ALL NAPTURAL

Giveaway! PMD Personal Microderm Device

2012-01-24T00:00:00.002-05:00

All Naptural blog and PMD are teaming up for a spectacular GIVEAWAY! One lucky subscriber will have the opportunity to win their very own PMD Personal Microderm Device - a $180 value!

If you are new to the PMD Personal Microderm Device, check out my review/results video below.

Giveaway Entry Requirements

* You must be a subscriber of the All Naptural Blog

* Next, like the PMD Facebook Page

* Subscribe to the PMD YouTube Channel

* Follow PMD on Twitter

* Bonus entries - once you like the PMD Facebook page, and follow on Twitter - post on the FB page and tweet that you have entered the PMD Device Giveaway and leave a link to the giveaway. Also as an added bonus you can share one of the PMD YouTube videos with your followers.

After you have done the following come back to All Naptural - and in the comment section - list what you have done and under what screen names for verification :o)

*For every bonus entry your name will be counted twice - which gives it more odds to be chosen to win - so if you do all bonus entries - FB pos with giveaway link, Tweet with giveaway link and share a PMD video - your name will earn 6 entries!*

*The giveaway will run for 1 week starting Today Tuesday January 24, 2012 ending Tuesday January 31, 2012. A winner will be randomly chosen from the entries*

Good luck!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T16:14:00.002-05:00

Stay tuned for more posts - product reviews, hair styles, etc. - hopefully I will stick to my goal of keeping the blog updated :o)

Peace and Blessings!

A Different Type of Product Review - PMD Personal Microderm

2011-12-20T09:47:00.012-05:00

Hey everyone,

I have been given the opportunity to try/review a great product from one of my blog sponsors PMD Microderm. The PMD Microderm has been featured on The Doctors and Dr. Oz shows as well as other media outlets (check out the PMD press pag e to see more).

What is a PMD Microderm?

The PMD Microderm is a microdermabrasion device that can be used at home.

It is good for treating early texture changes, sun damaged skin, uneven sun freckling, early seborrheic keratoses (small warty growths on the skin), mild comedonal (whitehead and blackheads) acne, and conditions where there is a buildup of dead skin like that seen in keratosis pilaris which causes bumpy skin on the arms and cheeks.

The PMD Personal Microderm also smooths the skin to give a more even makeup application and to to remove minor skin blemishes. It helps rejuvenate the skin and stimulates new cell growth. Check out these before and after results from other users.

Why I was interested in using it...

Although I don't break out very often, when I do I have to force myself not to pick with the bump. I'm successful about 70% of the time, but the other 30% of the time I ended up causing dark marks that take months to go away. I also have a few old acne dark marks/scars here and there that I usually cover with a little foundation.

I thought it would be great if I could try something that would get rid of those discolorations without having to use foundation to cover them. I was also curious how fast the PMD would get rid of the occasional new dark mark.

Also, being a hair blogger/product reviewer I am always taking pictures of my hair ( and of course my face is in the pics) and I am SUPER picky about the pictures I put on the web.

I do not like when a hair is out of place, or I am not centered in the pic, the light is different from one pic to the next, there is some unwanted objects in the background (since I take most pics in the bathroom mirror - this will be towels, toilet paper roll etc.)

From that you can see why I have trouble getting help with taking pictures because I have to have three or four of the same pose taken before I choose one pic to post - needless to say it takes forever and my digital camera is filled with tons of pics for just one how-to/review.

And since I am showing off hair styles - which again my face is in the pics - dry lips, dark marks, bumps etc. have to be virtually nonexistent if at all possible in the pics. So, I always make sure I have on a little foundation - and some type of lip gloss.

So a clear face is definitely a plus when it comes to posting pics - of course, I would still be picky about pics, but it would cut down on a little time if I could just snap pics with a make-up free/naked face - making it easier to do those fresh after wash/condition pics.

Therefore, from what I read about the PMD it seemed like it would do the trick.

How it is used ...

When I first received the PMD Personal Microderm I thought it was cute and compact, and it could be easily stored under my bathroom sink. It came with an instruction DVD explaining how to use it - you can view it here, which I thought was pretty easy to follow.

The PMD can be used on your face and body. The directions stated that the PMD should be used once a week on clean and dry skin, and warned not to go over one spot more than once.

The PMD comes with green discs for a moderate grit and blue for sensitive skin. Although it came with discs for sensitive skin I was skeptical because the tops of the discs looked similar to emery board files - and I thought they would definitely scratch my already sensitive skin.

What appears to be 'emery board' is actually aluminum oxide micro crystal (which is non-toxic). The discs are placed onto the PMD, and they spin once the PMD is turned on.

Although they press against the skin - if you are careful not to hover in one place - they will not cause any damage. A cap is placed over the disc, which is flush to your skin and suction vacuums the dead skin cells away into a filter as you slowly move the PMD across your face/body.

After your microdermabrasion treatment, you apply your toner, lotion and use sunscreen for 3 days after the treatment since your skin will be extra sensitive (I used a lotion/sunscreen combo). You can also purchase these items from the PMD shop. I used my own, but I'm planning to purchase one of the starter kits to do a review on those as well.

My results...

Although I was a bit skeptical about the discs, the minute I started using the PMD and didn't feel any harsh scratching I was sold. You just have to be sure to follow the directions and you shouldn't have any problems at all.

It took less than 10 minutes for me to do my entire face and I was pleased with the results after the first use. My face felt smoother and my complexion looked brighter.

In the beginning I really didn't notice any visible difference in my skin, but once I started taking pictures for the review - I was like - hey these look good - lol. I also noticed right away that my lotion/foundation would just seep right into my skin versus sitting on top of it.

And just after three uses I began to see a 'fresh' dark mark I had over my eye disappear and after the 5th use it was completely gone! I can even take freshly washed hair pics without putting on foundation. Overall, I love the results and plan to keep using it once a week :o)

Apothica and SkinCareRx’s 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway

2011-12-15T07:50:00.003-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Whew! This has been a busy Holiday season for me! I am hustling making shampoo bars and finishing up on my Christmas shopping list - next year I am 'really' going to have more done before Thanksgiving :o)

Anyway, just stopping in for a sec to let you all know that All Naptural Sponsors Apothica and SkinCareRx are holding a 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!!!

They will be giving away more than $5,000 worth of products between Apothica's and SkinCareRx’s Facebook pages from now until to December 24th. - $5,000 worth !!!!

Be sure to enter by visiting their Facebook pages (see links below).

Happy Holidays :o)

Enter the Giveaways by Clicking on the links below :o)

SkinCareRx's Facebook Pag e

Apothica’s Facebook Page

Afro City - Have You Been Watching?

2011-11-29T10:36:00.006-05:00

Have you all been watching Afro City?

According to the Afro City website, "Afro City" is the collaboration of writer Rhonda Ray and Director Lobace Stoll. Rhonda is currently writing more Afrocentric projects for your enjoyment. Our director Lobace is a native of Chicago who currently resides in Los Angeles, CA continuing to direct and edit various creative projects. Both parties thought it would be a great idea to partner up and co-produce "Afro City" and bring it to life for all to see. "

I really enjoy the show. It's about four best friends, Crystal (played by Sabrina Alashi) who is an artist, Ebony (Bunmi Avodele) a model, Fatimah (played by Ebony Mikila) a jewelry designer and Jazzman (played by Rhonda Ray) a singer.

Rhonda Ray is multi-talented she is a singer/songwriter and artist. She is in the process of releasing her debut album titled "Afrolicious". Check out her music, art and videos on her website. I love the "Afrolicious" single - check it out here.

According to Afro City creators, "The best way to describe Afro City would be “Sex in the City” meets “Girlfriends” with an Afrocentric twist and fabulous fashion to match. We created “Afro City” to show the world that African America women are beautiful with their natural Afro hair without conforming to societies typical “standard” of beauty.

We wanted to bring these beautiful images and lifestyles to the screen that people aren’t use to seeing everyday in the media and the web allows us to do that without going through the traditional hoops in Hollywood in order to get these images seen and these stories told.

The Afrocentric market is such an under served market and we want to fill the void by showing Afrocentric images and themes with a positive message in all of our programming.

www.AfroCityTV.com Creator, Rhonda Ray says "I think the future is definitely looking bright for web series of all genres and I’m so glad to be apart of this revolution that’s being televised on the web."

You can check out all episodes on the Afro City YouTube Channel as well as the Afro City website. Along with the latest episodes, the website features background information on the show as well as a shop where some of the beautiful clothing, jewelry and other accessories featured in show episodes can be purchased.

Check out the latest Episode 10 'Love and War' Below.

Nappturalite Radio Co-host Replay

2011-11-29T10:31:00.001-05:00

Hey!

I meant to post this earlier - obviously since it is a month late - but on October 30 - I was be a guest host on Nappturalite Radio!To listen-in to the replay go to Nappturalite Radio on Blogtalk Here . Ignore my small shaky voice - lol

The topic of the show was Hair Horror Stories, Pt.2! - Last year's Hair Horror Stories, Pt.1 featured B. Scott. You can listen to that and other past episodes via the website and iTunes. Click above link for more info.

Check out the following show ads

Hee-hee - that's me!

Chaundra Smith of Naturally Me and Jonathan Torch of Curly Hair Solutions were the featured interviewed guests and listeners were able to win products from both :o)

The Nappturalite Radio Show is dedicated to the love of all things related to black natural hair care. We will discuss natural hair topics, interview natural hair specialists, give you the scoop on the best hair care products and share resources that benefit nappturalites everywhere. It airs on Sunday evenings at 5pm CST/6pm EST!

Shampoo Bar Giveway by Fellow Blogger

2011-10-19T16:08:00.002-04:00

Hey :o)

I - well Bobeam Natural Hair Products is sponsoring a giveaway with fellow natural hair blogger - creator of A Happy Nappy Affair. She did a very nice review of the shampoo bars with pictures and all - so go check it out.

Her giveaway is pretty simple and her are her rules exactly:

Leave a comment (on her blog) letting her know you have subscribed and whether or not you have ever tried a poo bar before. Also, head over and "like" Bobeam on Facebook.

That's It!!!
4 Winners will be chosen and the giveaway will run through the end of November!!!

Peace and Blessings...

Natural Hair Love Affair Flash Sale Extended!!!!

2011-10-13T07:44:00.006-04:00

I got an email from Natural Hair Love Affair yesterday alerting me of a FLASH SALE - 25% off on all items :o) I had been browsing their limited edition Strands of Love T-shirts since the beginning of the month and when I got the Flash Sale alert - they are the first things I thought of :o)

Not only are these natural hair tees, but proceeds from The Strands of Love tees will be donated to the Sisters Network Inc., an organization committed to increasing local and national attention to the impact that breast cancer has in the African American community.

Check out the logo - they have a Tee with this logo on it as well.

Natural hair tees going toward a great cause is a double plus and being as though October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month I had to get one!

Here's the one I bought :o)
Now the best part of all of this is that the 25% off sale has been extended!!!! Shoppers have until October 13th - TODAY - to take part in the extended FLASH SALE :o)

Along with The Strands of Love tees, Natural Hair Love Affair sales a variety of other wonderful items - the one they are most popular for is their Natural Hair Love Affair Wall Calendar/Planner. (check out the video below of me showing off my calender :o)

They also sale inspirational natural hair mouse pads, extra calender stickers, recipe cards and mixtress measurement magnets (I bought some of those too), and hair emergency kits that come in these cute boxes filled with things like hair oil, cutting shears, conditioning caps, affirmation cards and more.

There is even a hair emergency kit - Strand Aid - that contains a pink ribbon charm and affirmation magnet in honor of Cancer Awareness Month.

Did I mention EVERYTHING is $20 or less?!? And with the now 25% OFF - (Remember through TODAY October 13th!!!) you can also get some gifts for your natural hair/transitioning family and friends. Ahhh just writing about it makes me want to head back over to the site and shop some more - lol

Anyway - just make sure you go over to the site before the sale ends and be sure to check out the other styles of The Strands of Love Tees. Also sign up for the Natural Hair Love Affair Newsletter to get updates and alerts as well follow them on Facebook.

Check out My Natural Hair Love Affair Calender Video :o)

Peace and Blessings...

Global Events to Celebrate the Legacy of Black Hair and the Natural Lifestyle

2011-10-12T15:41:00.003-04:00

Did you know that October is International Black Hairitage Month?

Well - throughout the month of October, International Black Hairitage will be celebrating black hair with a series of events that will be streamed live via the IBHM website :o)

Check out the press release for more info:

International Black Hairitage marks a new era in Black Hair in October 2011 with the inaugural celebration of International Black Hairitage Month (IBHM).

The goal of the month-long series of events is to bridge the gap culturally, historically, and economically between Blacks and other cultures by embracing Black hair, creating a natural holistic way of living and sparking a green global natural movement.

Unshaken by the global economic dip, the business of Black hair is booming worldwide through hairstyles, products, and increased interest in natural hair care.

The UK ethnic beauty industry is expected to grow 35% to GBP88million by 2012. Meanwhile in the USA, the African-American hair industry is worth a cool $9 billion!

Activities from around the world will be streamed live for online viewing via the IBHM website.

The objectives of this global movement include using the tools of the cyber-generation to connect the world through the cultural language of Black hair, celebrating the natural, holistic lifestyle and increasing economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and job creation through organizing on a global basis.

Los Angeles based filmmaker Regina Kimbell said the idea for IBHM stemmed from conversations she had with audiences that viewed her award-winning documentary My Nappy Roots: A Journey Through Black Hair-itage (2007).

An important distinction according to Kimbell is that, "Unlike a lot of the hair events around right now, International Black Hairitage Month is not just about Black hair in its various forms; it’s a celebration of the natural, holistic lifestyle."

IBHM provides a valuable, global forum for dialogue and the exploration of various things that affect the choices that people of African descent make about their hair across the Diaspora."

International Black Hairitage is more than a month long celebration. Additional activities are being planned throughout the year from the grassroots to the global level to allow for continued discussion and engagement.

Individuals, entrepreneurs, businesses, organizations, and media entities are encouraged to visit the official IBHM website where they can learn how to join the new Movement.

There, site visitors can access a worldwide business directory, learn the "10 Things They Can Do to Support IBHM", see photos from previous events, participate in the live stream, and gain additional information about the global event partners.

International Black Hairitage Month (IBHM) is a positive experience that will leave people of Black heritage throughout the Diaspora even more proud of their culture and those of other cultures more enlightened about Black hair and the natural lifestyle.

It shows the global community that there is much more to Black hair than simply -- hair. In actuality it is a common cultural language, a political point of engagement, and increasingly a powerful economic movement.

News of IBHM is already spreading globally and host event cities include: Philadelphia, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Almere, Amsterdam, Geneva, Hamburg, Lisbon, (UK cities) Leeds, London, Brighton, Manchester and Paris.

Organizers in these markets are sharing their hair experiences, creating workshops, supporting other women as they transition, the big chop, discussing natural options at live and recorded events for IBH, also participating in online discussions via blogs and social media, and engaging in sometimes contentious and controversial topics like, "Why do so many Black women wear hair weaves?"

IBHM shows that when it comes to hair, people of African descent are as sassy, adventurous, and innovative as ever.

International Black Hairitage Month (IBHM) - Partial List (contact IBHM for updates and full list) (Sponsored by Tangle Teezer)

Sun Oct. 16 1-5pm, Nicky Oliver Salon, Manchester
MNR Film Screening at award winning Nicky Oliver Salon based in the bohemian Northern Quarter. The screening will be followed by Q&A with Regina Kimbell and Nicky Oliver.

There will be a hair and make-up demo plus entertainment. Organized by Karen Gabay troubadourfoundation@gmail.com and Denise Brooks.

Friday Oct 21, 7-10.30pm, Sallis Benny Theatre, Brighton
Legacy Film Festival Film screening of My Nappy Roots followed by Q&A with Regina Kimbell
and a one-off performance by spoken word artists from the Positive Hair Day.

Saturday Oct 22, 12-5pm Cottons Rhum, Shack Restaurant, London
Respect the Fro - Film Screening of My Nappy Roots followed by paneled discussion with
Regina Kimbell, Natasha Dennis Trichologist, Pelumi Rae Founder of Care for your Hair, United Kinkdom Blogger, Crystal Afro.

Sunday Oct. 30, 2.30-7.45pm, Tricycle Theatre, London
Series of short-films on black hair and identity followed by paneled discussion with Margot Rodway-Brown, Owner of Adornment365 Natural hair salon, Regina Kimbell filmmaker, UK celebrity and comedian, Angie Le Mar.

The event is sponsored & brought to the theatre by International Black Hairitage and Images of Black Women plus MEE and The Village Production Int'l

Organized by Paulette Harris-German and Sylviane Rano co-founder of Images of Black Women film festival. Contact: Sylviane at images.blackwomen@btinternet.com

***Be sure to mark your calenders and tune in to the live webstream events on the IBHM website - Feel free to repost :o) ***

My Natural Bloom Magazine Feature

2011-09-28T14:07:00.005-04:00

Hey :o)

I am soooo late with this, but I was featured in the September Issue of Natural Bloom Magazine.

Check it out! And be sure to head over to the Natural Bloom blog to let the creator know what you think :o)

Open publication - Free publishing - More etsy

Also, take advantage of the Bobeam Natural Products discount exclusively for Natural Bloom readers.

Peace and Blessings...

TSA Strikes Again!

2011-09-21T12:10:00.005-04:00

Wow! Again the TSA has had it hands in someone else's natural hair. In my opinion this time they picked an equivalent of a "Rosa Parks" of the natural hair community to probe - none other than natural hair activist/spokesperson/author Isis Brantley.

Pic from NaturallyIsis.com

According to News 11- Live Isis Brantley was on the train platform headed to catch a flight to Dallas when two TSA agents ran down the escalator behind her demanding to check her hair for explosives.

"Some random lady came up and said 'Did they check your hair?' and I said, 'What no,' and then I just kept going," she said.

Brantley said she was then told, "I have to pat your hair down to make sure you don't have any explosives." She said TSA agents did not take her into a private area to conduct the search, but patted her hair down right there in front of the train doors.

"She took her hand and she started digging around in my hair several times and I said, 'Find the explosives? Please don't do this to me. This is humiliating and embarrassing'," Brantley said.

Check out her video interview with News-11 here.

Again - Wow!!!

Isis was one of the guests on Nappturalite Radio in a show titled "Does Rocking Sew-in Wigs Make You and Undercover Natural. She was giving the do's and don'ts of wearing sew-in wigs.

Check the show out here

Listen to internet radio with Nappturalite Radio on Blog Talk Radio

For those who don't know Isis Brantley is a natural hair pioneer/activist. She recently organized the 1st Natural Hair Parade & Festival - sponsored by Erykah Badu - that was held in Dallas, Texas on September 3, 2011.

In 1995, the Texas Board of Cosmetology charged Isis with breaking cosmetology regulations, by braiding hair without a license. She was taken to court and found guilty, however they couldn't find an actual violation to charge her with.

According to her website, her case was put off for two years. And in 1997 Isis was arrested for braiding hair without a license. Although at the time, no laws in the state of Texas required braiders to be licensed, many in the community saw the arrest as an attempt by the state to intimidate underground braiders and subject them to the same requirements as cosmetologists.

In 2004, Isis got legislation to lower the class hours from 1500 hours to 35 hours for those who want to solely practice natural hair care in the state of Texas. In 2007, she was grandfathered by the state of Texas as the first natural hair care expert and educator in the state.

For more information on Isis Brantley visit her website Naturally Isis - http://www.naturallyisis.com/home

My Mini Twists

2011-09-14T21:11:00.000-04:00

For this upcoming fall/winter season I plan on wearing all protective styles. With my newly short do, so far my most favorite style is mini-twists.

