Straighten Up, Georgous

Hello Chicas, how's everybody been doing lately??? I've had a very fun week so far with my hair, I got it straightened or flat ironed (for my readers across the pond, lol) for a work Xmas do. I didn't want to wear my hair in mini twist outs as I always do. My hair needed a trim as well so I thought why not get it straightened at the salon and get a trim whiles I'm at it. I really like the outcome of it, I was trying to follow and figure what exactly she was doing so I can do that at Homs by myself. I think that's ever gonna happen. Boo hoo My hair came out really straight, she used high heat throughout but wasn't worried as I completely trusted her and she knew what she was doing. Hair definitely feels like it's been relaxed and feels really thin but it's super straight and sleek. It's day four today and it has just begun to go frizzy. I'm missing my kinks already. I also like the fact that i asked for a trim and got a haircut which is superb. Overall i love my experience and I think I may have just found my new natural-hair hairdresser. See the results for yourself and please let me know what you think by commenting in the box down below . Thank you for dropping by. Best wishes for the festive season everyone.

4th month Nappivesary

Season greetings everyone, (oh I think I'm a bit early)

Anyways, just wanted to fill you guys on my natural hair journey update. Today happens to be the 4th month since I went au naturale. I'm still loving it each day. Yesterday I stumbled across some old pics of me with my relaxed hair, I couldn't believe how long my hair was. It's not that long but compared to now, I wish I had that length on my hair but not as relaxed though. I'm also starting to get bored with my hair now, because it's too long for some short styles but not long enough......oh oh oh 

Moving on, I can't write about a nappivesary post without any pics to show new changes. This time I'm gonna show you pics of some length checks during September and today. Here they're, Enjoy.

As always, I'm happy to receive comments and tips and what's not about how to improve my hair journey. So please feel free to drop a hint in the comment box below. Thank you reading and following me on my journey. Until next post, H A P P Y. H O L I D A Y S

Shampoo Wars: Sulphate VS Sulphate Free

VS




Hey Everybody, it's been a while since I've been on here. I haven't been updating much only because i didn't want to bore you with the same hair updates. But sometime ago when I was experiencing shedding and dandruff, I posted a question on twitter and one of the responses I got was to stop using sulphate free shampoos. My reaction was that I've come to know that sulphate is a baddie for naturalists so how does this lady suggest such a thing.

Of course I gave it a try as my dandruff and shedding got worse and worse but to my surprise I experience less shedding but hair was not feeling as soft as I wanted it to be. Maybe that's the down side of using sulphate free shampoo.

Now that I've tried both types of shampoo, I'm yet to decide on which I'll be using regularly. I'm the type that would love to use natural products on my hair if I can but since most of them don't do much for me, I have to forget about them because healthy hair is important to me and I'll do as much as I can to maintain that.

Has any of you experience something like this before? Please share your experiences with us.

Also I have noticed that, on days that I don't DC, the hair sheds more so all I can say is DC, DC. I usually use the sauna to steam my hair when I'm at the gym. LOL well why not????

I will also give you a lil update on the process of my hair. It's still growing and I trimmed it myself after watching a few videos on YouTube and reading a post about trimming from my fave blogger beautifulms I co washed with HE HH conditioner, did ACV rinse, DCed with ORS hair Mayo. After I applied Infusium 23 leave in, Cantu Shea Butter leave in, whipped Shea Butter and ORS heat serum. After blow out I noticed my hair was a bit crunchy and I don't know what caused it. If any of you might know, please drop me a hint. Here is the hair before trim after blow out

After trim and mini 2 strand twists. All this while I've been doing my hair, this is the very first time my twists have come out right. Oh well you learn everyday. Hehehe


Enjoy

Quick Hair Update

Hello Chicas, how's everybody doing lately????? You all must be wondering why I've posted any blog recently. I'll tell you why. There hasn't been any recent/new stuff happening with my hair until yesterday when I was stuck with how to wear my hair for work.

My hair is still experiencing shedding and can't tell whether it's normal shedding, shedding due to a problem or I'm just being paranoid?????
But the funny thing is, hair is still growing like Weed (sorry for the pun) and I haven't noticed any bald patches or thinning anywhere. So I'm a little confused and some help on how to stop this mad shedding will be greatly appreciated. I'm thinking ox doing a post on shedding, trying to monitor and log my hair shedding over a certain period of time so stay tuned for that.

Anyway back to the title of this post. Here's how I wore my hair for work today. I was inspired by Effie (Jennifer Hudson) in dream girls when I watched the movie the night before. Here's how I achieved the look.

