Guess what?

I'm braided up again! You guys I couldn't take it! I found myself with little to no time to take care of my hair, and doing the same 2 styles all the time. So I decided to braid my Locs back in.

By far it is my favorite style, not because I have gotten a million compliments on them (which helps lol) but because I have always wanted Locs but I do not have the density to have them look they way I would want them to. Perhaps if I didnt have bald spots but, c'est la vie.

Yarn is really hard to come by (no Walmarts in NYC) so I had to find a Michael's Craft Store, after walking around for an hour and half looking for independent Yarn stores. I bought a huge bundle for $9.49 USD, and I would say that I used more than half of it. It took me over the course of y2 days to put them in (roughly 20 hours). They are much thicker than last time, but that's probably because I tripled up on the strands in the back. (Figutedd I had the yarn, so why not. Lol)

Again I love them! I've already been trying to experiment with styles. I'll be keeping them in the whole summer, and cleansing my scalp with a backing soda, water, ACV mix, with a handy dandy toothbrush.

And that's all folks! Lol I'll be popping in with more styles, so stay tuned!

(If you would like to know how to do them yourself, search yarn braids on the blog and I wrote about how I do them in an older post. Back in 2010 I think lol)

Rebraiding Waist Length Individuals/Box Braids/ Update

Hey All!

I have been missing you guys! I know it has been a minute since I have given you all an update. I still have the braids, in fact I rebraided them.

After about the 3 week mark, my new growth really started to come through. Though new growth is a great thing, I hate seeing it when I have braids. It looks so, unkempt. I knew I wanted to keep them for 2 months so I decided to rebraid so they will look decent for the latter portion of my time with them. I have already made my halfway point with them.

At first I only planned on doing my hairline, and the few braids that are at the middle part. Come to find out, I am super paranoid, and thought that you would be able to tell I have new growth still, so I decided to do my whole head. I did it at my own leisure, probably over the course of a week and a half (lol). It really went quicker this time though, if I did it straight through I am sure it only would have been a matter of a couple of days.

My only complaint, or gripe if you will, is that my braids are much thinner. While rebraiding the hair would form tangles and knots, and it would thin out the hair from the original strand or braid. I am really missing the thickness of my braids. What I am happy about is I somehow learned how to braid tighter, like there was some actual tension after I put a braid in.

It could be that I had acrylic nails on at the time when I put my first set in. Who knows? Either way, I am glad I am finished! I will not be doing it again, if I get more new growth, oh well.

 Here's how my hair came out.

I have yet to wash my hair, I am hoping to get my hands on Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Herbal Cleanse Dry Shampoo. I hear it works well for those with braids, and I think it will be better than saturating my hair or using actual shampoo, in the past I have experienced a lot of build up trying it that way. Should I use it, I will be doing a review.

I have also heard of people using an applicator bottle, and diluting  a shampoo of their choice, most likely the clarifying kind, with water and applying it directly to the scalp.


As for oiling my scalp, I have rarely done that. I originally brought Ginseng Miracle Wonder 8 Oil, but I have not because for one, I was home (NYC) for 3 weeks, and left it home, and two, I am terrified of build up. I have used it on my skin though, and I love it. Once I get my scalp clean I will get back to using it on my scalp. I will be doing a review on that as well.

I plan on taking my braids out anywhere between the 12th-21st of September. Pretty much on one of those weekends, before my birthday, which is the 27th of September.

I want to straighten my hair then, but I think that would be too much stress for it, so I think I will roller set it, and save flat ironing for my 2 year natural anniversary on the 16th of October.

Just wanted to give you all an update, and let you guys know that y'all were missed! I promise I will be posting a lot more often when these braids are out!

~Naomi

New Style: Waist Length Individual/Box Braids

Hey All!

I know I have not posted in a bit, but I was busy doing these waist length braids I have been wanting to do. My long term goal is WL so I figured dealing with braids this long would be good practice!

