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Myths, Facts, or Opinions??

Posted on January 8, 2013 at 9:25 AM Comments comments (0)

Okay, so lately I have been watching more YT videos! I have been listening to a lot of people's methods and what their idea of what is BEST - what you SHOULD do and SHOULD NOT! 

*Those that are new to the natural journey can easily be misled...this is what makes me upset and confused! I, myself, am new to being natural and have gathered information from several people, including professionals, to begin my own regimen...now I am reevaluating it to be certain that I have the best regimen for my hair to remain healthy and grow.

Not all methods will work on every person! Even those with the same 'hair type'! Also, if you have not noticed, you more likely have more than one texture in your natural hair! 

*The back (nape) of my head is the coarsest; the middle (crown) and specifically along the right side is the easiest to detangle. Weird, right?

Well this means that you cannot judge your hair and compare to another. You can take methods and suggestions and make it your own, however.

Combing, Brushing, Products

So far, I have heard that combing is not good, to using wide tooth comb, to use a demnam brush, to use a paddle brush, etc... this can make one very stressful when getting mixed instructions! I know that excessive combing/brushing is not good..so I will just comb at a minimal! When it comes to 4c hair - I just was not sure which of those above are appropriate! I know that using the wide tooth comb, I have not been able to detangle as proficient..so I will need to use either a smaller comb or a demnam(paddle) brush to detangle! Make the best decision for you and your hair!

When it comes to products, I was also getting mixed information! It seems that one professional likes this and that while the other states that it is useless or not good for hair. You have to realize that some 'professionals' may not always know everything (some are learning just as much about natural hair and may need beauty schooling, while others are just stuck in their ways) and some even do not have best interests - as long as they are getting customers! So I will take each of their information and make the best decision about the products that I am using! 

*I will pay close attention to the results I get from products and only use those that give me the best result. Also, research on these ingredients that I am uncertain about!

Overall, we need to understand that not everyone will know what is best for our hair. Not all products will work on everyone! Listen to your hair and use products that you notice work! Do not try every product that says NATURAL...100% PURE...contains this or that! You must realize that the information may not fully true! Just make sure you do your research - do not take everyone's word, even professionals!

DIY Projects : Challenge

Posted on January 4, 2013 at 11:15 AM Comments comments (0)

Make your experience fun............BUT most importantly save money and make your OWN products!

The advantage of making your own gels, conditioners, or moisturizers - YOU CONTROL THE PRODUCTS THAT ARE BEING APPLIED TO YOUR HAIR! This means that you can ensure only the products that promote healthy, growing hair is used! Do your research (PH levels, porosity of your hair, balancing products, etc...) to be certain that you are doing this correctly! *Trial-n-error*











Braided updo with 2-strand twist

Posted on December 10, 2012 at 2:45 PM Comments comments (0)

 

  • First, I started by separating my hair in 2 sections.(Leaving a bang area up top for the 2 strand twist)
  • Then I braided each section so that it would all meet in the middle [as pictured 
  • below]

 



 

  • Next, I connected the loose braids by twisting them upward. I pinned the hair that was left, so that it would not be seen. [as pictured below]

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~FINAL RESULTS~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • This is the final result! I loved it!!!
  • I even liked it with my beanie hat!
  • Then I separated the twists and wore it like this!

THERE YOU HAVE IT! 3n1 HAIRSTYLE!! PERFECT 3 WAYS TO ROCK A STYLE! 

 

1 YEAR TRANSITIONING: What I've Learned

Posted on November 13, 2012 at 10:40 AM Comments comments (0)


RECAP:

October 28, 2011, I decided to embark on a new journey. I decided that I would no longer apply relaxers onto my hair. It was a hard decision, not because I would miss the relaxers - but because I was afraid of the result and even more other's opinions. I was not sure what my texture would be and if I could even manage it. I just knew that I was tired of the burns and breakage. Really, my relaxers never took right and it would end up looking like I barely got a relaxer. 


I had been through so much damage over the years that I was fed up! I even had to wear scarves (India Arie style) a whole semester because my hair had broken off so badly and my eczema had returned. My confidence was at an all-time low but I had to press on anyway. After my hair returned to a healthier state and length began to grow, of course I applied another relaxer in my hair. It was not until I graduated college and had a close call with damaging my hair due to a bad 'DIYweave' incident (I was so inspired with YT vids that I thought I could do my own weave....FAIL!), that I decided it was time to try natural. 


LESSONS:

Transitioning....hmm...it is not as easy as you would think. I knew that BIG chop was not an option for me at the time. I gained enough confidence to even consider natural, but the idea of chopping majority of my hair would take a lot more!! I struggled with the detangling process more than anything. I had to (and still now) work on being patient and gentle with my hair, especially focusing on my ends. I cannot just comb my hair any kind of way without the risk of breaking my hair. Natural hair is fragile, but being 4c (kinkiest of all, coily hair texture) is even more fragile. Trying to accommodate both the natural and relaxed hair is not an easy job! Thanks to YT I was able to find a lot of videos on people transitioning. I found out the right styles to accommodate the two and things began to get a little better. 

