Monday, December 26, 2011
Update
Well, I have completely left my blog on the side of the road! So shame on me. I didn't have internet access in my home for some time, however I do now. So hopefully I will be making better blogging choices in 2012. I created this blog about a year ago as a part of my 2011 resolution. In the beginning I did fairly well, but some how fell of. I really don't want to make the same mistake in 2012. I have decided to focus more on my hair this upcoming year. I have discovered a few things I am interested in trying and sharing with you all. So stay tuned for that. :) in the mean time and in between time see ya when I do!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Im natural for a reason
I was at a friends house playing in my hair when she mentioned how long my hair would be. At that moment I knew exactly what she was referring to...(if I had a perm)...it lead to the question of, would you ever perm your hair? I stated no. I have no intentions of getting a perm, not now, not ever. Been there done that not a fan. I love my natural hair, even though at times I get frustrated, who doesn't? Even with a perm there comes frustration. I have yet to meet a woman that can say she hasn't had a bad hair day. lol. I personally don't care for perms. Not to say that they don't look nice or that I think everyone should be natural. If it floats your boat then cool, to each its own. I thought about all the reason I love being natural, and all the reasons I wouldn't go back to the permy crack. These are the just a few of the pros and cons I've come up with...not listed in any particular order.
PROS
1. Originality & Creativity- I've been able to create so many differnt hairstyles that allow me to be different from everyone eles. I use to rock a wrap with my permed hair all the time same ol same ol.
2. Naturals have more fun- I'm not affraid to get my hair wet when it rains or going to the pool...my hair loves water.
3.Beauty- I love the way natural hair looks, itt's beautiful and unlike any other race.
4.Easily manipulated- my hair can be twisted for 10 minutes...really less for that matter and then untwisted and it holds form. It's amazing!
5.Education- I've educated myself so much more now that I am natuarl. I take much better care of my hair now then I did then and you can see the resolutes.
6. Secret code- The natural community is slowly growing, and with each natural woman I come accross comes with support. It's like an unspoken secret society. I get compliment on my hair by other naturals all the time, and I return the getsure. :)
Cons-
1. Consistency- I am not as consistent as I would like to be. Being natural requires alot of attention. For example I went this entire week without wearing my hair in a protective style. (shame on it all) Im gonna do better.
2. Knots- Individual knots they drive me crazy!
lol and that's about it. Just thought I would share.
PROS
1. Originality & Creativity- I've been able to create so many differnt hairstyles that allow me to be different from everyone eles. I use to rock a wrap with my permed hair all the time same ol same ol.
2. Naturals have more fun- I'm not affraid to get my hair wet when it rains or going to the pool...my hair loves water.
3.Beauty- I love the way natural hair looks, itt's beautiful and unlike any other race.
4.Easily manipulated- my hair can be twisted for 10 minutes...really less for that matter and then untwisted and it holds form. It's amazing!
5.Education- I've educated myself so much more now that I am natuarl. I take much better care of my hair now then I did then and you can see the resolutes.
6. Secret code- The natural community is slowly growing, and with each natural woman I come accross comes with support. It's like an unspoken secret society. I get compliment on my hair by other naturals all the time, and I return the getsure. :)
Cons-
1. Consistency- I am not as consistent as I would like to be. Being natural requires alot of attention. For example I went this entire week without wearing my hair in a protective style. (shame on it all) Im gonna do better.
2. Knots- Individual knots they drive me crazy!
lol and that's about it. Just thought I would share.
Friday, May 27, 2011
I love being Natural....Pt.1
I love being Natural....
(in a whisper) Here's a little secret that should be a well known fact...in my opinion..."We (naturals) have more fun!"
I decided to type up a few Questions I have been asked followed by my honest response. I call this part one because it's just the basics. In part two I'll discuss the more in depth hair care portion of being natural along with some natural hair styles. Part one is for the curious seeking information on the natural hair care journey
When did I decided to go natural?
I original decided to go natural when I lived in Miami, in the beginning of 2007. I didn't want to cut off my hair, so I started growing it out and stopped getting perms (transitioned). I kept my hair tucked away under weave for the most part. Later that year I moved to Tallahassee and couldn't afford to manage my hair the way I did in Miami, by that time it had been 9 months since I had gotten a perm. I didn't know how to tame my hair, especially with a portion of it being permed. So I felt that going "Natural" wasn't for me at the time and I permed it :(
I went threw man hair changes since that time. My hair had been colored multiple times and cut just as much if not more. In the summer of 2008 I had a friend cut off all my hair real short similar to Rhianna's hair at the time. I enjoyed that hair style for the remainder of the summer and a portion of the fall, until my mother saw it and nearly cussed me out. I knew then that it was "TIME" to end that permy chapter in my life and enter into my natural hair journey. My last perm was at the end of November 2008. I transitioned once again and did my own BIG CHOP (its exactly what it sounds like: the cutting off of all your permed hair) in the Summer of 2009...I have been a happy nappy since.
