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 

  

It's a Henna  Party! 

H3 Volunteer (Felisha) assisting with Henna Application

This weekend I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of  Healthy Hair seekers regarding the Benefits of using Henna, Cassia,  and Amla  powder in their hair care regimens!  I just love doing these "informational" parties!  3 Sisters Beauty Supply located near my home town does a great job of staying connected to their customers and their healthy hair journeys.  When the owners asked if I would come and speak to their customers about the benefits of using Henna. You know I jumped at the chance!   

Me with 3 Sister's Beauty Supply Store owner

For a Friday Night  we had a pretty good turn out, the women had many questions about the benefits of using henna, Cassia, Amla, and Indigo..  Many of them just wanted stronger healthier hair..

Our lovely group of women

There I am!

Others had questions about how they could successfully cover their grays using Henna, Amla and or Indigo! Everyone's situation was unique. And I welcomed their various questions.  Those who currently has hair that's been previously colored with chemicals wanted to know if it was safe to use henna over it. And if you've been following me you know the answer to this one.  Absolutely. Yes!  If it's Body Arty Quality Henna(and not a compound Henna) It is safe! 

H3 Volunteer Erica!

She's enjoying her beauty treatment! 

Henna is a messy job, but it is also therapeutic and fun! We did approx 13 Henna & Amla treatments for those who wanted to take a chance right then and their, the other women were content with the wealth of information for future use.   It's always good to do your research, harvest your hair and do test runs if you can.  Seek the advice of others who are experienced with using Henna before jumping in.  You can also schedule your own Henna party with me if your are local, or with friends who are very informed if you are distant.  I've been using these treatments for years and they make me and my hair happy!  : )

Me and My team! I love these ladies!

Well that's a Rap!! Until Next time.. Keep it Healthy and Happy!!! 

I Chose to Color My Natural Hair

Hello Healthy Hair enthusiast!  As promised I am back with more information on coloring natural hair. Now that we know all of our options for coloring.  I wanted to get a few natural women from my intimate circle to share their experiences with hair color!  I love researching  via textbooks and getting all my "scientific facts" etc...  But  there's no better way to learn what than by taking notes from real life experiences. I will be doing a few of these interviews for a more well rounded outlook on the coloring experience.  So! With that being said, This week,  I want you to MEET SIMONE!  Simone has been natural her entire life, but just recently embraced her natural texture a little over 2 years ago.   Here's what she has to say about her experience with Permanent Hair Color..

 Simone, Why did you choose to color your Natural hair?

I chose to color my hair because I wanted to try something new. It seemed like my dark hair color made me look a little pale at times.   I also wanted to enhance my dark brown eye color more. They always looked black because of my hair.

What kind of color did you use?

I used dark & lovely sun kissed brown.  It was a golden color. I previously tried using a semi permanent, but it was barely noticeable, so I chose to use a permanent color.  

What would you say are some Cons to coloring your natural hair if any?

For me it was, how my hair felt immediately after the application. I could tell my hair was different, it felt sort of "strawy".   I also couldn't do wash  n' goes for a while because I didn't want the color to bleed off.  Also, when I would straighten  my hair it felt dry sometimes and would get that  “permish” feel, it felt stiff and not as soft and moveable, but I have learned how to keep my hair moisturized and it does a lot better. 

What do you love most about your hair color?

I liked the hair color more when it darkened up some. I also used henna which would brighten up the color to an orange-reddish color.  I liked that a lot. When my hair grew out a lot, it looked cool when I did different styles and I had different colors going on, almost looked like highlights.

Will you color your hair again?

I do not think I will color my hair any time soon. I got my little fill of it and I am letting my hair grow out, while  keeping the colored ends.  Also, If I do decide to color again, I believe I would choose highlights instead of coloring my entire head, and I would also have it professionally done.

What advice would give to other naturals looking to add a permanent color to their hair?

If you are contemplating getting your hair colored, I would say try a test patch on the nape of your neck.  Especially if you are someone who is unable to adjust to change easily. The test patch may give you a good idea of what it will look like before making a full commitment.   But for those who are great with change and don't mind the risk, I'd say go for it,  or the thought of coloring will continue to  plague you!   If you know how to keep your hair healthy, it will continue to grow.  Also, If your hair color comes out too bright, you can mix up some henna and Amla and apply it to your hair. (If you don’t mind the orange reddish tint). Also no matter what you do  keep it moisturized!  I would keep intense heat off of it the first month or two as well. Moisturizers and oils will help your hair to stay soft. But most importantly, do your research first.