I wash and condition my hair, while my hair is wet, I put in two-strand twists. In the warmer months, I use a twist holding product to keep my twists in longer and prevent them from becoming frizzy due to humidity. In the cooler months I simply use a pomade. I add a little bit of the twist product or pomade to each section before twisting.

These were done with Sincere -Ly Naturale Products created by Dasia - I used her Whipped Pudding after washing to seal in the moisture and her Black KoKoa which is a cream/gel for twisting. Her shop is closed right now for restocking though - but be sure to look out for when it reopens because her products are wonderful!

For some reason, I always wind up with holes in the back. I end up redoing them in the morning - separating the twists making them smaller.

At night I just cover with a satin scarf. Some mornings I let the shower spritz them a little or at night before covering, I use a spritz bottle filled with water and a little essential oil.

Top - I twisted the top to the side - trying to put them in some type of style :o) I keep these in for two weeks and sometimes unravel for a twist-out.

Top/Side - I twisted the sides going back - you can see another hole - lol. As the twists get old they swell a bit and the tiny holes get covered, but most of the time my OCD kicks in and I just redo them before this happens.

Other side - my signature one twist that always goes under my glasses handle - I can't explain why, but I always have to have one there. I like this side the best because there are no big holes!

Check out my video review of Sincere-Ly Naturale products :o)

Peace and Blessings...

Product Review Bear Fruit Hair

2011-09-03T23:11:00.003-04:00

Hey,

I wanted to share this review of Bear Fruit Hair products. I got the opportunity to test two of Bear Fruit Hair Products via the Nappturalite Radio Beauty Ambassador Program. Check out my video below :o)

Remember, to find out more about the Nappturalite Beauty Ambassador Program visit the Nappturalite Radio Website and join the Nappturalite Community as well. Check out the Bear Fruit Products Website as well.

Peace and Blessings...

Knitti Gritti Scarf Review

2011-08-01T16:19:00.004-04:00

Below is my Knitti Gritti Scarf Review :o) I purchased the scarf from Ivette of Knitti Gritti on Etsy. She makes the most beautiful scarfs and other handmade accessories.

She also makes custom designs - so if you don't see a particular color/style she will make it for you with no extra charge :o)

Check out my picture video below.

After posting the video on YouTube I had a few inquiries for a how-to video on the Turban style - I was actually just playing around with that style, so I was surprised people wanted to know how I did it. So, below is my how-to video showing the Turban look as well as a few others.

I really love the scarf! Remember to visit the Knitti Gritti shop :o) Also become a Knitti Gritti Facebook Fan to receive weekly updates, coupon codes, and info on contests. Stay tuned for my next video or pics of the new scarf I ordered as well.

Peace and Blessings ...

Giveaway Winner Announced and Natural Hair Magazine!

2011-07-20T12:57:00.010-04:00

I want to thank everyone for participating in the $25 Gift Card Giveaway sponsored by Apothica.com! Be sure to check out the wonderful products on the Apothica website and stay tuned for my next giveaway coming soon :o)

The $25 Gift Card Giveaway Winner (chosen via Random.org) is Kim D! Congrats Kim :o)

Also, as I was catching up on some of my favorite blogs, I came across this post on Chai's Back to Curly blog. It was a post on the Natural Bloom Natural Hair Magazine. Natural Bloom is published by Jc of The Natural Hair Haven. This free online magazine is dedicated to celebrating the style and the achievements of women.

The July issue of Natural Bloom features some informative natural hair care articles and great interviews with Akua of Shea Butter Cottage and Jamyla of Oyin, as well as fashion and makeup tips.

Natural Bloom is a wonderful magazine, and I'm not just saying that because of the beautiful Bobeam Shampoo Bar ad - see the ad for a special discount code exclusively for Natural Bloom readers :o). Check out the magazine for yourself below and be sure to subscribe to the Natural Bloom blog as well.

Peace and Blessings...

Open publication - Free publishing - More bobeam

$25 Gift Card Giveaway!

2011-07-01T05:00:00.007-04:00

Hey everyone :o)

Today I am announcing - as the title states- a Gift Card Giveaway!!!! This giveaway is being held via the All Naptural blog sponsor Apothica.com - which sells tons of fine skin and beauty products (there are some great natural hair products on the site as well :o).

One of the many brands sold on Apothica is Clinique. I have been using Clinique products for years and they are wonderful for all skin types.

My favorite products are Clinique's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, the (Extra Mild) Face Soap, Clarifying Lotion (Dry Combination), Even Better Makeup SPF 15 (Sienna), Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20, and Clinique's Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel.

If I had to choose only two, the ones that I use the most are the Even Better Makeup SPF 15 (Sienna) and the Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel. Click to check out the Clinique products sold at Apothica.

I love the Even Better Makeup - it blends with my skin color very well. The best part about it is that unlike most foundations it doesn't make my face break-out (I have super sensitive skin) and I never have any problems with it - even when I pile it on - lol

The Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel is the greatest! I don't get many break-outs, but the minute I see signs of a bump forming I just put a dab of the gel on and the next day there is nothing there!

It works great on bumps/break-outs that are a little older than a few minutes as well - I usually have to apply the same dab maybe two nights in a row (you can also wear it during the day under makeup) and the bump is gone :o)

Okay back to the Gift Card Giveaway! The prize is a $25 Gift Card that can be used on the entire Apothica site :o)

How you can win...

First, if you haven't already visit Apothica.com

Option #1 Via Facebook

Write on Apothica’s Facebook wall about what you think of Apothica

Bonus: Sign up for Apothica’s Newsletter

Option # 2 Via Twitter

Tweet about Apothica on your own Twitter Account

Bonus: Re-tweet Apothica’s tweet about this giveaway

Option #3 Via your Blog

Write something on your blog about what you think of Apothica

Bonus: Write about Clinique products and link it to Apothica

Once you have completed one of the options (feel free to do more than one, but only one is required to win) come back and comment on this post detailing what you have done - Facebook and Twitter users please leave your Facebook and Twitter page names. Bloggers leave your post/blog link.

That's it! The contest will run for 14 days and the winner will be contacted by Apothica after all info is verified.

* Also add SkinCareRx as a contact in your email box, so that when Apothica attempts to contact you if you win the message does not go to the spam/junk mail folder *

Good luck! Stay tuned for more product reviews from the Apothica.com site.

Peace and Blessings...

Cornrows and Puff

2011-06-20T21:08:00.000-04:00

At work I have to wear a headset all day and needless to say it flattens the top of my hair. So I try to wear hairstyles that wont get flat due to the headset. I usually wear the front clipped back with hair clips, barrettes or bobby pins, or on occasion I wear headbands.

With some headbands after the first four hours or so of wearing them with the headset I start to get a headache - not too sure if this is because of the added pressure of the headband/headset combination or the fact that after the first four hours of work I am ready to go home - I'm guessing it's the combination of both - lol

Cornrows in the front with a puff in the back has become one of my signature work styles. I also wear flat twists, but they don't last as long as the cornrows, especially with wearing the headset. I usually wear anywhere from six or more cornrows at a time in the front - depending on how large or small I make them.

Here is a set I wore for two weeks.

I didn't cornrow the top back far enough, so instead of taking them out and starting again I just used a clip to keep them flat.

Side ... these pics are from the end of the first week.

Other side :o) At night I cover with a satin cap and in the morning just spritz or let the shower spritz and add oil, or a curly product-cream, hair milk or gel in the back. Having the cornrows in the front also saves on the amount of product I use as well.

I got tired of the clip so for the second week - I decided to add some back-in-the-day silver clasps :o)

These also come in gold - I found them in a beauty supply in a mall in the beads section - I couldn't believe they still sold these. I also slept with them in and got them wet and everything. They have little slits in the back, where they can be opened and I just opened them a little and squeezed them back together once I put them around each cornrow. A few of them bent and broke when I took them out and tried to reshape them though, so if you find some get more than one bag :o)

Stay tuned for more updates
Peace and Blessings...

Kinky-Curly Review

2011-06-05T21:13:00.005-04:00

Yay! I've finally got around to posting pics :o)

Okay below are pics of my Kinky-Curly results. I have been on this "mission" of actually using up the products in my cabinet before buying any more. I love Kinky-Curly's Knot Today. I've been using it as a detangler/leave-in. And since I've cut my hair I've been using the combo of Knot Today and Curling Custard for wash-n-gos.

As you can see I am almost out of both products :o) I also used my Tangle Teezer to detangle and distribute the Knot Today after washing...

Me :o) Freshly washed hair...

I used this much Knot Today for the back half of my hair and added about the same amount for the front ...

After smoothing in the Knot Today with my hands, I used the Tangle Teezer to distribute it throughout my hair...

Closer shot... you can see my henna dyed gray - now gray roots/reddish streak - it's almost time to redo :o) (I use henna to condition once a month)

Next I dipped my fingers into the Curling Custard and starting from the back up - I raked it through sections of my hair. I always get carried away with this step - dipping my fingers back in the jar for each section..

As you can see my heavy-handedness resulted in lots of white spots.

Again I worked my way from the back up raking it through - a rough version of the shingling technique. I found that raking with my fingers versus going over each section with a comb is much faster, but doing it with a comb results in more defined curls.

All done :o) You can also see some white spots. I usually get rid of most of the white spots by gently dabbing with a damp cloth or...

by wetting my fingers and lightly dabbing the spots. Both ways work, but you have to be extremely careful not to disturb the curls to prevent frizziness.

Right after you've applied your curly product, it's best to just leave your hair alone until it almost completely dries. Once it dries, then you can shape up and/or gently lift your curls.

All done :o) I had plans to add hair pins or clips in the front, but I liked how it came out so I wore it like this for the day.

Closer shot - You can see that the front of my hair is a different texture than the back - it requires less product to curl and I don't have to rake it through - just smooth the product on.

I don't do this process (the raking) every morning, just once after washing. For daily maintenance, I just wet my hair, or let the shower 'spritz' it and then add a little of the Curling Custard in the palm of my hand, rub my hands together and smooth through my damp hair and go. I sleep with a satin bonnet on at night.

Stay tuned for more pics of other curly products that I've used...

Peace and Blessings :o)

Updates Coming Soon and Hair Routine

2011-05-31T11:49:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the long span without any updates. As soon as the warm weather arrived it seemed like everybody and their mother wanted me to do their hair - with time consuming extension styles at that :o( But I think I have gotten all heads done and will be updating soon :o)

In the meanwhile, I am still loving my new TWA - it has grown out a little on the top, but I noticed that I cut the back uneven so again picked up the scissors in attempt to shape it up. It's still not as even as I would like it but I'm satisfied for now. I'm thinking that as it grows out a bit more I may have to go to a stylist to get it shaped professionally.

I have cut down on styling it every week - i.e.- twists/coils one week and twist-outs the next - especially since I've been doing other people's hair I haven't had the time - so I've been wearing wash-n-gos. I've been experimenting with different products trying to figure out which ones my hair likes the best - and I haven't bought anything new either - just going through old stuff in my cabinets - so far I have had the best results with HairVeda's Whipped Gelly.

I am heavy-handed with products and so far it's one of the only 'curling' product that I've tried where I can pile it on and it wont be hard or crunchy later. I also like it because I can use it alone - without an oil or pomade and once it dries it leaves my hair super moisturized, soft and with a nice sheen. It also actually defines my curls.

I've also attempted to make my own flax seed gel and had pretty good results with that as well.
I have tons of pictures and curly product reviews in the works :o) I am also planning another giveaway as well so stay tuned.

Peace and Blessings...

NaturallyCurly Giveaway

2011-05-02T16:03:00.007-04:00

NaturallyCurly.com has launched a HUGE giveaway running all month long (starting today) to help curlies win the battle against frizz and WIN some amazing prizes. They are giving away $10,000 worth of prizes all May long.

Check out the following press release which includes more contest information and some helpful tips :o)

FRIZZ FACTOR

Win the No-Frizz Battle with Ten Tips and Free Products
Every Day of May from NaturallyCurly.com

AUSTIN, TX – The weather is changing and frizz season is creeping up on us. Whether you wear your hair curly or straight, frizz control is always a priority!

In its quest to help curly girls find solutions, NaturallyCurly is launching 31 Days to Fight Frizz during the month of May—prime frizz weather. Each day, readers can enter to win products from some of the top frizz-fighting brands, including Ouidad, Ojon, John Frieda, Curly Hair Solutions, Carol’s Daughter and CURLS. One grand-prize winner will also receive a $1,000 gift card.

“April showers may bring May flowers, but they also bring frizzy hair!” says Michelle Breyer, president and co-founder of NaturallyCurly.com. “Frizz is the curly girl’s arch nemesis, and here at NaturallyCurly.com we want to keep curlies looking good.”

Frizz control starts with how you care for your curls. Frizzy hair doesn’t discriminate, so NaturallyCurly.com has complied a list of ten hair healthy tips for sensational, no-frizz summer curls.

1. Get a good haircut to reduce split ends and breakage, a major cause of frizz.

2. Cleanse your hair every 2 to 3 days to keep some natural oils on your scalp to reduce frizz.

3. Never skip conditioner, and deep condition at least once a week.

4. Always detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb when it’s wet and slick with conditioner.

5. Rinse with cold water because cold water helps smooth down the cuticle, diminishing frizz and fluffy flyaway tendencies.

6. Avoid terrycloth towels. Use microfiber instead because it does not disturb the cuticle— instead it smoothes the cuticle down, reducing frizz.

7. Choose a styling product best suited for your hair type because each hair type responds differently to weather conditions.

8. Air-dry or use a diffuser for the least amount of disruption and frizz.

9. Carry a pomade or frizz-fighting serum at all times to control frizz and repel humidity.

10. Lastly, NEVER use a brush and try not to touch your curls! Brushing while wet will break your hair, and brushing while dry is a curly hair sin.

How to Enter

Participants must enter 31 Days To Fight Frizz Giveaway by registering at www.naturallycurly.com/fight-frizz to be eligible. The giveaway begins May 1, 2011, at 12:00 a.m. CST and ends May 31, 2011, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Only online entries will be accepted. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

Learn how to fight, reduce and eliminate frizz for your natural hair with frizz tips, articles, styling tips, product reviews, salons and more by visiting www.naturallycurly.com.

Check out the video!

Good luck :o)

Recap Video 6th Annual DC Love, Locs and Natural Hair Expo

2011-04-26T13:40:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone,

I will be updating soon with pics of my TWA - I am actually managing to 'leave it alone' and wear my styles longer than a few days :o)

In the meanwhile, check out these videos of The 6th Annual DC Love, Locs and Natural Hair Expo I had the opportunity to attend and vend at :o)

The first one was done by me - you may have to pause it to read the text - I haven't got the hang of slowing down the slides yet.

And the second one is the hair show put on by Baltimore's Infinity Naturals at the expo. Enjoy :o)

My Video - see if you can spot my shampoo bar table :o)

Infinity Naturals Hair Show

Peace and Blessings...

Fresh Start - Big Chop Again!

2011-04-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

First off, I have to give a shout-out to Dawn of Nappturalite Radio for commenting on my new Facebook profile pic with "Fresh Start" :o) She inspired me with the title of this post.

Well, like the title also says I did ANOTHER big chop :o)

Over the past few months I have been noticing so many people doing big chops either for the first time or just doing it again, and the scissors were calling me name- lol. I had been thinking about cutting my hair even all around for a while, and after doing a trim I really noticed that the front was longer than the back, and the middle was way shorter than them both.

And I know that hair grows unevenly, but I noticed that the middle seemed like it wasn't growing as fast as the front and back - breaking off when it reached a certain point. When I wore two-strand twists I always had holes - scalp showing in the back- due to the middle being shorter, which would make me gravitate to putting it up in a bun.

I had big plans to start doing scalp massages and becoming more diligent about taking hair vitamins. I also decided to stop wearing so many ponytails/buns, which was most likely the main reason why the middle was breaking off. While wearing ponytails/buns I really didn't care for the middle of my hair as much as the front and back, and I'm sure it being secured with bands 90% of the time wasn't helping.

But, for some reason I just couldn't stop wearing the ponytails/buns. I even tried wearing lower ones versus wearing them in the middle of my head where the shorter hair was. That didn't last long because the hair in the middle wasn't long enough to fit in the low ponytail/bun and I ended up trying to stretch it to make it fit - again putting more stress on already fragile hair.

So this also helped with my decision to do another big chop - now it's about 2 inches or so all over and cant fit into a ponytail or bun - so my ponytail/bun problem is solved :o)

My New Goals

This time around I plan to as Dawn commented "Start Fresh" and concentrate on overall healthy hair while growing it out. Now that I have a TWA I find myself constantly rubbing my scalp, so scalp massages shouldn't be a problem. Also, I plan on 'actually' taking those hair vitamins on a regular basis.

I also plan on continuing with the basics - moisturizing with water, followed by an oil or pomade to seal in the moisture, washing and conditioning - deep conditioning with henna once a month. And as my hair grows out I plan on experimenting with TWA styles. By the time it grows out hopefully I will be used to wearing it 'out' more and have those ponytails/buns out of my system (well at least wont be wearing them all the time).

And of course, I will document it all here :o) My new grow-out journey!

This is only the second week, but so far I have worn puffs, tiny box braids that I turned into a braid-out, cornrows that I turned into a braid-out, a Bantu knot-out and twists/twist-out. I got carried away with styling since it doesn't take as long to do :o) I think I will give my hair a break next week and get back on a routine of styling it once every week or two.

So stay tuned ... in the meanwhile check out my big chop video. Peace and Blessings...

Actual Science Behind Some Notorious Ingredients

2011-04-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Here is some great info from one of my favorite bloggers Jc of The Natural Hair Haven.

This UK blogger, is actually a ‘real-life’ Scientist. Dr. Ruby Majani aka Jc of The Natural Hair Haven - Science and Natural Hair blog, has a BSc and PhD in Material Science.

On her blog Jc states that she is not pro-natural nor anti-natural. "I think we can benefit from both natural and synthetic products," she says.

Jc compiled the following list of the top 5 most talked about ingredients and the science behind them.

Mineral Oil

Word on the Street: It comes from petroleum. It blocks out moisture from the hair causing it to dry out. It is used as a cheap filler in products.

Science: It is from fossil fuel and therefore considered natural in origin. All oils (including coconut, castor or mineral oil) form a barrier on the hair delaying water entry or exit to the hair. No oil can fully prevent water entry or exit.

Mineral oil is colorless and odorless therefore is able to be combined easily in products, given the widespread use of fossil fuels it is also one of the easiest to source consistently.
consistently.

Best use: Mineral oil is useful when hair needs to be kept dry. For example, for straight styling or styling in high humidity.

Cautions: Mineral oil forms one of the best barriers as far as oils go therefore if hair is damaged or prone to being dry then should be used sparingly.

Silicone

Word on the street: Silicone builds up on hair and blocks out moisture. It is artificial.

Science: Silicone is a lab created product. It is also an oil and therefore is also supposed to form a barrier. Silicone oil does not spread as easily as other oils therefore does not form the best barrier.

It is one of the best conditioning ingredients in shampoo helping to reduce hair damage when washing. In conditioners it creates slip allowing easy combing of hair especially wet combing.

Best use: Silicones are useful in shampoos and conditioners as they mitigate hair damage. They are also useful in heat styling as they offer some thermal protection to hair.

Cautions: Some silicones are water soluble while others are not. Non-water soluble silicones can accumulate on hair if a no poo (no shampoo) routine is used.

Sulfates (or SLS)

Word on the street: Sulfate containing shampoos are harsh, strip hair of natural oils and dry out hair.

Science: The purpose of shampoo is to strip oil. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS is a common surfactant in hair products and is one of if not the most effective cleanser. It can be very irritating to skin on its own but it is often mixed with less harsh cleansers such as SLES or ALES.

Best use: Clarifying hair, excellent for getting rid of build up.
Cautions: Some shampoos with SLS are likely to irritate skin (meaning dryness, itchiness and redness).

