Curl Preservation and Conditioning: The "Baggy" Method

As a natural, two of the hardest things to maintain are our hair's moisture level and curl formation from day to day. For some dry hair is a serious problem that can result in crispity, lifeless curls.



I've found that the best way to stave off a case of the crispies is to invest in one of the cheapest beauty items out there: the disposable plastic shower cap. I originally bought a pack of 20 to use in conjunction with deep treatments, however I more frequently use them to sleep in using the "Baggy Method."



If you haven't heard of baggying before, simply put, it is tucking your hair away under a plastic cap to preserve the moisture as much as possible. The best time to do this in my opinion is overnight when hair is prone to dryness due to cotton pillowcases and scarves, and the friction of rubbing against the fabric. I've found that even when I start with dry hair at night, my hair is damp in the mornings due to condensation (from my body heat). So to take advantage of this, I rub a little olive oil or conditioner over my hair before applying the cap, then tie my silk scarf over the cap. In the morning I just fluff and go!

I've also been practicing filling in my brows. Shapely brows are a great, free accessory for all naturals. Practice makes perfect! Just be sure find a color brow pencil or powder that closely matches your hair color. I'm almost there...thanks to Tdavis for the inspiration :)

Patience is a Virtue..

...That I DON'T HAVE!!

So I guess that last post about the tired, sandy-brown/red hair color threw me over the edge...and I colored my hair once more. I went to my local BSS store and after about an hour of staring at little hair color swatches, I finally settled for a dark brown made by a brand I have never heard of before: DaVinci (color 4M- Mahogany Brown).

Now I've actually had some training in cosmetology so I feel comfortable with coloring my own hair at home. If the terms 'color wheel' and 'creme developer' sound foreign to you, please find a hair color specialist!! (You have officially been warned)

The color turned out to be a very dark brown. Indoors it almost looks black but outdoors you can really see the Mahogany brown. It lightens a bit with each co-wash and I really love it. I think I prefer myself with darker hair, just not fully "black" like I did when I was relaxed.

I can't wait to see the color when it is straightened for my Nappyversary...Oct. 22nd is the date!! Woot woot!

The pics below were taken the morning after the color process, hence the color halo around my hairline...hot mess! But it faded after only a day :)

Countdown to my 2 Year Nappyversary

The countdown is on! I will be 2 years on this natural journey in October and I have learned SO MUCH in the process. The longer my hair has gotten, the more it has taken on its own personality and demonstrated a few "character flaws." LOL!

Most days, I absolutely love my hair and my decision to go natural. Other days...I feel frustrated and a little bored really. The curl pattern of my hair is so unbelievably tight that it's very difficult to make it hold the patterns of twist-outs, etc. 3 hours worth of twisting for my hair to look like a baby fro is not a good look..at all... so I have been rocking wash-n-go's for a few months now.

The color that I have in my hair has grown out considerably, and taken on this funky reddish hue. I love it and hate it at the same time. The lighter color helps define my curls, but the red haze gives me a sandy look that I despise. New color is definitely going down next month...I'm looking for a true brown that looks like a rich milk chocolate. I figure that would look good curly or straight.

I do plan to straighten my hair again in October. I've only had it straighted once since October 2008. I will be going back to Blade...(sigh..I love Blade and he's only done my hair once...) for a good steam treatment, trim, and press. I figure that my hair is somewhere between my shoulder blades stretched out, but we will see.

In the meantime, I am going to up my deep conditioning routine to prepare for this heat. Switching back and forth between protein and moisturizing conditioners. I've used up the last of my Motions CPR and thinking I would like to try Elasta QP's deep treatment. Idk..their little jar is entirely too small for the price...maybe I'll stick with eggs and Mayo for protein.

Things I'm loving right now:

• Suave Professionals Humectant Conditioner for cowashing (LOVE IT!!)
  
  
• Mizani Curl Replenish- Got two small packets from the hair show..considering the investment of a full jar. The pic above, my hair has the Mizani and Cantu Shea left in..

• Essie Nail Polishes- This polish is the bomb! Goes on super smooth and has deep pigments that cover very well...sometimes in one coat. The neutrals don't streak, which is HUGE in my book. I can polish my nails in the car on the way to work (one coat) and they are dry in 10 mins. (Kids...don't try this at home..LOL!)