Well, Thank you Ms Simone for your input! We appreciate you sharing your color story, your hair and the color is Very beautiful!   


Ok, that's it for color on this week ladies!  Check back next week where I will be highlighting a naturalista who uses demi permanents as her hair color of choice..

Until Next Time!!

Choosing to Color Your Natural Hair: Part 1

After 2.5 years of being  natural, I've suddenly become interested in hair color?! Never thought this would happen, but there is something about seeing natural curly,coily, cottony hair texture in color! It's beauty in color can not be denied.  But, I haven't  considered a chemical color for my own textured crown until now. Yes, you read right, I've been considering "chemically" coloring my natural hair.  Now me being the healthy hair enthusiast that I am, this sudden interest in color has put me in major research mode.  Of course we don't have to be hair scientists to understand that once you chemically treat your hair that you are putting your hair at risk for damage. But, if you  are curious about coloring your natural hair you should definitely take time to research  your options. Also consider the amount of  maintenance your processing choice will need to keep your hair as healthy as possible. 

Below I have listed coloring processes/options that many undergo. This can be used  as a guide to make the best decision ....

  

Henna/Henna and Indigo: A natural option for coloring your hair. Henna is a plant derived from Eastern countries. This plant naturally releases a low red-orange dye content when mixed with an acidic liquid. The color deposits on the surface of the hair, and is permanent. The color that each person receives from henna varies based on your current hair color.  When covering henna with Indigo, you can achieve a rich black color. Because this coloring process is natural and safe you can do it as often as you like, but must be sure to use a deep moisturizing conditioner immediately following.  For more information visit hennaforhair.com

Permanent Coloring:   Is needed if you want a drastic color change. This process involves using a hydrogen peroxide and or ammonia as its base. These ingredients lift the cuticle layers to allow color deposits that can not be washed out. This process strips away some of the protein from your hair, making it weaker and more vulnerable to breakage. Frequent deep conditioning with protein and moisturizing conditioners is recommended.  (If you are at all concerned about the overall health of your hair, you should see a professional Colorist for a consult before undergoing this process.)

Semi/Demi Permanent Coloring: This includes partial penetration hair color as well as a deposit-only color.  The color from this process does not last as long as the permanent, because the molecules are too large to enter deep into your hair shaft.  Semi- perms are not effective at lifting or lightening  hair color.  Also with Demi coloring, there are no visible color line as the hair begins to grow out, your natural hair color and the color from your demi blends, and color appears more natural. There is no hard color line.      

Temporary-Color Rinses:  This process of all the "chemicals" have been  labeled as the safest because similar to semi/demi the molecules are too large to enter the hair's cortex.  Instead this color or glaze only coats the outside of the cuticle layer(similar to Henna) but this will only last for 10 to 15 washes.  This will only enhance your natural color by making it darker, richer, or glossier, it will not lighten... 

*Benefits of coloring: A wonderful change in our cosmetic appearance, and depending on which process you choose, color can protect your hair from sun damage(primarily the darker colors). Coloring with Henna will also thicken and strengthen your hair.

  

*Disadvantages of coloring: With permanent coloring,  cuticles are lifted and hair is more prone to damage. If not properly cared for hair can become dry and experience breakage. Vibrant colors can become dull and lack luster tempting one to use color too frequently. If choosing Henna, the process can be messy and time consuming.

*Helpful pre-coloring tips: Be sure the current state of your hair is as healthy as it can be. Seek a consult with a professional colorists before undergoing a chemical process. Have him/her do test patches before committing to color your entire head of hair. If you are interested in a permanent color but afraid of a full commitment you could opt for a few highlights to see how those areas will react to being colored.

*Hopefully this post provided you with some helpful information in making a decision to color, if you were contemplating it.   In Part 2,  I will  highlight a few naturals who have undergone coloring their natural hair, and their experiences. They will also offer advice to those who are curious about coloring their natural hair.  

*Primary source used: The Science of Black Hair 

Until Next Time....