Tuesday, August 31, 2010

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

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?

Monday, August 30, 2010

Ummm...

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

Sunday, August 29, 2010

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.

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/

Friday, August 27, 2010

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 ParkGA.
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…
1st 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?

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

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!

Monday, August 23, 2010

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

Friday, August 20, 2010

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.

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!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

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!

Monday, August 16, 2010

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!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

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!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

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

Friday, August 6, 2010

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.