Why did I go natural?
Going natural was something I had wanted to do for a long time. I personally despised perms. My scalp was not a fan at all. I remember crying on numerous occasions because the perm was burning so bad. In a resolute of it my scalp suffered for my actions and would scab often. I just got tired of it. My mother played a large role in the timing of when I decided to go natural because I valued her opinion. After she gave me more than a piece of her mind and cussed me out for cutting my hair so short, I felt like I had to prove something. She told me my hair was never going to grow back because it was so short. Two years later and my hair is longer than what I usually grew it out to be.
I also wanted my hair to be in its natural state. I loved the look of those woman that had the courage to be themselves and wear their hair naturally and not care what society had to say. I did what a lot of woman have wanted to do, but just never did because of fear.
What's so good about being natural?
I wouldn't know were to begin with that question. For me being natural is so much fun. I am amazed at my curl pattern and texture of my hair. Natural hair is very versatile and very easy to manipulate. If you want your hair straight you can do it! Curly...you can do that too! Wavy? Yes it's true you can do that too! (Sorry for my Dr. Seuss moment...lol) but seriously you can do so much with natural hair, ponytails, Afro's, braids, braid outs, two strand twist, twist outs, flat twist, Bantu knots, roller set, rod set and more. *Like I said earlier we have more fun!* Being natural for some allows them to be creative with funky hair styles like fro-hawks and other fun styles.
Is it easier being natural?
I can say that it requires more work. At least to me it does. Everyone is different and may take care of their hair differently. For myself however, I do find natural hair requires more love, more attention, more care, more tenderness, more EVERYTHING! For me I don't mind it, because at the end of the day I can see not only a growth in my hair, but a growth in myself. I love and appreciate MYSELF more as a natural. I'm taking better care of my hair. I'm excited to try new styles with my hair, I love to see African American women grow out their natural hair to lengths that we were typically told we would or couldn't reach. You would be amazed to see how many natural girls hair reaches their shoulder, mid back, waist and longer. Not to say that that isn't obtainable with a perm...it just does happen as often. (In my opinion). So I say all that to say this, natural hair is not easier than a perm but for me I wouldn't trade it for the world because all the hard work is sooooo worth it.
Do you receive more compliments?
YES! YES! YES! I have found that being natural is like being a part of a hair club. Other natural woman understand were you have been and respect you choice to be natural. They support you, uplift and motivate you. I almost feel as if its an unspoken word or bond between us. I receive many complaints on my hair from other natural woman who aren't afraid to come up to you and say "I LOVE YOUR HAIR!" I am not ashamed to say that I am THAT person as well because I UNDERSTAND. Men compliment me as well, some say that it is very sexy to see a woman "rocking" her natural hair. Others may not have a preference but they still like/love my hair.
Are their any cons to being natural?
You have to be strong with knowing that you are not your hair. You also have to realize that being natural is not for everyone, you may encounter those who dislike your life style choice (being natural is a life style choice). Were as others will embrace it. When I first went natural I got a lot of beef for it. Some that said they didn't like natural hair at all. Some said it was not pprofessional...however I still don't see what is so un-professional about wearing my hair the way God intended it to be. (*Kanye shrug) Never the less when my hair grew out and I was able to play with new styles, the negative comments became almost non-existent (There is one person that still doesn't like my hair, and always threatens to perm it...I no longer allow that to bother me). In fact I get so many people that ask me about my hair and how they want to go natural and ask for advice. The funny thing is a lot of those same people that would make fun or talk badly about my natural hair are or considering going natural...the irony in that. Within the last two years I have seen so many others follow in my foot steps with the decision. It's GREAT!
How to care for your hair?
Honestly there is so much to talk about when it comes to natural hair care. Everyone is different, as far as your hair type, products used, time spent and so much more that factor into your hair growth and development. For this post I wont go into detail about the many different techniques or things you can do to take care of your hair, but I can say that the number one thing I have found, that is very important is moisturize your hair! Secondly protect your ends! Maintaing length is everything! Look out for more post about natural hair care.
Big Chop or Not?
