For the Fabulous and Frugal

Updo With a Twist (Literally)

2012-01-27T20:11:00.002-05:00

Hey y'all! Rocked out today with a fro-hawk/updo & bang combo...with a twist! (literally)

The front was lookin' a lil cray ...

So I twisted the awkward front part and pinned it to the side:

(Oh! I've been moisturizing my hair each night by spritzing with water and sealing with Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie-- I've discovered it works better as a sealant than a moisturizer/leave-in.)

10 Amazing Natural Hair Products for Under $10

2012-01-26T23:46:00.000-05:00

Via BGLH

"It can seem as though all natural hair products are on the pricey side, putting you back at least $12 for 8 oz, but that’s not the case. There are quite a few gems that are under $10! Each one of these products gets high marks in natural forums, blogs and YouTube channels and each is under 10 bucks!"

Check out the full post here.

I'm Featured!

2012-01-26T01:11:00.003-05:00

Hey y'all! Check out my feature this week on Precious Curls!

Product Review: TGIN Organic African Shea Butter

2012-01-26T00:55:00.001-05:00

Price: $15 for 8 oz

Product Description: Our 100% Natural African Shea Butter will keep your hands, feet, lips, and hair soft all winter long. If you like shea butter, you're going to love our all natural organic shea body butter, which has a smooth and creamy texture, no grit, and a light and pleasant scent. Rich in both vitamin A and vitamin E, shea butter can be used to treat dry skin, sunburns, cuts, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, chapped lips, dark spots, scars, stretch marks, blemishes, diaper rash, dark under eye circles, and fine lines and wrinkles as part of your night time beauty treatment. An ultra-nourishing spot treatment to soften even the driest skin.

Ingredients: Shea butter

Product Review: True to the description, this product is creamy and grit free, making it easier to apply than regular raw shea butter. I've have a hard time deciding whether or not scent and texture make paying almost three times the price you'd pay for raw, unrefined shea butter worth it. I love using shea butter to seal my ends, and this is no exception. It didn't leave my hair oily like EVOO would, it's heavier than coconut oil which gives me a little bit of definition. If you yearn to use Shea butter hate the grittyness and the smell of regular unrefined, then this is a great product for you!

Combing Your Hair The Right Way

2012-01-25T00:16:00.000-05:00

via BGLH (by JC of The Natural Haven)

If you are yearning to have a larger than life afro or hair that hangs down to your waist, then you must pay attention to both your comb and combing technique. Length retention starts with eliminating hair breakage and combing is the primary reason why curly and kinky hair breaks. Do you have the right skills, tools and techniques?

Read the full post here.

Low Puff with a Twist

2012-01-24T19:12:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! I deep conditioned my hair this weekend in the yucky, snowy/icy DC weather, and donned a hand-made knit bonnet all the while-- my everlasting fabulous and frugal protest against buying an actual hooded dryer:

I two-strand twisted my hair using LUSH R&B and sealed with TGIN's Shea Butter (review soon). Rocked a twist out for a day, and in true J fashion, went to sleep without twisting my hair before bed. Oops. This morning the front of my hair was appropriately smashed to the side, so I decided to flat twist the front of my hair and pull it back into a low puff.

I couldn't get the flat twist on the left side to act right, so I just flat rolled it backwards and pinned it.

I haven't done a flat twist in a minute...so it's not as neat as I'd like. And I hate that you can see my scalp behind the twists. How do y'all expert flat twisters avoid that?

Natural Hair Doesn’t Mean Unkempt

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Via DerbyCityNaturals

Some of ya’ll are going to like this and some of ya’ll won’t; let me clear my throat. *rolls up sleeves, this is going to get messy*

I am a lover of naturally curly hair. Fros, curls, braids, locs and twists they are all awesome to me. But what I am not fond of is hair that is unkempt. Hair that is lumpy, tangled, dry, the proverbial “bed head look” I am calling foul. There are a couple myths that are going around and we naturals are the originators of the fallacy: “natural hair means never having a bad hair day”. That is just a lie. This is not a “good hair” vs. “bad hair” discussion and has nothing to do with hair types. Is does have to with hair that has not been attended to or taken care.

It is no secret that curly hair is dry and prone to tangles. It needs daily TLC of proper moisture and detangling (less if you are wearing a protective style) but it is not simply care free. It is important to note that moisturizing without sealing is futile. And while you can detangle your hair it will inevitably dry and curl up causing it to retangle. If choose to wear a fro you must take extra care to make sure you are sealing in the moisture and that you carry a pick with you so that you can reshape accordingly throughout the day.

When I see people out and about with dry matted hair it irks me. Not because they are giving me a bad name, but because their hair is crying out for TLC and it is so easy to do. It really saddens me when I see this in children. This issue was discussed previously by YTer UHeardMe1stTime

We all have bad hair days but some of ya’ll are having a bad hair “season”. Which brings me to another natural hair fallacy: “natural hair means never having to go to the salon.” Say what? Some of us are very talented braiders, twisters and come up with great original styles. Others have mastered the wash-n-go. But then there are those who truly have no clue. There is no shame in going to the salon, I feel that when you look good you feel good. It is also a great way to pamper yourself and you are worth it! While I have no problem styling my hair I would love to have my tresses blessed by Felicia Leatherwood or Camille Reed.

So what are your thoughts?

I Know Lee's Twisted Protective Style

2012-01-22T11:26:00.000-05:00

via IKnowLee

I LOVE it. I hate to be that person, but I don't think my hair would do this. My twists always feel so spare-- you can see my scalp and they're never quite as fully and juicy looking as I yearn for them to be. Meh. I'll give it a try, though!

Worst Natural Hair Advice Received

2012-01-22T11:24:00.000-05:00

by CurlyChic

Yesterday one of my fave publications for more reasons than one, CocoandCreme, asked the question“What’s the worse beauty advice you’ve ever received?” I did an article awhile back on how to discern info on the internet. It’s sometimes difficult to know who to listen to, who is credible, etc. This is especially true as a newbie natural trying to find her way. Try this product, try that product, trim your hair every 6 weeks, use silicones, don’t use silicones…yada yada yada. If there’s one thing people don’t mind giving, it’s advice. If you’re with child, get ready to hear advice from current mothers, mothers to be, grandparents, etc. If you’re headed down the altar, be prepared for all the “how to keep your man happy” speeches. Solicited or unsolicited, good or bad, we’ve all received it. I tried to think of something but couldn’t come up with anything. I guess that’s a good thing! I wanted to throw it out to you ladies as it pertains to natural hair.

What’s the worst natural hair advice you’ve received?

(J says: The worst natural hair advice I've ever received (and taken- sigh) was going to a student beauty salon. I already had my doubts, but a friend convinced me to just go with someone that 'looked like me' and I'd be alright. Wrong. Homegirl was going to beauty school because she wanted to braid/twist/style hair, and I was going for a blow out and press. She had no idea what she was doing, and the instructor was at such a loss that there was no fixing it. I just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. My hair came out looking a ham and a half...I guess I got what I paid for)

Natural Hair Expo?

2012-01-21T10:34:00.000-05:00

Came across this e-flyer the other day...have y'all ever been to a hair expo? (And are any of y'all DC curlies going to go to this?) Truth be told, it sort of stresses me out just thinking about going to something like this (I'm a Southern girl at heart-- crowded places where people are trying to sell me things just sort of make my little heart flutter).

What say y'all?

Today!

2012-01-20T09:44:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all. Been rockin a twist out for the past few weeks, but decided to return to my beloved bantu knot out last night. I twisted my hair before bed after spritzing with water, and here are the results today:

The front looked a little funky, so I pinned it back into a mini-pompadour type thing.

Also!-- Me and my lovely natural friend Rhiana are going on a hair date! Going for that trim...long overdue. It doesn't have to be a natural hair salon, I just want someone who knows how to work with my curls. Where should we go in DC?

Too Much Too Soon?

2012-01-19T23:07:00.000-05:00

Asya asks, So my baby sister made a year on Oct. 15, 2011. And really that is of little relevance, as my dilemma resides on the top of her head, but I just thought I’d share that with you guys so that you know the age you’re working with. Long story short, her hair is taking its dear sweet time to sprout from her hair follicles. I massage her hair daily, usually with Cantu Leave-In or Organic Root Stimulator for Girls, and I must admit I have seen some growth over the last month and a half or so. However, I’m ready for her to have pigtails and baby twistouts dammit! To date, I am 6 months natural (my BC was July 2011) thus I am well aware that patience is a big ass virtue when it comes to growing healthy hair. But geez! Baby girl is a cutie pie regardless; I was wondering if there was anything else I could do to enhance growth. I don’t expect for her to wake up tomorrow with hair to her little butt or anything—just enough to make some cute little ponytails. Am I asking for too much, too soon? My mother says I had pigtails at her age… let’s blame her for my anxiety.