Equally some shampoos without SLS can also provoke a similar reaction. Ideally if a shampoo irritates, switch to something different.

Parabens

Word on the street: Parabens cause cancer and mimic human hormones (estrogen).

Science: Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Parabens do have a similar structure to estrogen but are not known to cause cancer.

They were found in breast cancer tissue but are also thought to be present in undiseased tissue as they can travel through the skin. In terms of mimicking hormones, parabens present a significantly low risk compared to hormonal contraception.

Best Use: An unpreserved hair product is a serious potential health risk. Parabens are not the only available preservative, but always pick a product with some type of preservative.

Glycerin

Word on the street: Glycerin dries hair out especially in winter. It can draw moisture from hair.

Science: Glycerin is a humectant meaning it binds to water and holds onto it. It therefore is a moisturizing ingredient.

It is also known to strengthen natural hair (unfortunately not so for relaxed hair). It is usually mixed with water prior to use and therefore in theory should not draw water from hair.

Best Use: One natural hair company (Oyin) suggests applying glycerin containing products on hair prior to a bath and shower. The steam could provide glycerin with additional water.

Cautions: Not everyone likes glycerin as a humectant. Some have more success with aloe vera or honey.

Now that you have the science behind the above ingredients you can now make your own informed decision on when/if to use them.

Remember, it’s best to ‘know’ your hair - what it strives on and what it dislikes. What works for some may not work at all for you :o)

Peace and Blessings...

TWA Styles

2011-03-28T06:00:00.002-04:00

Here is another one of my favorites that I wrote for Coco and Creme - Styling Your TWA (teenie weenie afro). Be sure to check out the YouTube video links at the end - there are some very cute styles that can be worn on TWAs as well as longer hair lengths :o)

I love the TWA stage. Although I never did a ‘big chop’, I’ve cut my hair several times and enjoyed wearing my TWA which always seemed to grow out very fast. But, I do understand that it seems like that there aren’t many style options especially when pictures of updos, puffs and big twist-outs on longer hair overflow the web.

So this is dedicated to TWA wearers who are seeking various style options. Again, there are styles that can be created with one or two inches of hair; the most simple, and probably obvious style is the wash-n-go.

Simply wash or wet your hair, depending on your hair’s texture you can add an oil or pomade, leave-in conditioner or an alcohol free styling gel, smooth the product through your wet hair to achieve texture and go. You have a textured TWA.

With a TWA you can also wear coils - finger coils or comb coils. Wash or wet your hair, start at the back and work your way up to create comb coils or finger coils. Depending on how long you plan to wear your coils and the weather, you may not have to add anything aside from a moisturizer. Coils are a very pretty style, that can be worn in the boardroom as well as the club.

My all time favorite are two-strand twists. All you need is one or two inches of hair to create two-strand twists. As soon as you can ‘grab’ hair between your fingers it can be twisted into two-strands.

You will have to make the two-strands tiny in order for them to stay twisted. And, again depending on your hair type, you may have to use an alcohol-free gel to help them stay twisted.

And of course, once you’ve put in your two-strand twists, you can also wear a twist-out. Put your two-strands in when your hair is wet (again you may have to add a little styling gel) then unravel them when they are completely dry to wear a twist-out.

Your twists can be worn for a week and then you can wear a twist-out the next, creating a two-in-one style.

You can also create flat twists with one or two inches of hair. You can create cute flat-twist updos with a combo of two-strand twists or even coils. You can even create flat twist-outs. You can flat twist wet hair, let them dry and unravel to create a textured flat twist-out. You can also do this with cornrows.

To get even more creative, you can add a few flat twists or cornrows to the front or side of your hair, secure them with some cute clips, barrettes or hair pins and wear the back out. Combining twists and/or cornrows to the front of your TWA as-is or textured are great unique combo-styles.

You can also put tiny box braids in your hair once it’s long enough to grab. Now this will require more patience because it takes a little longer and you will be working with three sections instead of simply twisting two, but box braids are also a cute style to wear during the TWA stage. You can also create Bantu knots with your box braids.

In most cases, box braids curl at the ends by themselves, or you can use a little alcohol-free styling gel to help them along, creating a pretty curly box braid style. Unbraid your box braids for a textured braid-out. And unravel your knots for a curly knot-out as well.

As you experiment with these different styles, and create your own, as well as accessorize along the way, your TWA phase will be over before you know it, so enjoy it while you can.

Check out the videos links below depicting creative TWA styles.
InTheTikiLounge
krzyshy
RimBlu4

Peace and Blessings...

The Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil

2011-03-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

There are several benefits to using coconut oil on your hair.

Virgin Coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic, properties that can help with many scalp problems such as dandruff. It can also aid in length retention, because it strengthens hair strands to keep them from breaking.

Virgin Coconut oil is a great oil to use to soften your hair and condition your scalp. Virgin Coconut Oil can also be used as a weekly scalp massage oil.

The fatty-acids in coconut oil are the exact ones contained in sebum, the natural oil that our scalp produces. They both contain medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which can easily penetrate the hair strand to and reduce protein loss.

Virgin Coconut Oil also prevents destructive free-radical formation and provides protection against them. It can help to keep the skin from developing liver spots, and other blemishes caused by aging and over exposure to sunlight. It helps to keep connective tissues strong and supple so that the skin doesn't sag and wrinkle.

In some cases it might even restore damaged or diseased skin. The oil is absorbed into the skin and into the cell structure of the connective tissues, limiting the damage excessive sun exposure can cause.

Ayuredic Hair Recipes Using Coconut Oil

For an Itchy Scalp:
Add 1 teaspoon of camphor to half a cup of coconut oil and store it in glass container. Massage this oil into your scalp before bed.

For Dandruff:
1. Add 1 teaspoon of camphor to half a cup of coconut or neem oil. Store it in glass container. Massage this oil into the scalp before bed. Wash with warm water after three to four hours or leave overnight.

2. Mix 1 teaspoon of castor, mustard and coconut oil each and massage into the scalp. Wash with warm water after three to four hours or leave overnight.

3. Mix one part of lemon juice with two parts of coconut oil. Massage into the roots of the hair regularly.

Peace and Blessings...

More Info:

Ayurveda Recipes

Coconut Connections

Ehow - Coconut Oil Treatment

Coconut Oil Central

Afrobella Article on Coconut Oil

Preventing Split Ends

2011-03-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

Here's another topic that I've written about, but a popular one - Split Ends.

Split End Pic from P&G Beauty

Split ends, scientifically known as Trichoptilosis, happens when the hair's protective cuticle has been stripped away from the ends, causing a splitting of the hair shaft giving it a feathery appearance.

Avoiding trims, excessive brushing, heat, elastic bands, hair extensions, towel drying and even dry scalp are all causes of split ends. There is no ‘cure’ for split ends, the only way to get rid of them is to cut them off.

The ends of your hair are very important. Dry, split ends cause breakage while moisturized ends are more pliable and retain length. Some people shy away from trimming their ends because they do not want to lose length.

But keep in mind that split ends cause the hair to split all the way up to the scalp, which will result in you having to get a major cut. Split ends should be cut at least 1 inch above the split.

Another good way to prevent split ends, along with moisturizing, is adding ‘dusting’ of your ends to your hair routine. I would describe dusting as cutting off less than an inch of your ends.

When your ends start to feel crunchy, or you hear popping when you detangle, or start to see tiny hairs in the sink that are not old shedded hairs (with white bulbs at the tips) these are signs that you may need to ‘dust’ your ends.

But remember, only trim or dust your ends when necessary - you don't want to fall into a 'routine' of cutting your ends when they really don't need to be cut, especially if you want to retain length.

Also, when you come across one of those tiny knots - simply cut the knot off and move on, again it's not necessary to trim every strand.

The easiest way to trim/dust your own ends is when your hair is in box braids or twists. Simply cut a little (about a half inch or less) off the ends of each twist or braid.

To avoid having to make a drastic cut because of split ends, the best thing to do is to take preventive measures and protect them.

To protect your ends, get in the routine of moisturizing them during the week. Use oils such as shea butter, castor oil, olive oil or almond oil to protect your ends.

Conditioning after shampooing (rinse with cool water to close your hair cuticle), detangling with conditioner, and adding a monthly deep conditioner to your hair care routine also help prevent split ends, as well as avoiding heat, air drying whenever possible, and keeping your hair moisturized.

Wearing ‘protective’ styles, such as braids, cornrows or twists are also helpful in protecting your ends.

For those with longer hair, in colder seasons protect your ends by wearing silk or satin scarves around your shoulders to keep your ends from rubbing against wool coats and cotton sweaters, or wear protective styles like updos or buns.

Make sure that the hats you wear have a silk or satin lining or wear a silk/satin scarf underneath them. Cotton absorbs moisture and also snags your hair, therefore at night use a silk/satin scarf, bonnet or pillow case.

Peace and Blessings...

Sources
Devon Trichology Practice
Ultimate Cosmetics
Hair Finder
Hairstyles Cut.com

Skin Deep - Database to Check Product Safety

2011-03-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Again, I wrote about this in several articles on the internet but wanted to share one of my favorite sites for those who may not have heard of it - Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. (and I'm determined to keep my promise of keeping the blog up-to-date :o)

With so many products on the market today proclaiming to be ‘natural’ it can be very confusing determining which ones are truly natural versus those that contain a few natural ingredients.

And when it comes to reading ingredient lists, it seems like you need to be a chemist to understand them. For example, the average consumer might not know off hand that simmondsia chinensis is actually Jojoba.

Before experimenting with an igredient or even when I'm thinking about buying a product and I'm not too sure what a listed ingredient is - I look up the ingredient on the database. For me, the best way to determine what an ingredient it and whether or not it's safe is to research it.

Research may sound like a long, tedious undertaking, but with the database it's pretty simple.

According to the website, Skin Deep gets about 1 million page views per month, and is the world’s largest and most popular product safety guide. Skin Deep is an online safety guide for cosmetics and personal care products that was launched in 2004 by the Environmental Working Group.

Skin Deep’s database provides safety ratings for nearly a quarter of all products on the market; 62,551 products with 7,644 ingredients. According to the site, it gets about 1 million page views per month, making Skin Deep the world's largest and most popular product safety guide.

Skin Deep ratings are on a 0 to 10 scale; 0 being low hazard and 10 being the highest. You can search ingredients, product brands, and even get a shopping list of low hazard products.

Just simply type in the entire product name (exact brand) or ingredient and you will get facts on the product/ingredient i.e. what it’s used for, its rating, toxicity stats, as well as government and other agency studies performed.

In a matter of minutes you will have all the information you need to determine whether or not you want to purchase a product, or stop using one you already have

More information:
Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database

Videos - The Making of Shea Butter

2011-03-01T06:00:00.002-05:00

Shea Butter is one of my staples - I like to use it raw and unrefined, as well as ultra refined from Wholesale Supplies Plus.

Shea butter originates from the Karite Nut tree, also called the Mangifolia tree, found in the semi-arid savannahs of West and Central Africa.

The Karite Nut tree, also called the "tree of life" can live for 300 years and almost all parts of the tree have some practical use. The bark is an ingredient in traditional medicines against certain childhood illnesses and minor scrapes and cuts. The shell of the nuts can repel mosquitoes.

The fruity part of the nut, when crushed, results in a vegetable oil that can be used in soap-making, cooking, and skin and hair care. The oil extracted has a relatively high melting point and is used in rural areas in the making of foods, traditional drugs and cosmetics. Shea is mainly exported as smoked kernels and can be used as an extender in chocolate as its properties are similar to cocoa butter.

Although in the last few years, Shea butter has become popular in the United States, it has been used by the women of West Africa for centuries. Shea butter can also help to protect the skin against the damaging effects of the sun, while repairing cellular degeneration.

It contains vitamins A and E, and has demonstrated both antimicrobial (kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoa), and anti-inflammatory properties.

In most parts of West Africa, destruction of the Shea tree is prohibited because this little nut provides a valuable source of food, medicine, and income for the population. In fact, Shea butter is sometimes referred to as "women’s gold" in Africa, because so many women are employed in the production of Shea butter.

Shea butter may also help treat skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis; however, keep in mind that you should always consult a physician or dermatologist about serious or persistent skin problems. Shea butter is not recommended for people with nut or latex allergies.

Check out these videos on how shea butter is made...

The first is called - From Tree to Nuts

The second one is called - From Nuts to Butter

I thought these were really interesting. There are other videos on YouTube that show shea butter production as well - I didn't want to get too carried away posting them :o). The Greenpeople Company, Ltd has a YouTube channel with videos of making organic shea butter and how fair trade shea butter has helped villages in Ghana which are also interesting.

Sources Used
The Shea Project
Treasured Locks
Pioneer Thinking

Peace and Blessings...

Celebrating Black History Month - Madam C.J. Walker

2011-02-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Madam C.J. Walker

Business woman, and philanthropist, Madam C.J. Walker is truly one of my inspirations, not only did she rise from the cotton fields in the south to start her own hair business, but she gave back to her community as well.

"I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations….I have built my own factory on my own ground." Madam Walker, National Negro Business League Convention.

"On Her Own Ground, The Life and Times of Madam CJ Walker" was written by her great-great granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles. It reads like an African American history book, packed with historical figures, dates and events. It is a very inspirational biography and one that I think should be a part of everyone's personal library.

The book describes the interactions Madam C.J. Walker had with other historical figures, such as Booker T. Washington, Mary McLeod Bethune, Paul Laurence Dunbar, W. E. B. Du Bois, and Nannie Helen Burroughs.

It also details her numerous contributions to organizations such as the YMCA, YWCA, NAACP, and numerous educational institutions such as the Tuskegee and Daytona Normal and Industrial Institutes.

I had the opportunity to interview A’Lelia Bundles and she had this to say about her great-great grandmother.

"I hope people will remember that Madam Walker’s business success is only part of her legacy. That she became a millionaire is, of course, noteworthy, but that she used her wealth and influence as a philanthropist, political activist and advocate for women’s economic independence really is what makes her worth remembering."

"Even then, her focus was on healthy hair and healing the scalp disease that was so rampant at the time …. I know many people still associate her primarily with hair straightening, but if they really examine the record – looking at her original ads, her letters, the products she and the Walker Company actually sold before her death in 1919 – I believe their interpretation would be different," she added.

This goes along with a quote from Madam C.J. Walker, from the book. "Right here let me correct the erroneous impression held by some that I claim to straighten hair," she told the Indianapolis Recorder. "I deplore such impression because I have always held myself out as a hair culturist. I grow hair."

Check out this video of A’Lelia Bundles, talking about Madam C.J. Walker and the discoveries she made about her great-great grandmother at the National Archives…

More information

Madam C.J. Walker Official Websit e
Madam C.J. Walker Official Facebook Fan Pag e
Purchase On Her Own Ground

YouTube Video - The Citizen TAG - The Legacy of Madam Walker Part 1

YouTube Video - The Citizen TAG - The Legacy of Madam Walker Part 2

Celebrating Black History Month with Ursula Burns

2011-02-23T08:05:00.004-05:00

Ursula Burns is the first black woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company. She is also the first woman to succeed another woman as head of a Fortune 500 company. On July 1, 2009 she was named the CEO of Xerox. Accomplishing this all while sporting her TWA :o)

Ursula Burns is a graduate of Polytechnic Institute of NYU, and holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University.

Ursula Burns started with Xerox as a summer intern in 1980 and after receiving her Master’s degree she joined the company as a full-time employee, and worked her way up to the CEO position. She has also been a member of the board of directors since 2007.

She serves as Director of the F.I.R.S.T. (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Foundation, National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, and the National Academy Foundation

Ursula Burns also serves on several professional and community boards, including American Express, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, MIT, the U.S. Olympic Committee and the University of Rochester.

She was named by President Barack Obama to help lead the White House national program on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in November 2009 and was appointed Vice Chair of the President’s Export Council in March 2010.

Check out this video of Ursula Burns speaking to the YWCA via XeroxCorp YouTube Channel - I wish it was her entire presentation, but although short it's very inspirational.

Sources
The Daily Voice
News - Xerox.com
XeroxCorp YouTube Channel

Flowers for Your Hair - Literally

2011-02-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Although it may not feel like it springtime is approaching - so I decided to pull another one of my Coco and Creme mag - archived articles up to post - one about flowers.

This is not a post about accessories though, it's about flowers as ingredients in hair care. I use flowers/herbs in hair tea rinses - *shamless plug - warning* - for those who'd rather let someone else do the 'mixing' for you check out my ready-to-use Bobeam Hair Teas ;o)

But anyway - I'm sure most have heard about the benefits of flowers/herbs like Chamomile, Rosemary and Lavender, so I thought it would be interesting to research some that may not be as well known.

First up is Hibiscus - and this is my favorite - it turns my rinse red too - but doesn't color hair and I like the taste of the tea as well :o)

Hibiscus

One of the most common flowering trees of India is the Hibiscus tree. Hibscus is part of the Malvaceae, or the Mallow, family of flowers. Both cotton, and the original ingredient used to make marshmallows, come from this group of flowers.

Okra is also a mallow. And I always thought Okra was a gross vegetable (no offense to those like my mom and husband who love it).

Ancient woman of India used Hibiscus extracts as hair treatments. Both the leaves and flowers of the tree are included in Ayurvedic therapy, and used in cosmetic formulations. The flowers and leaves contain many properties that benefit hair and scalp, and help in the treatment of dandruff and hair loss.

Hibiscus has a soothing and cooling action on the scalp. It is beneficial to those who suffer from the scalp condition seborrhea because of its astringent properties which help to reduce oil-gland secretions and excessive oiliness in the hair and scalp.

Hibiscus also helps to reduce scaling, itching, and redness, and reduces clogged pores, thereby improving overall hair health.Hibiscus flowers and leaves can be steeped in boiling water overnight, then strained and used directly on your scalp as a final rinse and left in your hair.

Calendula

Calendula officinalis, or marigold, has been used for medicinalpurposes for centuries. Calendula contains a high amount of falconoids, which are plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals.

Calendula has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial effects, and Calendula powdered extract soothes irritated scalp, and improves the condition of the scalp.

Calendula flowers can also be steeped in boiling water overnight, strained and then used directly on your scalp as a final rinse and left in your hair.

Tiare

The Tiare (tee-a-ray) flower, or Gardenia tahitensis, is from the Rubiaceae family. It is Tahiti’s national flower.

The combination of coconut oil and Tiare flower makes up the popular Monoi de Tahiti oil. The oil can be created by soaking ten Tiare flowers, which must come from French Polynesia, in one litre of refined coconut oil for a minimum of ten days.

In Polynesia, the flowers are soaked in refined copra oil (virgin coconut oil) for a minimum of 15 days. The process of soaking allows the flowers to release their essence into the oil, thereby producing the wonderful Monoi fragrance.

Monoi oil can be applied daily to improve hair texture. It smoothes the hair cuticle, and penetrates the hair shaft, to add moisture and shine, and aids in detangling. Monoi oil can also be applied after washing - or used on dry hair as a hair mask. Just apply the oil, cover your hair with a plastic cap for about 30 minutes, then rinse and wash.

Arnica

Arnica, a.k.a Arnica Montana, is a member of the Daisy family. Arnica in herbal form is primarily restricted to topical use because it can cause serious side effects when taken internally.

Arnica’s antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties treat scalp infections. Arnica rejuvenates the scalp, stimulates hair follicles, strengthens hair, promotes hair growth, and helps with premature hair loss and graying. It also nourishes the scalp and controls dandruff by limiting sebum production.

Arnica Chamonesis looks very similar to Arnica Montana, but its flowersare somewhat smaller. Arnica Chamonesis can be very toxic even if usedin very low doses. Always use in a diluted form—infused with a carrieroil. Arnica extract can be safely used in hair preparations at a concentration of 1 to 2 percent.

Prolonged use may irritate the skin, causing eczema, peeling, blisters,or other skin conditions. Arnica should not be used on broken skin oropen wounds. Do not use if pregnant or breast feeding.