I would suggest doing a big chop earlier than later. It was very hard for me when I transitioned because I wanted to take proper care of my natural hair but it was hard trying to tend to the needs of my natural hair and permed hair. I will say that it is a hard choice to make, deciding to big chop earlier verse later. You have to have the confidence to own your TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro). I waited a few months, but my best friend chopped it off after a few weeks. She owned it! My main reason for saying cut it off is the transitioning stages can be very frustrating and may leave you feeling like you want to run away and abandon your desire to go natural, which later can lead to regret if you do abandon it. I say this from experience. I attempted to go natural once, turned my back on it and later down the line wished I had stuck to it. (Although I wish I had gone natural sooner, I am aware that everything in due timing...I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason).
Inspiration
I enjoyed looking at photos of others that chose to go natural, it was inspiring and exciting, I couldn't and still can't wait to see my hairs potential!
Fact: Madam Walker did NOT invent the chemical perm. It is a very large misconception that people have.
Fact: Garrett Augustus Morgan, Sr. stumbled across what we now know as the perm (for African Americans) one day while attempting to create a new lubrication for a machine needle. After wiping his hands off on a wool cloth he realized that the portion of the cloth he had wiped his hands on the day prior was smooth. He duplicated the mixture, and tested it out a dog once he got the resolutes he wanted, he then tried it on himself.
*For more info on what a relaxer can do to you, visit this site I stumbled across one day
http://atlanta-hair.ning.com/profiles/blogs/9-reasons-to-avoid-perms-and
(in a whisper) Here's a little secret that should be a well known fact...in my opinion..."We (naturals) have more fun!"
I decided to type up a few Questions I have been asked followed by my honest response. I call this part one because it's just the basics. In part two I'll discuss the more in depth hair care portion of being natural along with some natural hair styles. Part one is for the curious seeking information on the natural hair care journey
When did I decided to go natural?
I original decided to go natural when I lived in Miami, in the beginning of 2007. I didn't want to cut off my hair, so I started growing it out and stopped getting perms (transitioned). I kept my hair tucked away under weave for the most part. Later that year I moved to Tallahassee and couldn't afford to manage my hair the way I did in Miami, by that time it had been 9 months since I had gotten a perm. I didn't know how to tame my hair, especially with a portion of it being permed. So I felt that going "Natural" wasn't for me at the time and I permed it :(
I went threw man hair changes since that time. My hair had been colored multiple times and cut just as much if not more. In the summer of 2008 I had a friend cut off all my hair real short similar to Rhianna's hair at the time. I enjoyed that hair style for the remainder of the summer and a portion of the fall, until my mother saw it and nearly cussed me out. I knew then that it was "TIME" to end that permy chapter in my life and enter into my natural hair journey. My last perm was at the end of November 2008. I transitioned once again and did my own BIG CHOP (its exactly what it sounds like: the cutting off of all your permed hair) in the Summer of 2009...I have been a happy nappy since.
Why did I go natural?
Going natural was something I had wanted to do for a long time. I personally despised perms. My scalp was not a fan at all. I remember crying on numerous occasions because the perm was burning so bad. In a resolute of it my scalp suffered for my actions and would scab often. I just got tired of it. My mother played a large role in the timing of when I decided to go natural because I valued her opinion. After she gave me more than a piece of her mind and cussed me out for cutting my hair so short, I felt like I had to prove something. She told me my hair was never going to grow back because it was so short. Two years later and my hair is longer than what I usually grew it out to be.
I also wanted my hair to be in its natural state. I loved the look of those woman that had the courage to be themselves and wear their hair naturally and not care what society had to say. I did what a lot of woman have wanted to do, but just never did because of fear.
What's so good about being natural?
I wouldn't know were to begin with that question. For me being natural is so much fun. I am amazed at my curl pattern and texture of my hair. Natural hair is very versatile and very easy to manipulate. If you want your hair straight you can do it! Curly...you can do that too! Wavy? Yes it's true you can do that too! (Sorry for my Dr. Seuss moment...lol) but seriously you can do so much with natural hair, ponytails, Afro's, braids, braid outs, two strand twist, twist outs, flat twist, Bantu knots, roller set, rod set and more. *Like I said earlier we have more fun!* Being natural for some allows them to be creative with funky hair styles like fro-hawks and other fun styles.
Is it easier being natural?
I can say that it requires more work. At least to me it does. Everyone is different and may take care of their hair differently. For myself however, I do find natural hair requires more love, more attention, more care, more tenderness, more EVERYTHING! For me I don't mind it, because at the end of the day I can see not only a growth in my hair, but a growth in myself. I love and appreciate MYSELF more as a natural. I'm taking better care of my hair. I'm excited to try new styles with my hair, I love to see African American women grow out their natural hair to lengths that we were typically told we would or couldn't reach. You would be amazed to see how many natural girls hair reaches their shoulder, mid back, waist and longer. Not to say that that isn't obtainable with a perm...it just does happen as often. (In my opinion). So I say all that to say this, natural hair is not easier than a perm but for me I wouldn't trade it for the world because all the hard work is sooooo worth it.
