My Braid Locks are GONE, and I'm a RED head!

Fall Season: Crochet Braids ( as usual) 

Hey Y'all!!  Finally! I'm back to blogging.  : )  I pray that  your start to this new year has been productive and peaceful so far.  Let me first  apologize to anyone who has revisited my blog in the last year looking for new entries  only to find nothing since Last February!   I am too shamed about that, however, I  have comforted myself with the fact that there's over 5 years worth of content on healthy hair care here. I honestly can't think of one topic concerning healthy natural hair that I have not covered?  But blogging for me has always been about the journey, learning, and then sharing so yah, it continues!  

Since I've last blogged too  much has happened in life and with this hair!  I will try my best to summarize!   I am learning that people now days are reading a lot less.  Rapid technology progression, and instant social media outlets have really taken over!   Instagram,Facebook,twitter,snapchat,Periscope, youtube,vine, and everything else has really taken first place for a lot of web surfers.  But I for one still love to read, and write.  

So if you have made it to this third paragraph then I am assuming you still love to read too,  and I am in great company. Welcome!  and  thank you!   My goal in the future will be  posts with shorter blog content, and or short video clips. That will save you and me time in the future, and I can blog more frequently!    

Last time I posted here I had braid locks started.  That journey lasted almost 2 years ago, and I decided to pick and comb them out.  That's right you don't have to cut out locks young or old.  All you need is patience, conditioner, and a push pin!   I loved those locks and never imagined that I would take them down so quickly! I had 276 of them.  and Keisha at Nappybliss Salon in Desoto, TX  kept my locks looking really nice and groomed. I visited her every month. (I miss my visits there!)

Lock take down, it took 2 months! 

I thought I was in that lock journey for the long haul, I was willing to give it atleast 7- 10 years,  dead  serious!   That is how sick  I was of  detangling my loose natural hair.   I soon learned that to lock your hair for this reason was not a good idea,  and especially if you love BIG fluffy hair. (I knew this about myself going in, but I figured I'd get over it.)   

Why I took them down: 

1. I was getting bored often.  I even colored them while they were in to settle that down. worked for about 2 months!  2. My hair seemed flat to me ALL the time. Even when I rodded it, it wasn't big enough for me .   3. I started to get build up in the nape of my locks that was really tough to remove.   

That 3rd reason was what drove me to actually take action on what I had been pondering for atleast 5 months.  Everything else I was willing to power through because I figured the longer my locks got I could do more with them, and possibly the chords of hair would be thicker, yielding fuller bigger hair styles so the first two weren't deal breakers.   But that lint?!?? uh uh.. I could NOT take it, no matter my efforts that stuff was embedded, and I just felt some kinda way about seeing it, and then the stuff  was not budging?  I figured I'm not even 2 years in and I already have  a lint problem, that I can't control??  (and no I didn't use product on my locks or a ton of oils).    I felt like If I pulled out early I could still save my hair and go back to what I knew best,  and that is caring for loose natural hair. BUT I must say, I don't regret my decision to lock my hair,  or the journey one bit.  I loved it and I learned so much more about my natural hair.  Plus wash days were heavenly!!! NO detangling, truly I had wash and go hair it was awesome!!  It  took me 2 months to take my hair down and I was already dreading detangling and was already coming up with ways to not let that get the best of me this time around.      

a week after the take down

Post lock take down, I immediately cleansed my hair and added Henna! (Y'all already know how much I love Henna.)  I figured my hair needed some serious coating  after all of that picking and combing.    I soon decided to lighten my hair color even more, with a chocolate base, and copper  chunky highlights (I wanted to try something that I hadn't tried yet on my natural hair.)  

Twist out(Oh! Got a nose ring too! uh huh) 

I also trimmed my hair quite a bit after the lock take down because I wanted to be sure that 17 months worth of potentially thin and knotted ends were not going to endanger my stronger strands.   The shorter length made it easier to wash, deep condition, and style my  loose hair.  The color actually loosened my texture a tad, not much, but  just enough for me to feel a difference in detangling!  When I say its like night and day, LOVE IT!!    My detangling sessions are so much faster now,  so wondering if its the shorter length, or the color. Time will tell. :)  

Detangling with conditioner

I am very much PRO healthy hair, and have been for years which is why its taken me this long to even think about using a "Bright" chemical color on my hair.  But I've researched and applied  the proper care for color treated natural hair and it has done VERY well thus far. I was so afraid of my hair being dry and potentially breaking but I have learned that its not always the color that is the problem but the improper care of colored treated hair.  You've got to adjust your regimen because you are dealing with a slightly different head of hair.    I will definitely be posting about that soon.       

