My 8th Annual 25th birthday party was this past Wednesday, and I just realized that it's been 6 years since my last relaxer! I don't miss it one bit and wouldn't trade the versatility having natural hair affords me.

I'm starting to get the itch to cut it and start anew, but I'm scurred...LOL! Now that winter is upon us I know that won't be happening anytime soon. Next spring I may feel differently because I will be 6 years post BC. :)

For now, I'll continue to play with color to keep myself entertained...

Laters,

Natasha

Beating the Weather with Natural Hair

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending Homecoming Weekend at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Y'all know how much preparation and coordinating goes into the whole homecoming experience! I had outfits picked out months in advance, and planned to wear my hair in a blown out twist-out.

The forecast called for rain, which absolutely sucked, but I kept it moving and prepped my hair with Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil leave in conditioner, blew it out, and twisted with the their Curling Gel Souffle. I used the gel sparingly, because it has a tendency to weigh the hair down if you use too much, and I wasn't really going for the wet Jeri Curl look. The next morning I woke up to the perfect set!

Once the rain started in, my hair began to expand before everybody's  my very eyes. I started to panic, but then I thought, why should I? I happen to like my hair all big and puffy. The only person any wiser to what was really going on was me. So I rocked it.

Later that night I came up with the twisted updo for a party. I need to perfect that look, but I did like it! Looking back on these pics made me realize how much I was #winning with my natural hair. Seems like I couldn't have gone wrong either way :)

Smooches

Natasha

Shea Moisture Curling Gel Souffle Review

After 6 years as a natural it's very rare that I get excited over new hair products. I've learned that less is best when it comes to styling aids and moisturizers in general. I can't remember when I last twisted my hair for a twist out...it's been at least a year. Last week I got the itch to try something different with my hair and decided to treat myself to a new hair product. I settled on Shea Moisture Curling Gel Souffle. After watching several YouTube vids, I followed the process used by MohaganyCurlsa and achieved results very similar to hers.

It's important to note that you absolutely cannot use to much of this product or your hair will feel extremely greasy and weighed down. Apply a smidget to each section of damp hair, smooth with a Denman brush, and twist cleanly from roots to the ends. Allow hair to air dry and un-twist. 

#twistoutperfection
#soappropriate

I'M BAAAACK!!

Hola Chicas!

It's hard to believe that it's been over two years since my last post to this blog. In the coming days, I'll be working on updating and relaunching the blog as "Appropriately Kinky." So much has changed with my hair and me during my sabbatical...I can't wait to catch everyone up! :)

In addition to the blog, you can now find me on the social media outlets listed below:

YouTube: Appropriately_Kinky
Twitter: Kinks4Days
Instagram: Appropriately_Kinky


Smooches!

Natasha

3.5 Years Natural Hair Growth

Hola Chicas!! As promised, here are the rest of the pics from my semi-annual blow out in May of 2012. I'm so late in posting these, but better late than never, right? ....RIGHT! :) (Here is my hair immediately prior...basically a wash n go)

(Blown out before the trim....)

(I wanted it bone straight....)

(...But my hair said otherwise. Blade added more curls to stave off reversion..)

I won't straighten again until this fall, but I must say that I did stretch this blow out for about 3 weeks. That has NEVER happened before, and I did it using flexi rods and ponytails to keep the tension on the roots. As Blade would say, keeping natural hair straightened is "all about the tension." He ain't neva lied!! Smooches! Natasha

Just Saying "HI"

Wow! Has it really been that long since my last update?? Time is flying and so much has happened since my last post, mainly in my personal family life. I haven't had much time to even deal with my hair, but I did have my semi-annual blow out done by the always fabulous, BLADE!! Tdavis went with me this time, as we have been rocking this natural journey together :) I'll post more pics later this weekend from my personal computer. Black Friday can't get here soon enough, because I need a new digital camera. iPhone pics are not the biz.... Hope you ladies are amping up your moisture routines for the summer. Please remember that moisture = water. Not oils...use oils to seal in your water based moisturizer. I finally purchased a mini spritz bottle that fits right into my purse, for a fine mist throughout the day. I only put bottled spring water in my spritz bottle (no tap water) so it stays fresh for days. Will post again soon! Smooches Queenofthe4s

Twist n' Knots

I know I say this ALL the time....but I finally think I have found my favorite twist method! LOL!

