Mixin' in the Kitchen!

Okay, so wash day is back on Sundays...for now. What with all the holiday shopping and festivities, I haven't had much time to do anything but I've been aching to get to work on a conditioner. As an impetus, my honey bought me a mini-blender today!

So, before washing my hair, I threw my ingredients into my new blender and came up with a whipped conditioner!!!! The base contains aloe vera juice, jojoba oil, babassu butter, honey extract, collagen, panthenol DL, vitamin E, lecithin, rosemary extract, grapefruit seed extract and other goodies. To the base, I added neem, moringa, avocado, Vatika and grapeseed oils, and 2 oz. of a marshmallow root tincture I'd made.

I was VERY pleased with the consistency, but might have overdone it on the rosemary oil I'd added as my head smelled like Vick's VapoRub for a bit. My conditioner (sigh) had no slip, but it did make my hair very soft, almost like wet cotton. 

While I'm not 100 percent sold on my conditioner yet, I'll be whipping up new batches until I get it right. And, as much as I love cupuacu butter, I've twisted for the first time today with avocado butter. I'm curious for the end results and might make an avocado butter whip similar to my Sheacoco Whip.

Ah Cupuacu....

...I might not know how to pronounce you correctly, but oh how my hair loves you!

Pura Body Naturals is definitely on to something, but something beyond good. This week, I twisted my hair with their Cupuacu Hair Butter and got even better results than I did with Pura's amazing Murumuru Hair Butter.

The Cupuacu Hair Butter left all of my hair baby soft, smelling like lemons and super shiny and bouncy. For me, this particular butter is like Murumuru Hair Butter on steroids. And my curls, oh Lord, I have curls popping all over the place! I most definitely will be using this as a staple product. 

Now, while I'm not used to adding additional product to my hair each day (my Sheacoco Whip keeps me fully moisturized for a full week), I find I do have to moisturize each day when using Pura's hair butters and I've been trying out the Murumuru Moisture Milk and Sapote Hair Lotion samples I bought.

I've learned to embrace the hair lotions, but my hair texture changed as the week progressed. About a day before wash day, the hair lotions almost had the same effect that water has on natural hair, but I didn't mind. It just made my curls and kinks bigger and bolder. I did mind washing them away on my wash day, though.

I might also add that I had no product build-up from using Pura products. Check 'em out at http://www.purabodynaturals.com/.

Murumuru!!

Okay, so all week, I've been using Pura Body Naturals' Murumuru Moisture Milk (try saying that five times fast!).

I normally don't add anything to my hair through the week after my Sunday wash day, but I twisted with Pura's Amazon Hair & Body Butter. I was ecstatic about my results. The Amazon butter not only left my hair bouncy and shiny, but it actually helped prevent shrinkage! I don't really pay attention to shrinkage, but I know that's important to a lot of naturals. 

On day two, I noticed my hair felt a little dry so I decided to try out Pura's Murumuru Moisture Milk sample I received in the hair sample pack I ordered. It smells lemony and is a very thick cream. I applied a quarter-size dollop to my hair, and did a fluff and go. And, again, I really like this product, too. It revived my curls and they were bouncing and shining again. And, I didn't have additional shrinkage!

For the past few months, I've been twisting with Sheacoco Whip, but as much as I love it, the shea butter tends to weigh down my hair and feels "greasy" the first few days. I love my Sheacoco Whip, but I love Pura Body Naturals' Amazon Hair & Body Butter and Murumuru Moisture Milk more. I'm not used to doing any maintenance on my hair through the week, but if I start using Pura products, it might very well be worth it. 

I still have two more Pura products to try out next week, but so far, www.purabodynaturals.com gets two coils up from me!

Exotic Products

Okay, so today is wash day and I've tried something new. I just got my samples from www.purabodynaturals.com and decided to twist my hair with the Amazon Hair and Body Butter.