J says: I'm handing this one over to y'all. What do you think?

Do Not Use?

2012-01-19T22:53:00.000-05:00

Nat Review asks...

If you read many blogs or watch hair videos on YouTube, there is a lot of discussion about ingredients. Most naturals I come across have something on their “DO NOT USE” list. So, I have a few questions:

What ingredients do you avoid?
Why do you avoid them?
Does it matter where they are in the ingredient list?
Would you use a product that worked well for you if it included one of these ingredients?

Leave a comment below with your responses.

J says:
I avoid petroleum/mineral oil like the plague. I gave it a good solid try, but every time I use it, my scalp itches like crazy-- even if I apply it to the ends of my hair! The times I've used it, it's been at the top of the ingredient list. I would use a product that worked well for me if it included one of the ingredients-- my motto is always do what works for you! What about y'all?

Solange's Shoot

2012-01-18T00:06:00.002-05:00

Check out these fabulous photos from Solange's Oyster Magazine shoot, featured on her blog.

Love it!

Building a Hair Regimen: Keep it Simple

2012-01-18T00:02:00.004-05:00

Hey y'all. Came across this article on CurlyNikki by Briana of The Mane Source, and wanted to share it!

Briana writes, "We live in a world that is full of information about hair care. Natural hair blogs and YouTube channels put all of this information at our finger tips. With all this information seemingly in our face, sometimes deciding on a hair care regimen can be down right overwhelming. We can feel pressured to do everything that we’ve seen and read so that we can achieve the “hair of our dreams”. While tedious regimens can work wonders for the hair, simple ones can too!"

Check out the full article and the steps to building a hair regimen here.

The 5 biggest hair myths

2012-01-14T20:04:00.000-05:00

via CNN

Myth #1: Frequent trims make your hair grow faster.

Cutting the ends of your hair doesn't affect the follicles in your scalp, which determine how fast and how much your hair grows, says Paradi Mirmirani, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. Hair grows an average of a quarter-inch every month -- whether or not you cut it. Regular trims might make your hair look a little longer, though. Getting rid of split ends reduces hair breakage, and breakage is what makes hair look thinner at the ends (and shorter), says Matt Fugate, a hairstylist at Sally Hershberger Downtown in New York City. Every eight to 12 weeks, ask your stylist to take off the minimum necessary to eliminate split ends.

Read the rest of the hair myths here.

Are You an All Organic Curly?

2012-01-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

[image source: lecoil]

In this recent article posted on Curly Nikki: Shanda asks: Am I the only one still on the all natural, natural bandwagon? I use organic products and avoid silicones, mineral oil and sulfates like the plague and honestly feel that my hair is at its healthiest. I guess I just feel like everyone else got off the bus and I didn't get the memo. I don't plan on changing my routine anytime soon, but wonder-

Are you an all organic curly? Why or why not?

J says: I'm all about that frugal budget, and organic products (most of the time) aren't within my price range. I'd lo-ove to be able to have the luxury of using all natural, all organic products, but it's just not realistic for where I am in my life right now budget-wise. (Though don't get me wrong...when I or the boo make it big, I'll be sure to hit up all of those Whole Paycheck type ingredients and products.) I do stick to the basics on certain affordable organic products: I love my Organic Coconut Oil and raw Shea Butter...but I'm also a huge fan of my chemical-infused conditioners with all sorts if ingredients I can't pronounce. If it works for my hair, I'm able to forgive the less-than-stellar ingredient lists.

What about y'all?

Love On Top Cover (by two Fabulous Loc'd Young Ladies)

2012-01-13T00:09:00.000-05:00

OMG. Love. Love. Love.

(Sister on the left is smizing. Yes, girl!)

BlackOnyx77's Fierce Twist Out

2012-01-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Check out BlackOnyx77's video on how she gets her twist outs looking fierce!

She bobby pins her roots after twisting the root in the direction of the twists, and uses form rollers to get defined, curly ends...and to weigh her hair down as it dries so that it falls the way she wants when she takes out the twists.

Um... Her hair looks amazing! I gave up on foam rollers a while ago because they were so hard for me to use...but I might have to revisit!

Remedies for Flaky Scalp in the Winter

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Tisha asks, Have any suggestions for how to keep your scalp from flaking up during the winter?

[source]

Make sure it's not product buildup- I'm guilty of feeling like I have to over moisturize my hair with products in the colder months...make sure the flakes you see aren't just from too much product application close to your scalp. Give you hair a good cleansing, paying close attention to get rid of build-up near your roots.

Keep it covered- if you have the luxury, protect your tresses and scalp from the harsh winter elements by donning a satin bonnet and covering with a cute knit hat. This got me through Freshman year, and I recommend it for anyone able to rock a more informal look during the winter months.

Cut back on drying shampoos- A lot of shampoos (not all) contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, an ingredient that can be drying if used in excess. Opt for co-washing, making sure to gently massage your scalp with your fingers to loosen any build up you may have.

Scalp Massage- Moisturizing oils such as coconut oils can be enhanced further as a scalp treatment by adding essential oils such as lavender, rosemary, tea-tree, and peppermint, all of which help combat dry scalp. Using the pads of your fingers, apply the oil little by little to different parts of your scalp, parting your hair as needed. Using the pads of your fingers, work the oil into your scalp, using circular motions. Slow, deliberate movements are relaxing while steady but vigorous movement helps enhance energy and circulation. (Read more about the benefits of scalp massage here)

Manage from the inside out: Make sure you're drinking enough water, and consider taking supplements (I love my Trader Joe's multivitamin) to ensure you're body is getting the nutrients it needs to look and feel your best!

What Will YOU Try?

2012-01-10T23:44:00.000-05:00

Image Source: A Curls' Best Friend

Hey y'all! One thing I hope to do in the upcoming months is to find some more signature styles. Y'all know I went ham with the Bantu Knot Out once I got a handle on it, and I'm eager to keep finding looks that work for me and my lifestyle. I'm looking for versatile looks that can be dressed up or down in a flash. Is that too much to ask? The style pictured above is my first goal... check out their fabulous tutorial here, and another view below:

This style is brought to you by the same lovely ladies who inspired CurlyNikki to try the adorable Retro French Roll she's been rockin'. I love it!

What new styles are you trying?

Yesterday's Hair

2012-01-09T21:09:00.001-05:00

Hey y'all! Took the twists down for a reception at work yesterday. I didn't fluff or separate the twists a lot, so it's considerably smaller/more tailored than my regular twist outs.

Here's the look:

Here it is out and about with one of my delightful coworkers:

my hair's doing an awkward length thing in the front... what do I do?

You knew it was coming...

2012-01-08T13:34:00.000-05:00

Trying Something New

2012-01-08T13:28:00.001-05:00

Hey y'all. Trying out a new style for today...Decided to let my twists try (drumroll, please) without the satin bonnet and knit hat!

Here's what I did:

-Co-washed with Herbal Essence's Color Me Happy Conditioner

-Deep conditioned for 30 minutes with my DIY mix

-Moisturized with LUSH R&B leave in (mixed in with a bit of aloe vera gel and coconut oil)

-Sealed with raw shea butter

-Two strand twist

-Pin the twists on side of my hair over to the other side

I think it'd definitely look better if the the twists were smaller, but I'm workin' with it!

Goodbye Fabulous 2011, Hello Fierce 2012

2012-01-07T18:38:00.000-05:00

Via My Thrifted Closet

Check out her best of 2011! I love this girl! I need to step my thrift game up.

To get a better look at all of these fabulous outfits, check out the full post here.

Vitamins For Your Hair

2012-01-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

M of Hair and Other Stuff writes...

I started taking these vitamins about 2 months ago

but fell WAAAY off the bandwagon with being consistent. :-( This year my goal is attempt exercise, a healthier diet and supplements to see if they make a difference in my hair health and growth.

Vanity is of the devil because I should have been doing these things long ago and not b/c of my hair! Oh well, by any means necessary.... :-)

Do you take supplements for your hair? Is there anyone besides me whose motivating force to get healthy is their hair? (As I hang my head in shame! Smh).

[J says: I just started taking biotin supplements again (they were BOGO at CVS the other day!), and have recommitted to taking my multivitamin daily...we'll see how that works out.]

DIY Deep Conditioning Mix

2012-01-05T23:32:00.001-05:00

(Hey y'all! Check out my guest post on The Natural Review on my DIY Deep Conditioning Mix):

I’ve tried several deep conditioning treatments, and none of them compare to my super simple at-home mix. I use the following ingredients:

Honey
Coconut Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Water Based Conditioner (like Yes to Carrots or Aussie Moist).

I use equal parts honey and oils (about a tablespoon of each), and about two tablespoons of conditioner.