Originally I was going for the "Poetic Justice" braids- Janet Jackson wore them in the movie, but mine came out much much thinner.

It took forever- I braided my hair on and off from this past Saturday, until 4am this morning. I used a billion packs of hair. 4-5 some got tangled, so it is hard to say the exact amount used. The type of hair I used is Kanekalon (Kanekalon is a synthetic flame retardant hair- will not burn, so it you can heat style it. ie curling iron) , and the brand I used is Outre, color 1B. Now this braid of hair is super wispy. Too wispy in fact.

It was also was a bit rough, so I did a few cuts handling this hair. It also tangles a lot, it could be the way I handled the hair, but I found it to be very tangly. I paid $1.99 at a local BSS (Beauty Supply Store).

I did not prep it really, just used it straight out of the package.

To prep my hair I did a protein treatment of Egg, Mayonnaise, mixed with Olive & Coconut Oils. I left the mixture in for about an hour without direct heat, with a shower cap. I meant to follow up with Queen Helene Cholesterol Conditioner for moisture, but time got away from me, so I just let my VO5 Moisturizing Milks Strawberries & Cream Conditioner in the shower for a half hour or so.


After that all I did was run some Shealoe through my hair, and called it a night. I started braiding Friday, but did not start for real until Saturday. I went out that day and had a great time out with DH at the Caribbean Festival, then came back home to start up again.

By far this has been the longest amount of time it has taken me to finish braids, but then again these braids are by far the longest I have ever had. I wish I had time frame, but I am pretty sure it took more than 10 hours.

When finished I had to boil some water in a pot, and dip my ends in a few times, take them out carefully, cradling with towel, squeezing them, and re-dipping, until I got the desired results- straight ends.

Oh and I encountered a few tangles, and I had to cut a strand of hair out. Yes, I cried, but I am glad I did not give up, I am super happy with the results.

Here is where I started from...

 More than halfway through...

Finished product!

I love them! Since they are so long, I do not see myself shampooing, or doing it very often, so I will have to invest in a dry shampoo. I plan on keeping these braids in until labor day, if I can help it.

I made a last minute purchase for something to use on my scalp for the duration I will have braids, it is Ginseng Miracle Wonder 8 Oil.

It is mostly natural and it smells pleasant, best of all I do not have an allergic reaction to it. I will use it for a while before giving a true review on it.

I am deciding on whether I should start using my Hairfinity (A Vitamin mixture that helps promote faster growth) or not, I want growth, but not too much, because I do not see myself retouching my roots.

Anyway, this is what I have been up to as of late. Hope you guys like the braids, or at least it encourages you all to try braiding or twisting your hair at home!

~Naomi

Single Strand Knot Woes/Update

.....And we're back! Hey All!


I wanted to brief you all on my on goings, but blogger had been down for a day or so. As of late I have done my very first set of Flat Twists, which I loved the results of.

I kept it simple, after conditioned hair, I oiled my scalp, I used my Super Moisturizing Homemade Coconut Leave In, sealed with coconut oil, and put my hair into 6 flat twists. I threw on my satin scarf, and untwisted in the morning.

I got the results of a twist out done the regular two strand way, but it turned out a little more stretched, and wavier. I wish I had the pics, I took a couple with my iPhone, but it refuses to send it to my email! So if I can figure it out, or if I do it again, I will take it with my regular camera.

Though I had great results with the flat twist out, I am finding a lot of Single Strand Knots, and I think it is due to my hair being in Low Manipulation styles like twists outs. With that being said, I will be doing a lot more protective styles, and will try to experiment with pin ups. My bald spots kind of make it difficult, but we shall see.