Luckily, I have found a few people on YT that are 4c and now can experiment with some styles that I never knew I could do. 


[To Be Honest] Big Chop may be a better solution for many reasons: 

  1. You get to know how to manage the new texture at the beginning while it is short.
    1. Otherwise, you have to understand two textures and then once you are completely natural, you now have to deal with getting to know natural hair with long hair (this is actual difficult than it seems).
  2. You get a little break with managing your hair because it is shorter. Can you say 'WASH & GO'!!
  3. Dealing with all natural hair is easier [PERIOD]
    1. Transitioning hair is prone to 1 strand knots. YIKES. 
  4. You are certain that all damaged hair is cut and starting off fresh!
I could go on...and on! You get the point.

Either way, it is your decision on what works for you and your journey! Not one will be easier, but the managing process could be a lesser load. I do not really regret transitioning, I just had to really learn how to manage and research how to maintain my hair. You will need to do this either way.... 

I will do another trim to and then I think most of my relaxed will be cut. I hope to go to a Natural Hair salon to get consulting on the health of my hair. 

I am more excited about my journey now that I am seeing GROWTH. I am confident than ever before and I am loving the natural me! People may look at me funny or weird but I do not care- seriously! People may think that this is not professional or not appropriate for 'certain' things, but I do not let them define me nor my style. 

I will be making a video of my failures v. triumphs...this should be pretty interesting! 

Peace~Love~Nappiness

 

Different is the New Norm

Posted on September 28, 2012 at 8:30 AM Comments comments (0)

 

 


Define

dif•fer•ent   [dif-er-uhnt, dif-ruhnt] Show IPA

adjective

1.

not alike in character or quality; differing; dissimilar: The two are different.

2.

not identical; separate or distinct: three different answers.

3.

various; several: Different people told me the same story.

4.

not ordinary; unusual.

 

________________________________

nor•mal

   [nawr-muhl] Show IPA

adjective

1.

conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; notabnormal; regular; natural.

2.

serving to establish a standard.

 

 

-dictionary.com


Perception:

Look around..............Nowadays people are stepping out of their shell and expressing themselves in different ways. It's literally everywhere - it’s in the work place, restaurant, grocery store, church....EVERYWHERE! People that you would not necessarily think would do something drastic or something that society considers appropriate- are now following suit. Is it a trend? I don't think so. I think that people are finally tired of being consumed to one way - one way to style hair, to dress....?? We all are given the choice and the right to be ourselves and be unique!


I am blown away at how many people have transitioned and or transitioning to natural! I spot a natural almost every day.....WOW! I smile because years ago people did not accept it as much (especially in this area). I often wonder their stories...why did they make the decision to become natural. Now, it’s not unusual to see things that are classified as different. I think some things are just bizarre, of course, but I am happy that people feel comfortable expressing themselves! Is there a certain line that people should not cross- Piercings in weird places, crazy hair colors, or clothing? Hmm.....


Do you want | Or how do you feel when people try to put you in a particular category. Do you want to be defined by a dictionary definition? I am me. That is it, nothing more and nothing less :)


What is your natural expression?






Comfortable = Lazy ??

Posted on August 29, 2012 at 2:55 PM Comments comments (0)

 Sometimes in our natural journey –we become too comfortable. This can be a good thing, but can be bad just as easily. This comfort can make us lazy. How, you ask? Well, do you find yourself finding workarounds to styling your hair that makes it easier/faster?

 Good workaround: Scenario 1

~Not messing with the curls from the twist-out- but instead make them last another night. First I will apply some leave in or type of oil before wrapping my hair in a silk scarf.

 Lazy workaround: Scenario 2

~ I am going to make my curls last longer and will not separate or mess with the curls. I may apply some oil or leave in and may use a silk scarf to wrap at night; then the next night comes along….then the next night…and even another night (some nights you did not apply any type of moisture). Rocked that style to the point there is no curl left to maintain and your hair may just be dry or matted. Possibly some detangled hairs. (Now, this is not referencing protective style (braids,twists, etc…;) but however, exposed hair.)
              ~I will admit that I was guilty of this for a while. I just got tired (aka lazy) with doing my hair each night. When I realized that if I tied the scarf a certain way and pushed curls up higher for sleeping- that I could maintain my curls; I began going a day without styling. Then more and more, I began to make it last more nights. By the time my hair lost every curl– making my hair feel dry and looking a hot mess.

Have you ever wanted to just hurry up and twist, Bantu knot, coil your hair that you begin to make bigger sections?

 Good workaround: Scenario 3

~ I am going to wet my hair and do bigger sections – so that I will not have to do so many twists or knots. Well I will do this earlier than usual to make sure that hair dries overnight or sit under dryer for complete dryness.