I hope this was helpful - Peace and Blessings...

More info

Arnica.com

American Botanical Council

Beauty Cosmetics Guide

UMM Medical/Calendula

Hub Pages Monoi de Tahiti

Monoi.com

Expressing Love for Your Hair via Ayurveda

2011-02-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that is designed to help people live long, healthy, and well-balanced lives.

The term Ayurveda is taken from the Sanskrit words ayus, meaning life or lifespan, and veda, meaning knowledge. It has been practiced in India for at least 5,000 years.

The basic principle of Ayurveda is to prevent and treat illness with natural herbal remedies and first and foremost by maintaining balance in the body, mind, and consciousness through proper diet, and lifestyle.

We all know that poor diet, illness, lack of proper hygiene, and nutritional deficiencies can all affect the hair and cause various problems. Many are taking an Ayurvedic approach to maintaining healthy hair.

A Quick lesson in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, doshas are the functional intelligences within the body mind complex, they are the energies that make things happen within an organism.

There are three dosha predominant constitutions; Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, where two doshas are equally or nearly equally predominant ( Vata-Pitta, Pitta-Kapha and Vata-Kapha; and one tridoshic Prakruti with all three doshas equally prominent Vata-Pitta-Kapha)

Everyone has Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, but usually one or two are dominant in a particular person. Stress, and an unhealthy diet are among the things that can disturb the doshas balance.

Vata is the energy of movement. It is the energy that controls bodily functions associated with motion including blood circulation, breathing, blinking and heartbeat. When it is balanced creativity and vitality are present.

When Vata is not balanced, this produces fear and anxiety.

Pitta is the energy of digestion and metabolism. It is the energy that controls the body's metabolic systems, including digestion, absorption, nutrition, and temperature.

When Pitta is balanced contentment and intelligence are present. When it is not balanced anger and even ulcers arise.

Kapha is the energy of lubrication and structure. It is the energy that controls growth in the body. This energy supplies water to all body parts, moisturizes the skin and maintains the immune system. When Kapha is balanced, love and forgiveness are present. When it is not balanced, it results in insecurity and envy.

Ayurveda Holistic Hair Care

When it comes to hair care, the Ayurvedic practice of keeping the doshas balanced play a key role in maintaining healthy hair. Along with the obvious things, like moisturizing, conditioning, protecting your ends, minimizing the use of heat, etc, incorporate the following Ayurvedic steps to ensure healthy hair.

1. Start with a nutritious diet. Eat lots of leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits and nuts - avoid caffeinated drinks, spicy, fried and greasy food. Foods such as Good-for-your-hair white sesame seeds, whole grains, dates and raisins, fresh yogurt, bean sprouts, and healthy fats such as olive oil, are great for overall hair health.

Cook with spices that enhance digestion and purify body tissues: turmeric, black pepper, fenugreek, coriander and cumin digestion-enhancing (balancing Pitta). Also, add vitamins and supplements to your diet.

2. Make a weekly hair and scalp massages part of your hair care routine which nourish your hair and scalp and enhances circulation (balancing Vata) - olive oil will do the trick, and you can also infuse your oil with herbs by steeping a tea bag filled with chamomile, hibiscus etc, in hot oil for a few hours then using the cooled mixture to massage scalp and/or as a hot-oil treatment.

3. Follow a regular cleansing routine (balancing Kapha). Whether you do this daily, weekly, or bi-weekly a clean, build-up free scalp is one of the major keys to healthy hair. Remember, wash your scalp with the pads of your fingers not your nails and do a final rinse with cool water.

Also, remember to clean your hair tools as well, soaking brushes and combs in boiled water and/or shampoo regularly helps to get rid of dead skin cells, oils and dirt.

4. Balance all three doshas, Pitta, Vata, and Kapha by managing stress, and getting plenty of sleep. Stress can lead to hair loss and sleep deprivation is a form of stress.

Emotional or physical stress related to a death in the family, pregnancy, severe weight loss or surgery, pushes large numbers of growing hairs into a resting phase called resulting in hair loss called telogen effluvium. Although it can take months, this type of hair loss grows back when the emotional or physical stress is resolved.

For some, intense stress may trigger a type of hair loss called alopecia areata. With this type of hair loss, white blood cells attack the hair follicle which stops hair growth and within weeks, the affected hair falls out.

This type of hair loss usually starts as a small round patch, but may eventually spread to the whole scalp, and sometimes to body hair as well. The hair generally grows back, but the cycle may repeat itself.

Keeping a journal, making time for hobbies, going for walks and taking long baths, are just a few of the ways to manage and/or reduce stress. Try practicing Yoga and meditation, which are the primary Ayurvedic treatments for stress.

By making these things a part of your lifestyle, you will see a great improvement in the health of your hair and overall health.

Peace and Blessings...

Sources
Ayurvedic Approach to Beauty
Ayurveda Info

Ayurveda Resources

Ayurvedic Hair Recipes

Ayurvedic Clarifying Rinse

Celebrating Black History Month with Soul Train and Ultra Sheen

2011-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

My next Black History Month Spotlight is not a person, but the TV show Soul Train and the Ultra Sheen Commercials :o)

Last August, Time Life commemorated Soul Train's 40th Anniversary with the release of a DVD box set. The box set includes interviews with the Soul Train Dancers, and show performers, their live show performances, as well as the classic commercials from the Soul Train sponsors Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen :o)

Soul Train premiered on WCIU-TV on August 17, 1970 as a live show that aired on weekday afternoons. In October of 1971, Soul Train aired in national syndication with co-sponsor the Johnson Products Company.

The Johnson Product Company’s Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen commercials were some of the first of their kind, produced exclusively for black audiences. The company was launched in 1954 after George Johnson borrowed $500–half from a bank and the other half from a friend. It was the first hair care brand developed specifically for African American hair.

The company’s first product was Ultra Wave, a hair relaxer for men. By the end of the 60s, the company boasted annual sales of over $10 million, and during the 70s Johnson Products ranked as the largest African American–owned manufacturing company in the nation.

Soul Train aired throughout the “Black is Beautiful” movement which was birthed from the Civil Rights and Black Power movements. “Black is Beautiful” was primarily responsible for the Afro’s popularity.

This movement encouraged blacks to feel good about how they looked, and attempted to undue the notion that their natural traits were ugly.

The "Black is Beautiful" movement advocated black women and men to embrace their natural features, by encouraging them to stop straightening their hair and bleaching their skin. The images portrayed on Soul Train and the Ultra Sheen commercials reinforced this notion...

If you would like to read more on Soul Train and/or the Ultra Sheen commercials check out - Blackness In All Its Beauty an article I had the opportunity to write for Soul Train's website.

Check out one of the popular Ultra Sheen Commercials that featured Afros, Puffs and Cornrows :o)

I had to post a Soul Train line dance vid :o) This features Fred Wesley and The JBs' song Doing It To Death.

For more videos check out Soul Train's YouTube Channel

Peace and Blessings...

2011-02-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

Conditioners, aid in detangling, fighting frizz, strengthening and preventing damage to your hair by locking in moisture. But exactly how do they work?

Most conditioners fall into the category of surface acting conditioners. They are formulated to work on the outer layer or cuticle of the hair strand. Deep conditioners - the ones where you are instructed to keep on from 15 to 20 mins with a plastic cap and/or heat - contain ingredients that are humectants (moisture retainers).

Deep conditioners penetrate the inner core, the cortex, of your hair supplying moisture and protein. They also contain hydrating ingredients such as aloe, wheat germ and olive oil. These conditioners, are called pack conditioners, and are heavy and creamy in consistency.

Leave-in conditioners do not penetrate the hair strand, but are formulated to quickly coat the hair and protect it until the next washing. They are lightweight, and will contain lighter conditioning agents, which add little weight to the hair.

Each hair strand has three layers and the cuticle is the outer layer which protects them. The cuticle consists of scales that cover the hair strand.

Perfect new born cuticle

Everyday styling, combing/brushing, washing, and the strands simply rubbing against each other causes friction and raises the scales on the hair strand. Conditioners work by coating the hair strand, making the scales close against the strand smoother.

Cuticle with everyday wear and tear

When the scales on the hair strand become severely damaged via harsh chemicals, bleach, sun, etc. the hair strand is weakened, begins to break down and layer by layer the cuticle begins to disappear exposing the cortex layer which it once protected. Once the cortex is exposed, split ends appear and the hair eventually breaks.

Again, conditioning your hair is a way to keep the scales on the hair strand smooth and therefore protecting the cuticle. Also after conditioning, when the hair dries, it is coated with a thin film, and prevents static electricity from building up and 'frizzing' the hair.

Our hair carries negative electrical charges, ingredients in conditioners carry positive electrical charges. The negative charges attract to the positive charges, which cancel each other out and therefore reduces static electricity, again eliminating frizz.

The thin film left behind by ingredients found in conditioners like panthenol, amino acids and Vitamin B5 also help raised cuticle scales on each hair strand to lie flat, which enhances hair color creating luster and shine. Flat cuticles also make the hair strands smoother and detangling much easier.

Peace and Blessings...

Sources

h2g

About.com

Pioneer Thinking

Motown Girl

*Pictures - P&G Beauty

Celebrating Black History Month: Live Angela Davis and Toni Morrison

2011-02-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

In celebration of Black History Month, I plan to feature a few of my hair inspirations as well as icons. First up are Angela Davis and Toni Morrison :o)

Activist, philosopher and writer, Angela Davis, was once on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list. Her image - is associated with the Black Panthers, and the Black Power Movement. Very few know that before the Black Panthers, she was active with the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee, SNCC, and that she ran for U.S. Vice President in 1985 on the Communist Party Ticket.

Some of her books include, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Blues Legacies and Black Feminism: Gertude "MA" Rainey, Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday, Women, Culture and Politics, and Angela Davis: An Autobiography.

Novelist, editor and professor, Toni Morrison has won the Nobel prize in Literature - the first black woman to do so - and the Pulitzer, as well as other literary awards. Some of her books include, Sula, The Bluest Eye, Beloved, Paradise, Love, Song of Solomon, Tar Baby, Remember and The Dancing Mind.

An excerpt from her Nobel Lecture reads...
"Tell us what it is to be a woman so that we may know what it is to be a man. What moves at the margin. What it is to have no home in this place. To be set adrift from the one you knew. What it is to live at the edge of towns that cannot bear your company."

I just looove YouTube! Check out this video series I came across with Toni Morrison and Angela Davis recorded at the New York Public Library speaking about literacy and more :o)

There are eight parts to the video - see links below. Also be sure to check out the NYPL YouTube Channel for more interesting speakers.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Sources
Toni Morrison
Angela Davis

Peace and Blessings

Honey Recipes for Your Hair

2011-01-31T06:00:00.002-05:00

Pic from h-o-n-e-y.tumblr.com

Honey naturally attracts and holds moisture. It is also a natural antiseptic and contains antioxidants.

Honey is packed with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulphur, iron, zinc and vitamins B1, B2, B3, which aid in hair growth. It can be added to conditioners, rinses and pomades.

Several honey hair recipes contain a mix of honey and olive oil. Try using this honey (pre-poo) treatment. Mix honey and olive oil in equal parts, distribute on hair, put on your shower cap and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing and washing.

Honey Pre-Wash Treatment from Deecoily of Nappturality.com

Use this before shampooing to condition the scalp and repair damaged hair. She suggests that you use it regularly if your hair is dry or ends are split.

You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of honey, 5 drops rosemary, lavender or geranium essential oil, a small cup, a ceramic or glass bowl, a small stainless steel spoon, a plastic shower cap and a comfortably hot towel.

In a cup sitting in hot water, warm the olive oil and honey (or use the microwave but be careful not to scold yourself). Stir in your choice of essential oil and mix well. While the mixture is still warm, apply it all over your hair, massaging well into your scalp.

Cover your hair with the shower cap (or large plastic bag) wrap the towel around your head and leave on for 10-15 minutes. For severely damaged hair, she suggests that you leave the mixture on up to 30 minutes. Remove the towel and shower cap, and wash your hair with a mild or baby shampoo.
Honey Hair Conditioner

Mix 2 Tablespoons of honey with 1/2 of a fresh avocado and 1 Teaspoon of coconut oil. Massage into hair and leave on for half an hour. Works beautifully for dry and damaged hair.

Honey for Hair Loss

To the scalp, apply a paste of hot olive oil, one Tablespoon of honey and one Teaspoon of cinnamon (powder). Keep on for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair.

Honey Hair Rinse

Try this hair tea recipe as an after shampoo rinse for added shine and to retain moisture. Steep two tea bags in two to three cups of water and let cool (try green tea, chamomile, rosemary or your favorite). After the tea cools, remove the tea bags and add one teaspoon of melted honey.

Remember to let the mixture cool before pouring over your hair and do not rinse. Follow with a leave-in conditioner and style. A tablespoon of ACV - apple cider vinegar - can also be added to this mixture.

Peace and Blessings...

More honey recipes and facts

Hair Boutique

Earth Clinic

eHow

Chicoro’s Ten Steps To Gain and Retain Hair Length

2011-01-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

The following list was composed by Chicoro, Author of Grow It - How To Grow Afro-Textured Hair To Maximum Lengths In The Shortest Time. Also, see below how you can download a free copy of her 13-page book and receive weekly hair tips.

1. Avoid bleach and hair dye. These degrade the protein on your hair, damage the hair and make the hair strand weaker and vulnerable to breakage.

2. Detangle hair with fingers only enough to section your hair before washing . Do this only if hair is not dry and hard, matted or sticky with product. This will help to smooth hair in one direction and minimize tangles.

3. Detangle hair when wet with a comb, when trying to remove snarls and tangles. Afro-textured hair is more relaxed when wet and less prone to breakage when wet.

4. Air dry hair whenever possible. The moisture level in hair matches the moisture level in the environment. Blow drying dries hair and removes natural moisture from the hair strand. This makes it prone to dryness and breakage.

5. Cover your head in bright sun and windy environments. The sun and air degrade the protein in your hair and break it down. This weakens the hair strands and hair structure.

6. Moisturize and lubricate your hair. Moisture comes from water. Your hair strands contain water and this is what makes the hair flexible and pliable. Lubrication helps the hairs to slide past one another and align in the same direction. Water provides moisture and oil like substances provide lubrication. They are not the same.

7. To hold on to all the length you get, use protective styling. This keeps the ends of the hair from the air and minimizes dryness. Protective styling is not necessary to gain length, but can help you grow your hair past the point where it usually breaks.

8. Put down the scissors. Cutting hair does not make it grow. Trim or cut when hair is split or broken. Most hair grows unevenly. It's natural.

9. Set goals for your hair. Determine what you want to do. Goals help keep you on track.10. Document your hair journey. Take photos of your starting point. Write down what products you use and how you use them.

Photos help you to see true progress. Without photos, sometimes we cut off our hair because we think we have not made any progress. Photos and journals help you to see clearly and serve as a record for what works and doesn't work for you.

For a free 13-page booklet filled with information on how you can gain and retain length as well as to receive biweekly email tips, visit Beauty Bit By Bit and put in your email information.

Chicoro's Info:

Chicoro's Blog

Chicoro on Twitter

Chicoro on Facebook

Avocado Conditioner

2011-01-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

Avocados are not only beneficial to our bodies, providing over 20 essential nutrients which include potassium, fiber and Vitamins A and B, but they can also aid in healthy hair.

Avocados, which are fruits by the way and not vegetables, have also been called alligator pears because of their shape and skin color. California produces about 90% of the nation’s Avocado crop.

Avocados are rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin (a natural antioxidant, conditioner and moisturizer), beta-carotene (which converts to Vitamin A promoting healthy skin and nails) and more than 20% essential fatty acids.

To prolong the life of you avocados, peel, seed and puree them, add a little lemon juice, put the mixture in an air-tight container and freeze. It will last up to four to five months before using.

Avocado oil is derived from the pulp of fresh avocados. Although the avocado is a fruit, its oil is categorized as a vegetable oil. The oil promotes the regeneration of scarred skin and softens and conditions dry, flaky skin and scalp. Avocado oil has a long shelf life (organic avocado oil last the longest.

Oil expressed from the flesh is rich in vitamins A, B, G and E. The oil contains vital amino acid such as oleic and linoleic, which are essential fatty acids that help eliminate eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, and aid in the prevention of hair loss.

Oleic is an omega nine fatty acid, rich in antioxidants which fight the side affects of free radicals, moisturizer and also aids in stronger and thicker hair growth.

Linoleic is an omega three fatty acid, anti-inflammatory and promotes healthy hair growth. Both oleic and linoleic help in the absorption of Vitamins A , E and K, which work with essential fatty acids to provide healthy sheen to your hair and skin as well.

Avocado oil can be used to do scalp massages, as a pre-shampoo treatment, a hot oil treatment, and can even be added to your favorite conditioner to enhance its moisturizing properties.

Avocado Oil Shampoo

To prepare an avocado oil hair shampoo, you will need 1 teaspoon avocado oil, 1/2 teaspoon coconut or olive oil and 6 oz liquid castile soap. Mix all the ingredients together and store it in a bottle for at least 2 days to allow the ingredients to set. Use it to shampoo your hair on a regular basis.

Avocado Deep Conditioner

Peel, seed and mash one avocado and add 1 cup of coconut milk. Combine the ingredients together and mash until the mixture is smooth and thick. I strongly suggest you use a mixer for this or you will have bits and pieces of avocado in your hair that will take forever to rinse out.

Comb the mixture through your hair and wait about 10-15 minutes (you can also sit with a plastic cap on as well), then rinse off, making your final rinse with cool water.

Check out my Avocado and Coconut Milk Deep Conditioner Video

More info:

Avocado Oil Recipes

Avocado Info

Product Giveaway!!!!

2011-01-13T15:58:00.013-05:00

It's time for another Giveaway :o)

This is a collab-giveaway between me, here at All Napturual Blog and All Naptural YouTube channel and KeeKee of KeeKee AllNatural YouTube channel and ChiChi Sophistication Blog - this is actually her first giveaway!

We want to thank all of our followers and subscribers - for checking out our blogs and channels, commenting - for just overall support :o)

GIVEAWAY PRIZES!!!!

Although we appreciate each and every one of our supporters - there will be one grand prize winner.

The winner will receive- (from my end) Bobeam Natural Hair Products, which will include a sample set of Bobeam Remedy Shampoo Bars and a full-sized jar of Shea-Moisturizer hair and body butter (and other goodies).

KeeKee's part of the giveaway prizes include - a $20 gift card to Bath and Body Works, and a $20 gift card to Barnes & Noble - and there will be a Thank You card from the both of us :o)

*There is even a possibility of a second place prize winner as well - see KeeKee's video (link below) for details *

Rules are as follows...

You have to be a follower of both blogs and subscribe to both YouTube Channels - that's it! The giveaway ends on February 1, 2011 and the winner's name will be drawn randomly and announced on February 5, 2011 :o)

Check out KeeKee's Video about the Giveaway!!!!

Good luck and thanks for all your support!

Peace and Blessings...

Let's Make Our Own Temple Balm

2011-01-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

While ponytails, updos and buns do help with protecting our ends, our edges need pampering as well.

While wearing these styles, most like to smooth their hair back or up, along their temples, to give the style a ‘polished’ look. But as we all know, too much stress - tight braids, accessories, constantly pulling hair back - can cause breakage along the hairline.

There are several products available that proclaim to grow back or fill-in edges, but with a few simple ingredients, you can create your own.

The following list of ingredients will help you do just that :o) By the way, this was previously published in Clutch's sister mag Coco and Creme - DIY Temple Balm for Hairline Protection - it was one of the favorite articles I wrote, so I decided to share it here.

They are ingredients that will enable you to make a DIY temple balm, that will not only give your ponytails, updos and buns that ‘polished’ look, but will protect the hair around your temples, stimulate scalp circulation and promote hair growth.