The Amazon Hair and Body Butter has a light, clean citrus-like smell, and the texture is a thick cream that softens-without melting-in the hands. There are, however, little beads of hardened butter in the cream, but I just put those back in the jar. Essentially, this butter is made of MuruMuru, a Brazilian tree butter. I also have some of Pura Body Natural's MuruMuru Hair Milk and some unrefined MuruMuru butter from another source that I plan to use in the near future.

If the Amazon Hair and Body Butter works as well as I think/hope it will, I will be replacing my (gasp) shea butter with this, cupuacu butter and other oils and butters. So far, so good. Similar to my Sheacoco Whip, the Amazon Hair and Body Butter softened my hair, but unlike shea butter, it did not weigh my hair down or leave behind a grease-like residue. I have high hopes for this butter and will report my results once my hair is dry.

One Sentence Can Change Everything

As some of you might know, I'm opposed to products that contain ingredients whose sources are on the endangered species list. Some of those ingredients include argan oil and baobab extract. A few days ago, I was exploring the KeraCare Natural Textures line, distributed by Avlon. I was very curious until I saw that this line contains argan oil. So, I did my thing and wrote them about my concern. Here is the response I got today:

Thanks for your concern for the Argon Oil as an endangered specie. We will keep this in mind and try to find a substitute for this oil in order to comply with your request.

Dr Syed
Avlon Industries, Inc.

Folks, please do the same. DO NOT use products whose ingredients are on the endangered species list. Comparable ingredients can be used and there is no scientific improvement in our hair if we use argan oil and baobab extract. Other ingredients are out there that produce the same, similar and even better results.

New Product and Update!

If you've been following me for a little while, you've probably figured out that I really don't buy commercial hair products. But, while picking up Yes to Tomatoes for my face (which is working marvelously I might add), I decided to grab this:

On wash day, I misted sections of my hair and applied the Yes to Carrots Hair & Scalp Mud Mask and then braided each section. After all of my hair was braided, I applied Amla oil to my scalp and then sat under my Huetiful Hair Steamer for about 20 minutes.

First, I have to say that I was duly impressed with the mud mask as soon as I put it in my hair. The slip is beyond words and the product is creamier than a smoothie. Think of tapioca pudding without the tapioca pearls. 

After steaming, I washed and conditioned, and then proceeded to finish up my routine as usual. The mud mask left my hair incredibly soft. Even the hair in the back of my hair was baby soft and I've never been able to do much with that patch of hair if ya' get my drift. Granted my hair's been softer than it's ever been before and my curls were popping by the end of the week, courtesy of my first steam treatment a week ago, I definitely will be incorporating the mud mask treatments in my routine. At $12.99 for an estimated four uses, this will be a treat for my hair.

I also ordered samples of babassu and sapote oils, and tucuma, virgin mango and cupuacu butters from mynaturalbliss.com, and the Hair Sampler Pack containing Cupuacu Hair Butter, Amazon Hair and Body Butter, MuruMuru Moisture Milk and Sapote Hair Lotion from a tempting little Facebook ad from purabodynaturals. com. Look for reviews in the future!

Shout Out!

Naturally Me was gracious enough to feature an interview I did with them a little while ago. I've been so busy, I almost forgot about it, but here it is for your reading pleasure!

http://www.na-turallyme.com/My-Natural.html

Ayurveda and I

Okay, so maybe today's lesson is don't implement two new regimens simultaneously. I almost hated my hair today...

I used my Huetiful Hair Steamer for the first time today and loved it, but I also incorporated an Ayurvedic treatment for the first time today too. I used two tablespoons each of Brahmi, Neem, Shikakai and Orange Peel powders, and two tablespoons each of Amla, Vatika, Moringa and Neem oils. To this paste, I added a Palmer's Coconut Oil protein pack.

I applied my paste to small sections of hair and then braided each section. Perhaps that was mistake one. After sitting with this under my steamer for about 20 minutes, I proceeded to wash and condition my hair as usual. I shampooed about four times...until my shampoo water ran clear, but apparently it didn't because when I went to use my Kinky Curly Knot Today, I found a lot of residue.