I call it Twist n' Knots for simplicity, but it's really just flat twists with bantu knots on the end of each twist. I've done this several times on myself and once on a friend of mine. Each time the results were the same. This method works better on hair that has been stretched from either a ponytail or previous twisting session.

The hair is dampened with plain water (dampened, not soaked or your hair won't dry overnight)and prepped with plain shea butter. Your hair should be wet enough to be pliable, and it should twist easily/smoothly. If not, add a tad bit more water.

Then, flat twist downward, all the way to the ends. Create a bantu knot with the tail of each twist. Allow to dry overnight, then gently take down in the morning. Allow the hair to fluff on it's own while you dress to preserve the curl pattern created by the bantu knots. Do cover any patches of exposed scalp by gently separating if needed :)

At night, I preserve by re-twisting in large, single twists with bantu knots. I'll post those pics in another post. I also need to tell you ladies about a new conditioner that I'm trying out. It definitely made a great first impression, but I don't want to say until I've used it at least twice.

Still loving Gel nails...my I've gone from mauve to alpine grey to bubble gum pink...and I love it! (and just in case you are reading this, THANKS BABE!!)

**Smooches**

Natasha

Stretched Twist Out Results

Ladies,

Here are the results from doing a stretched twist out. I finally re-stocked my shea butter supply and used that instead of the Curl Enhancing Smoothie. The shea butter yields a fluffier result = BIGGER HAIR!! YAY!


Side Shot:




I should also add that my gel manicure has yet to chip. I got my nails done at Nail Talk & Tan across from Perimeter Mall in Atlanta. I love that shop!

With spring just around the corner, I'm looking forward to adding to my beauty routine and wardrobe. I love the warmer months because they inspire me to do better for myself... I need to match the lovely weather outside :)

Oh yeah, if any of you hear about a sale on Organix conditioner, please let a sista know! I can't bring myself to pay $7 for that small bottle...but I might have to...

*Smooches*

Queenofthe4s

Quick Update: Twist Stretching and Gel Nails

Ladies!

It has been a while since my last post, so I wanted to drop in to catch up. A lot of changes at work and at home have had me stretched thin lately. There hasn't been much time to experiement with my hair or new products :( I am in deperate need of a color touch up, and my nails were looking beyond tragic.

So last weekend I was basically dragged to the nail salon for a mani/pedi. Apparently my guy likes nails to be presentable, so he footed the bill, and I splurged on a gel manicure. The brand is Perfect Match and I forget the color, but it's like a mauve, I think. Gel polish is cured with the UV light dryer and dries to a perfect finish. The results are supposed to last for 2 weeks without chipping. I was a total skeptic, but it is holding up very well!! I'm almost a week in without a single chip! It kinds reminds me of acrylic tips without the drilling, which is great. As cheap as I am, I may have to keep this up. Here are my nails, 3 days later. Still perfect :)





As for my hair, I took some time to twist over the weekend, so my hair would match my lovely nails. I tried a stretching technique that I learned watching Naptural85 on YouTube. You basically twist damp hair, pull each twist around your head and pin it down. Once dry, you have a lot less shrinkage. This method worked very well, so I suggest you ladies try it out.




At night, leave the crown out to dry...




Here are the results the next morning. My twists are usually half as long with shrinkage...