The first step will be to decide whether you want an oil or pomade type balm. For an oil based balm, you can choose among the following carrier oils:

Jojoba Oil

Olive Oil

Coconut Oil

Hemp Oil

Neem Oil

Shea Oil

Sweet Almond Oil

For a pomade type balm you can choose among the following butters:

Cocoa Butter

Olive Butter

Aloe Butter

Hemp Butter

Shea Butter

Almond Butter

*If you have a favorite carrier oil or butter that is not listed, you can use them as well*

The next step will be to add essential oils and/or herbs to your oil or butter. Carrier oils can be infused with herbs (see - Annies Remedy.com for instructions). Essential oils can be added directly to your oils or butters. You can also add carrier oils infused with herbs to melted butter.

Essential Oils and Herbs

Arnica

Calendula

Stinging Nettle

Rosemary (oil or leaves)

Peppermint Oil

Sage (EO or leaves)

Cedarwood

Saw Palmetto Extract

For those who would prefer a gel type balm essential oils and/or infused carrier oils can be mixed with 3 parts Aloe Vera Gel and 1 part oil.

DIY Basic Temple Balm Recipe

Combine ¼ cup of carrier oil (remember, see instruction link above if you want to make an herb infused oil), or butter in a 4 ounce container with 2 or more essential oils adding ¼ tsp of each. If you are using butter, melt butter before adding oils to make mixing easier, then let it sit to solidify. Feel free to tweak ingredients to your liking.

Use your temple balm as a hairdressing to smooth the edges when wearing ponytails, updos and buns, or just to protect and treat thinning edges. Your temple balm can also be used for scalp massages as well.

For the ‘polished’ look, lightly moisturized your edges with water, then add your balm. Gently brush back and cover with a silk/satin scarf for approx. 20 to 30 mins or overnight.

Here are the places where I shop for essential oils - I usually pull up all three sites to search for the cheapest prices.

Wholesale Supplies Plus

From Nature With Love

Texas Natural Supply

My 2011 Hair Resolutions

2011-01-04T09:36:00.002-05:00

Although I'm constantly adding to my list - here is what I have so far - this was also previously published on Clutch's sister mag Coco and Creme - Natural Hair Resolutions Countdown

Like I said in the article, some of these are carry-overs from last year :o)

Try more styles - For 2011 I’m going to attempt to not have a ‘signature’ style. I’m going to try to stay away from twists or box braids in a bun, and get more creative with my styles.

Exercise and take supplements - a carry-over from this year. I started taking hair vitamins and actually began to see results, but kept forgetting to take them for weeks at a time. I don’t even have an excuse for not exercising. For 2011, I’m planning to stay on routine with both.

Attend more natural hair events - There are so many meet-ups and natural hair events announced over the web, next year I’m going to plan to attend more than one or two.

Keep a hold on product junkism - I actually did pretty well with this one. I stuck to my $20 budget when visiting beauty supplies, most times spending way less. I plan to continue this in 2011 - I have to work on a budget for online shopping though.

Stay away from the scissors (when it comes to excessive trimming) - At the beginning of the year I would routinely trim/dust my ends every two or three months whether they were split or not.

The last half of last year I only cut knots and when I noticed split ends on certain strands. I saw a big difference when it came to retaining length. For 2011, I’m planning to only trim my ends when necessary.

Keep up with natural hair social networks/blogs, YouTube videos, etc. For 2011, I plan to stay current with the online hair community - which will give me ideas for my own products, styles, routines etc…

Keep up with documenting my journey. I find that documenting i.e. taking pictures, blogging, etc… my own journey also helps me to come up with creative styles, and more DIY products and accessories. And it’s a way to ‘give-back’ by helping others as well.

Continue pampering my hair. I noticed that the more pampering, the better my overall hair health . I plan to try more ayurvedic hair treatments, keep braid washing, once-a-month deep conditioning and wearing protective styles.

Make more products at home - This will not only ensure what I’m putting on my hair is chemical-free, but help keep the product junkie in me from arousing.

Clean out cabinets - via using up all of my products before purchasing more and seeking out product swaps. I've started doing this and having my niece who loooves hair products living in the house with me is helpful as well.

Update Kiddie Relaxer Video

2011-01-03T10:26:00.003-05:00

I posted the first video here depicting one of my clients who suffered terrible effects from a so-called kiddie relaxer. Thankfully, her hair has grown back.

Back-story...

Almost two years ago, her mother wanted to do something 'different' for Easter. I suggested different braid styles (I had been braiding her hair for years) but she (the little girl) really wanted a straight style.

I 'thought' we agreed on a blow-out/flat ironing, but her mother decided to get a relaxer put in her daughter's hair instead. Needless to say, the result was not a good one. Her hair did appear to be 'fine' for a couple of months, but soon after it began to fall out.

The following video is the second part of her 'Journey Back to Natural'. If you did not get a chance to see the first video click the link above.

Peace and Blessings...

Today is #naturalhair trend day on Twitter!

2011-01-02T10:44:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

Today, January 2, 2011 is #naturalhair trend day on Twitter :o) Tweet #naturalhair all day (with your tips, favorite products, anecdotes or just shout outs). You have to unlock your Twitter account under Settings and Tweet Privacy in order for your Tweets to count.

Come join in the fun :o)

Have a Blessed and Prosperous New Year!

Hair Poetry - by Stacy M. Gilbert aka LuBella Coils

2010-12-23T09:23:00.008-05:00

One of my favorite YouTube Channels - LuBella Coils, was created by Stacy M. Gilbert. Stacy a.k.a., LuBella Coils, is always uplifting and inspiring to those embarking on the natural hair journey. She is also an Author, registered Occupational Therapist and licensed Cosmetologist.

Her first book, "Black is Beautiful: A Guide To Loving Your God-given Hair" is composed of inspirational poetry and scriptures, as well as historical hair facts, and details of her personal natural hair journey. It’s a very quick read, but it’s packed with great information and quit wit - which had me laughing out loud on my train ride to work :o)

She writes about her "CROP" days - Chemically Relaxed or Pressed - and states that so much of her life was centered around her hair, that it dictated what she could or could not do. One of my favorite poems in the book is The Other Parent. It reminds me of my own "CROP" days.

********

The Other Parent

I will define to you what you can and cannot do.

I will need for you to wake up early, when the grass is wet with dew.

Before you leave the house, I need your undivided attention.

I have a few rules for you, so I need you to carefully listen.

No playing at the beach and no swimming in the pool.

I want you to look "pretty" for your recital after school.

Saturday we will spend some quality time, six hours just you and me.

Let’s try to start at ten, and hopefully we’ll be finished by three.

If Sunday’s forecast is muggy, misty, and raining all day,
we may have to skip church and just stay home and pray.

I am not trying to be harsh and seem as if I don’t care.

You know that I am one of your three parents, I am your hair.

********

*The highlighted words are like that in the book - I thought that was cool*

Also check out the article - Inspiration from the Author of Black is Beautiful: A Guide To Loving Your God-Given Hair on the Examiner.com

Peace and Blessings

Koils By Nature Product Review

2010-12-21T12:05:00.006-05:00

Below is my Koils By Nature Product Review video :o) If you haven't tried Koils by Nature products as of yet, you should because they are great.

The customer service is wonderful, the CEO/creator of the products, Pamela - is super nice as well. Check out the Spotlight Article I wrote on her/Koils for the Examiner.com. The product prices (all paid for by me - by the way) which range from $5 and up are reasonable.

My favorite scent so far from the line is Mango and my favorite products from the line so far are the hair and body butter and the herbal hair gel. Koils also sell products that are fragrance free.

The products do not contain parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, PABA, petroleum, paraffin, DEA, which is also a plus.

Enjoy :o)

Peace and Blessings...

Shampoo Bar Giveaway :o)

2010-12-13T15:56:00.004-05:00

Check out Mother of Pearl It Is' Blog - she is hosting a Holiday Gift Guide/Giveaway - which had been extended until December 20th :o)

My Bobeam Shampoo Bars and Shea Butter Moisturizer are a part of the giveway, as well as other wonderful gifts she is featuring as a part of her Holiday Gift Guide.

You can win your very own set of Shampoo Bars: Honey Shea, Cheris Hibiscus, Shealoe and Goats Milk & Honey, along with Bobeam's Medley Shea Moisturizer/Pomade.

The giveaway is open to U.S. Residents and ends Sunday, December 26th at 11:59pm EST.

MANDATORY ENTRY:Visit Bobeam on Etsy or here All Naptural blog, and go back to MOPII and tell her something you learned about me! You must also be a follower of Mother of Pearl It Is via Google Friend Connect to enter. Current and new followers alike are eligible to enter!

That's It! Good Luck :o)

Peace and Blessings...

12 Days of Holiday Magic, an Amazing Giveaway!

2010-12-01T08:28:00.005-05:00

NaturallyCurly.com is having a huge giveaway launching today, December 1st titled, "12 Days of Holiday Magic, an Amazing Giveaway!"

Each day they will be giving away hundreds of dollars worth of prizes as well as a grand prize worth $2,500-plus. The Amazing grand prize is a $1,500 Holiday Wardrobe Shopping Spree from Beyond The Rack, as well as a $500 CurlMart gift card and $500 worth of curly prizes.

I don't know anyone who wouldn't want a $1,500 holiday wardrobe shopping spree and hair products to last them for years!

How to Enter ...

Click here to enter to be eligible. Each entry also goes towards the grand prize drawing on December 13, 2010.

Again, the giveaway begins TODAY - December 1, 2010 and ends on December 12, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. And the best part is no purchase is necessary :o)

Also, Beyond the Rack provided NaturallyCurly with an exclusive invite link and promo code!
Promo Code : NATURALLYCURLY
Exclusive Credits: $10 (Exp. Dec 31, 2010)
Click Here to JOIN

Peace and Blessings...

Conditioning for Less Breakage?

2010-11-29T10:39:00.012-05:00

I had plans at the start of the fall to put in my signature protective style - tiny box braids, and wear them for a month or two, but I haven't done so as of yet. I usually put the braids in to keep me from 'messing' in my hair often and to retain length.

But over the past few months I have noticed way less hair breakage and I have been retaining length, all without wearing a protective style for weeks at a time. I've been wearing styles for 1 to 2 weeks at a time, mainly medium sized twists in a bun or ponytail, but I've also been wearing twist-outs for just as long - from 1 to 2 weeks.

I now consider twist-outs, braid-outs, coil-outs etc... as protective styles as well since they require little to no manipulation just as with updos, twists, braids, etc... Also while wearing these 'loose' protective styles, I'm still able to seal and protect my ends.

I think the main reason for the less breakage and length retention is conditioning. In between styling my twists/twist-outs I've been conditioning like crazy, which is the only thing I have changed in my routine. And after taking down a style I pre-poo (before I would do this once in a while, lately I've been doing it every time before I wash).

I wash my hair about twice a month. Sometimes I wear twists for two weeks and will wear a twist-out for a week or so right after. Before unraveling the twist for the twist out - I will rinse (with apple-cider vinegar and water) then add a leave-in conditioner the night before, and unravel when my hair is dry in the morning.

Pre-poo Routine

I detangle with my hands first, then spritz my hair with water (you can also use a water/conditioner mix to give your hair more slip). Then I use a wide tooth comb - separate my hair in sections and put in about 6 to 8 loose braids.

Sometimes before braiding, I massage my scalp with oil and work it through to the ends. Other times, I detangle, section, braid and then add the oil after braiding. I've used everything from simple olive, castor and coconut oil to store/Internet bought blended oils. After the the oil, I cover my head with a plastic cap from anywhere between 20 mins to overnight.

Wash/Conditioning Rinse

I also wash my hair with the braids in. After washing, I do an initial quick rinse, then use a cheap conditioner (a tip I took from Teri of TightlyCurly.com) like Suave as a final rinse. I just pour a handful of conditioner in my hands smooth it over my hair and rinse. I also do this with the braids still in.

After Wash/Conditioning

After my wash/conditioner rinse, as a leave-in I add a little more of the cheap conditioner mixed with a little oil (olive, coconut, castor etc..) to my still dripping wet hair - and saturate each braided section from roots to ends - really concentrating on the ends.

Once a Month Deep Conditioning

Once a month I deep condition with henna. I use CurlyNikki's routine along with her henna mix of green tea and honey, I add a tablespoon of grapeseed oil. I keep the henna mix on for 4 to 5 hours (Curly Nikki keeps hers in overnight and I've also done that a couple of times). Rinse - making my final rinse with conditioner (I actually end up doing a conditioner wash because it takes a while to get all of the henna out).

After the henna treatment (per Curly Nikki's instructions) I do a deep conditioner. I keep the conditioner in for about 2 hours, covered with a plastic cap. Many people have said that henna makes their hair feel like hay or straw but I think doing the deep conditioner right after prevents this from happening.

Just with my braid first then wash routine, doing the extra conditioning is also time consuming, but the results are great.

Check out the following video which summarizes my conditioning routines.

Peace and Blessings...

Listen in to Live Interview with Marcia Hamilton

2010-10-24T19:11:00.007-04:00

Catch the LIVE interview with "Whip My Hair' celebrity hairstylist Marcia Hamilton on Tuesday, October 26th.

Marcia Hamilton - is the creative stylist behind the styles featured in Willow Smith's 'Whip My Hair' Video. The interview will be aired on livestream at 8 PM PST/ 11 PM EST.

Aside working with the Smith family, Marcia Hamilton has also styled John Legend, as well as Serena and Venus Williams and her work has been featured in InStyle, Essence and ESPN Magazine as well.

She will be interviewed by Regina Kimbell - the creator of the documentary "My Nappy Roots". Check out the links below for more information.

Show link - My Nappy Roots livestream

Marcia Hamilton - Website

Marcia Hamilton - Twitter

My Nappy Roots - Website

Shampoo Bar and Hair Tea Giveaway!!!!!

2010-10-12T08:13:00.014-04:00

Natural Nina is having a 'Follow Me' Giveaway and the winner will receive a full-size Bobeam Rootz Shampoo Bar and Hair Tea :o)

The rules are simple:

First, you must be following both All Naptural or Natural Nina via Google Friend Connect or one of the social network sites listed below.

Next, leave a brief message in the comments section on Natural Nina's post announcing the giveaway, stating which of the social networks you are following us on.

* Twitter followers please include your twitter name in your reply.*

List of social network sites for All Naptural/Laquita and Natural Nina:

Twitter - @Laquita33 and @NaturalNina

Facebook - Natural Nina and Laquita/All Naptural

NetworkedBlogs - Natural Nina and All Naptural

The winner will be picked on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 , and will be notified by email! For more information on The Rootz Herbal Hair Grower Shampoo Bar and Hair Teas check out my Bobeam Natural Hair Products Etsy Shop and check out Natural Nina's Review.

Peace and Blessings

A Short Story for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-11T13:22:00.004-04:00

This is a little late, but the following is a short story I wrote some time ago for breast cancer month. Note: This has nothing to do with natural hair - but I wanted to share and to remind everyone to click on the link under Breast Cancer Awareness to provide free mammograms.

I will be back with more hair updates soon ;o)

The Big News

May looked up at the clock which read 6:30. She let out a deep breath and continued setting the table. Jerrod, her husband would be home soon. She couldn't believe she had actually finished all of the dinner preparations in time and she was tired - physically and mentally exhausted.

After turning down the oven and putting the pots on simmer, she went into the bedroom to freshen up. Sitting at her vanity and examining the image that looked back at her - it seemed as though she was looking at a stranger and not at her own reflection.

"I am not going to cry again," May said aloud. As she dabbed on a little eye cream and gloss, she began to reflect on her day. Dr. Jones called her ten minutes after she had left work and asked if she could stop by the office. She remembered how excited she was as she made the U-turn and headed in that direction. May and Jerrod had been trying to have a child for almost a year and she was anxiously waiting to hear the confirmation from Dr. Jones.

Before stepping in the building she quickly dialed Jerrod's office to let him know that Dr. Jones had finally returned their call and that she was on the way in to hear the news. Apparently, he was in a meeting so she decided not to leave a message.

She figured that she would surprise him with the news, along with a big celebration dinner when he arrived from work. A single tear dropped from May's eye. "Nope, not again," she said as she quickly wiped it away and attempted a half-hearted smile.

Moments later she heard the garage door opening. Jerrod was home. It was time to announce the 'big news'. . .

Jerrod was about to open the door to the refrigerator to put the cream away when the date on the calendar caught his eye. It was one year ago that May had announced the 'big news' that had changed their lives forever. Not only were they going to have a baby, but the 'just-to-be-sure' biopsy result was positive - May had breast cancer.

The tugging on Jerrod's leg woke him from his reminiscing. "Ut oh!" came the sound from his 10-month-old baby girl. He looked down at the tiny replica of May and noticed that she was pointing to a small puddle of cream that he must have spilled as he was staring at the calendar.

"We better get this cleaned up," he said as he put the cream in the refrigerator and scooped Maya off the floor.

After cleaning up the mess he had made, he carried Maya into the living room and sat down. He asked, "Maya, how would you like to hear a story?" Maya hearing the word 'story' climbed down off the sofa and pulled a book from the stack on the living room table. As she handed the book to her father, he smiled and said, "No, this story is not in any one of your books, but it does have a happy ending. It's about a brave king and queen, and their little princess miracle. It's a story of survival."

Just then he heard the garage door opening - May was home.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The Breast Cancer Site

Stand Up 2 Caner

Kiddie Relaxer Video

2010-08-27T22:07:00.007-04:00

Hey Everyone :o)

I have been super busy this month trying to race against writing deadlines. But thankfully, I am almost done :o)

A few months ago I wrote an article for Afro Glitz Magazine called Behind the Scenes of the No-Lye Kiddie Relaxer. And I posted this video along with the article.

Since then, the video was put on World Star Hip Hop.com and written about on one of my favorite websites Black Girl With Long Hair. I also spotted it on a few Facebook profile pages as well. I really don't mind the video being shared since it will get the word out about how harsh the chemicals in 'kiddie' relaxers really are, but some of the comments, especially the ones on WSHH were sadder than the video.

People were stating things like maybe the girl in the video (one of my young clients) didn't go to a 'professional' to get her relaxer put it, maybe it was put it wrong, maybe she went swimming in chlorine right after it was done etc... not really thinking that just maybe the actual chemicals in the relaxer caused the damage to her hair - in essence, blaming everything and everyone but the relaxer itself.

Anyway, I decided to re-post the video here. I'm working on an update to the video as well - thankfully, her hair is growing back nicely and so far her and her mom have sworn off using chemicals on her hair ever again.

Let me know what you think... and by the way her Mom actually consulted a few 'professionals' before choosing one of these so-called 'professionals' to put the relaxer in. (Excuse the missing words - I don't know why they got cut off)

Peace and Blessings...

Part 2 Entwine Couture Products

2010-08-02T22:50:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone - thanks to all for participating in the giveaway :o) The winner will be announced shortly :o)

I have been going crazy testing products and I did my first henna treatment! I plan on making another product review video this weekend and posting it. In the meanwhile, check out my Part 2 picture video of styles I did with Entwine Couture Products.

Peace and Blessings...

CURLS Products Added to the Giveaway!!!

2010-07-27T15:47:00.005-04:00

Again a winner for the product giveaway I am doing in conjunction with N.E.W. Hair Net ends THIS WEEK - August 2, 2010!!!!!

Along with a sample set of my new Bobeam Remedy Shampoo Bars - all three - 1 Rootz; for growth, 1 Lemon Drop; oily hair/clarifying, and 1 Cheris Hibiscus for moisturizing - the winner will receive one of CURLS new products - before they are even released!!!!

CURLS launched a CURLS for Target line created specifically for budget conscious curlies. It's a similar 4 step system, similar healthy ingredients, similar delicious scents and at different price points! CURLS for Target has become was recently featured on popular TV station KGO out of the San Francisco/Bay Area. Watch that segment here.