So, mistake number two...I washed my hair three more times at the kitchen sink. And, I had to undo all of my braids to rinse out the residue...mistake number three. 

By the time I was done, my back and arms were aching, and my hair was a tangled mess that took me the better half of "Daughters in the Dust" to detangle.

I'm twisted now and plan on using this treatment once a month, but we'll see how my hair fairs tomorrow when I remove my twists. Meanwhile, I might concoct a tincture of my herbs and steam with that instead. I'll keep you posted.

Phew!

It's been a while, but I've been busy learning the ropes at my new job. I do, however, have much happy news to report such as the arrival today of my Huetiful Hair Steamer!

I ordered it last Wednesday or Thursday from www.behuetiful.com and it arrived today. I haven't used it yet, but I did put it together in about five minutes. I plan on using it on my Sunday Wash Day in conjunction with my adopted winter Ayurvedic regimen. Friday, I stopped at a local Indian grocery store and got four Ayurvedic herbal powders and three oils for $23 and some change! And, my supplies will last for several deep conditioning treatments. I have pix of everything I got, but haven't been able to upload them.

I also ordered six samples of shampoo bars from www.chagrinvalleysoap.com. 

They have quite a variety, but I chose Ayurvedic Herb, Extra Honey Beer,Mud & Clay, Babassu & Marshmallow, and the Butter Bar Conditioner. Again, they just came today so I won't be using them just yet. I'll let you know how they turn out when I do.

Regarding the Ayurvedic regimen and the shampoo bars, I'd like to thank MopTop Maven at moptopmaven.blogspot.com. I knew I needed to try something different for winter, but wasn't quite sure what to do. But, this feels right. So far, my hair's been doing great with my typical regimen. A summer picture (that also wouldn't upload) shows my afro around my ears, Now, it sits on my shoulders. I've noticed less shedding and tangling, and Wash Day Sunday only takes about an hour. What I do is:

• Working one section at a time without detangling, I apply LeKair Cholesterol with Aloe conditioner (I love this stuff and have used it since I was a little girl) to my dry hair and then loosely braid it. The braids should be loose enough to work shampoo, water and conditioner through but not so loose they come undone. I usually have eight to 10 braids.
• Once all of my hair is braided, I put on a plastic cap and let the conditioner sit for about two hours. Then, I hop in the shower and rinse it all out. 
• Next, I shampoo and condition (with a different conditioner) as usual, with my hair still braided.
• After washing, I work with one braid at a time. I gently take the braid apart, fingercomb Kinky Curly's Knot Today detangler through the hair, comb with my Mebco shower comb, and seal with my Sheacoco Whip. The hair is then twisted, but about halfway down the twist, I apply Uncle Funky's Daughter's Curly Magic gel.
• I then let my twists dry overnight and then take them down in the morning and style.

I've had amazing results with this method and my hair is hardly tangled anymore. I also don't style my hair through the week, but my twist-out stays intact and actually looks better the older it gets. At night, I just put my Sue Maesta Hooded Headband (thank you Carmelita!) over my loose hair and go to sleep! In the morning, I simply fluff and twist as necessary (about five minutes).

Almost...But No Cigar

Mucho kudos to Essence magazine for releasing it's "Hot Hair" special issue. After all these years, they're finally catching on.

I was getting some groceries and picked this up on a whim. As usual, I wasn't expecting it to amount to much, especially since the cover touts to have several natural hair features, but you know how Essence is when it comes to natural hair, LOL.

But, I was pleasantly surprised by this little rag and even read a few of the articles from beginning to end. If I take away nothing else, I treasure the numerous natural hair photos, some of the ads for new products I was unaware of, and tips and tricks of the trade.

This is a pretty good beginning effort on Essence's part and I look forward to more from them on the hair tip. They seem to finally be heading in the right direction. Not there yet, but they're getting there. 