As for products, here's a list of what's working for me now:

Shampoo: Suave Coconut to clarify
Shampoo: Shea Moisture's Moisture Retention

Co-wash: Aussie Moist Conditioner

Leave-in: Organix Passionfruit Guava Conditioner mixed with EVOO

Twisting: Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Edges: EcoStyler Gel w/ Argan Oil



*Smooches*

Queenofthe4's

Fav Vlogger: Naptural85 on YouTube

I'm not too big on watching natural hair Vloggers on YouTube, but I have run across one who is particularly helpful. She vlogs under the handle "Naptural85" (<-- click her for a link to her channel) and her videos are very informative with lots of helpful tidbits.

I tried her version of a two-strand twist out, where she flat twists the roots for added definition. I've done this method before, when my hair was shorter, and didn't like it. This time it worked like a charm! Naptural85 uses a whipped shea butter cream that she makes from scratch. I didn't have any shea to whip so I used the thickest cream I had on hand, which happened to be B&B Lock & Twist Cream.

I picked up B&B Lock & Twist Cream at the Bronner Bros. International Hair Show for all of $2.50. It is thick and somewhere between creamy and greasy; the scent is amazing...mango I think. The last time I used it reminded me of a twist out I'd done using shea butter, and it worked well this time, too. On barely damp, sectioned hair, I applied the product to each section with the Denman. Flat twisting the roots helps to pull them taunt.

I slept in a satin scarf and (SLOWLY!!) un-twisted the next morning. You cannot move too fast on the take-down or you will have tangles and frizz. I love it now, but I bet I will love it more tomorrow. Tonight I will re-twist in larger sections or try Naptural85's "Twist Out Stretching Bun Method." This is looking like it may become my winter routine. It's either that or my pig-tailed bun :)

*Smooches*

Product Review: Revlon Amber Waves All Purpose 50/50 Nylon Natural Brush

A situation of desperation lead me in search of a hair brush at 7:45 am this morning. I was on my way to work and had plans to style my hair in the parking lot before entering the building.

Then I realized that I didn't have a brush with me. Panic set in.

Last night I slept with my hair in two pig-tails....with no scarf...on a cotton pillowcase (I know...horrible!). Needless to say the resulting bed head this morning was a hot mess. I had fuzz everywhere and the only things I had to tame it were my fingers and some Eco gel.

It was NOT gonna happen.

So I stopped in Kroger thinking that I would have to buy some measly, hard brush for at least $10. But there on the top row (and surprisingly, not in the "ethnic" section) was a Revlon Amber Waves Brush. I have used the Amber Waves line before. I bought one of their loop-tipped vent brushes about a year ago and loved it. Immediately, I could tell that this 50/50 Nylon-Natural brush had real potential. The design was sleek. Its bristles were thick. I touched it and the bristles were somewhere between soft and firm. The rows of bristles were longer than on most brushes, which I love for even smoothing.

I expected it to cost more, but it was only $3.99 (reg. price). I used it immediately and loved the results. This brush really grabs and smooths without tugging. Some naturals don't believe in brushing, but I ain't one of them..lol! I love a good brush and on this one I am a believer so far. I will update if anything changes.

*Smooches*

The label claims the following:

This all-purpose brush is a great way to smooth, shine and groom your hair. Intermixed with all-natural bristles, it helps add sheen and luster, and stimulates your scalp for a healthy-looking, beautiful style each time you use it.

• 50% nylon bristles smooth your "locs"
• 50% natural bristles lock-in sheen
• Nylon bristles are great for medium to coarse hair
• Soft, all-natural bristles are great for all hair textures and
• Help to retain and spread moisture
• Prevents breakage and enhances growth

Natural Hair: Evening Styling Results

Here are the final results of my blown out twist set. I decided to wear it out instead of pulling it to one side as planned. It worked well for my look and masked the length of my feathered earrings. A side-swept bang dressed up this style quite nicely, and it continued to expand all night. By the end of the night I looked a little bit like a wild child...but it worked with the shoes :P

Natural Hair: Evening Styling

The Soul Train Music Awards are being taped in Atlanta today and I'M GOING!! The past week has been a whirlwind with finding something to wear and deciding how I want my hair to look. I lucked up and found a "stylist" who works in Dillard's. He had a vision and I put together my whole look based off of his instruction.