At the present I am in protective style braid extensions,  as I am most winter and fall seasons.  My hair will come back out to play in the Spring!  

But, I plan to be back here with more information on what I've learned about EVERYTHING retaining to this hair, other people's hair,  the natural hair  industry, Entrepreneurship, and life in general.  Goodness there is so much to share!   

Please  let me know if you have any questions..  What life lessons have you learned, have you gone through any major roller coasters as it pertains to your natural hair journey lately?  Share it!   

Until Next time, (and it's coming sooner than you think! lol)

Individual -Tree braids 

  

Hey Ladies, Decided to cut my hair! How is your Natural hair shaping up?

                                                                            Shape Day
       Pre-Cut

Hello ladies have you been natural for a while, and  holding on to length despite the shape your hair is morphing into? I have noticed over the years that many of us are so focused on how much length retention we have that we will hold on to every inch regardless of how it looks.  Last year when I haphazardly decided to enter a length challenge to MBL or Waist,  I noticed the longest point of my hair was directly in the center of my back, placing well past BSL. I was measuring my progress by the longest point of my hair. But, was constantly having to explain to people that, "all" of my hair on the bottom was not there yet.  

Above is my hair blown out and flat ironed in July of 2013

The shape actually doesn't look "that" off because it all straight. Just looks like my ends needed trimming, and I took care of that.  But in it's naturally kinky state my hair appeared to be growing a tail because the longest part of my hair which is the nape, is also a looser pattern.  I never wear my hair straight so I need it to look even, and flow as much as possible back there.  

(Earlier last month) Can you see the tail back there?   

(Last Year sometime) You can really see it here. 

This was starting to get annoying when I would style it. So I decided to abort my MBL to WL growth challenge and get this hair shaped up! The only reason why I was holding on to it is because I didn't want to mess up my length retention progress, but I decided I care more about how my hair looks overall. I didn't have her cut  too much, just enough to get it right!  

I'm guessing 2-3 inches  

(Light blow out and No more Tail!)

Light blow out(Nice and round)

Sorry about this photo quality..but you can see the shape!

I am definitely happy that I went ahead and shaped up my hair. I always want my hair to look nice and healthy. Length retention will always be a by product of healthy hair growth. As long as our hair is healthy we can trust that length will follow, if we want it!  I will never hold on to raggedy ends or oddly shape hair because I'm trying to prove to my self and others that I can grow my hair to my knees lol..Chile it ain't that serious with me. Yaay,  I can't wait to style this!  How is your Natural hair shaping up?

Trying out some new things....

Old twist out that I added moisture to

Hey there Natural Beauties! I hope you've been keeping inspired on your natural hair care  journeys?  I reached my four year natural hair anniversary this year in September and I've been going through quite a few things with my hair.  Physically and emotionally.  I'm not sure if I shared them with you but I've am learning that once you get to this point in your natural hair growth journey your hair can  force you to switch some things up!  Detangling still remains one of my least favorite tasks..hands down. And because of that, I sort of go back and  forth on if I want to continue to grow my hair longer. I am currently  slightly past BSL. I am shooting for full MBL as my  length goal because I would like to see my hair in its shrunken state fall a little longer.   However, at 4 years in I kinda find my self getting bored of  "actively growing" my hair out?  I feel like I just want to enjoy my hair for what it is and not always concern my self with how much length I'm  retaining.

Length check in April 2013

 I started a length challenge earlier this year to reach MBL by year end. I  decided to actively chart my growth and this is the ONLY photo that I've taken since then! I am horrible at this. Before now I just took great care of my hair, wore primarily protective styles, and it naturally retained length. I sort of want to keep going with that. So my length checks and charting will be random. I don't won't to worry myself at all with how long my hair is or isn't getting that's just not fun. And I think I may have set my self back with this one. I did a random snip on that V that hangs past my m bra strap(I'll have to tell yall about that another time.lol).