This issue gets two coils up.

Sue Maesta Hooded Headband

A dear family friend purchased and sent me the Sue Maesta Hooded Headband I've been wanting for the past several months. I don't know if it was self-imposed hype of this product, but when it arrived, I was a little disappointed.

The headband resembles the top of a pair of cut-off tights and is approximately the same texture too. It took me a few tries to figure out how to put it on properly, but even after wearing it around the house, I still had a sour taste in my mouth (I hate being disappointed). 

I tried to wear this as a headband, suitable for public viewing, but it's not strong enough to hold my hair into a presentable position. I'd have been better off wrapping toilet paper around my head-a slight exaggeration. I also tried wearing it at night to protect my twist out. While it did work, it wasn't cute. Prior to going to sleep, the headband, stretched over all of my hair, stuck straight out like Olive Oyl's ponytail in those old Popeye cartoons. When I woke up in the morning, I looked like a Conehead and having a beige Sue Maesta didn't help, LOL.

The Sue Maesta Hooded Headband is okay, but don't hold your breath. The only benefit is it did hold my twist out in place so I suppose it's pretty good to protect your hairstyle. Beyond that, no coils up for this one.

T-Minus...

OMG, I finally did it! I finally got a full afro AND it stands up and out! 

To achieve this look, I plaited my damp hair, moisturized and let dry overnight. The next day, I misted my entire head, took down each plait and used a pick to come through. It took a total of 5 minutes. As my hair dried, the style locked into place. My hair even survived the windy day.

I know the definition in these photos isn't the greatest, but once my hair dried, my ends were slightly curly and I had a soft wave throughout my entire head. And, even though the wind whipped through my hair, I had very little detangling to do prior to putting my hair up for the night. 

I'd been trying to get this look for the past two months, but never had any luck. My hair never had any body, and despite plaits or twists overnight, I always ended up with wild electric socket curls and waves I'd have to bun or head band. I'm so happy! Now, to learn how to sing and fry chicken, LOL!

I Got a Shout Out!

Thanks to Natural Hair Grows for mentioning lil' 'me! Check it out here at:

http://www.naturalhairgrows.com/natural-hair-care-napfrocurlzgirl.html

Winter Hair

With winter's blustery winds and freezing temperatures soon approaching, now is the time to start thinking about what you're going to do with your hair. Me, I was planning on just wearing twists, but when I thought about it, and I mean really thought about it, I knew that wasn't going to cut it.

Our hair is very fragile and brisk Ol' Man Winter is not any kind of a friend. Back in the day, I used to do my wash-n-go all year round, including during winter. I thought it was cool that my hair would freeze and I'd pretend to be a she-demon as the steam visibly rose off my head. Now, I know better. I must protect my ends!

It's hard to find protective styles without going the "fake" route, and that road's not all that it's cracked up to be. But, good winter styles can be created from high, low and side buns, bantu knots, twisted buns, French braids with the ends tucked under, a cornrowed bun....let your imagination run wild. And, it will have to run wilder if you have a TWA, so...enter the hat!

A nice, soft winter cap is crucial, but don't just flop it on your head and go. Trust me, as a crocheter, I've fallen for a million beautiful wool winter caps, but if it's not silk or satin, it will be brutal to your hair. The tiny fibers in wool, cotton and other natural materials (excepting silk) will break off your precious hair strands while soaking up every inch of moisture you so painstakingly added to your hair.

Think of it this way, if your hair is treated to the comforting arms of silk or satin at night, why wouldn't you do the same on a cold winter's day? If you do buy a winter cap, at least take the time to sew in a satin or silk lining before you put it on your head.

Or, stay tuned for the unveiling of my Etsy shop where you can purchase my handmade silk winter caps, silk- and satin-lined winter caps, and silk elastic head bands, hair ties and scrunchies!