Along with the other prizes, the winner will receive one of the following...

· Blissful Lengths Kukuinut Oil Elixir- This multitasking miracle product is loaded with natural oils, and growth enhancing extracts guaranteed to leave your tresses, and scalp euphoric!

· Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste- Smooth out and slick down unruly edges, tame frizzy, out of control curls, and add amazing sheen all in one step!

Click here to find other locations where you can purchase CURLS products. Target is adding 400 additional locations by the end of August to keep up with the demand! You can also purchase the products online.

Remember, in order to participate you must visit N.E.W. Hair Net, check out her posts and comment on as many as you like. Commenter names will be added to the drawing, so the more you comment the more chances you will have to win :o) The contest will run for one more week!!!!

Good Luck :o)

Win Shampoo Bars and More

2010-07-25T18:25:00.004-04:00

A winner for the product giveaway I am doing in conjunction with N.E.W. Hair Net (you'll see my banner on the site :o) ends THIS WEEK!!!!!

The giveaway will not only be for a sample set of my new Bobeam Remedy Shampoo Bars - all three - 1 Rootz; for growth, 1 Lemon Drop; oily hair/clarifying, and 1 Cheris Hibiscus for moisturizing - but other surprises will be included as well.

The N.E.W. stands for naturals, extensions, and weaves - which are among the topics the author's blog posts cover. The blog's author, also writes articles for The Coil Review and is a natural hairstylist. Her blog which is a work-in-progress, with a forum, gallery and more to come, consists of informative blog posts, and videos.

Remember, in order to participate you must visit N.E.W. Hair Net, check out her posts and comment on as many as you like. Commenter names will be added to the drawing, so the more you comment the more chances you will have to win :o) The contest will run for one more week!!!!

Good Luck :o)

Product Review Video, New Hair Site and Giveaway

2010-07-19T11:26:00.023-04:00

Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to try Entwine Couture natural hair products via Nappturalite Radio's Natural Ambassadors program. First off, if you haven't listened in on the Nappturalite Radio program yet, you are really missing out.

The Internet radio program via Blog Talk Radio airs on Sundays, 6 pm EST/5 pm CST and covers all topics regarding hair - all hair types - and consists of product giveaways, on-air question and answers, nutrition/health care professionals and celebrity guests and more. My products were featured on the show with Chrisette Michele, by the way :o)

During the show, there is also a live web chat where listeners can comment and discuss show topics and anything else under the sun, and they are encouraged to call in during the show as well.

Anyway, Nappturalite Radio has a Natural Hair Ambassadors program that members of the Nappturalite community can participate in and test and review products for free. As a member, I got a full set of the Entwine Couture hair products and they are great. You can stay updated on upcoming Nappturalite shows to have your opportunity to win products via their Facebook page as well.

Entwine Couture Beauty, LLC, is a minority and woman-owned manufacturer, distributor and marketer of premier hair, skin and body care products, it’s creator, Dr. Adrienne Carthon, is a natural hair stylist and professor of Women’s Studies & African-American Literature.

Entwine products and their uses:

The Manipulator" Crème Jellé Styler- The Ultimate Natural Hair Style-, A flexible, re-definable styling crème-gel used to create long-lasting natural styles with no heavy build-up, flaking or hardness. Use to flat twist, two-strand twist, braid, wash-n-go, fingerstyle, flat iron or quick-sets. * This one is my favorite - wait until you see my twists and twist-out that lasted forever - even in the smoldering heat during the 4th of July weekend and weeks after :o)

"Indulgently Luxe" Exotique Butter Crème Hydrator- a daily moisturizing and conditioning crème featuring a custom Balsamic Butter-Oyl Blend™ of natural butters and oils with luxurious conditioner that hydrates and softens the driest natural hair. Can also be applied prior to blow-drying hair to protect and moisturize or use to soften and moisturize all natural hair textures, twist outs, braid styles.

"On the Edge" Crème De La Mold- A powerful holding and molding mud featuring Micro-Fibrous Holding Technology that provides long-lasting smoothing, molding and holding power with no flaking, tackiness or excessive buildup on natural, transitioning and loc’ed hair. Use to hold edges, smooth the nape of the neck or to mold the hair. Also use for loc formation and maintenance.

"Total Perfection" Moroccan Argan Oil- 100% Raw and Vegan, this rare, organically grown oil provides ultra-hydration, true protection and sensual shine to the hair, skin and nails. * I had been anxiously awaiting to try Argan Oil which contains Vitamin E and fatty acids - it is very light and absorbs fast - I used it as a pre-poo and added a little to conditioner as a leave-in.

For ingredients check out the Entwine Couture site - and click on each product.

Product Highlights

I liked that fact that I could use all of the products together - the Manipulator, Hydrator, and Oil - on wet and dry hair without stickiness or build-up. As you will see, I used the Creme De La Mold to 'slick' down my hair/edges for a puff and it had wonderful hold - all day (and I wear a headset at work) without the stickiness or hardening of a gel. Also, for those who don't like heavy perfume/fruity smells - Entwine products don't have either.

The price range for each product is from 14.99 to 19.99, but a little goes a long way (Really - all you need is a dab - I was able to do my hair three times and my step-daughter's twice so far and still have lots of the Manipulator left.

New Hair Site - N.E.W Hair Net

Before I get to the video (actually Part 1 - I will post the next one shortly, which shows my 2nd week twist-out results as well as my step-daughter's styles using the products) I would like to tell you about the NEW Hair Net site/giveaway.

The N.E.W. stands for naturals, extensions, and weaves - which are among the topics the author's blog posts cover. The blog's author, also writes articles for The Coil Review and is a natural hairstylist. Her blog which is a work-in-progress, with a forum, gallery and more to come, consists of informative blog posts, and videos.

Now here is where the giveaway comes in. I am doing a giveaway in conjunction with N.E.W. Hair Net (you'll see my banner on the site :o) The giveaway will be for a sample set of my new Bobeam Remedy Shampoo Bars - 1 Rootz; for growth, 1 Lemon Drop; oily hair/clarifying, and 1 Cheris Hibiscus for moisturizing.

In order to participate you must visit N.E.W. Hair Net, check out her posts and comment on as many as you like. Commenter names will be added to the drawing, so the more you comment the more chances you will have to win :o) The contest will run for one week.

Peace and Blessings

Entwine Product Review Video

Contest Winner, Sampler Village, Upcoming Product Review

2010-07-05T12:43:00.007-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the 'Coming Where I'm From' EAOC contest!!!!

The winner of the Bobeam Remedy Line Sample Set is Lavender!!!! (Please email me your info at iluv23277@hotmail.com).

Speaking of Etsy - I have also joined the Sampler Village family along with other Etsy artisans. As the Sampler Village site proclaims it's the "Home of the Samplicious Sampler Box". Sampler Village 'Villagers' combine samples of their homemade goodies, which consist of everything from candies, bath, body and beauty items to magnets, buttons, jewelry custom made invitations and more - all in one box. The boxes also contain discount coupons from the various participating shops.

The sample boxes are then sold through Sampler Village - (the site's creator also adds extras to the boxes, as well as decorates each box with specific themes) and they are a great way to 'sample' items from various Etsy shops all at once.

Bobeam Natural Shampoo Bars will be added to the next Sampler Village box going on sale July 21st :o)

Check out the Sampler Village July Box I bought for under $20 (shipping included).

The July 4th themed box beautifully decorated...

I tried to get one picture of all the contents - next time I'll take more than one pic.

To get one of the upcoming sampler boxes or to become a villager go to the Sampler Village Site here. Also join the Sampler Village Facebook page here - for up-to-date info and member discount opportunities.

My next post will be a product review/picutre video of Entwine natural products. In the meanwhile, check out their site for a peek at their products here.

Peace and Blessings...

Coming From Where I'm From - EAOC Collective Blogging Event/Giveaway

2010-06-21T20:27:00.004-04:00

EAOC is a global collective of minority artisans who sell on Etsy.com, the leading online marketplace for buying and selling unique arts and crafts and, of course, you know I have a store on Etsy - lol

Anyway, today's post is in connection with the EAOC blogging event titled 'Coming Where I'm From' ...

Coming where I'm from - which was a household filled with one of the most entrepreneurial- minded people I know - my mother. She has been in every type of own-your-own-business venture there is - just to name a few -- Mary Kay, Amway, Avon, Scriptures - vitamins and lotion, Melaleuca, Pampered Chef, Herbal Life, YTB, Isagenix, Internet cell phone sales, Acia Berry Monavie, her very own business Elite Administrative Services and now her latest, My Organic Acres and YourNIGHT.com -and believe me there's plenty more - lol

Coming where I'm from - watching my mother work her charismatic magic with each of these businesses, and even reaching high sales with most, must have planted seeds in my brother and I who wore 'Loose Weight Now Ask Me How' buttons to school and passed out various business fliers to our friends on the regular - lol

Coming where I'm from - being surrounded by all types of products and observing my mother's 'one women show' and hearing her repeatedly say "Be your own boss" inevitably led me to start my own business ventures - currently, along with selling my own natural hair products - no doubt with the encouragement from my mother, I am also trying to break into the freelance writing business.

Coming where I'm from - Washington, DC the melting pot of all ethnicities reminds me of the EAOC culture due to the wonderful variety of products made by people from all over the globe. It's wonderful that these products can be found in one place - Etsy.com. So if you haven't checked it out before, be sure to do so. I'm sure you will find some one-of-a-kind treasures :o)

Again, coming where I'm from - going back to my mother's business ventures she would always have something extra - a giveaway of sorts for all her clients and potential clients. Following in her footsteps - for all those who have taken the time to read this post, I am doing another giveaway!!!!!

Simply check out the other EAOC artists listed below - then come back and comment on something you like in their shop or site. As usual, I will randomly pick a name from the comments and the winner will receive a sample -size set of my new Remedy Line from Bobeam Natural Hair Products, which will include a shampoo bar, conditioner and hair tea.

Other EAOC Coming Where I'm From Bloggers

ElectricStorm

Calabash Creations

Painter Girl World

That Crochet Guy

Aku's Ear Ornaments

Wondering Moon

Entering 35th of May

Paris Bohemian Soul

Sydney Austin Designs

Pots and Dishes

Also be sure to check out EAOC on Facebook

Peace and Blessings...

Two-strand twists/Twist-out styles and Product Review

2010-06-13T02:05:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone :o)

After I took down my finger coils (I didn't wear them in a coil-out by the way - but I will try it the next time I put them in), I put my hair in two-strand twists. I washed with one of my homemade shampoo bars - check them out here.

I conditioned with Darcy's Botanicals Deep Conditioner Mask which is wonderful by the way. It left my hair super soft and easy to detangle. I left the mask on for about 30 mins, then rinsed with warm and finished with cool water. I added about a quarter-size more mixed with oil as a leave-in as well.

Before twisting, I used Darcy Botanical's Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme.

The Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme is also wonderful - to me it smells like cake batter - but it's not an over-powering smell. A little goes a long way too. I just used a dab on each section before twisting. And it made my twist very shinny and soft as well.

Now I was sooo tempted to wear my same old twist bun and ponytail for two weeks before unraveling, but this time I forced myself to try some different styles. Check them out in the video below.

Peace and Blessings...

Finger Coils

2010-05-23T21:57:00.004-04:00

I decided to try a style I have been drooling over forever - finger coils. I saw so many pics of naturals wearing them in blogs and albums and always said I would give them a try one day and finally did them myself.

I decided to use KCurly's (of Newly Natural) technique - check out her tutorial here. I love the way hers turn out. Instead of using gel I decided to use Curls Nurture Cream from Boutique de Fleurzty. I did them on freshly washed hair (I actually did an avocado/coconut milk deep condition as well - pics coming soon). After I washed my hair I added the Curls Nurture Creme and a little Hydrating Hair Butter.

I started from the back and worked my way up using KCurly's finger coil technique. As I got to the middle of my head, my hair began to dry and I just re-wet and added a dab of the Nurture Cream to each section. It took about 4 hours to complete - and KCurly is right about one thing you need lots of patience because I had to do several over because I was getting tired and starting doing them all types of sizes and ended up having to redo some.

Check out my results...

Looks a little flat to me - but I'm sure they will plump-up overtime. KCurly rinses hers and separates for a coil-out and I may try that as well.

Side view...

Back - I like that there aren't too many spaces.

The combo of using the Curls Nurture Cream and Hydrating Hair Butter worked so well, when my hair dried it stayed really shiny, soft and movable not at all hard or sticky :o)

Well, that's it for now. I will return with more product reviews and pics.

Peace and Blessings...

Hair Pics and Product Reviews Coming Soon

2010-05-16T17:12:00.004-04:00

I have been super -busy at work, but things should be slowing down soon and I'll be back to posting more often. My hair has been pretty much the same since my last post. I'm still taking my hair vitamins. I've been wearing two-strand twists. I did break out of my same-old ponytail though - lol. I did a few updos and just unraveled for a twist-out. I will post pics soon.

I also tried out some new products and I have been looking for some new natural hair t-shirts. My favorite of the new products so far are Darcy Botanical's Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme and Peace Love and Sunshine's Cutie Juice. I will also post reviews on both as well.

My latest new Tee comes from Lady Kinnks of Kinnks Online Directory. I got the distressed Tee which is super comfortable. I got it in black but it comes in various other colors as well.

Check it out :o)

You can see a preview of my twist updo in the pics.

More pics and reviews coming soon....

Peace and Blessings

Contest Winner, Pics and Nail Update

2010-04-18T20:11:00.004-04:00

Okay the Winner of the Boutique De Fleurzty's Hydrating Hair Butter and Curls Nurture Creme (by random.org selection) is Loclove.

Congrats LocLove!!

Now for my nail update - well one of them broke - the night I was going to polish them too - so I just cut them all down low :o( I'll let them grow out again - still taking the hair vitamins too - and I'll update again.

Pic of broken nail.

Below I made a picture video of me using Boutique de Fleurzty's products on my box braids (and my step-daughter's). I also used the Curls Nurture Creme to achieve curly braids as well. Enjoy :o)

Peace and Blessings...

Product Review and Giveaway!

2010-04-05T10:42:00.013-04:00

Okay time for another Giveaway :o) Not too long ago I had the opportunity to meet and have lunch with a fellow natural hair blogger - Fleurzty of Textured Playground (which is one of my favorite blogs by the way :o). I was so excited to get to meet her and see her beautiful hair live and in-person so much so that I forgot to bring my camera along - but not to worry Fleurzty was fully prepared - check out our picture taken by The Cheesecake Factory waiter.

Again - me sporting my lazy hairstyle - pulled back bun and my Thank God I'm Natural Tee - I'm really going to have to collect some more natural hair t-shirts - lol. Also, I'm sure you'll recognize my step daughter in the picture - when she heard 'Cheesecake Factory' she was more than eager to tag along.

Not only did we have a wonderful time - talking about all things natural hair and a wonderful lunch including cheesecake of course, Fleurzty shared some of her new products with me from her Boutique De Fleurzty . Being the recovering product junkie that I am - and one who loves products that actually do what they say they'll do and tend to share them - I've emptied one, reordered more and purchased the rest of her line.

All of the Boutique De Fleurzty products are made with natural ingredients. My personal favorite is the Hair and Scalp Serum. I like the fact that is comes with a dropper and can be easily distributed on your scalp. It is made with jojoba oil, castor oil, essential oils of peppermint, ylang ylang, rosemary, lemon, patchouli, frankincense and tangerine.

I've used it on one of my little clients who has suffered severe hair breakage due to 'kiddie perms' and her hair is growing back wonderfully. I've also used it to massage a few spots in the mid-back of my own hair that tends to break-off at a certain point and always felt 'rough' no matter how much moisture I would put on it and after using the Hair and Scalp Serum for less than a week - the hair in those spots started to feel smooth and softer.

Boutique De Fleurzty's Nurturing Treatment Oil made with sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, essential oils of lavender and jasmine, reminds me of those Hot Six Oils - you can use it for everything - hot oil treatments, pre-poo, mixing with conditioner, scalp massages etc... I've used it on twists, braids, and loose hair to seal in moisture, and added it to my leave-in conditioner. And just like her product descriptions say a little really goes a long way.

Giveaway!!!!!

Okay before I go on and on about the other products, let me get to the giveaway. Of course, I have to give the back story (which will make this post even longer - lol) But anyway, at our lunch meeting, Fleurzty and I talked about doing a dual product giveaway - my shampoo bars and her moisturizing products. Due to the fact that she does an excellent job of keeping her blog current and up-to-date she posted her giveaway a few days after our meeting - see her post here - and just about a month later I'm posting mine :o)

But it's coming right on time since I got to try and even re-order more of her products and come up with a theme for the giveaway. The 'theme' is in conjunction with a new article I wrote for Clutch published today (check out my timeliness) called Get Your Hair Ready For Summer (check out my aheadoftimeness summer is not even here yet - lol). Within the article I list a few tips on getting your hair ready for the summer elements, wind, heat, sand, swimming, and sweat.

One of the main tips is moisturize, moisturize, moisturize - and that's how the giveaway comes into play :o) Along with my summer hair tips, I would like to know what summer hair tips/advice you have to protect your hair from the summer elements. Just share your tip(s) here and the winner will be chosen from the comments - that's it.

The winner will receive two great moisturizing products from Fleurzty's - Boutique De Fleurzty line Hydrating Hair Butter and Curls Nurture Creme.

Hydrating Hair Butter (HHB)

I love the smooth texture and smell of the Hydrating Butter - Again a little goes a long way but most times I am heavy-handed with products and even when I pile this on along with the oil my hair soaks it up and doesn't feel greasy at all, which is another thing I like about the products you can use them in conjunction with one another without that heavy build-up feel, and I like that you can use the butter on wet hair.

I've tried lots of butters on freshly washed hair and they did not mix well with water - this one does. The Hydrating Hair Butter comes in Lemon/Ylang Ylang and Lavender/Jasmine.

Lemon/Ylang Ylang Ingredients: Coconut oil, mango butter, kokum butter, shea butter, sweet almond oil, lemon and ylang ylang essential oils.
Lavender/Jasmine Ingredients: Coconut oil, mango butter, kokum butter, shea butter, sweet almond oil, lavender and jasmine essential oils.

Curls Nurture Creme (CNC)

When I saw Fleurzty's video tutorial on how she uses HHB and the CNC I had to get this cream. In her tutorial you can see the dramatic difference both products have on her hair - less frizz, moisture and shine. Now of course, my hair texture is not the same as Fleurzty's so the curls she achieved were soft waves in my hair in some places and just over all easy to detangle, well moisturized hair in others.

And her site instructions clearly state - It brings out your natural curl definition while moisturizing your hair and is not a curl definer product, and will not create curl that does not exist in your hair. So, like I said I achieved overall moisture, softness and shine. I've used this on puffs and twists and even braids with great results. I plan on using both products for a twist-out in the coming months and I will post pictures as well.

The Curls Nurture Creme is made with water, aloe vera juice, shea butter, avocado butter, coconut oil, horsetail extract, emulsifying wax, palm stearic acid, nettle extract, neem extract, fragrance, tinosan, potassium sorbate.

Be sure to check out Fleurzty's site Textured Playground if you do not already follow and check out her Boutique De Fleurzty products and reviews. She is also doing a giveaway for a set of Curlformers - be sure to enter:o)

Don't forget to leave your Summer Hair Tips to enter in the Giveaway - one of the Clutch readers did not like my suggestion of wigs/weaves for protective styles what do you think? Also check out the more info links where I listed links from The Natural Hair Haven, Newly Natural and Chocolate Orchid for more summer hair tips.

Peace and Blessings

Hair Expo Pics and Hair Tie Giveaway Winners

2010-03-28T18:11:00.026-04:00

Last weekend I attended the Baltimore Hair Expo. It was wonderful - there were tons of vendors, music performances, classes, natural hairstyles to drool over and more. Below I created a picture video of some of the things I saw.