 Bad workaround: Scenario 4

~ I will do bigger sections. I will wet my hair and hope that my hair dries in time for the next morning. Hair ends up still damp and then you have to do a backup plan without being late for work. Or you do your hair in a dry state, possibly resulting in tangling if not combed (even worst, comb dry hair!) so it would not be properly detangled, or leaving hair dry and no curl (possibly damaged).
            ~There have been many times that I did not give my hair enough time to dry and caused my style to not come out right. It is important to give your hair the proper care. If you rather do a wash-n-go – this could be a better choice –and could be done the morning of work and dries as you drive to work…and a wash-n-go can also last more than one day if properly cared for.

*****************************************************************************

My point is to make sure that you do not become too comfortable with your hair and journey that you lose the drive to properly care for your hair. It can be a bit much to style and detangle. It is definitely a longer process than relaxed hair. You can make your hair last more than one or even a few days. The point is to make sure that you are still caring for the hair. Each night you should apply some type of moisture and please have a silk scarf in hand. When doing workarounds, I lost the joy of styling my hair and realized how dull it was compared to the beginning stages when my curls would come out so pretty! I could not believe I allowed myself to get LAZY! I will never do that again!

 

 **Rollers at night and having to prep your hair at night is not the‘prettiest’ state we want to be in – but calmly remind your significant other,friends, or family…how beautiful it will look in the morning!! HAHA :)

 

Peace~Love~Nappiness

 

Just tips....

Posted on August 13, 2012 at 9:10 AM Comments comments (0)

1. Hats, Scarfs, Wigs

  • These are great protective styles, but remember to wear some type of silk material (scarf) beneath either of those to retain the moisture from our hair. Cotton and other materials seem to soak moisture out, and we NEED to keep as much moisture in our hair ladies!


2. Gels & Jams

  • Yes, it may be a little harder to hold those edges down - but don't pile the gel or jam on your hair! If you do use gel/jam just try to put enough oil, creme, water, or whatever moisturizing agent on your hair before applying the gel. Gel/jam drys your hair and soaks the moisture and oils from hair, so applying extra moisture before gel will help!

3. Stockings

  • Some people may think that this is a weird technique- but this is actually a great tip! Now, ladies..if the stocking (panty hose) smell like corn chips (do not act like yours don't after a matter of time haha!) then you may want to wash before placing on your head :). The technique is real easy - just cut a leg of the stocking (cut however wide you want, but the trick is to make it thin enough that it can not be seen but thick enough that it will not rip easily). This is better than those "ouchless" bands, because we all know they still have a place in the band that catches your hair.

4. DIY

  • Ladies, as I have stated in the previous post....Do-It-Yourself products can be a great way to save money and know what you are placing in your hair! Flax Seed is one of the products that I will be trying soon! Flax seed actually turns into a gel! You buy the flax seeds and boil until it becomes the gel like texture. You place in a container and add oils! Naptual85 on YouTube has a tutorial on this! But I will be making one as well :)

Tips...Tips..and More Tips!

Posted on August 10, 2012 at 8:35 AM Comments comments (0)

This post will consist mostly of links to videos or other blog posts that I have found interesting and helpful! I like to research and I do not like to take ownership of others work - so I have inserted other Natural Divas that have very good information just for YOU!


Carols Daughter has been my main source of information!

HOW TO MANAGE HAIR AFTER A BIG CHOP: http://www.transitioningmovement.com/Default.aspx?CN=B4293DB58ABD

TIPS ON HOW TO KEEP HAIR MOISTURIZED: http://www.transitioningmovement.com/Default.aspx?CN=C149265AB395

TEN COMMANDMENTS OF TRANSITIONING: (But this can be for fully naturals as well!) http://www.transitioningmovement.com/Default.aspx?CN=D0669B8F3904

NEWBIES: QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING OUT HEALTHY HAIR: http://www.transitioningmovement.com/Default.aspx?CN=046A091496DE


Products! Now that it seems that Natural Hair is "IN", it seems the Natural Hair isle has grown! There are many to choose and often we do not know which are best for our hair, which ingredients are harmful, and if cheap is better?! Well, if you are in to saving a few pennies and also certain that you are putting the best and healthiest ingredients in your hair - Check out Naptural85 on Youtube! She has the best DIY vids!

http://www.youtube.com/user/Naptural85

Also, Sparkwisdom has DIY videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/SPARKWISDOM

Style Tips #2

Posted on August 5, 2012 at 2:35 PM Comments comments (0)

Transitioning:

~It can be hard to blend the two strands (relaxed and natural), but there are many great styles for those transitioning.

2-strand twists (twist out) Twists/out

Flat twists (twist out) Flat twist/out

Braids (braid out) Braids/out

Bantu Knots (bantu knot out) Bantu Knots/out

~You must remember that doing accessories or pinning the hair in different ways can give all these styles different looks!

~Now, the styles above can be just as great for those fully natural! Depending on how much hair after a ‘BC’, you can apply these styles as well!

Other great styles:

Curls & coils Coils

Rollers, Rods, & Flexi-rods Flexi-rod set

Straw sets Straw set

*You can also see these pics under the Photos Tab!

***NEED VIDEOS FOR ANY OF THE STYLES??? LET ME KNOW BY COMMENTING BELOW!

Styling Tips #1

Posted on August 1, 2012 at 6:05 PM Comments comments (0)


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