The Skinny on My Skin

I recently received free samples of something called Gen-m from a Facebook friend who sells Zija products. If you're unfamiliar with Zija, it's a company which makes and distributes skin care, weight management and nutritional health drinks made from the Moringa plant or "Miracle Tree." I believe Moringa initially was used to treat childhood blindness.

In addition to getting free samples of the entire 5-step Gen-m system, I also got a few samples of Zija's nutritional drink mix and herbal tea. At the moment, I'm trying out the skin care system and so far, I'm rather impressed. 

The Gen-m system is comprised of the Creamy Face Cleanser, Rehydrating Mist, Daily Moisturizer SPF 15, Anti-Aging Night Repair, Eye Serum and Zija Oil. There also is a Spa Masque, but I didn't receive a sample of that. I tried the Creamy Face Cleanser, Rehydrating Mist and Zija Oil. I'm not into high maintenance, so i doubt I'd use all the products every single day, but these three...I'd use.

The facial cleanser is indeed very slick and creamy. It's also odorless and has a very light green color. I didn't need more than a dime-size amount, but my face was almost squeaky clean and soft after rinsing. I then applied the Rehydrating Mist, a toner, which was clear and odorless. My face felt...refreshed. Last, was the Zija Oil, a dark gold liquid that also is odorless. I applied a dime-size amount and was amazed at the results. In comparison to grapeseed oil which leaves my face oily, I love the Zija Oil. My skin absorbed it quickly, my hands were oil free after application, and six hours later, my face is not oily! My face is always oily, but I think there might be something to this Zija Oil. 

I think this is a facial care system I can get used to, easily. And, if these products can keep my face oil-free, I'm game. Zija's skin care system gets two coils up!

Ingredients on the Endangered Species List

I don't want to bash products, but I recently learned there's yet another product on the market that I beg you not to use. I ask that you not use this product because it contains baobab oil. This oil comes from the baobab tree which, just like the argan tree, is on the endangered species list. Baobab oil contains Vitamins A, C, D, E and F, but there are plenty of other sources to obtain these vitamins. Why contribute to the plight of the baobab tree for something you can pick up at your local grocery or health food store? 

As naturals, how can we claim to be ingredient-conscience but use products derived from the endangered species list? The baobab and argan trees wouldn't be endangered anyway if there wasn't such high demand for these oils in the western market. WE are the western market. WE caused this problem. It's up to US to stop it. 

Please spread the word. I am. I have written to Target and Shea Moisture. Please note, Shea Moisture also sells a product containing argan oil. The argan tree also is on the endangered species list.

Fantastic Friday!

What an awesome start to the day! I wake up to great hair and then I find a bottle of Etre Cuticle Oil in the back of my closet. I'd never used it before since I don't do my nails, but was pleasantly surprised after reading the ingredients. It contains sweet almond, grape seed, safflower and apricot kernel oils, and aloe leaf, mango, algae and ginger root extracts! Hmmm, now why does this sound like it'd be something delicious for my face and hair? And, to top off my morning, I discovered this while visiting my fave sites! Thanks, Afroniquely You.

http://afroniquelyyou.com/2010/09/spotlight-fridays-curly-love/

Argan Oil

I was doing some research to figure out why everyone is so crazy about Argan oil. This gives me another reason not to be crazy about it. It's kind of like the BP situation, you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. Since I've never used it, I don't intend to use it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argan_oil

This link provides a great explanation of the Argan oil problems.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2009/0817/morocco-demands-rise-on-argan-tree

It's up to you, but I tend to stay away from anything on the endangered species list. I don't want to be one of "those" people. Hmmm, I wonder how natural vegans stand on this?

Ummm...

I just stumbled upon this and still can't wrap by head around it. Any thoughts?

