Back To School Guide 2013

My last post before I am called back to work and I must admit that I feel some kind of way (in spite of my fabulous top from DPipertwins!)

I Did It! Until I Didn't.....

I have been wanting to get my hair cut for over a year now....

The Follicle Chronicles: My Routine and Products

I've had some questions about my hair routine and maintenance so here's my first hair related post. I plan to do more how-to's and before and afters so bear with me. I don't consider myself a hair guru and I don't play one on tv so if you have any product recommendations, hairstyle tips or routine advice, please share!

I conditioner wash my hair once a week with Aussie Moist Conditioner. I sometimes add castor oil or grapeseed oil to my hair while it has conditioner in it to detangle and strengthen.

Pinned up twists 2006-2007

I  wash my hair with shampoo once a month and deep condition once or twice a month depending on how much I wear my hair out and what products I am using. I use Creme of Nature Detangling Shampoo or Pantene Clarifying Shampoo to get rid of buildup. I DEFINITELY deep condition after the clarifying shampoo because it dries the hair out and I need to replenish the moisture.

Twistouts or braidouts are normally done using pure unrefined shea butter + coconut oil or grapeseed oil. I take some shea butter out of the container, add the oil and melt it down in the microwave. I sometimes add a little bit of Eco-Styler gel with Olive Oil for more definition.

She is going to kill me for using this pic, but I had to, Ree!

Wash and Go. I miss my short hair sometimes...

Twists that I pinned in front, my hair was super short in back. Both pics are from 2006.

For wash and gos (I only wear wear wash and gos in a puff now) I will leave a little Aussie Moist conditioner in and add Eco-Styler gel to the edges and tie it down for about 10-15 minutes.

My staple products:

Pure unrefined shea butter (Purchased at Gold Beauty Supply in Mesquite.) I have never ordered shea butter online so I cannot recommend any sites. Make sure you read the product ingredients, you want to make sure that it is only shea butter and that it is not mixed with other things.

Grapeseed oil (Whole Foods) in the cooking section.

Aussie Moist Conditioner (Walmart, Target and Family Dollar)

Coconut Oil (Whole Foods) also in the cooking section.

 Hair sites that I frequent:

Nappturality
Black Girl With Long Hair
Curly Nikki

Most times I will wear either a twistout or braidout, twistouts are easier and faster to do but braidouts give me more definition and stretch my hair out. When I twist my hair I keep it twisted for at least two or three days, this gives it a chance to "set." I think that this helps with definition and my hair takes a while to dry but I choose not to blow dry my hair. After a twistout or braidout I re-twist my hair at night into large twists or plaits and this stretches my hair and usually on the second or third day my hair is exactly the way that I like it.

The style shown in these pics is of a braidout done on wet hair using shea butter and eco-styler gel.

Any questions? Ask away!

'Natural'ly Me!

I received some blog love from Key over at Don't Mess With Texas Style, a Houston based blog that focuses on Texas style and she featured lil ole me! She also showed support for me and Reiko's joint venture, Sisters From Another Mister, please check her out here. Thanks, Key!

After seeing Reiko's hilarious interview with Zarna,  I want to increase my blogger profile so I am officially opening myself up for features, interviews, questions and suggestions. (I was open before but no one has ever asked me so I'm just putting it out there, lol.)

I am considering doing more natural hair related posts, I don't consider myself a hair guru but I've heard through the grapevine that people want to know about my hair regimen. I have done lots of research and tried to educate myself on what works for my hair but it's an ever changing process. Thought I would share some pics of my natural hair journey:

Back in the day (with little sis aka Jabber Jaws)

Relaxed hair (around 2005)

Right after Big Chop (2006):

First few months:

A couple of years in:

2009 - Present

So voice of the people, what say you? Are you interested in natural hair posts?  

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Shop SFAM!

Napptural Hair Day & Clothes Swap w/ Juanette

I have partnered with a wonderful group, Nappiology, Inc. to speak and host a Clothes Swap and Napptural Hair Day! Here are the deets:

Time: July 18 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: Betty Warmack Branch Library
760 Bardin Rd
Grand Prairie, TX
Sponsored By: Nappiology, Inc

this is how the clothes swap works:
each lady is asked to bring at least 8 never worn or gently used items whether its clothes, jewelry or shoes to swap that they want to find a good home. we stress that these need to be fashionable items not things that no one wants - you know the good stuff in your closet. once you arrive with your garments, then instructions will follow.

please note:
the clothes that are left behind will be donated to a local charity

i know it sounds like fun -

PLUS

a napptural hair day is a day set aside for us to get together to talk about natural hair, products and other issues.

this is the perfect opporturnity to meet and talk to others who have natural beautiful hair.

please let us know the day of the event if you would like to have your hair done or did (smile) all we ask that you have clean hair - please note: those who are styling your hair are NOT hair stylist but just another member in the group.

come join us for a napptural beautiful hair day!

I will also have jewelry for sale! With the money you save on clothes, you can buy accessories!

I can't wait! Finds and photos to follow........

Kudos Solange!

I for one am loving Solange Knowles' new cropped cut, I think that it goes well with the edgy look that she embraces. This definitely showcases her individuality and accentuates her face (especially those eyes!) It honestly makes me want to take the plunge. When I first went fully natural my hair was short but not the close cut boy look that I've liked on so many others.





My short look back in 2006:

Naturally me

Relaxed hair (Last relaxer July 05); Natural hair (March 06)(wash and go)

I have gotten a lot of emails about my hair in the photo that is posted so I wanted to give some information about natural hair. I did a lot of research on natural hair before I decided to give it a try again. (This is my second time, the first time was a disaster.) I read up on hair types, what products may work best for your hair type and hair tools as well as how to take care of your hair while transitioning (i.e. growing out the relaxer.) I transitioned for seven months, cutting some of the permed ends off gradually. (Some may opt to transition for a couple of months then do the "big chop" and cut it all off.) My biggest obstacle after cutting off the relaxer was findng the right products. I used two websites, Nappturality and Motown Girl to get style ideas, read product reviews and learn about ingredients that are beneficial to natural hair. I have not had a relaxer in a year and seven months and I will be completely chemical free for a year in March. My favorite product that I use is pure shea butter which adds sheen and moisture to my hair. The picture in the corner is a twistout with hair combs on each side. I am always willing to answer questions about natural hair, so feel free to email me or check out the websites that I provided.


Tracee Ellis Ross; Erykah Badu

Jill Scott

Actress Jillian Reeves; Eva Marcille