“Stepping onto a brand-new path is difficult, but not more difficult than remaining in a situation, which is not nurturing to the whole woman.”
–Maya Angelou
As I approached the 3rd year writing this blog, I decided to change the site address to a name! Although initially the name I chose held significance to me, I wanted readers (old and new) to associate the site with natural hair. Read more...(211 words, 1 image, estimated 51 secs reading time)
Initially, my hair was styled in a frohawk. My intentions were to wash my hair out as soon as possible due to the tremendous amount of product build up and flakes I had throughout my hair, but time didn’t really permit so I had to make due with what I had. Read more...(364 words, 5 images, estimated 1:27 mins reading time)
As you know, everyone has a way to classify hair; whether it be Oprah’s stylist Andre Walker or others who created charts inspired by Andre’s chart, everyone seems to have a take on it! Though I recognize that my hair would fall into the ‘4’ category, I don’t rely on those charts. There are so many factors when deciding how to care for your hair and even though you may share a hair type with another, their techniques and products might now work for you. For the most part, I really like this common sense chart; it gives simple suggestions for techniques based on strand texture and thickness, which I find matters the most. I find that knowing porosity and density helped me find what my hair needs were and what products would best assist in maintaining it. This chart gives tips for fine, combination, and course hair types, regarding a sealant, moisturizers, detangling, heat application, and hair styles. Read more...(250 words, 1 image, estimated 1:00 mins reading time)
Today marks my 1 year NaturalVersary! I’m so happy I decided to take this journey back to my roots!
One small piece of advice I’d like to share with those considering transitioning (long term like myself, or short term) or doing the Big Chop, is that along with the change occurring ON your head, be aware that there also needs to be a change that occurs IN your head! Read more...(476 words, 1 image, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)
Happy Humpday! This past Sunday was the first beauty day of February.
Freshly Washed.Naked.No Product
I ended the last few days of the last week in a protective style. I jazzed it up with a colorful scarf.
To begin, I normally start with an amla pre-poo oil wash. Last year, my local indian store relocated and I was unable to find out where they relocated to, which left me without my beloved amla. I prefer to purchase it locally rather than online, so until I find another local source for amla, I’ll have to make due.
Leaves and Roots, Orlando FL
I was fortunate to find a store here in Orlando, that sells all kinds of herbs in various forms! I’m like a kid in a candy store when I go! The staff is very friendly, the prices are right, and most any herb you are looking for can be found here, with the exception of amla :).
I decided to experiment with the powder form of the extract of some herbs I’d been wanting.
What’s the main difference between the powdered and whole herbs?
Shelf life! Whole herbs have a longer shelf life (up to 2 years), while powdered herbs can last only up to 6 months. A general rule of thumb is to substitute 1/3 teaspoon powdered or 1 teaspoon crushed for every 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs.
So, as opposed to using whole herbs or even essential oils for my Read more...(601 words, 5 images, estimated 2:24 mins reading time)
As with every new year, my personal resolution is to become better; smarter, more kind, more tolerant, patient, and to love better.
This is the beginning of my first year fully natural.
This Sunday was my first Beauty Day Sunday and as I sat with my clay wash, I decided to plan a few hair goals for myself. Read more...(474 words, 15 images, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)
The style I’m wearing is a partial protective style. It can also be worn by transitioners by rolling the relaxed ends on a perm or flex-rod.
I discuss how changing up my product yielded a different result. Lastly, check out how I untwist my hair for my twist out.
This week, I tried to avoid wearing my fro’ out. Since I BC’d, I’ve been wearing my hair out constantly, which is completely unlike me. As a transitioner, I was an avid protective styler. I realize that less handling of my hair will yield healthier hair so I’m trying to re-create some styles I wore during my transition on my fully natural hair. Some styles I’ve not been able to re-create because my hair is shorter than it was during my transition. At any rate, I’m trying styles that are both professional (for work), funky (after work), and still fall into the category of protective styling. Read more...(264 words, 1 image, estimated 1:03 mins reading time)