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/698579/monistat_vaginal_cream_for_faster_hair.html

Product Review

At long last, I was able to get my hands on this. Most people seem to use another product, but I wanted to try this. I love the name of the company and that their products target kinky hair. First, this product has a great, clean scent and a little bit goes a long way. It also has a pump which made it easier for me to use the product while doing my twists. Finished twists were soft and shiny, but a few were hard and crunchy. I spritzed with water to help soften the crunch. If I continue to buy commercial, this definitely will be a staple. Two coils up!

I have been dying to try this out and so far, I'm sold. An instant two coils up! Unlike traditional castor oil, this has no smell. One might assume it also is black, but it's more of an amber color. This is now part of my weekly regimen as it is purported to thicken the hair and aid in hair growth. 

I really wanted to like these, but alas, I don't. My hair felt kind of funny after I rinsed out the shampoo. It wasn't stripped, but it definitely didn't feel moisturized as I thought it would. The conditioner, however, is great and almost comparable to my old stand-by, LeKair Cholesterol with Aloe. It also provides great slip and has a nice smell. If I were to continue to buy commercial, I'd definitely get the conditioner again but not the shampoo.

This is some pretty awesome stuff. For less than $2, and an hour under a plastic cap and towel, my hair felt marvelous.

I've always used a detangler, but never the same one twice. After using this, I think I've found my detangler. It has great slip, pleasant smell and is very creamy. And, a little bit goes a long way. This gets two coils up!

P.S.S.

A dear friend sent me this link, seeking pictures of you and your hair for inclusion in a book.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/tlg/1911073888.html

P.S.

If there are products out there that you'd like to try, but just can't squeeze them into your budget, the following might offer the perfect solution for you. This is a monthly contest, awarding not one, but five people, an array of natural hair care products. All you have to do is sign up. This chica's Youtube videos are pretty cool, too. So, whenever you're ready, visit:

http://realqueens.ning.com/

Excitement's in the Air!

My bulk order of African black soap is on the way, so I'll be mixin' it up next week! Also, I discovered a new hairstyle that I totally love! Check it out on my MyStyle page. And, you MUST check this out ladies:

Hello everyone! Here is the information about the World's Next Top Natural Hair Model Contest. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Amin Waajid (amin@naturalhair.org). Remember to fill out the questionnaire AND the model release form as well as send two(2) CLEAR photos of you and your hair. Thanks!

The WORLD Natural Hair Health & Beauty Show is looking for the very firstWorld’s Next Top Natural Hair Model. That’s right! YOUR FACE could be in front of millions as the excitement and anticipation mounts for the 2011 and 2012 WNHH&B Shows in College Park, GA.

How Do I Enter?

All contestants must download and complete an "About Me" Form and a Model Release Form. Send in a CLEAR head shot displaying the details of your hairstyle as well as your face, along with all the completed forms. Winning model’s hair stylist will also receive will also credits.

All submissions will be received by 10/04/10.

All submissions must be sent by email to: taron@naturalhair.org or by mail to:

WORLD Natural Hair Health & Beauty Show

c/o 2011/2012 Model Search

365 Etowah Trace

Fayetteville, GA 30214

Here’s How It Works…

There will only be 4 contestants to make it to the finals. On November 1, 2010, the World’s Next Top Natural Hair Model, 2011 & 2012 will be announced, along with the respective runner ups. This is when major national & international print/web advertisements for the 2011 show are launched! The 2012 winners will be presented & crowned by the 2011 winners at the 2011 show. Thousands will witness as they pass on their distinctive titles to the 2012 winners. All winners are expected to be present at the 2011 show for this presentation.  We will begin our search for the 2013 winner in June 2012. GOOD LUCK!!!

Rules That Apply

The rules are very simple. Pictures containing facial tattoos will not be considered. However, pictures containing hair adornments, hair color, facial piercings or make up/paint will be considered.