As for my hair products, I have added  a couple things. Cleansers and stylers are products that I am consistently trying out. 1. Because with cleansers I typically want something that will help with  detangling my hair making the rest of my wash day a breeze.  2. Stylers have been important to me lately because I want to keep the frizz down on my beloved two strand twists. 

I've been wanting to try this Purification Masque for a long time now and I'm glad I finally did. This mask has tons of slip and helps to really break down the tangles in my hair. I skipped my pre-poo(which is huge for me) and tried it on damp tangled hair to see if this stuff really did what people were saying.  And it did! It was a huge time saver for me on my last wash day.  The directions states that you should leave it on between 5 and 15 minutes. After I rinse my hair it feels soft and clean. It's not stripped feeling so that's a plus as well. I am going to continue using this to see how long I love it. (you know how that goes). Next on my list of newbies...

I was given a sample jar of this twisting cream by one of my clients. Because its glycerin free it doesn't continue to draw in moisture so it keeps frizz low. My client said her hair was still damp when she unbraided it, and her style didn't fro out.  Now that had me very interested. My hair takes forever to dry and I have to leave my twists in for at least two days when I want to do a quick twist out.  I tried this,  and continued to use up the sample jar. I loved how soft it actually made my hair and all of my strands were very smooth. My twists also seem to dry a lot faster.  I constantly found my self going back to this jar whenever I would twist my hair, specifically if I knew I was going to wear a twist out.  So we will see how long I continue to use this. I do love it but, I may not be able to get it locally anymore. The supplier stated that they were no longer going to  sell it which  leaves me to online purchasing, and I don't like to get ANY of my staple products offline. So we will see how long this lasts.  I have tried a local styling pudding that is sold at Sally's that's nice(will review eventually) so I may default back to that if I can't find this Darcy's Bontanicals Twisting cream anywhere locally. 

 The journey continues ladies! Until next time no matter what you do, keep it healthy and happy!    

    

New Season: New Discoveries!

Pomp & Pony twist out

Hello natural beauties! How have you been? Well, its back to school time for so many and we are approaching the fall season and its time to get back down to business. I am back in school this semester and it is already consuming my "free" time! So with that being said I will be running back to my protective styling schedule asap! For the last month I've been experimenting  and I've made a few discoveries good and bad, and I wanted to share them. My  first re- discovery is that I can NOT wear my hair out in a twist out  for more than one day without re-twisting or I will have heck to pay! 

4 or 5 day twist out

In my quest to find quick low manipulation hair styles, my hair has been out more than I'd like. I typically twist or put in braids to protect and even though I love those styles I don't always like how long they take to put in or take down.  So I did try a low manipulation twist out style. No separating or re-twisting. My  plan was to untwist one time, and let may hair stay clumped.  I only moisturized, seal, put up in a pony tail and go. No manipulation.   My hair looked great and this seemed to be working..until I discovered, that huge thick knots had  formed and "closed" the ends of my twists at the nape!?? My ends were in a cacoon of sorts!  (This is the longest and curliest part of my hair.) It seriously felt like my ends were forming buds!  I couldn't believe that my hair was locking in a twist out?  Before it was over I had to cut out a couple  huge knots that I was almost sick over. So, now I know, I am not that girl!  I have to re-twist or re-plait my hair every single night if I want to wear it out . So much for low manipulation with "out "styles. 

Twisted Bantu knot out attempt

Second Discovery: My hair will NEVER dry in Bantu knots within an acceptable time.  I know that bantu knots take a while to dry but I figured if I put them in on hair that is 90% dry and add  a little product for hold it would be fine.  I sat under a hooded dryer for about 45 minutes, went to bed for 8 hours, and then used a blow dryer extensively the next  morning and my hair was still just as damp as it was when I set the knots? The above photo show my results. Not bad  at all, if my hair would have been dry, and stayed that way. But because my hair was damp in that photo and I ended up with a full fro within an hour!  I don't mind fros, but I didn't spend hours trying to  perfect that style to end up with a fro? I've always wanted to try bantu knots but this style seems very timing consuming to pull off on thick natural hair. So I will reserve knot outs for when my hair is straight or when I have 2 days for my knots to dry! Which I don't know when that will ever be.  I'd have to be snowed in because I'm not going anywhere in those knots. lol 

   

