!!"


Here are her results

"Naomi, you should really look in to selling your shealoe!"




For those curious as to how I made it. I used blender to whip, and the ingredients list goes as


Ingredients: Shea Butter, Aloe Vera Gel, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Jamaican Black Castor Oil. 




I love it myself, but it feels great to know that it works for someone else too; especially because we are not the same hair type.  I am taking orders :) Oh please look out next month for her feature in February!!! Also if you would like to be featured next month please send me an email at beautifulkinks@gmail.com. 


~Naomi

Styling Braided Hair-#4 (Sailor Moon)

Hey All!


I was playing around with my braids, and decided to put them in pig tails. I started out doing them low, but then I thought, I could do "Sailor Moon" pig tails. Do you guys remember that cartoon/anime from the 90's.

If you had a Mr.Softee truck pass through your neighborhood growing up, the had the "Sailor Moon" ice cream pop thingy (lol). They had toys, and movies, oh I loved them. My favorites were obviously Sailor Moon, and Sailor Mercury. I loved them all really.

Anyway this is my ode to"Sailor Moon".

I just used a couple of braids in the back and wrapped it around the hair I was putting in a pig tail. I did it for each side.

For those who do not know of "Sailor Moon"

Just wanted to share!

~Naomi

Simple Lazy Hair Style

Hey All!


I have gotten pretty lazy on the hair front, so I am still rocking a rod set from Monday. To get some extra life out of it, when it starts looking matted/flat, I turn to my new love...hats!

They are like the beenie kind, and what I do is create a bang with my hair in front, by taking it from one side, pulling it down in front, and tucking the ends back into my hat. No need for bobby pins.

Here's how it looks...

Just to give you all an idea!

Oh and I got my MAXIglide in the mail!
Everything works except for that stupid Styling DVD that came with it, my pc refuses to read the disc, so that was a waste, but hopefully I am not missing much.

I will be about 6 months since my last flat iron in October 10'. I'm excited to see how many inches I've retained, it's one thing to pull a strand and see where it reaches, but another to see your full length stretched out out.

I'm hoping I'm really close to reaching APL, and maybe only a 1-2 inches off, since my goal is to reach APL by May/June. So I hope I haven't been doing these protective styles for nothing!

My hair grows in layers, so I'm really only looking for my longest layer to reach APL, and I'm hoping the rest of my hair plays catch up.

If I give in and flat iron sooner I will let you guys know! Stay Posted!


~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

Wedding Hair

Hey All!

Wedding hair comes to mind, because I myself will be walking down the aisle on the 27th of this month!

Even talking about it gets me nervous!


I have been going through a big debate...in my mind, about how I will be wearing my hair. Whether I will wear what is to be considered a "natural" style, or straigtened? Weave or no weave? Done myself or professionally?

Those are the main questions that have been floating around my mind, and I still have not decided. I have narrowed it down though, Fiance delibritly asked that I do not get braids. He is not a big fan of weave, he always complains when I braid or twists my hair with extensions. So I will not be doing that, although it is the most conveinient of styles, as I can get it done a week prior to the wedding, and not have to stress about wetting my hair or ruining my style.

As of now, I am leaning more towards doing a rod set, which is one of my absolute favorite styles. Although honestly, I cannot see myself paying someone to do. At least not what these Natural Salons (salons that cater to those with natural hair) charge. But we will see, I may want to spoil myself and go for it anyway.


A part of me wants to keep whatever style I do a "natural style", so I feel that I am giving my fiance a honest version of myself. Hope that makes sense (lol). Another reason is that there is beautiful natural styles now of days, now that natural hair is becoming more the norm.

A thought that has also been floating around, is geting a "Domincan Blow Out", at a Domincan Salon. They use magnetic rollers to stretch the hair, and then straighten your hair with a round brush, along with a professional dryer with a nozzle attachment. The direct the heat to our roots, and then along the length of your hair.

It leaves your hair extremely straight, without the use of a relaxer, but the only issue that lies is that it requires a lot of heat. Although it would heed to my need of wanting to see my length. Stretching strands is not doing it for me!

So as you all can see, I am torn! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!


~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~

Retaining Length for 2011!

Not too long ago, I accomplished my short term goal of reaching full SL (shoulder length) by my 1 year natural anniversary.

Now I am on to my next goal....reaching APL (arm pit length). I have heard that SL to APL takes the longest! Of course I cannot contest to this, as I have not reached APL, but it is something frequently said in the forums I am part of..

Keeping that in mind, I plan on reaching my goal by retaining all of new growth/length I accumulate throughout the year. The best way to retain length is by doing protective styles. Protective styles insure you ends being protected.

Now your ends is not where growth occurs, it happens at the root, but it is how we are able to see length. Your ends are the oldest and most fragile part of your hair, so if anything occurs like splits, or single strand knots, it is your ends that has to be dusted or trimmed. Meaning you will loose some length. This is not such a horrible thing, as it is better to have healthy shorter hair, then long hair with frazzled ends.

You want your hair to not only be long, but also to be healthy! Once you figure out how to keep your hair healthy, retaining length will be a piece of cake!

Everyone's hair grows at different rates, but hair growth can range between 0.25-1 inch a month. It also has to do your diet/health, and how well you care for your hair. Genetics also does play a part, as well.

I would say I am about 4 inches away from my goal. I average half an inch of growth each month, so I'm hoping to retain it all and make my goal of APL within 8 months, but to be fair, (as my hair may not grow a lot one month, or grow more another. It is good to set realistic goals, as to not disappoint  or discourage yourself.) I know that I have stated that I would like to make my goal by June, but I will give myself until December of 2011.

 (December 2011 is also my goal date for my  bald spots to be filled.)

I am going to try to do a lot of protective styling this winter, like pony tails and buns, and maybe two strand twists and box braids. As protective styling is the best way to retain growth, because it is not being manipulated.

I can still do low manipulation styling because since I am natural, I get a lot of shrinkage. So my hair in it's natural state does not reach my shoulders. My unstretched hair  looks CL (Chin Length), sometimes NL (neck length) and that is on a good day.


I am hoping to be SL unstretched one day too.


I set goals as a way of motivating myself, and to keep up with my regimen. Plus it makes it fun!


For hair acronyms, or abbreviations and hair charts, check out  previous post



I hope this gives you an idea of ways to retain length!

Until Next Time, Naomi~