Do you receive more compliments?
YES! YES! YES! I have found that being natural is like being a part of a hair club. Other natural woman understand were you have been and respect you choice to be natural. They support you, uplift and motivate you. I almost feel as if its an unspoken word or bond between us. I receive many complaints on my hair from other natural woman who aren't afraid to come up to you and say "I LOVE YOUR HAIR!" I am not ashamed to say that I am THAT person as well because I UNDERSTAND. Men compliment me as well, some say that it is very sexy to see a woman "rocking" her natural hair. Others may not have a preference but they still like/love my hair.
Are their any cons to being natural?
You have to be strong with knowing that you are not your hair. You also have to realize that being natural is not for everyone, you may encounter those who dislike your life style choice (being natural is a life style choice). Were as others will embrace it. When I first went natural I got a lot of beef for it. Some that said they didn't like natural hair at all. Some said it was not pprofessional...however I still don't see what is so un-professional about wearing my hair the way God intended it to be. (*Kanye shrug) Never the less when my hair grew out and I was able to play with new styles, the negative comments became almost non-existent (There is one person that still doesn't like my hair, and always threatens to perm it...I no longer allow that to bother me). In fact I get so many people that ask me about my hair and how they want to go natural and ask for advice. The funny thing is a lot of those same people that would make fun or talk badly about my natural hair are or considering going natural...the irony in that. Within the last two years I have seen so many others follow in my foot steps with the decision. It's GREAT!
How to care for your hair?
Honestly there is so much to talk about when it comes to natural hair care. Everyone is different, as far as your hair type, products used, time spent and so much more that factor into your hair growth and development. For this post I wont go into detail about the many different techniques or things you can do to take care of your hair, but I can say that the number one thing I have found, that is very important is moisturize your hair! Secondly protect your ends! Maintaing length is everything! Look out for more post about natural hair care.
Big Chop or Not?
I would suggest doing a big chop earlier than later. It was very hard for me when I transitioned because I wanted to take proper care of my natural hair but it was hard trying to tend to the needs of my natural hair and permed hair. I will say that it is a hard choice to make, deciding to big chop earlier verse later. You have to have the confidence to own your TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro). I waited a few months, but my best friend chopped it off after a few weeks. She owned it! My main reason for saying cut it off is the transitioning stages can be very frustrating and may leave you feeling like you want to run away and abandon your desire to go natural, which later can lead to regret if you do abandon it. I say this from experience. I attempted to go natural once, turned my back on it and later down the line wished I had stuck to it. (Although I wish I had gone natural sooner, I am aware that everything in due timing...I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason).
Inspiration
I enjoyed looking at photos of others that chose to go natural, it was inspiring and exciting, I couldn't and still can't wait to see my hairs potential!
Fact: Madam Walker did NOT invent the chemical perm. It is a very large misconception that people have.
Fact: Garrett Augustus Morgan, Sr. stumbled across what we now know as the perm (for African Americans) one day while attempting to create a new lubrication for a machine needle. After wiping his hands off on a wool cloth he realized that the portion of the cloth he had wiped his hands on the day prior was smooth. He duplicated the mixture, and tested it out a dog once he got the resolutes he wanted, he then tried it on himself.
*For more info on what a relaxer can do to you, visit this site I stumbled across one day
http://atlanta-hair.ning.com/profiles/blogs/9-reasons-to-avoid-perms-and
Thursday, May 26, 2011
M.I.A and I dont mean Miami!
Hey lovers! Sorry I've been M.I.A (Missing in action) for the last couple of months. My deepest apologies. Hate me not. I swear I'm ADHD. I have a million and one ideas and I want to accomplish them all. I'm working on being more organized and structred...trust me I need it. So work with me...I have the "I love being natural" series coming up, I'll post pt. 1 up right after this one! Super excited. I love feed back, remember this is my first time doing this...still new to the blog community :) well enough of that...on to the next one ;)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Rhassoul Clay
What is Rhassoul Clay?
It is a smectic clay. Smectic means it's very absorbent. Much more than any other cosmetic clay.
It can be used as a soap, skin conditioner, shampoo or mask for the face and body. It is best known for detoxifying and cleansing the skin.
It is a smectic clay. Smectic means it's very absorbent. Much more than any other cosmetic clay.
It can be used as a soap, skin conditioner, shampoo or mask for the face and body. It is best known for detoxifying and cleansing the skin.