My Good Discovery:  The Jumbo Rake Comb by Hercules Sagemann! Oh my goodness I am in love with this comb. I saw a you tube video by Longhairdon'tcare2011 on detangling twists, and she was using this comb. I listened to her explanation and I watched the video on how the company make their combs. It is a handmade seem-less comb, with beveled teeth. I saw other videos of women who were impressed with the combs as well, and said how it made a big difference in their regimens. I've always heard seem-less was better but figured it couldn't make that much of a difference. But let me tell you it does!  Most of you know that detangling my hair is my biggest gripe. When using this comb my it just glides through my hair no snagging or ripping. I do finger detangle first  to remove  larger tangles and knots and then follow up with this comb. And as wide as the teeth are, it pulls all of  my shed hair out.  Before, I was using 3 to 4  detangling tools, when you include my fingers. I am  now down to 1! This comb also allows me to detangle larger sections so my sessions move a lot quicker.  Another plus,  my hair does not have to be sopping wet with conditioner when I detangle.  I can use this rake when my hair  is lightly misted and it still glides through.  Okay so that's it, I'm done!   I am excited to see how the quality of my strands will improve with this big change. If you are interested in trying this comb you can purchase it from http://hotcombs.net/

So what's new with you? Have you made any new discoveries good or bad? Please share!  

Well until Next time!!!!           

A stranger asked me a question: "Is it racist to use the term Nappy Hair?"

Nappiology dfw, a local Non- profit that celebrates and educate on "Nappy Hair" 

I love this shirt for a few reasons, primarily because its comfortable!! Most of the time I forget what it reads. Saturday my hubby and I decided to tour our own city... (that was a great idea btw, we should do it more often!) 

Clyde Warren Park In  Dallas

As I was waiting on my food at one of the food trucks I was approached by  a male of the opposite race, and he carefully asked me  "I just want to know, is it racist to say that someone has Nappy Hair or to use the word Nappy?"   I must admit I was a bit caught off?? Until I remembered what I was wearing! 

  It's funny because this question wasn't as clear cut to answer for me as I thought it would have been? I knew that I really could not answer for all black people with this hair texture?  So I said, "I guess it depends how you say it and why you said it? Only you know what your motives are for using the word. I also said, it also depends on who you say it too!"  I also went on to describe to him what our hair texture really is as it grows out of our scalps. Many people have  misunderstood our hair type, even us!  I told him its a real hair texture and not something that is matted and not groomed or maintained.

Pomp and Pony

 I rarely  use the word "nappy" to describe kinky or tightly coiled hair, but I also don't really have a problem with the word. I do know that a lot of African Americans do have a problem with it, and many in the Natural Hair Community do not.  So I believe this is why I wasn't sure how to answer him initially. 

I believe the origins of the word is racist.  However, many African Americans use the word to define "bad" hair or naturally kinky hair also. So its almost like, we can say it, but they can't?(sounds familiar) Idk just my take on it. 

Twist out

When I was growing up it was definitely considered negative in our community and in our homes.  And as an adult I've experienced it as being negative but not necessarily racist.  Now days, with the ever growing natural hair movement among African American women,  it has caused people to look at the word a lot differently. Many are embracing the word "nappy hair", but at the same time I know the word still brings up hurtful memories and negativity for some and they don't want their hair referred to as "nappy."  So when unsure I  wouldn't use it to describe any one's hair but my own.  

So, How would you have answered this curious stranger?          

Got my Natural Hair Flat Ironed!

 First flat iron in 2 years! 

Yay! I finally did it I was on the fence because you know I am really anal about the health of my hair and didn't  want to flat ironed  for obvious reasons.   I took all of the precautions I could think of, prayed and then allowed someone else to flat iron my hair. Yep. I know after the last experience 2 years ago I vowed to just do it my self if I EVER decided to have it flat ironed again.  I didn't want to do it so I guess I had to trust someone! Kimberly Christopher at Kimberlyc.com is the stylist that I chose to tackle all of these kinks!  I did consult with her first so she would know all of my concerns and see what the nature of my hair is like.(Thick and tangley!)  I was very pleased with how smooth she was able to get it without too much heat. We talked about not taking the heat any higher than 400 and adjusting the heat lower for the looser textures. Hopefully all that worked out! (I cringe at the possibility of heat damage), I did notice that she only did a couple passes with the flat iron which was good. Also prior to the blow out, she put in chunky twists and set me under a dryer for a few minutes to stretch it out some. So she wasn't blow drying it forever.