Also speaking of my bald spots, I made a new oil concoction. Not sure how it will turn out but it is a mix of

1oz of Sunny Isle Rosemary JBCO (For growth/thickness, stimulates)
1oz of Hollywood Beauty Tea Tree Oil (Helps with dandruff and stimulates growth)
2oz of EVCO (Strengthens hair, and I have also heard that this helps with stimulation)
2oz of EVOO (Helps with breakage, and adds shine)
4oz of Home Health Castor Oil (For growth/thickness, stimulates)

I was able to measure by using my applicator bottle.  I will be using this oil mixture a minimum of 3 times a week, although I would love to use it everyday. I am hoping this mixture will be a winner. *Crossing Fingers*


~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

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

The Count Down Begins!

Hey all!


As much as been loving my braids, I feel like I am going to have to will myself to get through these next two weeks. I am loving the get up and go, but I miss having a regimen, changing my look, playing in my hair. This shows me that I cannot handle having locs right now. I do love the look of them, but I crave the ability to change my look, so maybe that is something I will look into later on in life.


To help me prepare for taking down my braids, I have been looking into getting all the products I will need, before taking down my braids. I have formed a list, here is what it looks like so far...  


Shea Butter (A Staple, considered both a moisturiser & sealant, I love to use this for twists, and bantu knots)

Aloe Vera Gel (For Moisture, never used before, but I have always wanted to)

EVCO (Extra Virgin Coconut Oil) ( A Staple, I use this in my 'Super Moisturizing Homemade Coconut Leave In', to seal, prepoo, add it to dc's. It is one of my favorite oils)

Home Health Castor Oil (A Staple, I use this to help thicken my hair by using on my scalp, I also add this to dc's, and also to seal)

EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) (Used to prepoo, seal, can add to dc's, I have not used this oil in a while and would like to see if my hair would take to it')

Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil (A Staple, I use this in everything)

Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave In (I have always wanted to try this product, and I am hoping I get around to doing so)

I would also like a couple of new spray and applicator bottles.)



I will be clarifying after prepooing, with either VO5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Kiwi Lime, or my new Mint Shampoo Bar (a solid bar used to cleanse hair)  from LUSH, which is infused with different herbs, like peppermint, cinnamon, and nettle, to promote hair growth.


I have narrowed down which dc's I will be using. (After doing something like braids, you always should do a protein treatment, followed by a moisturising dc. Balance is key!)

For Protein it will be either
Tropical Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Mayonnaise Protein Conditioner
or
Vitale Olive Oil Hair Mayonnaise

For Moisture it will be either
LUSH Retread

Hask & Henna Henna 'n' Placenta Pack

Roux Porosity Control Extreme Pak Moisturizing Treatment

I also have Shea Butter, and Avocado Skala (Domincan brand) conditioner, that I can mix with oils.

I have yet to decide on the dc's. (All new products, and dc's I have yet to use, I will be reviewing.)

What do you guys think....of the protein & moisturising dc's which two should I use? Also, what style should I do once the braids are out?

Would love to have you guys opinion! Comment & Subscribe!


~Naomi

Yarn Braids-Results

Hey guys!

After a grueling 20 hours (I'm a slow braider) I am finished! (Of course with breaks here and there.)

To my surprise, I only used about half or a 3/4 of one spool of yarn! There is still a good chunk left over, and I actually did the braids smaller than I originally intended.


My parts are not the best, but I would say I did pretty well for a first timer!

 I will admit, I did encounter some knots, my fault though, I did not moisturize properly, and started yanking the yarn out to redo some braids. I did not have to cut much knots out, maybe 3-4 strands, but I am hoping that the length grows back by the time I take them out.  After moisturizing, and combing through each strand properly, I did not encounter any more knots. Thank goodness!



I am not exactly sure how I will upkeep them. I plan on washing at least bi-weekly, and maybe baggy (baggying is when you apply an oil or moisturizer, and use a plastic cap, shower cap, or plastic bag over your entire head, or ponytail, for a couple of hours or overnight to lock moisture into your hair) in place of deep conditioning. I have not quite figured it out yet. I plan on keeping these in for at least a month, so I will have to develop some kind of regimen. I will keep you guys posted on that one.


Anyway, I just wanted to share my results with you all!


Until Next Time, Naomi~