How did I come about using this product?
My best friend purchased a few items from Camdengrey.com. She was telling me How great the product was supposed to be for your hair and skin...so of coarse I wanted to try it out :)
Here are my results....
Prep & Prepoo....
 |
| I removed my hair from mini twist, and did a quick lenght check before getting started...this was my first time using the Rhassoul Clay |
 |
| Before getting started I conditioned my hair and left in over night, and rinsed in the morning |
 |
| This is what the clay looks like before adding anything. This is its original package |
 |
| I added a small amount of water at a time until the clay seemed smooth I gradually added more water and more clay Use your discression depending on how thick and long your hair is This was not all of the clay...I did add more |
 |
| This is what the clay looked like once applied. After I applied it to my hair, I sectioned my hair into 4 and pinned it up, then covered it with a plastic bag and towel. |
 |
| I didn't leave it in as long as I would have liked to, it only stayed for 1hr :( next time I'm going for 4hrs I took a picture of the mess you can expect |
 |
| I rinsed my hair with cold water |
 |
| And detangled with a Denman Brush (found @ Sally's) and my spray bottle containing water and olive oil |
 |
| Results |
 |
| Me being silly..sorry lol But you can see my hair here All in all, even though I didn't leave the clay in as long as I would have like to, I could tell a major difference in my hair!!! The texture was very soft..the sofest my hair has been. It was very different to see my hair that stoft. My curls were slightly more defined, but not a lot. I would use the product again, very soon....this time adding some things to the mixture. I didn't want to mix anything with it since it was my first time....I did want to try it out in its natural state first. Next time my goal is 4 hrs or more and to add an oill or coconut milk to the mix....one thing I forgot to mention...when mixing the clay make sure the water is warm ;) |
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Untitled
You know I orginal started this blog to start something I have always wanted to do. I wanted to be able to share with the world all the wonderful things I discovered and did, in hopes to inspire others. It was ment to be fun, sey, flirty and soooo much more. However right now, I really just need to express how I feel right now at this moment. Let me first explain the situation...my phone is off...there that's it. That is the situation, and because of it, I have no one to reach out to. I cant call my mommy, or my best friends. NO ONE!!! No one to talk to, just my blog. So here we go. I recently lost my aunt on my fathers side, the first real relative on his side that tried to gain contact with me. It hurt so much to hear that she was gone. I hadn't seen it coming, I didn't get a chance to say bye, or tell her I loved her. If it wasn't for Facebook, I might have not found out. My sister from my father was the one that messaged me to let me know what was going on. We try and communicate on occassions. We didn't grow up with each other, but we kept contact as best we could. When I found out my aunt passed, I wanted so much to be there for my little cousin. I couldn't imagine losing my mommy. I couldn't place myself in her shoes. I just knew I wanted to be there for her. However I did fear what emotions would over come me when I would see my father. I hadn't seen him since my grandfather's (who raised me) funeral when I was in the seveneth grade...I think I was 11 or 12, I'm 23 now. All this time I dealt with feeling unwanted and not fully loved. I hated myself....I thought something was wrong with me, because I knew he had a relationship with my three other siblings, but he never tried to reach out to me. NEVER :( To make a long story short, I battled alot of issues when I was in New York for the funeral. He made a effert to explain why he wasn't in my life...he said because my (strugglin) mother had put him on child support, he wanted to contact..but now that I was on my own (which I had been for 4yrs..and he knew I was) that we could communicate. I cried slightly when he told me that. I never imagined the moment I would see him again, or thought what would he say...what would I say? I was hurt that his excuse for not being apart of my life was because my mother put him on child support. I'm dealing with so many personal issues, because I din't have a father, and the best thing he could say to me was...what had came out his mouth. I dismissed it and allowed for him to be apart of my life, like he said he wanted to with an open heart. Only the Lord knows how much I have always wanted to have a relationship with him....well now we are facebook friends and I just got off his page, I'm in tears and cant stop crying. I cant stop thinking about how much time has gone by. I cant believe that the stranger on Facebook is my father. I'm so hurt! Just trying to work thru the emotions I guess... :(
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Nightmare
Last night I had the worst dream ever, so I guess that makes it a nightmare! SCARY!!!! I'm natural, and I have been natural for 1yr and 1/2. For any natural person our goal is natural, long, beautiful strong hair. Well in my dream some how I had a perm...my heart was broken....I was frantic. I thought it was a reality. So glad when I woke up that it wasn't...sigh of relief. It was scary to think that all my hard work went to waste and that I'd have to start all over again!!! Just had to share I know its really random, but hey that's life.
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