I stir it up, pop in the microwave for about 15 seconds, and apply it to wet, freshly washed hair.

I put on a plastic cap and leave for at least thirty minutes.

(If I’ve got some things to do, I’ll put a scarf or a knit hat over the plastic cap.)

I do this treatment once every two weeks (when time allows). It’s super quick and easy, and leaves my curls soft, moisturized, and managaeble!

Turban Bun Tutorial

2012-01-04T00:42:00.000-05:00

Remember my brief foray into the world of the funky turban?...

Came across this tutorial by iknowlee for a similar look...and I love it!

Would you rock it?

Twisted Scarf Headband

2012-01-03T01:09:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! Rocked a fun updo the other with a funky headband made out of a scarf. I created the headband by twisting a scarf in opposite directions (like it was wet and I was ringing it out) and tying it around my head-- creating three twisted bands. Check it out:

(it got a little weird because the scarf has some little tassels on the end that poked out...)

Frugal Hair Care

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Via GoodHairDiaries

DEFINITION OF FRUGAL: CHARACTERIZED BY OR REFLECTING ECONOMY IN THE USE OF RESOURCES

It's not news that the global economy is still struggling. Jobs are increasingly scarce, and putting a healthy meal on the table is proving to be more than challenging. That doesn't leave a lot of room for you to sneak off to the beauty supply store and purchase those 'to-die-for' hair conditioners and pomades. Well, all is not lost! I am going to share a few of my Frugal Hair Care tips that will keep your hair in tip-top condition without flattening your wallet.

Buy one product that doubles or triples in it's use - Multiple uses for one product is key when attempting to save money on your hair care. Consider buying a large bottle of cheap conditioner. When you get home you are able to use the cheap conditioner for co-washes. If you add some coconut oil and olive oil to that conditioner, it is now a deep conditioner. Or consider diluting the conditioner with water and a bit of oil to create a leave in conditioner. Now you have 3 uses for that 1 huge bottle of conditioner.
Mix your own products - I swear by this method! If you go to your local grocery store and purchase extra virgin olive oil, honey, eggs, baking soda and milk (just to name a few), you will have a lot of ingredients to make your own products with. For instance, if you crack an egg and mix olive oil and a little milk, it's a wonderful (and cheap) protein treatment. Go ahead and oil rinse with the olive oil and seal your ends with it while your at it. Clarify your scalp and hair with a little baking soda for squeaky clean hair, and don't forget to you use that honey as a wonder moisturizing pre-poo. These are just a few of the things you can do with stuff from the grocery store.
Only buy hair products that are on special - If there isn't a sale, I'm not buying it! I always make sure to check my weekly store circulars for sales and swipe my discount cards everywhere. It's really that simple. Only buy on sale.
Buy your products online - Check out websites like E-bay and Amazon for discounted prices on your favorite hair products. Your more like to find bundle sales that way and save in the long run. Remember to buy with the purpose of more than one use.

These are my Frugal Hair Care Tips and I hope they help everyone that is reading this.

Are you a Frugal Hair Guru? Write to us and tell everyone how you save mega bucks while keeping your hair looking fabulous!

Nightime Routine- How Much is Too Much?

2012-01-02T01:26:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! I've tried several night-time routines (namely the the pineapple and the multipineapple, which leave me with horribly awkward stretched strands in a weird mushroom explosion shape. See for yourself:

Lately I've come across several videos of other curlies' nighttime routines...and many of them take so long and are so intricate that they resemble my actual styling sessions.

Here's what I do to maintain my hair at night:

-Spritz my entire head with water
-Loosely twist my hair using big sections of hair (about 10)
-(Bantu knot my twists if I want a curlier look)
-Don a satin bonnet
-Sleep!

It takes me abouut 10 minutes total. On some nights, I'll gently detangle my hair using a wide-tooth comb, which adds about 5 minutes to my prepping time.

How long does it take you to prep your hair at night?

Natural Hair Care Abroad

2011-12-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

Janel writes, I am studying abroad in Brazil next semester. I was wondering, if you went abroad again would you get a protective style with extensions? I am nervous about caring for my hair while abroad and I do not want to end up causing damage because I can't carry out my usual regimen. I am also nervous about getting extensions because I have a sensitive scalp.

When I was abroad in Uganda, I wore my hair in twists 90% of the time. I took my hair out of twists only to wash, and would wear my hair in a puff for one day before retwisting. I knew that haircare would be different there, but I didn't want to deviate from my regimen too much--because I didn't (and still don't) know how to properly take care of my hair with extensions.

I, too, was concerned about my scalp, so I wore my twists under a silk scarf (from the thrift store) a lot of the time:

Not so glamourous, but then again-- I wasn't there for fashion week, you know?

My two main tips are:

-Bring what you usually use: from your favorite conditioner to trimming scissors- don't get caught without your essentials. Don't bank on being able to find the products you typically use.

-Keep styling simple: Protective styling will be your godsend abroad. Twists, braids, and buns will make your life a whole lot easier and worry free.

To all my current and past all-around-theworld College Curlies:

What suggestions do you have for traveling with natural hair abroad?

Cinnabon Updo-Version #2

2011-12-28T23:19:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! I rocked my version of the cinna-bon updo again today, with a higher puff and a headband:

I moisturized my hair this morning with a bit of LUSH R&B (making it stretch by adding Aloe Vera Gel and Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil for hair treatment).

Here's the last iteration of the cinnabon-updo style (on the left). I kind of like today's version better.

What do you think?

KimmayTube's Leave-In Conditioner: Have You Tried It?

2011-12-28T21:36:00.000-05:00

[image source]

Courtney asks, Just curious bc I am DYING to try this, but has anyone use Kimmaytube's leave in recipe? What were your results and how did you use it?

Here's the recipe:

-2 TBSP of your preferred conditioner (silicone free). (She used Kinky Curly Knot Today)
-2 TBSP of (Whole leaf version) Aloe Vera Juice with a pH 4.0 or 4.5
-2 TSP of Castor Oil

-2 TSP of Jojoba Oil

J Says: (The video of her making the leave-in recipe is no longer on her YouTube page, but you can check out her video on how you can control your hair with pH balance below):

I bought all of the ingredients once to make the recipe...and then returned them all the next day! I couldn't bring myself to spend that much on hair products in one trip. I've used aloe vera juice, castor oil, and jojoba oil separately and had stellar results...so with those being three of the four ingredients, I can imagine that it'd be a yummy mix.

What about y'all?

Scarves & Bows

2011-12-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

Loving these TWA looks from Taren916:

Looks like I need to hit up a thrift store soon...

Rainy Day Protective Style

2011-12-27T13:14:00.002-05:00

Hey y'all. It's a rainy day here in DC, so I went for an oldie but goodie protective style that I haven't done in a while.

Here's what I did:

-Two-strand twist with Extra Virgin Olive Oil (see previous post on my oil rinse remix)

-Cover my hair with a satin bonnet

- Tie scarf around my head over the bonnet and create a bow in the front (tutorial ">here)

-Untwist visible front twists

You can either leave the untwisted hair out, like this:

... or you can tuck it underneath the scarf, like this:

Product Review: LUSH R&B Hair Treatment

2011-12-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

LUSH R&B (Revive and Balance) Hair Treatment

Price: $20.95 for 3.5oz

Production Description: Three of our UK shop managers came up with this one to moisturize their wayward follicles. It works well with African American or curly hair because it conditions with a lot of moisture. Enjoy some smooth R&B stylings. The tropical butters and candelilla wax will help to moisturize and control frizzy, flyaway hair, but this works to soothe dry scalps, too, with calming oat milk. And once you smell the orange blossom, your hair will truly get its groove back.

Ingredients: Oat Milk (Avena sativa), Glycerine, Organic Avocado Butter (Persea gratissima), Fair for Life Olive Oil, Glyceryl Stearate & PEG 100 Stearate, Perfume, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera), Organic Cold Pressed Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis), Bay Oil (Pimenta racemosa), Orange Blossom Absolute (Citrus aurantium amara), Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum), Cupuacu Butter (Theobroma grandiflorum), Candelilla Wax (Euphorbia cerifera), Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, *Benzyl Salicylate, *Eugenol, *Geraniol, *Isoeugenol, *Benzyl Benzoate, *Farnesol, *Limonene, *Linalool

Application: After shampooing, conditioning, and detangling my hair, I put a pea size amount of the product onto my palms and applied the product by smoothing it along the length my hair from root to tip. I applied raw Shea butter to the ends of my hair (over the product) as a sealant.

My Review: Okay. I know. The price. Outrageous. But let me explain! I first wandered into a Lush store when I was in NY visiting the boo...I had some time to kill and I saw "natural products," so of course I was intrigued. The employees were super friendly, and as some random lady exfoliated my arm...I got to looking around. I ended up buying a product that I returned (story for another day), so I had store credit...and I bought this. And I'm so sad I did...because I love it!