• Sally Hansen X-treme Wear Topcoat (polish lasts a week before chipping on my NATURAL nails!!)

• The Little Black Brush- I got this freebie from the spa in Miami. Love the way it detangles and I will be looking for a professional version of this ASAP!!

I've Fallin Off...

...Somethin' terrible!

It's been a while since my last post, but with good reason. I have been juggling vacation, bachelorette planning and attending, and my son starting Kindergarten this past Monday.

I've been stretched thin lately and things will only get more hectic until I make it through October. I have a cruise, bridal shower, and two weddings between then and now..yikes!

Here are a few pics of my vacation hair. I opted for low maintenance styles and made the most out of a twist set, a fro-hawk, and several wash-n-gos. My staple sealer is olive oil, but it doesn't travel well, so all of these were accomplished with plain ole conditioner. One thing I've noticed is that the little bottles of hotel conditioner are pretty good, even if the shampoo and shower gel sucks.

Bahamas next weekend! I have to step it up a notch from here...

Natural Hair Versatility

While on a recent road trip to good old Memphis, TN I had a little free time on my hands. 5 hours worth of free time to be exact. My sister was driving and in an effort to be the best road-trip passenger possible (the non-sleeping kind) I kept myself awake and busy playing in my 88 Shimmer Eyeshadow Pallet that I bought from Coastal Scents about a year ago. I really need practice with color combination, placement, and better brushes but I managed somehow..LOL!



The above pic is me with my casual Friday attire and hair do. After playing in the make-up, I was way over-done for the little puff pony look, so I took my hair down and pinned it back in the front. The pony stretched my hair out quite beautifully! I am going to play with this as a styling option in the very near future. I think I can perfect this to get the big hair look I've been wanting!

The Cure for "Hand in Fro" Disease

I haven't styled my hair in over 4 days...and I really have no desire to do so. Why? Because it would mess up my freshly manicured nails, that's why!! LOL!

I have a serious case of Hand in Fro disease. I am constantly styling, twisting, twirling, and whirling my hair around. But this past weekend, I had my natural nails professionally polished for the first time in years (pic above). I even got the little designs on my ring fingers :) I am typically a very frugal person, and to pay $6 for a polish change is a bit much for me. For that I can have two bottles of nail color, and polish my own nails! So to keep them up, I have vowed to stay out of my hair as much as possible and bought a polish of clear topcoat to go over them once a day.

I had my nails done this past Saturday, and today they look darn-near perfect (pic below) even after a quick co-wash this morning (I used the shake-n-go method and let my hair air dry). I may have to spoil myself and keep this up...hmmm...I'll think about it. LOL!

When the Puff is not Enough...Cont.

Well, ladies... I successfully made it through another twisting session. It only took me two days, but I made it! LOL!

First, I washed, conditioned and detangled my hair in sections. After detangling a section I twisted it back up. Type 4a hair is really prone to tangles because it is highly textured and likes to coil around itself. After detangling..I found myself in the bed yet again... I didn't make it out that time, though...

The next day I rinsed my hair in the shower with the twists still in, got out and whipped up my styling mix. I have seen this mix on other forums referred to as EcoCustard, but I chanced upon this mix on my own. It works really well in providing hold and moisture, and on top of that, dries clear and soft to the touch. To make this I mixed a glob of EcoStyler Gel, a little Jamacian Mango and Lime setting lotion, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Whip it together with a comb until it turns into a pudding like consistency, and is pale yellow/off white.

Part each section, apply styling mix, and twist. You can either flat twist, two-strand, or braid/plait your hair. The key in getting the best result is to try to make each section as uniform as possible...you get a better curl pattern at the end. Pics below show my natural texture shot, shrinkage shot, twist pattern, and end result (pics at the top of this post).

I love that my hair is getting longer! It's actually easier to detangle and twist, and my hair looks more like a true "twist out" as opposed to a curly baby fro. I really need to expand my horizons and try other styles besides twists and fro-hawks, but it is a challenge with hair as tightly coiled as mine. Whatever I try to do to it, it pretty much snaps back to its original state. Maybe I will try stretching and dry styling next....