I combed out my hair with a pik and brought some hair forward so instead of pushing the hair back and tie with the scarf, I did the opposite. And then added a red butterfly clip from Cath Kidson and viola, new fave do. Hope u like it as much as I do. Here's a pic. Enjoy.

One Month Anniversary......yayyyyy ;-)

Hello Beautiful readers,

First of all let me start of by apologising for not keeping up with the regular postings, i've being kinda busy/lazy with other stuff but dont worry, i'm going to fill you in with some exciting new stuff about my HAIR.

As you must have seen/read the title of this post, YES today is my one month anniversary since i did my Big Chop in August. My TWA has been through soo much over the past few weeks, most of them i was really experimenting with what i could do with my uber short hair and i'm glad it didn't result in me running over to the hairdressers for either a relaxer or braids.

Here are some pics of my hair lately. i'm not so sure whether you can a see a difference (it kinda looks the same) but i know my hair has grown. it has become more thicker and fuller especially at the crown and around the hair line.

04/08/2010

04/09/2010

I have learned soo much about my hair in general in its ntural state than when it was relaxed. the reason why im saying this is because, for the past 2 weeks or so, i have been experiencing excessive shedding (too much moisture so i figured) so i tried the Aphogee Protein treatment and voila, my hair has stop shedding, well for now and this is the second time i've used this product. first was on transitioning hair, didnt see much of a difference.

Also experimenting with a TWA, my two best friends when it comes to hair styling are Bobby pins and ACCESSORIES. i'm never seen without these things in my  hair. i wasn't so keen on wash-and-go. I tried it but nah didnt like it much. i like doing twist out and bantu knots more. i know there are so many things i need to discover and learn and i think this is what makes my classy kinks journey sooo EXCITING.

Hope you had fun reading this post, please share with me your thoughts and ideas  which are greatly welcome. Until then , Take care, HHJ and God Bless xx

TWA Hair Experiments

Hey Ladies,

Hope you all had a great weekend. I have been loving my TWA ever since i BCed. I have been trying different hair styles and have also recieved quite a few compliments from colleagues as yesterday was my first day back at work with my short do. here is how ive been wearing my TWA.

1. First Blow Out/Pick Out
on sunday for church, i tried blowing out my hair but didnt come out as i wanted it, probably cos of my hairdryer. before blow drying, i used an afro pik to pick out the hair (wet hair, never dry)before hand didnt see much difference, still had some curls in it. here is the finished look

2. First Wash and Go
This is how my wash and go came out with the help of, coconut oil conditioner, s curl moisturizer and ic fantasia gel

Hope you like them as much as i do

Stay Blessed

What IS "Good Hair"?????????

Hi Everybody,

Just so you know, this is going to be a very very long Post. The reason behind this post is, i was scouting around on Youtube for some natural hair videos and i came across "What Is Good Hair" :Tyra Banks Series, they are in 5 parts. Check them out and let me know what y'all think.



lemme tell you all, i got soo angry and sad from watching these videos, especially some mothers relaxing their daugthers hair at a very tender age. I dont mind relaxers, cos i used to get my hair relaxed and for me it was the only way forward as i didnt know any better. But now that i do, uh huh, i aint going back to that creamy crack. Never. Again.!!! Its really sad to know, kids at that age have not been taught how to embrace natural beauty. really sad.

To me what does the term 'Good Hair' Means???  Before i made the journey to embrace my natural hair, i have never heard the term GOOD HAIR. i mean never in the sense of having smooth, sleek and straight means Good Hair. only time i heard this was from the Chris Rock's movie that i am wanting to see.

for me, i have never had the urge to have long locks, yes i wont mind if i had long hair right now and i mean my REAL hair that is long. I have been always happy with my hair in whatever state it was in. I used to wear weaves and believe me i have seen my really nice ones on some people and some that were just a hot mess. (wonder why these people couldnt see, lol). Anyways, i wore my hair out most of the time and only wore weaves and braids for protection and also to give my hair a break form daily styling not because i didnt have good hair.

whatever type of hair you have is beautiful and can only stay so if you take CARE of your hair. How do you expect to have shiny and healthy hair when your hair is neglected?? i dont believe that even healthy can make you beautiful??? Cos beauty comes from within, right? im sure you have heard this before over and over again, and guess what it is true. hair doesnt make you beautiful. PERIOD!!!!! It's just hair to me. You can be beautiful with or without HAIR. It's just hair!!