My hair looks and feels so soft and fluffy. It has a really nice shine too it, but doesn't feel greasy. It has the perfect amount of hold and definition, without making my hair feel hard or weighed down. It's got the consistency of cake icing, and has got a pretty strong scent (you'll either love it or hate it)- it's sort of fruity/herbal- my roommate (bless her) said it smelled like "good sunscreen." The ingredients are fabulous (not sure what this oat milk business is about, but I don't hate it).

FIY: This product does contain glycerin (which has been said to dry your hair out in colder weather), but I've been using the Oyin method (taking a hot shower to let the steam help absorb the moisture into the cuticle).

The price is truly on some other ish, but a little bit of this product goes a very long way. I've been retwisting my hair with water at night, and my hair has looked and felt fabulous all week.

Day 2 Hair:

Day 7 Hair:

Have y'all tried LUSH products? Let me know!

Oil Rinse Remix

2011-12-26T12:40:00.001-05:00

Hey y'all! (Habari Gani!) I didn't bring any products home for Christmas, and found my hair looking a HAM this morning (okay, I fell asleep without doing anything to my hair...so I woke up to a matted disaster atop my head). I went to the kitchen and grabbed some Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and did variation on the oil rinse-- sans shampoo and conditioner.

Here's what I did:

-Saturate my hair with warm water

-Apply a handful of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in two sections: (left and right)

-Let EVOO sit in my hair for 5 minutes

-Rinse with warm water

-Repeat step 2- Coating my entire head with a generous amount of oil

-Detangle gently (end to root) with a wide tooth comb

-Rinse with warm water

-Two Strand Twist my Hair

I then twisted my hair into medium sized two-strand twists, gently combing the ends with a wide tooth comb when I came across any tangles. I didn't add any more product to my hair.

My hair felt so soft and was super easy to detangle and style.

Results to come!

Cinnabon Updo-Inspired Style

2011-12-25T23:53:00.003-05:00

Hey y'all! Today's style was inspired by Alex (of The Good Hair Blog)'s recent Cinnabon Updo tutorial.

I couldn't get the exact style down, so I did a variation on it.

Here's What I Did:

- Section the front of my hair into a "U" using a comb

- Clip the front section to keep it out of the way

- Pull my hair back into a low puff with a Goody Elastic Headband

- Unclip the front section of hair

-Twist the front section of your hair by rolling the entire section of hair to the right

- Push the twisted section of hair towards your forehead

-Secure with bobby pins

I didn't use a brush to smooth down my edges, nor did I use product, so it's definitely not as tailored as Ms. Alex's style, but I love the texture and the look of the twisted-bun on top.

What do you think?

Christmas Hair Timeline

2011-12-25T23:16:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! I thought it'd be fun to share some photos of my hair during Christmastime since I decided to go natural. My sister decided to go natural shortly after I did (she transitioned by wearing sew-ins), so you can see some of her beautiful curls, too!

2007

2008

I spent 2009 winter break in NYC, so here's a shot with my dear friend, Elsabeth

2010

2011

It only gets better!

And The Winner Is...

2011-12-25T00:47:00.001-05:00

The winner of the Thank God I'm Natural giveaway is ....

Gabby!

Congrats!

(Gabby, Check for an email from me to claim your prize!)

So many thanks to all who participated. Stay posted for more!

Merry Christmas!

Remember to Enter

2011-12-23T20:36:00.001-05:00

Hey y'all! I'm making the trek back to good ole North Carolina tonight for a few days with the fam for Christmas. I just wanted to remind you that you have ONE day left to enter the giveaway, by leaving a comment on this post.

Hey y'all! I'm pleased to announce a giveaway right in time for the Holidays! Check it out:

(and here's a message from the creators of Thank God I'm Natural)

Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair has been hailed by Essence magazine as “The Natural Hair Bible” and for good cause. Inside the 200 plus natural hair-care guide are product tips for natural hair, homemade hair care recipes and myths about going natural that author and Harvard law graduate Chris-Tia Donaldson debunks. Order one for yourself and a friend, as they make excellent holiday gifts for the transitioner, natural newbie or long time curly girl and are sold exclusively at events and online. Visit www.tginstore.com.

To enter, simply leave a comment on the original post (click here) with your email address!

Guest Product Review: Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier

2011-12-22T00:52:00.000-05:00

Via Natural Savings

Price: $7.00

Ingredients: Deionized Water (Aqua), Wheat Germ Extract, (Triticum Vulgare), Aloe Vera (Aloe Babadensis) Leaf, Cetrimonium Bromide, Cetyl Alc., DMDM Hydantoin, Olive Oil (Olea Europaena), Glycol -(Vegetable Derived), Silk Amino Acid, Bay Laurel Extract (Lauris No Bilis), Fragrance (Parfum)

For comb out and detangling- After shampoo and conditioning, towel dry the hair and section off using your fingers. Separate the hair into about 8 sections. Plait or twist each section. Once complete, start in the nape area and undo one section and spray the Protective Mist Bodifier onto the hair. Distribute evenly and work into the area. You should be able to run your fingers through that section after you apply the Bodifier. You will feel the product coating the hair. At this point you can comb out the section. Once you have finished one section move on to another until you have completed the entire head. Use more product and work through longer for severely tangled hair.

Daily conditioning-Spray the Protective Mist Bodifier on the hair and scalp of braids, locks, twists and natural hair styles. Use at least 3 times a week. To remove braids-It will be easier to remove the braids if you have used the Protective Mist Bodifier as a daily conditioning spray during the time you wore your braided style. Even without this protective care, you can still use the Bodifier as a braid remover. Just follow these simple directions.

My Review: I was really pleased with the product it made my hair feel super soft! My hair has NEVER felt this soft before. I was surprised that I could use the mist for various uses. However I wouldn’t use it to detangle my hair, (the product didn’t have any slip) instead I will continue to use it as a moisturizer. As for the smell it had a light coconut fragrance. The consistency of the mist wasn't as light as I thought it would be, It was difficult to spray my hair. So I had to spray the product on my hand and apply it to my hair. Overall this product made my hair super soft and I will continue to use it.

(J says: Yum! Sounds great. Have y'all tried it?)

Update: Southern Curly in the City Series

2011-12-20T23:36:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! I co-washed my hair today with Herbal Essences Color Me Happy Conditioner (ran out of Aussie Moist condish, so I picked it up randomly at CVS...review to come!) and then twisted and bantu-knotted my hair using my new favorite product (it's my second time using the product...I' like to give it two tries before I do a review) and sealing with shea butter. I wore my last set of twists/knots for 5 days, and then re-twisted/knotted at night for another 5.

Here's my hair on day 3 of the bantu knot out (after re-twisting at night)

Day 4:

Day 6:

I trimmed my hair today using no method at all (My ends were a hot mess as evidenced by the first photo...double yikes). I think my beloved bantu knots are taking a toll on my ends. Sigh. Anyway. Going to keep these knots in until Christmas Eve...planning to rock a curly fro for the Holidays. :)

What are your holiday hair plans?

Natural Hair Meet-Ups...What Do You Like?

2011-12-20T00:19:00.000-05:00

Kerrah asks, When you attend natural hair meetings or meet-ups, what types of activities do you all participate in? When you all have events what types of things are the highlights, what do participants enjoy the most?

I'm a personal fan of the product swap. I love that I get to try new products without spending tons of money on them, and that I can send a product that doesn't work for me out into the world to better serve another curly.

But really...This feels like a question best served by putting it out there to y'all...

When you go to a natural hair meet-up, what do you enjoy the most?

Shedding

2011-12-17T23:03:00.003-05:00

Eunice asks, I've been following your blog and I'm a big fan! I had a natural hair maintenance question for you. I've been experiencing a lot of fall out with my hair. I'll comb it out and get a lot of hair in the teeth, on myself and the bathroom floor! Is this breakage or normal and if so what can I do to repair and prevent it? I've been conditioning before I was my hair and doing that whole routine but I wanted to know if there's more that I need to be doing for the health of my hair?

[source]

The first thing to know is that shedding is normal, and it will occur no matter how healthy your hair is...however, losing handfuls of hair is not healthy.

Check out these awesome resources for more information:

CurlyNikki has a great post on seasonal shedding-- check that out here.
Natural Hair Community also has a post on shedding here.
Precious of PreciousCurls has a post on how to effectively remove shed hairs here.

You might need to check with a doctor if you are really concerned...but it's probably just your hair asking for a little TLC. My two main suggestions are:

Get a trim if necessary. Most stylists recommend every 6 weeks. If the ends of your hair unravel and don't stay twisted/styled, if they feel/look thinner, and if they break off in your hands...it's time for a trim. If you don't trim your hair, the ends will continue to split all the way up your hair shaft. Not a good look. Check out this post on how to trim your hair without heat.
Wear Protective Styles. Check out this post for more info on styles.
Be Gentle: Whenever you manipulate your hair, especially during detangling, you have to be very gentle. Check out my detangling routine here.