And look who I ran into at the expo... Sarah - creator of Sarenzo Beads :o) I was yelling her name and snapping pictures - and she was trying to act shy - lol

She took a quick break to take a picture with me - her accessories were super popular :o)

Check me out sporting my Thank God I'm Natural Tee - you really can't see my puff in this picture though ;o)

Anyway, speaking of Sarah of Sarenzo Beads I also want to announce the winner (s) of my Sarenzo Beads Hair Tie Giveaway. I know I did the contest a while ago, but I have been working on a surprise for alternate winners - which prolonged my winner announcement. Anyway, the grand-prize winner is Shell :o) Check out Shell's inspirational blog Swanofdreamers.

Congrats again, Shell :o)

Now the alternate winners that will receive a 'surprise' prize are as follows:

Chocolate Orchid

Angelique

Sskeew

Sharon Keyser

NewRibena

Naturally Shophia

Congratulations to the alternate winners as well - and if you haven't received an email from me please send me your address so I can mail out your prize (send to iluv23277@hotmail.com) :o)

Enjoy the picture video - and as always excuse my typos - lol

Peace and Blessings...

Lots of Pics -nails, twist-out, locs and puff :o)

2010-03-18T19:21:00.009-04:00

I finally took down my twist-out - it was about 3 weeks old. I loved how it looked but it was so itchy :o)

This is how it looked before I detangled and washed. Throughout the weeks, I re-did a few in the back that looked super frizzy.

This is my current style...

I have been wearing my hair in a bun for the past few weeks - I wear it out on Friday. Yep I was taking pictures in the restroom at work again - lol

I tried to get the back.

Other side with my giant heart clip I bought at the dollar store. My puff was a little flat - guess I must have leaned it against my chair at work :o)

My step-daughter's twist-out

She wore it like this for a little over a week.

Having the cornrows in the front helped it stay looking neat - since she is so rough on her hair, but it had tons of lint on the ends - again, I don't know where or how she picks up so much lint.

Other side...

My brother tracked me down - to tighten his locs. I used the latch method to tighten the roots and use Organic Root Stimulator Loc and Twist Gel to smooth the loose hairs. I tried to get a before picture but it turned out kind of dark...

It was super frizzy and you couldn't see any of the parts at all. Here's a picture of a section I tightened - with parts now showing...

Next time I will take some better before pictures. Here's a better one I took in the bathroom when I was done. He even had his own clips :o)

Nail pictures...

I decided to 'really' start taking hair vitamins (I've been saying I was going to do so, but kept forgetting - lol). I started taking them at the beginning of February. I ordered them from Vitamin World . I got some that were vegetarian (check them out here) and a two month supply, and plan on ordering more since I'm about to run out. So far I really can't tell if they are having an effect on my hair, but I have noticed a change in my nails...

They usually grow long, but after about 2 or 3 weeks, they start to get tears on the sides closest to the palm of my fingers, and I have to constantly file them to keep them from snagging on stuff - especially my hair. Then after all the filing one breaks and when one breaks I cut them all down. But since I've been taking the vitamins I noticed that they are much stronger.

Only one or two had to be filed on the side, but just a little. And I have been clumsily hitting them against things, like my desk drawer at work or reaching down in my purse and bending one against a book or something and none have broken. They've been going strong for two months and I've never kept them this long without breaking, so I'm certain it's the vitamins. So, if they are working for my nails they must be doing 'something' to my hair.

I don't want them to get any longer than this though, sometimes I get a strange sensation when they scratch against stuff too, which is creepy. I think I am going to cut them, but before I do I will polish them - usually when I polish my nails they always get those side tears, so I wonder if that will happen (I will post pictures of my polished nails). Again, I plan to keep taking the vitamins and will update on whether I notice any changes in my hair.

Peace and Blessings...

Afro Glitz First Annual Web Awards

2010-02-28T15:44:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite online magazines/hair community Afro Glitz is hosting its First Annual Web Awards.

Afro Glitz felt that it was necessary to honor those who advocate the beauty of natural hair and self-love, by creating the Afro Glitz Web Awards. You can nominate your site and/or your favorite sites within several categories.

Categories include, Best Author Site; Best All-Around Beauty Blog; Best Forum; Best Hair Blog; Best V-Log for Loose Hair; Best V-Log for Locs; Best Haircare Products Site; Best Haircare Accessories Site; Best Performing Artist Site; Best Visual Artist Site; Best Website Design; and, Most Influential Site. You can also suggest your own category as well. Find detailed information on each category here.

Sponsors are welcome as well.

The nomination period ends on March 25th, 12pm EST time. The nominees will be announced on June 25th, as well as the start of the voting period. The voting period ends on August 25th at 12pm EST time, and the winners will be announced on October 25th.

So, head over to Afro Glitz to nominate your favorites.

Peace and Blessings...

Twist-Out Pictures

2010-02-21T12:53:00.007-05:00

I took down both my and my step-daughter's twists. I actually co-washed mine in preparation for a twist-out. I took hers out because, although they did last for about two weeks she was driving me crazy with all of her scratching saying it was itching - so I wanted to wash and re-do hers.

After unraveling her twists, she said she wanted to wear them out in a twist-out. It actually looked pretty good after I picked out tons of lint, but I knew it wouldn't last a week without getting matted and filled with lint again (I don't how she manages to pick up so much lint) and she was still scratching. I did let her wear it 'out' for a day though ;o)

Side of her 'one day' twist-out

Since it was two-strand twisted all over it hung in her face, so I pulled it back and added a headband (I had the headband pulled back, further but for some reason she felt it looked better right at her hairline :o) Her hair was so nice and shiny and bouncy - she didn't have any dry scalp so I don't know why she was scratching all the time?? :o(

Back of her twist-out.

I decided to detangle each twist by hand - to get ready to re-wash.

Detangled twist-out. I though this was a cute style, so we did another photo shoot before I washed it.

Closer shot with another one of my headbands.

The finished result.... I decided to put cornrows in the front with the ends in two-strand twists, then two-strand twists in the back. This way she could wear a twist-out the next week and it would still look pretty tame with all of her running around and stuff and she wouldn't need to use of any of my headbands - lol :o)

Damp twists - you can see a little of the leave-in conditioner/pomade mix (the white spots).

Dry cornrows/twists

This was taken the next day - not much more shrinkage from the night before.

Showing the amount of overall shrinkage.

I co-washed my twists then let them air dry... I got carried away massaging the top - which resulted in lots of fuzziness.

Showing shrinkage - some of the ones in the back and the very top/front unraveled so I re-twisted.

The next morning - I added some more oil and unraveled. I actually left in the row in the back.

The night before I unraveled, while they were still damp I added some oil then covered with a satin scarf, which helped with the frizziness.

I plan to wear it like this for a week or two.

Also I haven't forgotten about my 'giveaway announcement' and will be back with updates soon. So stay tuned.

Peace and Blessings

New Twists - Giveaway News :o)

2010-01-31T23:11:00.005-05:00

I have been sooooo busy working I haven't had time to update in a while. But I haven't forgotten about the hair tie giveaway winner announcement. I am working on a 'surprise' to go along with the giveaway announcement - I have decided to pick more than one winner since everyone who participated has been so patient :o) So stay tuned for my 'surprise'/giveaway winner announcement!

In the meanwhile, I have taken down my box braids - wore them for an entire month - and I have put in two-strand twists in preparation for a twist-out (I had to sneak one more in before wearing another month long protective style ;o).

Check out my twists...

I attempted to put them in a different style other than my signature plain old bun :o)

Other side. I will leave these in for about two weeks then unravel and wear the twist-out for about two weeks also.

I also put my step-daughter's hair in box braids, which she wore for a month as well - she was loving it because she 'hates' getting her hair done :o)

Check out the resulting braid-out bun.

I also put hers in two-strand twists as well.

Her hair is sooo thick - the twists are nice and fat and full :o) Prayerfully, this will last two-weeks - she's very 'rough' on hair styles.

Well, that's it for now. I will be back soon with my announcement and more hair updates.

Peace and Blessings...

Happy New Year! - Lots of Pics and New Year's Day Giveaway :o)

2010-01-01T13:32:00.013-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!! I hope everyone has a safe and prosperous New Year :o)

Well, like the title says I have lots of pics and a New Year's Day Giveaway :o)

First off, I put in my box braids protective style. I've been wearing them now for over two weeks. I had big plans of curling them and styling them, but I've been wearing my same old bun :o) But while wearing my twist-outs before putting in the braids I noticed my ends felt a little 'crispy' and found lots of little hairs in the sink after I detangled so I knew it was time for a dusting.

So, after putting the braids in I clipped off the tips of each braid.

Picture of my cut-off tips.

Since I got lazy with styling or curling my box braids I decided to dress them up with some accessories. I pulled out my old accessory box - shoe box, and began trying some on...

Close up of my accessory box - I used gallon bags for the headbands and flowers and smaller sandwich bags for the smaller ones and labeled them - as you can see some of the labels are fading...

Some of my favorite flowers. The big green one and black one are new they have scrunchies on the back like the little blue one; all the others are clips. The two in the upper right corner are from Ododo Originals - beautiful beaded flowers - my first two of many I plan to get.

Her site is down now but will be back up in February with some new designs - check it out and be sure to sign-up to be notified when it will be reopened. The two with the stones in the middle are from Sarenzo Beads - they are so soft and life-like. All the rest are from beauty supplies and my favorite Claire's :o)

Some of my favorite slide-on headbands.

Bra strap headbands

Tie-on headbands - I like these the best because I can adjust the tightness - I need to get more of these :o) My favorite one - an all blue one is not shown - had to throw it in the wash basket. The best part about these is they can be washed. Some of these were made by one of my Nappturality sisters - Teekydawg - I'm not sure if she makes them anymore, I'm going to have to email her to see, but in the meanwhile check out her Cafe Press Shop - Teek's Customs.

My home-made bands and hair ties - all made with pantyhose. They are also very comfortable - the butterfly one is my favorite :o) - I'm really going to have to do a tutorial on how to do these.

My most treasured...

Tomoka's Twists :o) This year I plan on adding more of these to my collection as well. I should have used a different background so you could see the colors better :o( But check out the Tomoka's Twists site for more designs and other things she makes including hair ties. The 'Good Hair' one is my favorite.

Scrunchies and bows - I made the Fourth of July Glory Bear one :o) I used to wear them all the time when I wore extension braids and twists now when I put the bigger ones on with my own braided hair they just cover the entire braid puff. Think I'll tuck the big ones back in the box - but will break out Glory for Fourth of July :o)

Barrettes, clips and more!

Some of my favorite - I actually don't keep these in my shoe box. Remember hair sticks? I haven't seen them in the Claire's I go to. The ones by the clips - painted green, black, red etc... were painted by me with finger nail polish :o) I should wear a pair of these with my braid bun - maybe I will restart the trend - lol.

Okay some of these are really from back in the day...

Beads and the little gold and silver hair bracelet thingies (never knew what they were called).

People used to wear them on their cornrows and braids. Also you can see the cowrie/cowry shells. I really should add some to my box braids. The ones in the upper right corner are my home-made braid/loc jewelry. I used to attach them to my braids and twists - real and extensions - so I could be like the loc wearers - lol

Another collection that needs to be added to...

Hair ties - I think on me they look better with loose hair, so I wont be wearing these with my box braids. *Also there's a hint in there of what the giveaway is :o)*

Okay here's what I decided to do...

Square iridescent beads and cowrie shells :o) Just four in the ponytail and one on the side - didn't want to get too wild. Notice my box braids are frizzie and shrunken - because I've washed them - but I love when they start to look old because again, since I'm obsessed with locs - I think they look more like them - lol

Side view - I tried to get my hanging piece in the pic (I always leave one out - to 'show-off' the length - but once in begins to shrink more it's also going into the ponytail ;o)

Other side.

Work style - my usual bun - of course, the 'length' piece will keep hanging.

And I will changed the scrunchie to and all-black one, and add flowers and Tomoko's Twists throughout the weekdays.

Okay now for the New Year's Day Giveaway!!!!

Complements of Ms. Sarah Elliot of Sarenzo Beads - a beautiful shell hair tie :o)

Along with hair ties she makes all types of beautiful hair accessories and jewelry as well. Check out the Sarenzo Beads Blog and Sarenzo Beads Shop to check them out.

Now to win this beautiful hair tie - all you have to do is visit Sarenzo Beads Shop and comment on this post stating something you like in her shop - as many times as you like and I will draw one name from the commenters to win :o) That simple - so start commenting and look for more giveaways to come :o)

Peace and Blessings...

Twist-Out Pics - Finally :o)

2009-12-20T13:33:00.010-05:00

I've finally gotten around to posting these - thanks to the snow I'm trapped indoors :o)

Picture descriptions...

This is about three weeks ago before using using Naturi Quench Moisturizer - oh by the way the winner of the Quench contest was Chai of Back To Curly and the winner of the Bobeam Shampoo Bar was Coco Diva - CONGRATS AGAIN - CHAI and COCO DIVA :o)

Anyway, before using Naturi Quench Moisturizer and washing - I had previously detangled and braided my hair then unbraided - then put it in this low puff. I was excited that I could actually get it in a low puff - I wanted to wear it like this, but it was sooooo itchy and had to be washed.

Closer look at low puff :o)

When pulling it back into the low puff I also noticed my ends 'crackling' - which is my sign that they need to be trimmed...

Washed/conditioned and Naturi Quench Moisturizer added. Getting ready to put in two-strand twists.

Twists...

I rinsed - tea rinse- then let dry over night and untwisted in the morning.

This is actually the beginning of the second week.

Back of twist-out. I have since detangle and washed in preparation for my protective style - box braids. I have yet to start them, so no pictures yet. I will post them when I'm done.

Also stay tuned for the next giveaway coming soon :o)

Peace and Blessings...

Coming Soon - Twist-Out Pics - Another Giveaway :o)

2009-12-14T14:32:00.005-05:00

Hello, Everyone :o)

I have been soooo busy doing hair these past few weekends I haven't had a moment to post. I guess during the holidays everyone natural or not wants to wear low maintenance braid styles that, of course, take forever to put in ;o)

Anyway, I am still wearing my twist-out. I will post the pictures soon. I am also planning another giveaway. So stay tuned...

In the meantime, have you checked out my Naptural Hair Story (working title :o)? - Check it out and tell me what you think. I tried to label the chapters so it would be easy to follow. You'll have to go into the archive on the right and click on 2008 for the beginning Big Chop and work your way up.

Peace and Blessings...

Thank God I'm Natural Book

2009-11-30T07:32:00.008-05:00

I have been reading so many great reviews of the book Thank God I'm Natural by Chris-Tia Donaldson. Thank God I'm Natural - called "Your Natural Hair Bible" by Essence Magazine describes Chris-Tia’s personal hair journey, as well as "...educates readers about the historical and cultural events that have led to our obvious misinterpretation of our own beauty…and the lengths that we will go to to pursue the false and ultimately unattainable image of perfection that so many of us perceive as ‘normal’ or ‘acceptable’."

The book also features advice from celebrity stylists of Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and others. I'm definitely going to read and post my review as well :o) The Thank God I'm Natural book companion site is having a holiday promotion where you can get a personalized autographed copy of the book, t-shirt, tote bag and free shipping. Check out the promo:

Thank God I’m Natural: The Perfect Xmas Gift for the Special Woman in Your Life
The holidays are right around the corner and Thank God I’m Natural would make the perfect Xmas gift for that special woman in your life. Surprise mom, your daughter, or your best friend with an autographed copy of the book with a personalized inscription that reads "Dear XXX, Always stay natural. You’re beautiful just the way you are." As black women, it is not often that we’re told we’re beautiful as we are, which is why this is such a unique present. The book is available online at the Thank God I'm Natural store and Thank God I’m Natural is offering free shipping on all purchases from now until Christmas, excluding international orders.

Thank God I'm Natural Reviews:

AfroGlitz Magazine

Chocolate Orchid

Naturally Leslie

Curls, Coils and Kinks

Nappily Evah Afta

A Kinky Hair Monologue

By the way - pictures coming soon of my twist/twist-out using Naturi Quench Intense Moisturizer :o)
Peace and Blessings

Product Review and Giveaway :o)

2009-11-22T22:37:00.012-05:00

I've tried a wonderful product made my Shelley Chapman of Naturi Beauty Concepts - check out her other product on her blog - Naturi Beauty Blog. Shelley also makes the most mouth watering treats - check out her Vegan Cacao Cupcakes - live step-by-step recipe on her Naturi Beauty YouTube channel .

Product Review:

The product I tried is called Naturi Quench. Just like the label indicates Naturi Quench is an intense moisturizer.

Ingredients: Water, shea butter, aloe vera gel, jojoba oil, hemp oil, glycerin, lanolin, vegetable emulsifying wax, EO lemongrass, FO blend, preservative blend. Read more detailed about each ingredient provided by Naturi Beauty here.

The moisturizer has a very light, creamy, smooth consistency similar to pudding with a cool, minty/herbal smell. Naturi Quench is very moisturizing. So far, I've been using it to smooth down my edges and tame frizzies, while wearing my bun (which I am still wearing by the way :o) My hair soaks it up.

My hair felt moisturized all day. Even after coming in and out of the rain I had no frizzy hair sticking up, my hair stayed nicely smoothed into the bun, and it had a non-greasy feel. A little truly goes a long way.

I am planning to use Naturi Quench to moisturize my hair before I put it into two-strand twists in preparation for a twist-out (pictures soon to come).

The Giveaway :o)

In conjunction with Shelley andNaturi Beauty and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, All Naptural is having it's first giveaway :o) The prize, of course, is a jar of Naturi Quench moisturizer.

To be the winner of this giveaway.....All you have to do is ONE of the following:

COMMENT on this post about why moisturizing your hair is important. COMMENT on this post about why your hair NEEDS Naturi Quench.

Visit Shelley's blog then come back here AND COMMENT on something that you learned from her Naturi Beauty Blog.

For extra chances to have your name in the drawing and win...do SEVERAL of the following
Tweet a link to this post @Laquita33 with the words "Win Naturi Moisturizing Quench Giveaway on All Naptural Blog" Subscribe to All Naptural Blog and leave a separate COMMENT that you have subscribed.

Already a subscriber? Thanks a bunch, just let All Naptural know that you subscribe and tell me what you want to see on the Blog :) Every comment and/or tweet counts as it's very own entry.

Happy Commenting & Tweeting -- the more Giveaway Love you spread, the higher your chance to WIN!!! CONTEST CLOSES NOVEMBER 27th at 11:59PM Est.

Peace and Blessings

Twist-Out Puff and Bun Pictures

2009-11-15T20:05:00.008-05:00

After wearing my twist-out for almost two weeks, in the middle of the week I turned it into a twist-out puff.

At the end of the week I decided to wash and condition then got lazy and put it into a bun.

I just separated the puff into three plaits then braided them together to make a bun.

To jazz up the bun during the week, I added various accessories like these elastic bows.

Flower pins.

And decorative hair clips - I like this giant heart - found it in a dollar store :o)

I also wore this headband on Friday.

I think I will actually wear this bun for one more week :o)

Peace and Blessings...

Great Video about Hair Growth and More

2009-11-07T16:09:00.004-05:00

I am still wearing my twist-out going into the second week. I think I'm going to actually wash and re-do in the next day or so and I will post pictures of whatever style I come up with, but I have no idea as of now :o)

Anyway, I wanted to share this wonderful video done from Kimmaytube. Check it out and be sure to rate, comment and subscribe to her channel :o) Peace and Blessings...

Twist-Out Pictures

2009-10-18T12:42:00.002-04:00

Here are the pictures of my twist-out that resulted from the video I posted of my wash/condition routine.

After one week I co-washed my twists, let them dry overnight, and added shea butter before unravelling.