***REVISED 05/11/11 TO ADD PICS BELOW***

When the Puff is not Enough...

For Natural Girls who have Considered Styling when the Puff is not Enough

I'm over the puff yet again, ladies. The longer my hair gets, the lazier I am about trying out new styles because it takes SO FREAKIN LONG!! I'm talkin 2-3 hours just to wash and set it long. But tonight I have vowed to twist my hair and see if I can perfect my twist out at this length.

I'm itching for a change, hence the recent color change. I wanted to go red, but downgraded to a reddish-brown that has grown on me. I think I will go full brown with my next color application; a rich milk chocolate hue similar to the color of my Goody head band below.

As y'all can see...I've somehow made my way to the bed already..but it's time to get my azz up and get to twisting...sigh... :/

Well it's About TIME!!

I did it y'all!!

For the first time in over a year I have my hair pulled back in a ponytail. I'm still a little shocked just looking at myself in the mirror. The infamous ponytail used to be my staple style when I was relaxed, but I am hating it right now :(

I feel like it makes my head look long and alien-like...LOL..then I forgot my earrings at home this morning, so I feel like a little boy. This will take some getting used to, but I do plan to try this again.

I simply co-washed and pushed my hair back under the shower stream while rinsing, then slicked a nice amount of EcoStyler gel across the front and sides. Secured with an ouchless band, and tied the edges under a silk scarf until I got to work.

The results are below..you can really see the color. Oh, did I forget to tell you guys that I colored my hair?? Hmmm..my bad!! More on that later!!

I'm on the DT Bandwagon!

I hate to admit that I am wrong...like it sucks..a lot. But I have to admit that I was wrong in thinking that it was not necessary to Deep Treat Condition my hair on a regular basis. The assumption that natural hair is healthy hair is so untrue and I have learned that deep conditioning with a correct balance of protein and moisturization are of the utmost importance. The error of my ways has been corrected and I would like to share two Deep Treat Concoctions with you all.

The first one I tried (and forgot to take pics of) was the tried and true Egg Protein Mask. You will need:

2 Large eggs

2oz of any moisturizing conditioner

2tblsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I mixed all three of the above in an applicator bottle. Its best to beat the eggs before pouring them into the bottle. Add the remaining ingredients and shake well. Apply all over, making sure to coat the entire strand, and cover with a plastic shower cap. This treatment is VERY drippy, so be sure you have a bath towel around your neck. You can use heat or not (I didn't) and let it sit for at least 30mins. The final AND MOST IMPORTANT step is to rinse with cool water. Not cold, but definitely cool, so that the egg doesn't literally "cook" in your hair.

Once you rinse, you should notice that your hair feels a little hard; this is normal as the egg helps to rebuild the protein bonds of your hair, so it should feel instantly stronger. I soften things up a bit with a quick co-wash, then continue on with regular styling.

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Another recipe I tried was the Mayo Deep Treat. You will need:

2 heaping tablespoons of Real Mayonnaise (*not* Miracle Whip)

2 tblsp of Olive Oil

2 tblsp of pure Honey

Mix everything in a bowl and apply as directed for the Egg Deep Treat. This one is not quite as drippy but it smells like pure azz!! OMG! If you don't like mayo (like me) this deep treat can be torturous to your nostrils, but the results are worth it. I slept in mine overnight. Make sure you cover your pillow with towel if you go that route.

I have since been Deep Treating weekly with a protein mask. Daily co-washing provides me with more than enough moisture; almost too much actually. I felt like my hair was a little too stringy and "gummy" before I started the protein treatments, and now my hair is a lot more resilient and my curls are popping more than they were before. I can get 3 day hair from a wash and go, which never happened before.

If you're not on the Deep Treat Bandwagon, get on it! The sooner the better!

Smooches

Product Review: Miss Jessie's Super Sudsy Slip Shampoo

Back in early April I had the chance to attend the World Natural Hairshow held here in Atlanta, GA. The show was really a treat! There were so many vendors selling all types of products for skin, hair, and nails. They passed out some awesome samples and were selling products at reduced cost. I did all of $30 worth of damage and came out with a nice sized bag to fill my product-junkie cravings for a while.