Do y'al have any suggestions on how to prevent/reduce shedding?

Giveaway: Thank God I'm Natural

2011-12-17T12:01:00.001-05:00

Hey y'all! I'm pleased to announce a giveaway right in time for the Holidays! Check it out:

(and here's a message from the creators of Thank God I'm Natural)

Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair has been hailed by Essence magazine as “The Natural Hair Bible” and for good cause. Inside the 200 plus natural hair-care guide are product tips for natural hair, homemade hair care recipes and myths about going natural that author and Harvard law graduate Chris-Tia Donaldson debunks. Order one for yourself and a friend, as they make excellent holiday gifts for the transitioner, natural newbie or long time curly girl and are sold exclusively at events and online. Visit www.tginstore.com.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post with your email address!

A winner will be chosen randomly a week from today (December 24th).

Holiday Party Hair

2011-12-15T21:54:00.001-05:00

Hey y'all! Here's my look for today's work holiday party. A simple puff with a festive accessory:

(Peep the mini Christmas tree. Word.) I call this look..the Billie Holiday....

Tehehe.

Protective Style Sprint

2011-12-14T21:05:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! I'm on day four of my protective style sprint (this is one of the many knit hats I purchased over Thanksgiving break). I plan to take my hair down tomorrow for a Holiday Party at work. Here's my hair today:

I've been wearing the front twists out. The rest of my hair is in knots underneath. I put some coconut oil on my scalp on day three of the twists, and I retwist and knot the front of my hair using a bit of water each night.

Barbie Goes Natural for Christmas

2011-12-13T22:17:00.001-05:00

Via The Root

Georgia group plans to give Barbie dolls to kids in Columbus' Booker T. Washington Apartments this Christmas. But the real gift they hope to deliver is self-acceptance.

Candace McBride, a member of the African-American natural-hair group coordinating the giveaway, told the Ledger-Enguirer that it's hard to find dolls with brown eyes, let alone hair that will remind black girls of their own. So she found an online tutorial that uses pipe cleaners and boiling water to give Barbies natural-looking curls. The plan is to collect and make over about 40 dolls before handing them out.

"We wanted to show the girls that basically, it's OK the way God made you," said member Jennifer Henderson.

Giving plastic toys a trip to the hair salon sounds like a huge undertaking. But maybe that's the kind of thing it takes to combat the pervasive and problematic messages about beauty with which black women are inundated, beginning in childhood. And it's as good as any other idea we've heard to combat this generations-old issue.

If the giveaway goes according to the group's vision, 40 lucky girls will get both toys to play with over Christmas and a powerful message that will stick with them long after they outgrow playing with dolls.

Read more at the Ledger-Enquirer.

Fabulous Feature: Kavuli from Cape Town, South Africa

2011-12-12T19:30:00.000-05:00

Tell us about your hair journey! Why did you go natural?

I grew up with long hair as a child. My mother would grease my scalp and braid my hair up. I would go to the salon one in a while to get my hair washed and pressed. I absolutely loved it and my hair was super healthy and past shoulder length. One day I decided that I wanted a relaxer like the rest of my friends, and it was a slow downhill tumble from there. I experienced a lot of breakage and dryness and soon my hair barely grazed my shoulders. Believe it or not, I stopped relaxing my hair back in the year 2000 when the music I was listening to began to influence my mind. Music artists like Mos Def, Common, Dead Prez & Pharoah Monch sang about a black woman's natural hair and it made me want to drop the 'Creamy Crack' and run for the hills. I grew my relaxer out allowing my natural curl pattern to come through. It was beautiful! I haven't looked back since. I still knew nothing about hair health. I would just wash my hair and leave conditioner in it to define my curls.

What do you wish you knew before you went natural?

I wish I would have known how people would turn their noses up to my natural hair in advance. Perhaps I would have been able to prepare myself mentally. I was constantly asked if I had a jeri curl or an s-curl...it was really annoying! I also wish I would have known about moisturizing and sealing the ends of my hair back then. Boy would I have retained a lot more length! You live and your learn.

What's your regimen?

Daily

Moisturize my ends and seal with Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Set my hair in bantu knots, twist & curl or braids and cover with a satin bonnet.

Weekly

Deep Condition twice a week, once with a moisturizing conditioner and again with a protein conditioner
Leave-ins and airdry

Monthly

Use a clarifying or chelating shampoo
Hot oil treatment with whatever is laying around

Favorite products?

Extra Virgin Coconut oil is my absolute favorite product. I can moisturize, seal and deep condition my hair with it. It's seriously my miracle oil!

Words of wisdom for other curlies?

If you're a newbie just learning to embrace your new curly texture listen up. Don't buy into companies or products that profit off of your confusion and desperation with your hair. Get on the blogs and hair boards and I guarantee you will soon find the products and companies that do the lobbying on your behalf. Your hair is beautiful....enjoy it!

Website: http://goodhairdiaries.blogspot.com

If At First You Don't Succeed...

2011-12-12T09:37:00.002-05:00

Hey y'all! I seriously failed my protective style challenge the other week...so I'm giving it another go. I washed, conditioned, and detangled on Sunday...twisting with a new product that I think I'm in LOVE with (going to use it for a few more weeks and make sure it's consistent, then I'll do a review), and sealing with raw shea butter. I took out the first two twists and the rest is under my knit hat:

Happy Monday!

Hair Crush: Elle Varner

2011-12-10T13:17:00.001-05:00

My friend Austin shared this with me, and I had to share it with y'all:

Yes.

True Life...I'm Going Natural!?

2011-12-07T20:10:00.001-05:00

(Article respectfully borrowed from Clutch Magazine.)

Have you ever considered how much fun it could be for you or someone you know to appear on a reality show about going natural? MTV’s True Life is looking for such a person, so lower your reality TV guard just a bit and think about it!

Is your hair your obsession? How are you struggling with your hair? Do you feel natural hair would let you embrace your true self, and you want to go for the “big chop?” Why now? What has held you back up to this moment? We would like to follow someone who is ready to do the “big chop” and follow them on their journey as they transition into their natural hair.

If you appear to be between the ages of 15 -28 and would like us to document your transition to natural hair, email us at casting@lintonmedia.com and tell us about your story. Please include your name, location, phone number and recent photos of yourself.

I have to applaud MTV for paying attention to an often misunderstood moment in the natural hair journey and can’t wait to watch whoever they chose to profile for this episode. Yet there’s a part of me that’s stressed out at the thought of black womens’ hair being depicted as a bundle of pain and drama that warrants words and expressions like “obsession,” “struggling,” and “embrace your true self.”

What do you think? Can MTV get this right? Do you have a “True Life” story about going natural that’s reality tv-worthy?

SheDel's [Fabulous and Frugal] Outfit of the Day

2011-12-06T23:47:00.000-05:00

Via My Thrifted Closet

This girl's thrift swag is putting me to SHAME. (And that hair is so classy--can we get a tutorial?)

I love it. :)

Check out the full post here.

Nothing Basic About Her

2011-12-06T23:43:00.000-05:00

via BeautyGap

Fierce. She better work that TWA.

Traveling When Natural

2011-12-06T00:53:00.002-05:00

Hey y'all. We've all heard about the afro-pat-down scandal at the airports (serious side eye), but hopefully it hasn't discouraged too many folks from traveling over the holiday season. :)

Here are some tips for maintaining your natural fly while traveling:

1. Plan for the worst:

Bring along your favorite accessories, just in case something in your photo-perfect-plan goes awry. Bobby pins, hair accessories like flowers and elastic headbands are your friend in a time of need...and don't be afraid to rock that knit bonnet if your twist out does you wrong.

2. Keep it simple. The holidays are (or, should be, in my humble opinion) about spending time with loved ones. Of course you want to look good, but why spend hours on styling when your time is better spent in the company of others? Go for a simple and chic look like a bun or an updo:

slap a bonnet on it before bed and keep it moving. That leads me to the next tip...

2. Bring your own pillowcase:

[source]

There's no shame in whippin' out that silk or satin pillowcase at a relative's house or even at a hotel. There are even travel satin pillowcases to help preserve your sexy while on the go.

3. Don't switch it up: It's not the best time to experiment with new products or styles (I learned this the hard way at graduation, doing the absolute most with a new product that left my hair limp and greasy for photo... epic fail). Lesson is: Use the tired and true to make sure you get the results you want.

4. Get travel-sized containers:

(From Wal-mart, Sally Beauty Supply, or the dollar store) for your products. Depending on how long your trip is, two to three bottles with your staple products will do the trick. If it's a longer trip (or one abroad), check out this pos t.