For my hair, I decided to stretch it out for the show. My dress has a one shoulder design, so I either need to pull it to one side or wear it big.

I prepped the night before by detangling with Organics Passionfruit Guava Conditioner and EVOO. I twisted and let that dry to stretch my hair.

The next night I blew my hair out one section at a time, then re-twisted with Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I then set the twist on flexirods so that they would have more body when I release them.

I will update tomorrow with the finished look..but this looks promising :)

Natural High Pony Puff

Over the weekend I needed something quick and cute for a weekend of shopping. I cannot stand having my fro out when trying on clothes because it's usually all over the place and frizzed by the end of the day. This high pony puff was easy to get clothes over (and I tried on a lot of stuff) without too much hassle.


The night before I co washed with Aussie Moist and used Organics Passion Fruit Guava conditioner and EVOO as a leave in. While damp, I twisted six, big twists with some Mizani Coconut Souffle. The next morning I released the twists and used my Denman to smooth the edges back with some EcoStlyer gel. Pinning my puff into place with bobby pins helps to shape and secure it.

World Natural Hair Next Top Model Search

It's that time again ladies!! Mark your calendars if you are interested in applying to become the 3rd World Natural Hair Next Top Model. The deadline to apply is 12/31/2011. Click the link below to be re-directed to the site:

15th Annual World Natural Hair, Health and Beauty Show

Check out the highlight reel from last year's crowing ceremony. I'm sprinkled throughout the video (in the green dress). Does that make me famous? LOL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4W00hSaMbU

Blowout Style Preservation: Flexirods

Here are better pictures of my results using flexirods to preserve my blowout. Wrapping my hair after a blowout always resulted in frizz. Pin curls work great but can be tricky when trying to avoid dents and frizzed ends.

Part strategically and you won't have a ton of scalp to cover in the mornings. I roll each section between my fingers (like you would for a bantu knot) to get the spiral look in the pic above.

3 Years Natural Growth

Happy Nappyversary to me!!

I got my hair blown out for my Nappyversary and my Birthday this past weekend. The blow out session was brutal because I haven't had a trim in a year. My ends were a complete mess and I had fairy knots for days. That's what I get for being cheap o_O

My hair has grown considerably since my last check in. Blade is still just as fabulous as ever. Here is his info in case you need it. (Also, Blade does do natural styles ladies, but he charges based on the amount of time for each process. Natural styles take longer so..you know what that means..)


Blade
Natural Hair and Beauty Tune-up Clinic
2200 Northlake Pkwy, Tucker, GA, 30084
Phone: 404-484-7136
(Tell him Natasha sent you!)


To maintain I set my hair on 8 flexirods each night and cover with one of my son's "Under Armour" type t-shirts. His shirts work great as head scarves because they stretch to fit over the rods without being too tight. A scarf that is too tight will cause night sweats and roller dents in your set. I release the curls in the morning and lightly separate the curls. It fluffs on its own throughout the day.

Taking a Break: Hair Senioritis

Maybe it's the fact that I'm going to my 10 year high school class reunion in three days...

Maybe it's because I haven't had a trim in almost a year and detangling is a beast these days...

Or maybe it's because Natural is no longer "new" to me now. I will be 3 years in the game come October...natural is a part of life these days.

It could be any of the reasons listed above, but for some reason I have not had the time or energy to deal with my hair for the last..hmmm..month or so. TDavis inspired me with "low to no" effort style and I have rocked it out to Puerto Rico and back.

It works for work, home, and vacay...and lasts me for at least a week at a time. I think that I like having my hair "put away" from time to time. Hell, sometimes it's nice to put on my shower cap and just see my face for once.

This is really two pig-tails jazzed up with an off center curved part. I smooth with EcoStyler w/Argan Oil gel (can you believe the jar is almost empty..it does work when used alone). I split the ends of each pony into two and twist. Then fold each side over and secure with bobby pins.

Easy peasey lemon squeezey... and I can be lazy another week...lol!