Blow out

blow out..I was shocked

Blow drying at a salon (IMO) can be a pretty stressful session on natural hair that isn't straightened much. I was kind of cringing with every rake of the brush! Be sure you do everything you can to fortify your hair(deep condition, moisturize, Pre-poo). Do whatever you can  to get as much moisture in as possible) I only had about a week to get my hair ready, I wish I would have taken 2 weeks! The more moisture sessions prior to the better.  Overall I was very please with my hair, and I'm happy that I made the decision to flat iron it.  I wouldn't encourage anyone to do it unless its something you really desire and has given a lot of thought about because I think it is definitely a gamble. I am  praying every day that all of my strands revert back!   knew what I was getting into so I'd say make sure you are prepared for whatever. (I wouldn't flat iron on the spare of the moment or out of frustration because there's definitely a higher risk of damage with that.)

3 yr growth comparison

Grazing Bra strap! 

Until Next time!! 

Get Healthier Hair in 2013!

How to obtain HealthierHair in 2013!

So, if you're reading this post you were blessed to make it out of 2012 and into 2013!Yay us, we get another chance to improve the quality of our lives!   It’stime to set new goals and resurrect old ones.  I’m sure by now you have your lists all madeout, but hopefully as it pertains to how you can obtain the hair you want you will add some of my favorites below! 

1.      Accept the facts about “your” hair.  (Learn to embrace the characteristics of yourthick, fine, curly, cottony, coily, wavy, kinky, and even heat damaged hair,and work with it.).      

2.      Be patient. Give your new healthyregimen at least 2 months before you abandon it.

3.      Deep condition your hair after everywash. (Apply a plastic cap and generate heat for atleast 30 minutes).

4.      Heat style less. (Only you know howoften is too often, and so does your hair! take longer breaks from the heat)

5.      Don’t make drastic changes with yourhair out of frustration (This will always set you back!)

6.       Moisturize your hair more often. (If it feelsdry, you aren’t using enough. Use all natural moisturizers that penetrate thehair shaft.)

7.       Use protein conditioners when needed.(learn  more about Moisture-ProteinBalance)

8.      Manipulate your hair less. (Keep yourhair protected, wear styles that limit daily handling)

9.      Love and respect your Hair. (Thispiggy backs with no. 1, when you love your hair you treat it better!)

10.   Believe in what you’re doing and where you’regoing-Keep your eye on the prize!  (Inorder to be successful you have to believe that you can be.

• 
  

(If you arerelaxed or use chemicals in your hair, resolve to chemically treat your hair less,stretch out  your sessions and find morenatural alternatives to achieve the looks you want!)

Above aresome of my favorites for obtaining strong, healthy, beautiful hair! Try them,commit to them, and see don’t you end this year with a better head of hair!  Until Next time!   

How to make it through that "Awkard" Length

Don't know how to deal with your hair now that your teeny Weenie Afro(TWA) is trying to grow out?  Don't worry you are not alone!  This has been a common issue as many big chopped naturals seek to grow out their short natural hair. I've spoken to women who refuse to let their super short do's grow out because they are afraid of what awaits them on the other side. Styling and Detangling is at the top of the list!  Your twa was Cute,  Sassy, and easy to manage! I was so in love with my twa that I am sure I was calling it a twa when it was way past that phase?  I didn't want to let it go because I  didn't know what to call it once it had grown sightly past my ears, and not only did I not know what to call it, I wasn't sure how to style it!   I had become a Wash n Go Queen because that was all I knew how to do!    But between 5 and 7 inches long my wash n Go look wasn't quite doing it for me anymore so I had to start figuring something out!