Wet twits

After they were dry I moisturized with shea butter and unravelled. I also added a headband

Other side

Back - you can see a little hole - but it went away by the middle of the week!

Peace and Blessings...

Documentary: Where Hair Comes From

2009-10-06T23:13:00.010-04:00

In light of the news I read about Chris Rock being sued over his movie - read the story here - I remembered a BBC documentary I saw about a pop star - Jamelia, going to India investigating the international trade in real human hair. Apparently the documentary has been taken off of BBC, but I found some videos on YouTube that show some of it. Check them out.

Also check out this article on the documentary - Why I'll never wear hair extensions again, by pop star Jamelia

Oprah and Chris Rock 'Good Hair'

2009-10-01T07:13:00.009-04:00

I didn't get a chance to see the Oprah and Chris Rock 'Good Hair' show as of yet, but I've been scouring the Internet looking for reviews and clips of the show. Doing my 'research' I came across some very interesting commentary on the show, one of which stood out the most.

This came in the form of a video commentary from the YouTube channel Kimmaytube. She brought up the fact that the show focused on the term 'Good Hair' relating it to perms and weaves versus hair with a certain texture. She also had some interesting views about Solange and Oprah. Check it out (don't forget to rate the video and check out her other videos which are also great).

*On the video she gives instructions on how to get to her 'Good Hair' commentary but if you watch from here you wont be able to follow them, so just scroll to 4:30 if you don't want to watch the beginning.*

Video: My Wash/Condition Routine

2009-09-27T18:22:00.008-04:00

My wash and condition routine :o)

*Sorry for the typo - took forever to do this so I refuse to redo - lol

Peace and Blessings...

Twist-Out Still Going Strong

2009-09-13T23:26:00.006-04:00

This is the result of two-strand twists that I wore for one week. I washed and conditioned, then added a leave-in (Suave coconut conditioner mixed with Castor oil) and twisted on wet hair. I wore my twists in a bun for the entire week. Before unraveling, I co-washed my two-strand twists and let dry over night.

1st week pics

Since I wore my two-strands in a pulled back bun for a week - I stretched the front of my hair which resulted in the twist pattern straightening, so I used a headband to smooth back the hair that was not in the two-strand twist pattern.

Back of 1st week

I moisturized with shea butter about three times a week and wore a satin cap at night. I re-twisted about seven twists mid-week - just re-wetting and twisting.

Side/back of 2nd week twist-out

Closer look at top of 2nd week twist-out

Back of 2nd week twist-out

I plan on washing on the weekend - I wont re-twist any during this week because I want the twist pattern to swell and expand - which will make it easier to detangle.

Peace and Blessings :o)

Second Week of Twist-Out

2009-08-27T20:33:00.010-04:00

Actually this post is a little late since I have now started my next - two-week long style (just plain two-strands twists in a bun). But, here are the pictures of the second week of my twist-out.

After the first week of my twist-out with cornrows in the front - I had gotten tired of looking at my frizzy cornrows and decided to take them out. But, I really should have left them in because I created more frizz by disturbing them - so I decided to turn my twist-out into a twist-out puff :o)

I added a Tomoka's Twist Accessory :o) Check them out here.

That day, at work (during my break of course ;o) I came across a couple of blog posts on twist-outs done with flat twists. On Chocolate Orchid's blog she featured Calla Lily's flat-twist out method and pics. Then on A Grl Can Mac's blog she showcased her own beautiful 'first-time' flat twist-out along with some great 'how-to' videos. So, I decided that I had to try a flat twist twist out when I got home ;o)

My tools - (excuse the sideways picture - thought I straightened it up at home, but when I got to work to add my captions I discovered I didn't) - again, I am on a 'break' while doing this ;o) - Anyway, I used Organic Root Stimulator's Lock and Twist gel (I'm in still in search of a paraben free gel - but this one works pretty well for now). The brown jar is my own mix of shea butter, almond oil and coconut oils.

My flat twists - I'm sure you can tell I parted with my fingers, and I may have went a little overboard with the twisting gel...

I followed all of the steps on both blogs - but I did my twists too late in the evening, and maybe even a few were a little too thick, because in the morning my hair was not completely dry :o( Breaking my own rule, not giving myself enough time to do my hair, I found myself in a rush and had to break out the handheld dryer - no time to sit under the hooded one - which in hindsight I will do before going to bed the next time I plan on wearing a twist-out and do my hair late in the evening ;o)

Again pressed for time I still didn't get it super dry, hence the results ;o(
BTW: Don't ask how I had time to take pics - but needless to say my husband was not amused - but my stepdaughter helped move the picture taking process along ;o)

Some parts did dry though, and I was pleased with the results, but there was still a big chunk in the back that did not dry, and as you can see it really stood out from the rest.

I tried to get a shot of the top which dried and looked great. To fix my half dry flat twist-out. I decided to resort to a twist-out/chunky puff :o)

You can see the parts from the flat -twists :o)

Although I didn't get to wear my flat twist twist-out, overall I was pleased with my puff :o)

That night I decided to re-twist and put in some big two-strands which took about an hour. I re-wet sections with water and added a little more of my shea butter mix. I didn't add any more styling gel.

Again I parted with my fingers. I put the twists in earlier, right when I got home from work, so in the morning they were completely dry :o) I unraveled my twists and in an effort to get out of the house on time - I went right to work before styling...

Since I got to work extra early - I decided to style there.

Side of big twist - twist-out :o)

Other side - yep, I'm taking pics in the restroom at work :o) I wanted to wear my twist-out out, but really didn't like how the the front looked and rushed out of the house forgetting to grab some flowers clips which would have done the trick. So....

I resorted to a big twist-out puff - I did manage to grab my homemade butterfly pantyhose headband :o)

Side of puff :o)

Tried to get a shot of the back - but someone came in and I decided to end my photo shoot - lol.

I had to laugh when the lady came in frowning - lol

Close shot of my butterfly pantyhose headband - I'm going to have to put a pic tutorial up one of these days on how to make these. They really come in handy :o)

Over the weekend I had to re-wash becomes my scalp was itching - I think it was because of all the gel I used. So for now, I am wearing the two-strand twist bun, but may unravel for a twist-out next week.

Peace and Blessings

Twist-Out Results

2009-08-16T19:37:00.013-04:00

After wearing protective styles for an entire year, I was anxious to wear my favorite style - the twist-out. Before unraveling my two-strand twists after wearing them for two weeks, I did a co-wash and moisturized while wet. After the co-wash, I noticed that a few of my two-strands were loose at the root, so I re-twisted them and let air dry.

Side of wet twists right after co-wash

Other side - you can see the loose roots were the holes are.

The back - and more holes with loose roots (I'm going to make them smaller next time so I can get them tighter). In the morning I moisturized again with Shea butter and unraveled starting from the back. After unraveling a few from the back I noticed they were shriveled and not in the form of the two-strand twist pattern to my liking and some were super frizzy (possibly because I slept on them when they weren't completely dry). So I ended up re-twisting them.

Side of twist-out. When I first took them out I was not pleased with the results. It didn't look the way I remembered. It just looked different for some reason from the way I was used to seeing it :o( But I was glad at the way the top hung over my cornrows because the ones on the sides closest to my ear look a hot mess :o)

Other side of twist out - you can see some of the holes - due to re-twisting. I re-twisted all of the ones along with the entire back row (6 twists) and a few in the middle that didn't dry all the way. I will let them stay for a day or so then unravel again.

The very back - can you tell that the last row is in two-strands? I don't plan on taking them out because I think they blend in pretty well.

Twist-out comparisons: The first pic is a twist-out I did when my hair was much shorter. I loved how it looked - hardly any holes. The second pic is one I did when my hair was a little longer - again I loved how it looked. The last one is my twist-out now.

And from looking at the pictures I see why it looks different to me - it's because the hair is actually hanging. For some reason I failed to realize that my hair is longer now and the twist-out IS going to look different. I'm still not used to it though - I think I will try twisting with gel next time to see how it turns out, and I will make sure all of my twists are the same size because since it is longer, the hair doesn't blend in together and you can actually see each individual hanging piece and some pieces are smaller than others - I could just be nit-picking though ;o)

I plan to wear this for two weeks. I think the first week I will wear it as-is and the second week I will take out the cornrows. Of course, I will post pics of how it looks each week :o)

Peace and Blessings...

End of Protective Style Experiment

2009-08-02T14:25:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone,

I've finally reached the end of my self-induced year-long protective style challenge :o) At the beginning of my challenge - August of '08 (see blog post here) - I had big plans of keeping my hair in protective styles for an entire year and achieving 6 inches of growth ( the average person's hair grows about 6 inches a year) added to the 4 to 5 inches I had at the time. I also had plans of taking vitamins, exercising, eating right and paying close attention to my ends during the challenge.

Well, now that the year has ended I am ready to examine the results. In the beginning, the first few months I did exercise some and tried to eat right, but those two things slowly died away - not to mention I have yet to take vitamin the first :o( - In the beginning I also took special care with my ends, but as the months rolled on I found myself getting a little lazy and not moisturizing them as often as I planned, but for the last 3 or 4 months I did pamper them. And in-between styles, I started washing my hair in 6 to 8 loose braids which has helped tremendously with breakage.

I think the fact that I got 'lazy' with overall moisturizing and paying closer attention to my ends and not taking the vitamins, resulted in me missing the total 6 inch growth mark. But in the end, wearing the protective styles did help me achieve much healthier hair, and the crown area of my head that seemed to not grow as fast as the outer areas - is actually healthier and therefore retaining more length. Overall, my hair has grown 4 to 5 inches longer - the crown measuring a little over 7 inches and everywhere else between 8 and 9.

This challenge has taught me the importance of moisturizing and setting aside time to take down and style my hair - which resulted in retaining length. It also has gotten me used to frizz. I was able to keep styles in for a month or more at a time - frizz and all.

In the beginning of my challenge, I wasn't able to put my hair in a bun without using clips to hold some of the shorter hair in place. Now, I am able to wear it in a high pun and actually have hair left to fold over.

My last protective style - big box braids.

Showing the length - I used to have to put clips to hold the back braids or twists in place.

I had big plans to do some finger coils, but decided to put my hair in two-strand twists (another protective style ;o) - I will wear these twists for two weeks and then unravel for my first twist-out in one year!

Front - my signature cornrows in the front. The front of my hair is thinner and straighter. Because it is thinner when I do two-strands there are a lot of 'holes' parts showing unless I do them really small. Because it is straighter the ends of the twists unravel, so I prefer putting the front in cornrows or flat twists.

I did these on freshly washed hair. I was surprised that there were not many 'holes' since I did them so big :o)

Side view.

Back shrinkage.

Side shrinkage.

I plan to were this style for the entire month of August. The first two weeks like this, although I may put it up in a pony tail next week, and the last two weeks I will unravel to wear in a twist out. I will be back in two weeks to post pics of the twist out.

Peace and Blessings...

Guess Who Was A Kinnks Guest Blogger

2009-07-10T15:08:00.002-04:00

.....Me!!!!!

Check out my hair journey story on Kinnks.com. I have followed in the footsteps of the creator of On The Road To Queendom, check out her guest blog post as well. If you haven't visited yet, Kinnks.com is composed of an online directory dedicated to all things natural hair, has it's own blog featuring Lady Kinnks herself, features very inspirational guest writers, and much more.

Take a peak at Kinnks Mission statement:
Our mission is to enrich the lives of those who were taught, they are not naturally beautiful. Kinnks.com is a resource that aids in the pursuit and fulfillment that arises from wearing hair in its natural state. Our goal is to be the informational source for all things natural hair.

Be sure to join the Kinnks mailing list, and if you have a blog or site be sure to submit your link to get it put in the Kinnks directory. Also check out this cool Kinnks Tee :o)

Intro to my submission:
In my opinion, Laquita is the number one supporter of Natural Hair Online!! You may seen her featured on several natural hair sites and blogs. She shares her hair journey, and previous stylist expertise on her own blog ... Join the fight - read more here.

Thanks again, Lady Kinnks for giving me the opportunity to support the cause :o)

Locs - My Obsession

2009-06-08T23:56:00.012-04:00

I am soooo obsessed with locs. One of the reasons why my protective style of choice is small box braids is because I love how at about the third week they get frizzy and resemble locs. I call them my focs aka fake locs :o) One of these years, I am going to loc. I think I will do it myself with box braids and maintain by using the latch method.

My brother is on his second set of locs. He cut off his first set after about four years and still has them in a zip-lock bag that he says he's never going to throw away. His first set was 'accidental'. I used to two-strand twist his hair - while hanging out with his friends he missed an entire month of maintenance. For some reason, I thought he was just re-doing them himself - but that was not the case. When he finally got around to trying to untwist so I could redo them - they were matted together. He did not want to cut, so he decided to turn the matted twists to locs.

We maintained his first set of locs just by palm rolling. With his second set, I started to tighten his new growth using the latch method (using a small latch hook that I got from the beauty supply). In between latching he does the palm roll method, using an alcohol free gel to tame the frizzies. Check out Nubian Locked Princesses Latch Tutorial - she makes it look so easy and I was able to pick it up in minutes just watching.

Here is a picture of my brother's hair about a week after tightening. His locs here are about three months old. Loc'd hair seems to grow super fast.

I also had the opportunity to write an article for Clutch Magazine about Locs and of course I was in heaven. I interviewed three lovely loc'd ladies, Tama, MiMi (aka) Carmen, and Nubian Locked Princess about how they started their locs, the locing methods they chose i.e. braid locs, Sisterlocks etc. and I asked them about maintenance - by the way even though the article is old feel free to leave your comments.

Being obsessed with locs - I follow lots of loc blogs and I'm forever lurking on loc'd hair communities. Recently, I was given an award from one of my favorite blogs - Nubian Locked Princess who also has the best YouTube channel - be sure to check out her tutorial listed above :o)

Another one of my favorite blogs - not a loc one though is Naturally Leslie, in May, she did one of her 'Sunday Cuteness' posts on Locs and posted the most beautiful pictures that I was drooling over. Check out the pictures - Naturally Leslie

I am going to share my award, again given to me by Nubian Locked Princess with some of my favorite loc blogs listed below.
Carmen
Brunsli
Naturally Sophia
On The Road To Queendom
Locked Hair Blog Exchange
Loc Rocker
Natural Hair Beauty

Here are some of my favorite loc YouTube channels:
Nubian Locked Princess
Scandalous Beauty
Minnie Moe
Chescaleigh

Enjoy - Peace and Blessings...

Pictures of Washed Rope Twists

2009-06-05T19:43:00.008-04:00

I'm finally getting around to posting the pictures of my washed rope twists. Like I said in the last post - the rope twists lasted longer compared to regular two-strands, over time they were less frizzy and withstood washing - especially since I braided the roots first.

Throughout the month I had them in, I washed every two weeks and co-washed in between. I also sealed my ends with Castor oil about twice each week.

These pictures were taken after the second wash. I washed with a shampoo bar, conditioned, sealed ends with Castor oil and air dried.

Still a little wet - not many unraveled and less shrinkage compared to regular two-strands.

I wore it down like this for a week. One thing I didn't like were the 'holes' that never went away due to the braided roots.

Closer shot of damp rope twists.

An unraveled twist - looks like two finger coils. I think I will rope twist without braiding the roots, so I can wear a finger coil/twist out.

I have taken the twists out and I'm back to my signature box braids. Before taking down the twists I did a pre-poo ACV and conditioner rinse, then unraveled while damp.

After unraveling each section I detangled with my fingers first, then with a wide-tooth comb and put my hair in about eight braids. I washed and conditioned with the braids in, then unraveled, clarified and styled. This process took a long time, but was worth it because I loss less hair - a small ball less than the size of a quarter!

The detangle, braid, wash, condition, un-braid and style - will be my routine from now on. I may break it up into two days though :o)

Old picture, but exactly how my box braids look - and the exact style I wear each day, although I do change up the accessories.

Until next time, Peace and Blessings...

Quick Update and Great Mag Commercial

2009-06-03T23:22:00.014-04:00

My twists are out (and small box braids are back) - sorry I didn't post the pictures after washing, but I will post them soon. Braiding my twists at the roots really did help when I washed them. I still had to redo a few that came loose, but overall most stayed in and doing the rope twists, resulted in way less frizz when I washed. I will try them again.

Meanwhile, check out this commercial for The Coil Review re-launch coming soon :o) Also check out Naturally Beautiful's Blog for some interesting info on one of the models.

Peace and Blessings

Blogiversary Blunder and Big Chop Video

2009-05-16T22:32:00.020-04:00

* Disclaimer: My mind was racing a month ahead, when all along I thought I was behind - lol - my blogiversary isn't really until next month. Thanks to all who expressed their congratulations - let's just look at it as practice for next month (now I'm going to have to come up with a whole new video concept :o) *

On to the video introduction:

About two years ago, my stepmother had brain surgery (removing fluid) and I did her hair in two-strand twists in prep for the surgery. The surgeons cut a big patch of her hair off - ruining my twists :o( - Well, she went against my suggestion to just create a cool, new style - a Donald Trump like twist comb-over - and decided to cut all of the twists off and donate them to Locks of Love.

Her sister suggested that we support her by cutting off our hair, so she wouldn't be alone. I was hesitant at first, but I decided to do it. That's the background story - enjoy :o)

New Twists

2009-05-03T20:18:00.015-04:00

I took my cornrows down Friday night and put my hair into a puff before going to bed. In the morning I detangled. This is the hair that shed. I didn't think it was much being as though my hair was in cornrows for one month.

This is my hair detangled. When it is braided for a long time, it stretches and almost looks like I have blown it out.

Wild hair.

A closer shot of the texture and my grey streak :o)

Showing length - reaching the bottom of my chin (me laughing because my stepdaughter stood in the bathroom door looking at me like I was crazy for taking pictures early in the morning).

Pulled back in an attempt to make a low puff. The front barely fits into the scrunchie - by the end of the protective style challenge - August - it should fit without a problem.

Time to wash and condition. My tools: towel, jar - for ACV rinse. Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner - mixed with Castor oil (the bottle behind the comb), Cantu leave-in conditioner, jar with black top is my shea butter (I put a little on each section before twisting and a little on the ends of each twist) squirt bottle, mirror and plastic clips.

All washed and major shrinkage - I have a tiny puff.

Wow - lots of shrinkage!

Cantu Shea Butter leave-in added. I like how this puff looks - I may have to wear it like this once my protective style challenge is over.

I put my hair in a loose high puff and start from the back. I part with my fingers (I actually got the part almost straight).

I decided to try sister twists with braided roots.

Check out Kinky Hair Blog channel's - Easy Sister Twists, Rope Twists Tutorial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZXZhZZjh0E

Close shot of braided root.

A few completed twists - the sister twists feel a little tighter than regular twists - but I had to concentrate on twisting each section of hair while twisting together.

Five hours later all done. Looks really spacey and stringy to me. Can't wait until the humidity and/or steam from the shower 'poof' them up some.

Side view - I clipped both sides back .

I'll attempt to wear it out like this for a week before putting it in my 'usual' twist puff. I'm also going to keep these in until June. I will try to wait for two weeks before co-washing - I'm curious to see how they will last after co-washing since the roots are braided. I will do ACV rinses in-between washing.

I'll post pictures after my first wash.

Peace and Blessings...

Basket Full of Goodies :o)

2009-04-16T20:54:00.003-04:00

When I got home from work this big package was waiting for me :o)

I was too excited when I saw who it was from, and opened it right away - well not right away - always being in a blog state of mind I broke out the camera first ;o)

It was filled with a basket full of hair goodies - conditioners/shampoos, hair bands, head bands, clips, a satin cap... I never imagined that I would be the one to get this from simply participating in Textured Playground's Donation Drive.

The basket alone was just beautiful :o)

A closer shot of all my goodies...ahhhh I can't wait until I take my cornrows out next month so I can dive in :o) Thanks Textured Playground!