Prizes…

1^st Place

• Trophy

• One (1) Trip for two (2) to the Bahamas. 4 days, 3 nights

• $300 cash

• (6) months supply of Black Earth Products

• Opportunity to be a paid spokesperson for Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products for one year—Expenses paid travel to promote Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products.**

Runner Up

• Trophy

• $500 cash

• (3) months supply of Black Earth Products

Opportunity to be a paid spokesperson for TALIAH WAAJID Black Earth Products for one year—Expenses paid travel to promote TALIAH WAAJID Black Earth Products.

"ABOUT ME" Form

Name:
Email:
Contact Number(s):
Age:
Current Natural Style:
Occupation:
Brief Introduction to Yourself (Tell us something unique and/or interesting about you):

• How long have you been natural?
• What prompted your decision to go natural?
• We know that you are natural now, but what are some of the hairstyles that you have worn over the years?  Do you have any photos of yourself with those styles?
• Are your family members natural?
• Have you had any traumatic experiences with wearing your hair natural?  How did that make you feel?
• What are some of the natural styles you have had?
• Write about the positives and negatives of wearing your hair natural.
• Why do you feel that you can best represent the title of World's Next Top Natural Hair Model?

I Have Become a Bee

The past few days have been a whirlwind! I had lunch with a friend today. She had her 3-year-old niece in tow with cute little beaded cornrows. I've been wearing by blowout all week and that little girl took one look at my hair, and told me I need to do my hair. Us grown folks had a good laugh about that one.

I've also been doing a lot, and I do mean, a lot of research on shea butter, shea oil and raw African black soap. So, very soon, I will be sharing recipes for black soap shampoo, black castor oil shampoo, hair gel and much, much more. In the meantime, I'm trying to find the best prices for my raw materials whose shipping and handling doesn't cost more than the actual product (I thought USPS had a flat rate box so s&h wouldn't be so expensive???). If you have any suggestions, I'm listening.

I'm also working on a few natural hair articles for future publication and possibly here, too, so stay tuned. This is turning out to be quite an exciting month!

A Feature on Facebook's Hair a thought (HAT)

http://www.facebook.com/notes/hairs-a-thought/hats-feature-of-the-week-is-robbin-melton-check-out-her-story-below/153643554648613

This Saddens Me

I was discussing hair with my natural forum friends and shared this link with them. I decided I should share it with you, too.

http://www.miamiherald.com/multimedia/news/afrolatin/part2/index.html

This also saddens me.
http://www.youtube.com/user/gloriaelfreida#p/a/u/1/ztViknLbzlI

For the First Time...

I can't wait to wake up in the morning so I can do my hair. I just received my Kinky-Curly Knot Today and Uncle Funky's Daughter's Curly Magic, so a review will be coming soon. I know there are tons of product reviews out there, but I have three types of hair textures so I always get different results from everyone else.

I also grabbed a bottle of Carol's Daughter's Tui Jojoba and Shea Butter Sheen. I saw it at Sephora (a great place for testing and free samples) and loved it immediately. It smells amazing and leaves the hair silky and shiny without buildup. I like CD's Hair Elixer, but this will be my staple. Plus, it comes in a sprayer.

I also made my first concoction (pictured on the far right), so visit my Mixtress page for details!

Took the Plunge!

Okay, folks, I took the plunge and got my hair trimmed. Initially, I wanted layers, but I went to a barber I knew so he clipped my ends for just $10. It's been a few years since my ends have been trimmed, so it was time. So, with my blowdried hair and clipped ends, this is my look for the day. And, I'm loving it, especially after spraying a little Carol's Daughter Tui Jojoba and Shea Butter Sheen I picked up at Sephora (along with a free sample of CD's Hair Milk Lite), I am totally loving my hair! I did get attacked by some kiosk people selling $200+ flat irons. I let them do a small section and was shocked that it was bone straight. And, with the spray oil sheen, it was silky, so I might get a flat iron one day. Now, off to the kitchen to make a whipped shea butter cream!