i find it heartbreaking that most african-american THINK that they can only be beautiful if they had Good Hair. well think again. you'll never get the good hair that you desire, because it is not your hair. no matter how many relaxers you put in it, how much money you spend grooming that kinky hair you've got and trying to make it better. you're just wasting your money and someone is making money from you. you'll never be beautiful until you start embracing what you already have rather than what you dont have. i rather spend money on my NAPPYand get it healthy and long (if i want to)than spend them on relaxers and weaves which with a 100% chance will result in damage to my actual hair. Trust me, i know what im talking about, Been there, done that! Never knew, my dandruff problem was because of relaxers, found out when i stopped relaxing my hair!!! its been 8 months and not single flake in sight.

I hope with this post/blog along with other natural hair blogs out there, the message of embracing natural hair will get out there and save other black women from this.

i have nothing against women with relaxed or weaves or even alter their hair in a way to get a different look, but what im aginst it thinking that all of these make you beautiful and that kinky hair does not.

I. D.O.N.T T.H.I.N.K.S.O !!!

I know you are entitled  to your opinions, so am i and this is my opinion, so if you dont like what you read, well, Go Figure.

Stay Blessed

Big Chop: Round 2

Hello Beloved Readers,

I know by just reading the title of this post, you must be wondering, WHAT??? Another Big Chop??? Don't Fret y'all, i only went to the barbers to get the fro in a nice shape as i still had some relaxed hair on the ends and it wasnt't CUTE. Here is a before and after pic, its a few inches shorter but im officially 100% natural and i have healthy beautiful kinky coily curly hair. You get what I mean ;-). LOL

Before Barber's Shape Up

Barber's Shape Up

Thursday was the first time the British Public saw me with my uber short hair LOL, i didn't really style up my TWA as i was only heading to the barbers for a trim and there was no need for gels etc. I only mist the hair with my Leave-in Mist and the used an afro pik to pick out the hair. (see pic on the left). Instead of styling the hair, i focused on accessories instead, i wore my big studs and my sunnies(sunglasses) and was ready to step out and show off my new hair :-). Let this pic speak for itself. LOL

What do you think?

FIRST TWIST OUT

So after i came back from the barber, i co-washed my hair with Inecto Coconut Oil Instant Repair Treatment Conditioner, my hair didnt like it (maybe cos its a DC- Deep Conditoner) so i used my normal one which is the Inecto Coocnut Oil Moisture Infusing Conditioner (smells like coconut heaven). Just before puting twisting the hair, i sprayed a little bit of water on the hair and then applied the Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Repair Cream and then did two strand twists all over. it wasnt really perfect twists but who cares about perfection? it took just over an hour with the help of my lil sis to twist all the hair.

Just before bedtime, i sprayed my leave in mist and tied a scarf and slept in a satin bonnet. In the morning, i applied Castor Oil and Tea Tree Oil to my scalp, massaged it in and the moisturised with my Whipped Shea Butter Cream and then sealed with Hot Six Oil. Before i unravelled the twist, i used the Hot Six oil to coat each twist before opening them up, I cant remember where i read it from, but it makes the hair less frizzy and seal the ends at the same time. I didnt know what to expect from the twist out but i like how they turned out in the end.  Perfect for Church . See for yourself.

L. O. V. E      I.T!!!!

Have a great weekend, Everyone!!!!!

Stay Blessed

MY BIG CHOP :-)

Hey Everyone,

 I am soo soo happy because i finally did the deed and Big Chopped yesterday (4-08-2010). I have no regret whatsoever but quite relieved to be totally 100% natural- well about time!!! Here's of pic of my new hair :-)

Now I can say my journey to Natural Freedom has really began and i'm looking forward to see progress with my new hair. I've learnt soo much about natural hair care ever since i made that decision to go natural about 4 months ago. Although i transitioned for 8 months, the first 4 months, i  was strecthing  my relaxer .

Hours before i big chopped, i went to town to stock up on some accessories for my soon-to-be uber short hair to add to my collection, as if i didn't have enough already. This is what i bought:

2 braided strech bands, 2 feather clips, grips and chain band- all
from PRIMARK ;-)

One may ask, was i scared, nervous, anxious, worried to cut off all my relaxed hair off? The answer is

 N O P E!!!!

I was really happy to see those hairs on the floor rather than on my head. sounds weird huh??? i just couldnt wait to be natural and i'm soo glad i did it. the only thing i was worried about was length, which in the end wasn't such a big issue for me, as long as i could grab on some hair, that was all i was looking for. its at the perfect length for some TWA styles that i want to try so please stay tuned for some afrotatsic hairstyles lol.