Played around with Puff Options

Over 2 years ago I started to experiment with styling my natural hair. Very intimidating as I was not accustom to styling cottony, kinky, coily hair and making it look presentable. I  didn't want to walk around with a mid size tightly coiled fro all the time. So I got in the mirror and got to work!  You don't have to be a "hair person" to become good at styling your hair.  I put my self on a 21 day styling/wear your own hair challenge(because I would retreat under wigs or  braids when I became frustrated) And let me tell you,  most of those styling days were a Bust!! ....It hurts me to show you some of these "fails" but here goes...... I couldn't even do a simple twist out?! (I have plenty of failed styles to share, but there is not enough room on this page for that : ) So I'm sharing some of my attempts at the twist out.

aaaaah...My failed Twist outs

Twist outs seem to be the easiest style for a newly natural to execute, and I couldn't get it down to save my life!  If it didn't look like I'd stuck my finger it a light socket, I was walking around looking like I just rolled out of bed, even though I'd spent 3 hours on my hair the night before.  It was quite frustrating and I wasn't comfortable with my hair, because it wasn't how I wanted to look.   But I pushed forward in my efforts to style my hair at this length and eventually it started to pay off! And it will for you too! 

My mid-length Style 

That awkward length where your natural hair isn't considered short or long can be frustrating style- wise but you will get through it, it just takes patience to figure out what works for you and your hair. Don't give up, it will come together Trust me!!(Major tip to creating a beautiful natural hair style:  Make sure your hair is fully dry before you take down your sets, if its a wash n go, keep your fingers out of your hair.  This will minimize frizz and keep your definition)    To learn more about my journey and how I learned to "work it out" Follow me here at http://public.fotki.com/chawthorne/    Until Next time! 

Celebrating Mid-Length Natural Hair

My 8 week Mini Twist Challenge

Well it is time for another mini twist break!!  You guys know I love mini twists but lately I haven't been able to commit to the style for longer than 2 weeks.  That will not work if I plan to see a significant jump in the health of my hair.  But thankfully,  I know that if I place my self on a challenge I have a better chance of making it.  I've decided that I want to "guarantee" another inch of uninterrupted growth going into the new year because I plan to flat iron my hair for the first time in over two years, and will do a length check.  (Excited!)  Okay SO...This twist challenge will take me into the New Year.   My hair thrives in protective styles, styles where there is very little manipulation,NO detangling, and No knots to deal with. 

 So here is what I am doing......

First Set 11/17/12  Cleansed and Deep Conditioned with Aubrey Organics GPB for strengthinging.. Moisturized, used IC Polisher heat protectant and Blew hair out using the tension method.. I blow my hair out on medium heat with cool shots. I like doing this because it keeps my roots stretched  for clean parting. (no snags or cross chairs getting pulled into neighboring twists. If the parts aren't clean I end up with cross hairs that could break later with handling). Also I don't blow my hair out bone dry I like to leave some moisture for manageability and to keep it from drying out too much as I twist. 

Blow out 

I will be wearing my twist up 98% of the time, moisturizing daily, doing scalp massages every other day, and sealing my ends with Black Jamaican Castor oil.   I also use Hydratherma Natural's Follicle Invigorator on my scalp and edges to keep them strong.  My styling will stay pretty simple:  buns, updo's and rodded twist styles..(I do not wash my hair while wearing mini-twists, I just keep my scalp clean..washing adds to a tangly take down for me). I do plan to do hot oil treatments with Organic Coconut oil, and Extra Virgin Olive oil. This will keep my hair soft and conditioned.

This first set will come down on 12/8/12. I will wear a twist out for 2 days.. Detangle, Cleanse with Mud Wash, Henna, Deep Condition with Aubrey Organcis HoneySuckle Rose..Stretch, blow out and Retwist for another 4 weeks!      How will you protect your hair this winter?  

.   

Fall Blow Out!

Blow out/Plait n curl

It's been almost a year since I've blown my hair out, and I was very shocked with how full and long its gotten. Below is a comparison Pic of when I blew my hair out last year before styling.

11/2012-10/2012 Blow out & style

My process takes about 2 hours!  I don't believe in using the blow dryer on High its not necessary to stretch out the hair, and it's always on low to medium heat with occasional cool shots. I am also very careful with my ends.  (I deep condition, moisturize and use a heat protectant prior to the session) My hair always feels soft and moisturized when I'm done, and so easy to style..  

Now, I am seriously thinking about blowing my hair out more often because it keeps  my hair stretched and I don't have to worry about  frequent tangles or single strand knots. (Which are enemies to my length retention!)  However, being the healthy hair enthusiast that I am, I will have to compare and contrast the pros and cons of possible blowing out my hair more frequently.   We shall see!   

How often do you blow out your Natural Hair?