I haven't tried everything, but so far my best find from the show is the Jamaican Mango and Lime products. I will do an official review on those soon... I am really feeling them for the summer and they smell sooooooooooooooo good.

Below are pics that I took of my son's hair while trying out Miss Jessie's Super Sudsy Slip Shampoo. I have heard some horror stories about Miss Jessie's styling products, but people rave about their shampoos so I was dying to try it out. Right out of the packet, I could tell that the consistency was different than other shampoos I have tried; it actually felt "slimy" and slippery in my hand. I applied it to his wet hair and bubbles popped up immediately even though his hair was pretty dirty... I typically leave his twists in two weeks at a time. Detangling was really easy, and I used my fingers for the most part. A comb slid through a lot easier than normal...I haven't felt this since my beloved Creme of Nature changed their formula :(

All in all, it does what it says...lots of bubbles, lots of slip, and a good detangling shampoo. I have to say.. I would definitely buy this. At about $16 per (small) bottle it's pricey, but a little goes a long way.

Just Lil' Ol' Me

Hey Ladies,

This is just a quick update of me and the fro....I snapped this pic while getting ready for a taping of The Buffys. The shape that my hair is taking on is really growing on me. On this pic it was somewhat compact, but I am able to pull it out and do the "big hair" look, too.

Speaking of The Buffys...we are on tonight at 7:15 EST live at http://www.thebuffys.com/. Tonight's chat will be a real and raw (no pun intended) talk about STDs and sexual health. Check us out to join in on the convo!!

Smooches

Style Preservation: Pin Curls

Way back in the day when I straightened my hair for the first time in over a year (Feb 2010), I learned the hard way on how to preserve my sleek tresses. The very first night, I wrapped my hair as I usually did when I sported a relaxer. One shower and 8 hours later I awoke to a huge puff ball on one side of my head and no curl definition on the other. DRATS!!! $90 down the tube... or so I thought.

I managed to flat iron the puff back out, and the next night, opted for something different: dry pin curls. Pin curls are really easy to do if you have a little curl on the ends of your hair already. Use smaller sections if you want curlier hair...I opted for larger sections to get loose curls. Once your whole head is done, cover with a loose silk bonnet as opposed to a scarf tied too tightly (will smash the curls).

See pics below...I forgot to take pics of the after, but it was cute! No puff and still very curly.

Homemade Hair Care- Avacado Mask

A while ago I whipped up a quick batch of homemade avocado hair mask that I thought I would share with you all. This recipe is a quick and easy way to re-moisturize thirsty hair, which we all know will become problematic in the hot summer months to come. The natural fats found in avocado and coconut milk combined with the humectant power of honey is the TRUTH! This conditioning treatment can be left on overnight underneath a shower cap, or if you have time to let it sit for an hour or more during the day.


What you will need:
1 ripe avocado
1 tbl spoon of honey
1 tbl spoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Coconut milk
Blender





Directions:


Halve the avocado and remove the pit. Scoop all of the avocado pulp into the blender. Add the EVOO and honey.


Shake the can of coconut milk well; add about a tablespoon to the avocado mix and blend about 30 seconds. Check the consistency of your mix; if it's too thick or not smooth enough add a little more coconut milk, re-blend until you get it where you want it to be. I like mine to look like pudding if that helps.


Now apply the mix to your hair in sections, making sure that each strand is coated. Apply a plastic cap and condition for at least an hour.

A

FroHawk- 2nd Attempt

So this past weekend I had some friends in town, and wanted to jazz up my look a little. Since my hair is getting longer, but isn't quite long just yet....its becoming more difficult to think of things to do with it.


I tried the frohawk again, and it came out nicely with a few bobby pins on the sides and lots (and I DO mean LOTS) of EcoStyler gel. What do you think? Any suggestions on how I can get more volume at the top?

*** SHOUT OUT TO ESSENCE, WHO RECENTLY COMPLETED HER TRANSITION TO NATURAL! I TOLD YOU YOU COULD DO IT! ALEXIS....YOU'RE NEXT! ;) ***