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

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

February Feature- Meet Amber

Hey All!

I meant to post this feature yesterday, but sleep got in the way lol. This Feature is a tiny special because it is my very own sister. ^_^  I have been helping her with her hair lately so I figured it would be great for her to share her struggles and triumphs with her natural hair.

Where are you from, what are you reppping?

A: Well, I'm From NY! otherwise known as the best city ever. lol j.k No, I'm from the Bronx, but I've lived all over.

When did you decide to go natural?

A: Actually, it wasn't really a decision. One day I just stopped getting perms. It was probably around 2005 ( my freshman year of H.S) and I just never got another one since.

What made you chose Transitioning over going through with a Big Chop?

A: Like I said before, I kind of just fell into transitioning. I learned that term from you lol. My hair has been sort of like a gradual thing. 

Since your decision to go natural, have you experienced any flack or comments from family or friends because of your decision?

A: Oh my goodness. That is the single most annoying comments one can ever hear. I've heard all kind of stuff, from : you look like you got electrocuted, you look like a q-tip. Why doesn't your hair do that(While pointing to a relaxed girl), Can't you fix it? Don''t you ever comb it?....My personal favorite is my mother. She says I look like Michael Jackson from the Wiz. Yup, these are all true. Even my mother makes fun of my afro. Such is life when you're different, I guess.

Has any of those opinions affected how you, if so, in what way?

A: At first it made me want to run straight to the Dominican Hair salon. It felt so weird that people would stare, or always have something to say about. Now, I'm a little better because my boyfriends is very supportive and told me not to let close minded people affect me. So I'm much more confident. Well, you too, because you're my personal stylist. wink.

If you had to describe your hair, how would you?

A: Hmmm, I guess I would say it's curly, and big. It's thick, and I mean thiiick with 3 i's. It definitely has flair, I love my curly afro.

Have you had any difficulties or setbacks since your decision to go natural?

A:  I like twist outs and bantu knots mostly. On a regular day, I just wear it in its natural state. Lately I haven't because I need to cut my ends though.

Do you have any "Go To" products, or a set regimen?

A:  I don't really have any products I use regularly, but I am fond of Shea butter. That provides one of the best shine I have see, and I have dry hair.

What is your staple style?

A: I love what I learned was called Twist-Outs. I gives my big hair soo much definition, and I always get tons of compliments when I wear my hair that way.

What do you love most about your hair, and how does it compare to your relaxed days?

A: I love that my hair is versatile. I can pretty much do anything I want with it. I don't have to pay loads of money as I did when I relaxed it, and It doesn't matter if I get it wet. lol

Is there any tips or tricks you would like to share with someone who is thinking about transitioning?

A: The only suggestion I have for girls trying to transitioning is to MOISTURIZE. My hair had gotten so damaged once when I didn't condition and comb it through it often enough.

How can we keep up with you?

A: I have a Fb and twitter, www.facebook/bambi11791 and  @LuvBambii. Catch me there any time!

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

Hair- Back To School Edition

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

There are also quick styling options like

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

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

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

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



As for a regimen, I say get it Simple

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

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

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



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


Until Next Time, Naomi ~

Two Strand Twists on Dry Hair

Last night while watching a movie, playing with my hair, I decided to twist it. I did not use any combs, or make an parts, except a short one, down the middle. The only products I had in my hair was my oils I sealed with. All mixed in my applicator bottle, which is Lavender Jamaican Black Castor Oil (LJBCO), Africa's Best Ultimate Oil, and Home Health Cold Pressed Cold Processed Castor Oil (HHCO). Since it was an applicator bottle, I did not make parts, just used the nozzle to get to my scalp, Coconut Milk, and  about two quarter sized amount, of VO5 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia Conditioner.

It was pinned, and was mostly dry, I twisted by getting a strand of hair, and separating it, and twisting, and rolled the end of my hair around my finger to get it to curl. The whole process probably took 2 1/2 hours, possibly 3, I was not paying attention to the time. It could also be that the twists are small/medium sized as well.

Anyway, this was not my idea to try it out on dry hair honestly. One of my good friends on my home forum said she was thinking about trying it, and I thought it was a good idea myself. Especially being that natural hair tends to shrink as it dries. Doing it on already dry hair, means that the hair would have to stretch! So that is what influenced my decision to give it a try.

My hair still feels moisturized, and it turned out really well for the first time. I really like that I can almost see my true length with these twists as well. I say almost because I feel like natural hair will always have a little recoil to it, and can be stretched further with pressure, like using your fingers or flat ironing/pressing.


Here are my results.

Two Strand Twist out Results

I did super tiny two strand twists last Saturday, and decided to untwist them today. I was planning on doing a prepoo subsequently. But I liked the way it looked, so I kept it for the look of today. I did not use any products to untwist, just used my fingers, and slapped a headband on, and the results were that in the picture.







I ordered the Ion Color Brilliance Spray Bottle and  Sally's Wide Tip Color Applicator Bottle, of course they take forever to get here, well, at least in my opinion. So the applicator is what I expected, I like that it has the liquid level on the side, so measurements are done easily. I am not too sure if I like the spray bottle though, the tip screws off, so it's really a cap, and the spray is not really forceful, it kind of just comes out in glops, but I only tried it out with water, so I suppose we'll see.


What really ticked me off is that I also ordered Roux Mendex conditioner, which was 99 cents, which is why I jumped at the chance to purchase it, even though I have not used it before, purely the junkie in me lol. Anyway, order gets here, and it is not in the package, but it it's place is two sample packets Miracle 7 Color Protect Shampoo. (Didn't even have the nerve to send me the conditioner) I was not charged for it, but in the payment sheet, it stated that the item was not available in their warehouse, and is no longer offered on their website, I have got to say, that I am a little bummed, because I was looking forward to trying it out, but I guess I'll be trying out the shampoo next wash day.


Until Next time, HHG to all! Naomi <3

Two Strand Twists on Natural Hair

Not sure if I mentioned in my previous post, but after conditioning, and all yesterday I used Redken Curlwise14 to see if it could define my curls, which it was not too bad at doing, although it left my hair a bit crunchy.

(Results of Redken on natural 4a/3c Hair)


Playing around with my hair a bit I ended up making small twists, and decided to keep doing them since I liked the way the looked. I still had the Redken in my hair from earlier, and this helped give my ends a bit of a curl.


(Two Strand Twists with Redken)

 Until Next Time, HHG to All! Naomi <3

Kinky Twists

I thought it would be nice to share my experience with doing my own Kinky Twists with extensions. (Ignore the expression in the picture lol) I did them over the course of two days, but in actuality, it only took 8 hours to put in. It was my first time doing them myself! But I have done individuals twice before, so I guess you can say I had some form of practice. To prep myself, I watched some kinky twists tutorials on Youtube.
Videos that inspired me were by,
HiZcREATION09 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pLTn_ynX7w,
and BeautifulBrwnBabyDol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jHPzALwwgk

There were a few others, but I can't quite remember which ones.

I brought my hair at a regular beauty supply store, and the brand I used is by FreeTress Equal, and it is called Marley Braid. I used color 1. I brought 3 bags/packages of hair, but I only used two.
I did them medium sized. The hair is pretty soft, and I cut it in half, because I did not want the hair to be too long, and I curled the ends with perm rods. I started them off as a braid, and then twisted. I liked the results. It is possible to do these styles at home! All you need is some patience, and time, and you can save yourself some money, and give yourself a break in the process!

Until Next Time, HHG to All, Naomi <3