5. Travel in style:

The last thing you want is to have an involuntary high top fade or salt-n-peppa inspired fro smashed to one side because you were #KTFO en route to your destination. Wear protective styles as you travel, and unleash the fierceness once you get to wear you're going. Cover your protective style with a satin bonnet, slap a hat or a scarf on it, and you're good to go!

Happy Traveling!

Today's Hair

2011-12-05T22:39:00.002-05:00

Hey y'all! Today's hair: A bantu knot done on two day hair (the first day I rocked a twist out styled with raw shea butter and Tropical Tradition's hair oils)

It's looking a little crazy because I did a bantu knot out on a twist out (instead of 2-day bantu knots)..normally it looks curlier [and the curls are more defined] like this:

(aye, one of the best hair days of my life...)

Hair Grease Train

2011-12-04T19:02:00.000-05:00

by Haley of Derby City Naturals

All aboard! In case you haven’t heard there is a grease-commotion going on and naturals everywhere are hopping on the train. Say what? Yep you heard me right. Several vloggers and bloggers are giving grease a second-look after years of scorn and a bad rap. I know several naturals who confided that they never stopped using the taboo-goo, they simply withheld this information from polite natural hair conversation for fear that they may have been ostracized.

As for me I will not be slapping petrolatum on my tresses, but I do not judge those who choose to. Only you know what is right for your hair and budget. For those of you wondering “Why grease?”, here are a few reasons: it’s cheap, it’s a great sealant and it’s readily available. But before you go drop some snaps on the petro, here is a little advice about using grease.

What’s In It: Hair grease is usually made primarily of petrolatum (petroleum jelly), lanolin and/or mineral oil. Petrolatum and mineral oil are made from refining crude oil. The refining process yeilds a lot of products such as gasoline, propane and motor oil. Lanolin is grease that is secreted by sheep which helps waterproof their wool and is cultivated from shorn wool –the sheep remains unharmed in this process. These products have been found to be safe for cosmetic, pharmaceutical and even food use by the FDA.

What Does It Do: Hair grease acts as a lubricant and a moisture sealant. It reduces friction on the surface it is applied and it also retards moisture loss. It operates similar to other oils and butters.

How To Use It: Hair grease is to be used as a sealant to seal in moisture to the hair. For this purpose it is important to moisturize the hair first before applying –check out this post for more info on how to layer products. For use on 2 strand twist style start with clean damp hair, add your favorite moisturizer like Curls Milkshake, then add a finger tip of hair grease to each section and twist together. A little of this product goes a long way so apply with a light-hand.

Changes To Hair Regimen: It is important to note that this product has massive staying power and has a tendency to attract dirt, lint, etc. When it comes time to cleansing co-washing is not going to cut it. I recommend using a sulfate shampoo or a clarifying shampoo. Now I know in the past I have told you to shampoo your scalp not your hair, but because you applied this product to your hair you will need to shampoo your hair. Consequently because you are using a strong cleanser, you will need to follow with a good deep conditioner.

Natural Alternatives: Hair grease is similar in effectiveness to many pomade or butter blends on the market like Karen’s Body Beautiful Butter Love or Oyin Handmade’s Burnt Sugar Pomade. There are also products that are marketed directly as a natural hair grease like My Honey Child’s Sophia’s Old Fashioned Hair Grease which does not contain petrolatum or mineral oil. I am also working on a DIY natural hair grease recipe so stay tuned.

So are you jumping on the train?

Perfect Weather Puff

2011-12-03T13:24:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! First-- Can you believe it's December already? Where did the year go?! It's a beautiful day in D.C...perfect for rockin'' out with an updo: the oh-so-reliable puff and bang.

Happy Saturday!

Natural Hair Pet Peeves

2011-12-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! Per the suggestion of another natural hair blogger, I decided to do a post on some hair pet peeves. (Thanks, Haley!) Hope you enjoy!

1. Single strand knots.

My hair gets single-strand knots really easily, and if I don't keep them in check, they lead to really bad tangles that somehow float to the bottom of my strands, resulting in little hairballs that seem to forever multiply. They haunt my dreams. They're everywhere. Mini balls of hair floating around my apartment. It's like a horror film...little tufts of curls coming at you from every angle. Okay, it's not that bad, but they are pretty annoying.

2. When I want sooooo badly to talk to another natural in public, but she's totally not interested.

[source]

The awkward "I know you see me looking at your hair and I know you're peepin' mine too....but we ain't gon' talk" routine. On the bus. In the grocery store. Browsing through clothing racks at the mall. I mean, I know folks have places to go and people to see, but I just have this urge to strike up a conversation with every natural stranger I see! Why y'all gotta do me like that?! If only it were socially acceptable to totally invade someone's personal space to talk about products... ;)

3. Self deprecation:

[source]

Putting ourselves down has got to stop. "My hair is so blah and my curls are so bleh..." We have to let that go, ya know? It is what it is. Love who you are. Rock what you got.

4. Waking up with damp hair.

That moment when you realize what you thought would be a fierce twist out is really going to be a frizzy updo. Womp. It happens most when I do my beloved bantu knots...which have been a blessing and a curse-- I love the final result, but I hate that I literally have to keep them in for two days before they're dry. Le sigh.

4. Oil all over.

[source]

When I OD on coconut oil or go ham with the EVOO during a styling session, I regret it for days to come. I put my hand in my hair, and the next thing you know... my keyboard at work looks like I fried chicken on it, my cell phone could be used in a lab for fingerprinting, and I can't shake anybody's hands without the not-so-discrete wiping my hands on my pants or sweater. Horrible.

5. Not being able to get a good photo of my hair.

I know, I know, judge me all you want. It's a major #firstworldproblem. Or #blogger problem. Or #awkwardblackgirl problem. Either way, I can spend a good 20 minutes wasting my life away with photo booth.

What about y'all? What are your hair pet peeves?

Oops I did it again

2011-12-02T00:32:00.002-05:00

Okay okay, so I know I said my hair was going back under the beanie, but I took 'em out and haven't had the time to put them back in. Strugs. Anyway. Bantu knotted last night (on a regular twist out), and here's today's look:

It looks kinda crazy, but I don't hate it.

(oh, and on an unrelated note...check this out for the WTF of the day. SMH.)

Starting a Natural Hair Organization in College

2011-12-01T01:07:00.001-05:00

Skyy writes, I would like to start a natural group on my campus, but I don't know where to start. So just looking for a little bit of direction.

Know what you want: Most groups start with a mission, and as cliche as it might sound, it's not a bad place to start. Figure out what you want to get out of this group on a large scale, and then come up with specific things that will help you get there.

Figure out who's interested: Starting a Facebook group or having a quick meet and greet at a coffee shop is a way to get some support as you start. It's also a good way to figure out what people want out of an organization like this: is it totally social? Do they want product swaps? Styling tutorials? Discussions about the culture of natural hair? These are great questions to ask. Gauge the interest of the people you wish to serve, and go forward from there.

Strength in numbers: Reach out to another established organization and see if they're willing to co-host or co-sponsor an event before you start your own group. It'll help you get a sense of what goes into planning and executing a successful event. Starting a group alone is a huge responsibility for one person to take on. Get a core group of people who are willing to put in the time and effort and combine forces.

Have resources: People are going to expect you to have answers to all of their hair problems, so make sure that you've done your research. There's nothing worse than the blind leading the blind. There's a lot of information out there, and people will look to you as expert. Make sure you have a clear idea of what you are going to offer... and follow through.

Be patient: You're taking on a leadership role, and it requires a lot of time and energy. Make sure you're doing it because you love the cause, and things will be a lot easier.

(E-How has some helpful tips on to start a college organization.)

That's what I got. Any suggestions?

Time Out

2011-12-01T01:06:00.000-05:00

Y'all. I KNOW I just said I was long overdue for protective stylin'...but I went to an event tonight and had to let my hair down (pun intended). Rocked my at-home bow and a messy sorta updo:

Hair goes back in time out tomorrow. Promise. :)

Infamous Obsession

2011-11-29T22:14:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! It's begun...my infamous obsession with the winter beanie. I have zero time these days to be bothered with my hair, and I'm fully embracing my casual office environment as an opportunity to rock out with some knit hats. I twisted my hair yesterday using raw shea butter and coconut oil, and will keep these babies in until further notice! I bought a bunch of knit hats this weekend at Forever 21, including this knitted beret for $5.50:

My hair is long overdue for some protective styling, so I'm hoping I can be patient and not fuss with it much over the winter. :)

The Right Way To Straighten!

2011-11-28T08:00:00.003-05:00

Via CurlRehab

Hello Everyone!! In regards to yesterday’s post, straightening our hair sometimes doesn’t have to be harmful. It all depends on HOW you straighten. Here are a few tips for straightening the right way!