My Haul

I'm so excited! I'm supposed to wait for a friend to go hair shopping on Wednesday, but I couldn't resist the temptation so today, I got:

• Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration shampoo and conditioner-gets rave reviews from us naturals so I want to try it out
• Another tub of shea butter-I'm using one for my face and the other to make my own shea whip for my hair
• A bottle of avocado oil
• A tub of coconut oil
• A bottle of honeysuckle oil to add to my homemades

I also ordered a bar of African black soap, a bottle of Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Kinky-Curly's Knot Today and Uncle Funky's Daughter's Curly Magic.Now, to hunt down a container for my shea whip!

Relief is in Sight

Okay, so I've really been doing some research this past week and it's all good! 

I made my first shampoo and absolutely love it! Since I like to wash with more than one shampoo, I also purchased a bottle of Organix Shea Butter Smoothing Shampoo and it is wonderful. A lot of natties like this company's coconut shampoo and conditioner, but I decided to try the shea butter one instead because it also contains avocado oil (which my hair has always loved), silk amino and yogurt proteins. In my own shampoo, I mixed up some water, Dr. Bronner's liquid Castille Soap with Tea Tree Oil, and some Lisa's Hair Elixer from Carol's Daughter. It was super watery and I was concerned it wouldn't work well, but it lathered up quite a bit and a girl does like her bubbles!

 I also made an appointment with a barber to get my hair shaped next week. It's been so long since anyone's been in my hair, I'm rather nervous.

More goodies to add are the "Textured Tresses" book by Diane De Costa. I HIGHLY recommend it. I picked up my copy at B&N. Diane's book covers hair types, treatments and styles. Very informative, I just wish it were longer. I also snagged a pick (still learning how to use it) and a huge double-toothed detangling shower comb from Sally's Beauty Supply.

And, next week I will be ordering my Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Kinky-Curly's Knot Today and Uncle Funky's Daughter's Curling Magic, and picking up a tub of pure shea butter.

Happy hair, folks!

OMG!

So, I was snooping around the Internet this morning and was curious about Pantene's hairstyling tips for curly hair. I'm pleased they're touting the afro, but not the method they use to achieve an afro. They suggest "back combing" for extra volume. Back combing? Really? Check it out: http://www.pantene.com/en-US/looks/natural-curls.aspx

At Long Last

I've been thinking about blogging for a while and after much encouragement, I'm finally taking the plunge! So, welcome to my first blog concerning natural hair, my handmade jewelry and crocheted goodies, and everything else under the sun!
I've been watching youtube videos on natural hair for about a week now and have mixed reviews. Part of the reason for my wanting to start a blog in the first place is I don't see enough information out there for people with my own or similar hair texture.
My profile pic is simply me and my wash and go hair. I put in a little Mixed Chicks leave-in conditioner and Eco Styler Olive Oil gel, shook my head and fluffed. Every week, I intend to try a new hairstyle until I can get the look I want. Ideally, I'm shooting for a full afro that stands up on its own so if anyone has suggestions, my ears are listening.
I do wonder if I would've traveled down this path if it hadn't been for the unusually humid Michigan weather. I've been using a hot comb/oven for 20 years or so, but lately, as soon as I'd finished one side to start the second half of my hair, the first half was already starting to frizz. If I was going out that day, I'd have to touch it up. TOO MUCH HEAT! So, I said screw it and started wearing my hair in its natural state.
In the spring and summer, I'd occasionally wear my natural hair out, but was self-conscious about its unruliness so I'd always have it pulled up into a squiggly puff. It worked, but I really wanted to be able to wear my hair in other ways and now I think I've discovered a few tips and tricks.
My boyfriend probably thinks I'm losing my mind and am becoming obsessed with my hair. He's probably right, but I'll chill out once I get the right look for me. I've always been a product junkie, but I plan on cutting back on that as my hair tends not to like having a lot of stuff in it anyway.
Right now, I'm sporting my first attempt at a bantu knot-out. It came out rather flat on top so I pulled it up into a puff with bangs. I really like this look, but hope to have some volume tomorrow.