Take Care and Stay Blessed

Oh Monday Monday

Hey you guys, how's everyone doing?  :-)

I have a love and hate thing with Mondays. Lemme tell you why?!?

1. LOVE: well first thing every monday morning, is my swimming lesson, which is the main reason im going natural
2. HATE: after swimming i only have about 1hr 30min before i start work, and since Mondays are washdays, I always have to rush, hence i never have a good hair day on Mondays but today of all Mondays....well don't know what to say apart from; what a great Monday today has been especially as I'm cutting my hair Tomorrow.

Maybe this is a sign i shouldn't cut my hair, oh to heck with it. I'VE MADE UP MY MIND!!!!!!!

Today, started off really well, managed to swim a few lengths all by myself (learner) and after that went off for my wash regimen. Here's how and what i used to get my hair into shape in less than 2hrs.

Products I used.

Part 1: Swimming

1. Pre-pooed with Inecto Swim and Shine Hair Protector Spray and Inecto Swin and Shine Intensive Conditioner- both applied on wet hair
2. Went off to Swin for 1 hour
3. Rinsed out hair and applied Pantene Pro-V Clarifying Shampoo since today is my hair clarifying day. I usually use Ion Swimmers Shampoo to use wash hair after swimming.
4. I then applied Aphogee Keratin 2 min Reconstructor
5. Towel dried hair and sprayed Ion Swimmer's Leave -In Conditioner

Part 2: Home

1. By the time i got home, hair was a liitle dry, so i applied my own Leave In Conditioner Mist which is made up with Infusium 23 leave in Treatment, Glycerin and Rosewater
2. Applied S Curl as moisturer
3. did about 8 bantu knots
4. let hair air dry for about an hour

PS: I will write a Product Review (PR) on these products soon.

This is how my hair came out, much better than when i leave the bantu knots over night plus with styling gel. I didnt use any gels this time as i didnt have much time for drying.

This is my hair after when its dried, the
creamy carck has made my hair so
straight that i dont need to blow dry
or straighten!

Bantu Knots Out, came out exactly how
i want them to be

Side view

Had to Pin it up for work
(Uniform Rules )  

Back View with a my fave Bow Clip :-)

Happy Hair Day or What??????

Well i hope you had a lovely (Mon) Day with your hair.

Laters!!!!

  

Shea Butter Me Up!!!

Hey Everyone :-)

Today i recieved yet another order and it was my SHEA BUTTER. Gotta say i love this stuff ever since i came to discover it through the natural hair community. i buy mine from AKOMA which is small business offering natural fairtrade products. AKOMA is a company that plays a critical commercial role in building and maintaining import and export trade between Ghana and the international markets. when i buy shea butter from this company, not only do i have confidence that the product im buying is 100% organic certified and its the real deal, but also the people who work hard to produce these butters are recieving a fair wage for all thier hard work. Check out their website for yourself and help their business grow :-) I'm not sure if their business extends across the pond (USA) as they are based here in the UK.

PS: Akoma International has not paid me to advertise for them in any way, im just a loyal customer who is happy with their services and what they offer back to the community they work with.

Transitioning Curls

Hey you guys, just a quick post about what i did with my hair today. last night i co-washed with Head and Shoulders Smooth and Silky Conditoner- although have no dandruff since i had my  last relaxer, i thought i'd used it up anyways, deep conditioned with queen helene cholestoral-( that needs to be used up as well), i added some Avocado,organic EVOO and rosemary essential oil for about 30min, applied infusium 23 leave in treatment, let hair air dried and then applied Profectiv growth lotion, ORS Lock & twist gel, Elasta QP Glaze gel, did about 8 bantu knots and left them on overnight.

This is what it looked like after i unravelled them today :-)

i recieved some nice compliments at work, ewww look at my oily skin, i need to fix it

Although i haven't BC'ed (Big Chop) yet but i'm preparing myself for it, i don't want to cut it and then have no products to style, that would be a bummer! so i made an order for these products online on tuesday  and i recieved  them from Paks Comestics this afternoon, i bought the Cantu Shea Butter leave in conditioning repair cream (smells mmmm), African Royale Hot Six Oil and Fantasia IC polishing gel. I've heard good reviews about all 3 products so i'm really excited to try them out, i'll  try and do a product review on each product over the coming days so please stay tuned.  Here's a little pix :-)

Stay Blessed