1. Blowdrying can be harmful!
Usually people blowdry their hair while it is wet. The problem with this is that hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. All of the pulling and tugging while hair is in this state can weaken the hair strand and make it prone to breakage. Instead, add a little leave-in conditioner and a light oil (like coconut or grapeseed) and braid to air-dry. Braiding will help stretch your hair instead of using heat, and letting it air-dry will give your hair a chance to absorb moisture. It won’t be as straight, but that is what the flatiron will be used for. Alternately, you can blowdry on a lower heat setting after stretching in braids.

2. Flatirons: Use with care!
Once hair is stretched, add a heat protectant to prevent thermal damage! Then you can straighten with your flatiron. Try as much as possible to use smooth movements when straightening. Prolonged heat on one small area isn’t good.

This is a good way to straighten while minimizing the damage. I wouldn’t recommend straightening every week, no matter how safe you tried to be. I realize now that sucking all of the moisture from my hair EVERY week was not the way to have healthy curls! I’m going to try to do it right next time around!!

Fabulous Feature: Erica

2011-11-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

Tell us about your hair journey! Why did you go natural?

My last relaxer was in December of 2007 and I transitioned for 7 months. It’s so funny because I always wanted big, curly hair and that’s exactly what I had hidden under all those chemicals! When I was transitioning and for a year after my big chop I had no idea what I was doing. So I kept my hair hidden in micro braids, kinky twists and 1 terrible sew in. Finally I started getting comfortable with my hair and started experimenting with braid-outs, puffs and wash n gos. Now I feel like a pro! I know what to do if I want a big huge afro, super defined curly hair or a nice simple bun.

What do you wish you knew before you went natural?

I really just wish I knew my hair’s potential. I can literally wear my hair any way I want and grow it to ankles if I want to…laughing but super serious. I won't let peoples' misconceptions of our hair influence me at all. Its so funny how many side eyes and rude comments I received when I told people I was going natural. Now that my hair is so healthy and growing long so many people want to know my secret. There is no secret. I just take care of my hair and give it what it needs.

What's your regimen?

Right now I am on a journey to waist-length and I am living in protective styles. I mostly wear my hair in twists and keep them up for a week or 2. Before twisting I shampoo and deep condition my hair. I religiously deep condition after every shampoo. I moisturize with a homemade leave in conditioner with Knot Today being the base. While twisted I spray my hair with water and re-moisturize about every other day. When I take my twists out I detangle my hair with conditioner and my Mason Pearson detangling comb and start the process all over again.

Favorite products?

Kinky Curly Knot Today

Bee Mine Bee hold Curly Butter

Castor Oil

Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose Deep conditioner

Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Shampoo

Words of wisdom for other curlies?

Be patient. My first year I thought my hair would never be long enough to fit in ponytail. As long as you use healthy hair practices you will get the positive results you want.

My You-Tube Channelwww.youtube.com/user/honestlyerica

My Blog: www.honestlyerica.com

My Thrifted Closet: Dashiki

2011-11-26T22:54:00.000-05:00

SheDel writes, "Two Years Ago, I Wouldn't Be Caught Dead In A Dashiki." Today, she's rocking it:

I love it. Check out the full post here at My Thrifted Closet.

[Frugal] Hair Tip of the Day: Mix Curly Hair Products With Different Products

2011-11-25T20:30:00.001-05:00

via NaturallyCurly

Despite what the bottle may tell you, there is usually no benefit to using an entire line of curly hair products. If you like an expensive styling product and inexpensive conditioner, don’t be afraid to mix and match. In fact, you can save the guilt trip over splurging for that high-end product by pairing it with your favorite lower priced products.

Also, be sure to take note of the ingredients in all of your favorite curly hair products. You may notice that the inexpensive line is more beneficial and you’ll be saving your hair and your pocket book!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Naturals

2011-11-25T11:49:00.003-05:00

Hey y'all! The holidays are right around the corner, and what better way to pamper your friends and family than with some treats for those delicious curls? Here are some fun gift ideas for natural hair:

Make it!

[source]

There are tons of ways to get creative with DIY gifts. Check out some of my favorite fun and easy DIY ideas from natural bloggers:

Jarmelia's Whipped Shea Butter

Precious' Chocolate Shea Butter Mix

Derby City Naturals' Brown Sugar Scalp Scrub

Alex's DIY Headband

Support small business:

Oyin Handmade and Jessicurl are two of my favorites, but there are tons of folks who put a lot of love and labor into getting you high quality products. (Etsy is a great place to go for one-of-a-kind gifts. Instead of getting that scarf or knit hat from Forever 21, show 'em you really mean it with something a little more unique!)

Silk or Satin Pillowcase:

This may not seem like the most glamorous of gifts, but believe me...their hair will thank your for it. Sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase not only helps maintain your sexy at night, it improves the condition of your hair over time because the material doesn't dry out or snag on your hair. (And this Spasilk pure silk pillowcase is only $15 on Amazon!)

Accessories!

Rocking natural hair is a fierce and bold choice, so why not celebrate it? Shops like Soapbox Theory, Differently Clothing, Bon Vie Vie, and I Love My Hair have fun and chic tees to rock your natural hair with pride. (Ooh, and check out these fabulous afro pick earrings* by Rachel Stewart. Love 'em.)

What ideas do you have? Share and I'll ad 'em to the list!

(*The Rachel Stewart afro pick earrings are now on sale for 20% off with code XTIME20)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T23:41:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! Snapped a few pics of my hair today, not to be overshadowed by 1) an adorable baby [below] and 2) all of the FOOD!

Happy Thanksgiving!

More hair, More problems

2011-11-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

by Nicole of Hair Liberty

When you're enthusiastic about hair care and dedicated to a healthy hair journey it can be difficult to be objective about your hair. It's easy to talk about things that keep the hair healthy like gentle handling, good conditioners, and low manipulation, but if those were the only things that mattered, everyone's hair would be doing great. In reality, despite meticulous efforts to grow a long, thick head of hair, many women still struggle to maintain length and reach their other hair goals. To get past a length hurdle or stop persistent breakage you have to realize one important thing: Damage is unavoidable. If your hair isn't making progress that means it's being damaged faster than it can recover. Many natural women already steer clear of heat and chemical treatments, but mechanical damage is still an issue and it can be difficult to recognize.

Minimize damage by combing and brushing less

Every time you move or touch your hair, the cuticle layers of each strand rub up against each other and cause tiny abrasions, similar to light scratches. Those little abrasions may not affect how your hair looks or feels but they're always there. If you rub and pull your hair and then follow up with a comb or a brush, you've inflicted a lot of stress on your hair at one time. Yes, there are some women who can comb and brush their hair all day without a problem, but those women usually have thick strands and very few (if any) kinks or coils. Finer strands break more easily than thicker strands, and it seems that many African American women have fine hair. In addition to that, kinky hair is inherently porous which means that kinky hair is automatically more fragile than other types. "Damage prone" is really an understatement when describing African American hair.

Weaknesses in your hair care routine will catch up with you as your hair gets longer

No matter what your hair type, the longer your hair gets, the more demanding it will be. Shoulder length hair is already about 2 years old so any weaknesses in your hair care routine will begin to show, just like bad eating habits start to catch up with you as you get older. If you hit a plateau in your healthy hair journey, get at least ½ inch cut off by a professional, stop brushing your hair (if you've been doing that), and apply a reconstructing treatment every week or two. Whatever you do, just don't make the mistake of thinking you've avoided damaging your hair. The only way to avoid damage is not to touch your hair as it grows out of your scalp, and we all know that's impossible. If you love your hair, you want to style it and show off its beauty. There's nothing wrong with that. You wouldn't buy a beautiful new sweater and leave it on the shelf all the time. What fun would that be? Instead, you have to wear it lightly, wash it gently, and get small holes mended as soon as they appear.

Natural Hair and Intimacy

2011-11-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

Randi asks, I would like to get another girl's perspective on being natural and dating. When I say dating I mean when it comes to intimacy. Honestly, when in the act how do you protect your hair while still maintaining a sexy look? And since this usually all happens fast, what do other natural girls do really quick like? What do you think? As always, thanks for being so awesome!

Y'all. Whatchu got?

Ms. Vaughn's Fall Pumpkin Bun

2011-11-21T21:15:00.000-05:00

Check out the fabulous Ms. Vaughn's fall hair tutorial:

(The hair tutorial starts at 4:45.)

I love it!

How to Save Money on Hair Care Products

2011-11-21T21:08:00.000-05:00

via NaturallyCurly

Perhaps you’re running low on cash this month, and you feel the need to cut back on your hair care products. Before running to the nearest dollar store for a hair gel with questionable origins, stop and consider all these tips for saving money on hair products. You don’t have to sacrifice on the quality of hair products because of a tight budget.

Check out the full post here.

Dolls And Black Girl's Self-Esteem

2011-11-21T21:05:00.000-05:00

on Essence- via BeautyGap

How do you respond to a little girl who thinks she is ugly or that something is not right about her? If your name is Chris Rock, you make a documentary about it. If you're an average Jane like the rest of us, you fret, you shower her with compliments, and set off to find a beautiful doll that looks like her to drive the message home. The hardest part, however, may be finding that doll.

According to the latest census, the 38.7 million Blacks in the United States spend more than $215 billion annually. Yet our presence and spending power does not make it any easier to find dolls that reflect our skin tones and ethnicity.

Last week Mattel launched their long-awaited line of "So in Style" dolls in an attempt to broaden the availability of Black dolls in the mainstream marketplace. Their noses are wider, their skin tone brown, they have have fuller lips and are dressed with an urban flair. Yet, even before the toys hits the shelves, images were released and Black parents everywhere questioned whether the dolls were Black enough. While the intention was sound, the execution seemed to miss the mark: Their skin tone is light and some have blue or green eyes; their limbs are slender and their hair, for the most part, is fine and straight.

Read the full article here.

2011-11-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all Check out this awesome project by the beautiful SheDel of My Thrifted Closet:

Hello Loves,

I got the idea that I wanted to make this blog more about you guys. Sure I look creating new outfits and posting, but I spend 90% of my free time blog surfing and looking at other people's looks and thrifted finds. So here's whats up!I want you guys to head over to my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/mythriftedcloset and begin to share your thrifted looks and favorite thrifted finds. I want to build a sense of community and I would love if you thriftshionistas/os got involved. Your entire outfit doesn't have to be thrifted.. It can just be your earrings, shoes, purse, ring, briefcase, etc. I just want to create a medium where we can all share.

Here's my looks that I've uploaded on my page to get everyone started. These are my favorite looks of the past few months.

NOW ITS YOUR TURN!!!!!! Here's a video that explains a little more and adds to what I have already said!

I look forward to seeing your looks in the NEAR future lol

Love you Guys!!!
Live.Laugh.Love Thrift.
SheDel

93% of Women Don’t Like Their Hair

2011-11-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

via NaturallyCurly

"In a world where only about 4 percent of women consider themselves beautiful, it’s no wonder so many feel awful about their tresses. Between embarrassing hair pat-downs in airports, men making insensitive comments about natural hair, ads insinuating a certain hair type’s inferiority and top-notch stylists urging women with kinky hair to chemically-alter their natural texture, it is clear why many women regardless of age, skin color, financial status, education level or hair type are struggling to embrace their hair.

A recent survey released by the well-known beauty and skincare company, Dove revealed a shocking and depressing sentiment among women about their hair: they don’t like it."

Read the full article here.

Product Review: Cantu Shea Butter Hair Dressing Pomade

2011-11-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

Price: 3oz for $3.99

Product Description: Cantu® Shea Butter Hair Dressing Pomade is made with pure shea butter to condition hair while styling and adding shine. Cantu® Shea Butter Hair Dressing Pomade is ideal for natural styles as well as adding that finishing touch to moisturize, texturize, lift, control, and add shine to all hairstyles. Cantu® Shea Butter Hair Dressing Pomade helps...

texturize and add control for all hairstyles
add shine and lift to hair
conditions with pure Shea butter
provide extra protection heat, split ends and breakage

Directions: Apply pomade to palms of the hands and apply gently to dry or towel-dried hair. Style as usual.

Ingredients: Petrolatum, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Fragran

My Review: I know I know I know. It is glorified hair grease. Actually, it might just be hair grease with a smidgen of shea butter. That being said, I had to try it...because my hair idol Nikki went on her Dax swag and I got caught up in it! Hey, like I always say...what works for one curly may not work for you...and this is definitely the case. But I had to see what all the fuss was about! I used this product on damp, freshly co-washed hair, smoothing it along the length of my hair as I twisted, avoiding the roots. I was pleasantly surprised... it made my hair look shiny and plump, and felt moisturized and smooth. Here are the photos of my hair with the pomade:

Freshly twisted

Twist out several days later

My scalp itched like never before. As much as I had avoided getting the product on my scalp, it was inevitable-- and I had all kinds of problems. I was trying to avoid the dreaded head pat, and freaking out about the buildup on my po' old scalp. My hair looked alright, but I was disappointed that my hair lacked softness after only a few days, and underneath the veil of a fierce twist out, I was suffering. I washed it out promptly, and decided to go back to my beloved shea butter-- which hasn't failed me yet. For all of the fuss about petroleum* is for your hair, I'm not going to be switching over anytime soon. Emulsified Shea butter gives me the same plump, juicy curls sans itch, sans danger for breakage a few months down the line, and with all natural ingredients. This pomade smells good, feels light on my hair (it not surprisingly feels and looks like vaseline), but I'm still a little skeptical about it. Again, if it works for you, rock on. Not my thang.

Are You Removing Your Shed Hair Effectively?

2011-11-14T22:55:00.000-05:00

via our beautiful recent feature, Precious Curls!

Detangling natural hair is critical. Detangling keeps your hair as separated as possible from other hairs, preventing tangles and breakage. Read my post about detangling here.

and check out the detangling section of my natural hair care basics page.

Detangling involves getting rid of shed hairs. Shed hairs are hairs that have completed their growing cycle and are no longer attached to the scalp. Read more about the growth cycle here. The average person sheds about 50-100 hairs a day. You can identify a shed hair by looking for the white bulb at the end of the hair.

If you do not get rid of shed hairs, they can tangle up with other hairs on your head, causing those dreaded single strand knots, mats, and ultimately, breakage. So how can you get rid of your shed hairs?

I detangle my hair once a week. I used to just sandwich my hair between my palms and slide the shed hairs out by sliding my palms downward. I also used a comb at times. But after using a detangling brush for the first time, which I will talk about in a moment, I found that sandwiching and combing my hair was not getting rid of my shed hairs effectively at all. Combs are great for detangling, but not for getting rid of shed hairs.

Detangling brushes, like this BASS brush, are great for getting rid of shed hairs in the most effective way. The bristles are wide enough to slide comfortably through your hair and are close enough to really get into your hair and take out as much shed hair as possible. Trust me, your hands and fingers cannot get rid of as much shed hair as a brush like this can. When I used the sandwich and combing methods, I can say that I got about 1/4 of the shed hair that you see above. The very first picture of this post shows the shed hair I took out from this brush in my palm. This is a week's worth of shed hair. The white stuff of course is conditioner, which you should use when detangling the hair to provide slip and lubrication to your strands. I will post a review this brush tomorrow so be on the lookout!

Are you removing your shed hair effectively? What methods do you use to remove your shed hair?

Product Review: Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment

2011-11-13T10:34:00.000-05:00

Price: 12oz for $4.71

Product Description: Intensive Conditioning Treatment is an intensively deep conditioning treatment that strengthens, revitalizes and gives exotic shine. It prevents hair breakage and deeply infuses moisture from the inside out. Ideal for all hair types, including relaxed, natural and color-treated hair, this treatment can be used after every shampoo as a quick conditioner, or every week as a reconstructor.

Product Benefits:

Strengthens and prevents hair breakage
Deeply infuses moisture
Leaves hair soft, silky and full of body
Restores exotic shine and leaves the hair soft
Infused with Certified Organic Argan Oil from Morocco
Size: 12 oz & 1.75 oz

Ingredients: Aqua (Water) (Eau), Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicetyldimonium Chloride , Polyquaternium-32, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) (Huile Minerale), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Honey (Mel) (Miel), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Cocodimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Panthenol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Lanolin Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Polyquaternium-10, Amodimethicone, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch , Isostearyl Ethylimidazolinium Ethosulfate, Parfum (Fragrance), Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Phenoxyethanol

My Review: This product may work for some, but it doesn't quite work for me. I notice that one of the ingredients is Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, and I've realized over the year that my hair does not like protein products (check out this article on protein sensitivity). Products with wheat protein make my hair feel stringy and strawy-- not the business. I received this product from the company, and my first response was to be skeptical of all the ingredients... so I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and use this product mixed in with some tried and true ingredients. I made myself a deep conditioning treatment, mixed in with oils and honey. I left the mix on my hair for about two hours , and when I rinsed it out, my hair didn't feel as soft as it does after a deep conditioning treatment, but it didn't feel dry. The next time I used it, I used more conditioner than oils/honey, and applied the product on clean (freshly shampooed) hair. Almost as soon as I applied the product to my hair, my hair felt gross: dry and brittle, so I rinsed it out after about 5 minutes. I like my hair to feel soft and slippery...and this did the opposite on my hair (even with the help of some EVOO and honey!) The price is great, so if it works for you, go for it! Not my cup o' tea.