tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20508271666311115332024-03-13T23:31:10.220-04:00NappturallyYoursLive a life free of that creamy crack and get the love of your curls back with candid insight and natural hair care tips.Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-81997432217929112032014-10-24T14:19:00.004-04:002014-11-05T13:54:46.652-05:00Blow Out Day!Okay, so at the moment I'm rocking my go-to protective style......two strand twists. I did them on lightly stretched hair and they've served me incredibly well throughout the past week or so.....but.....I'm kinda feel the 4c nappturalista girl blues about my <span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-small;">shrinkage</span> and I've decided to give my fro one last weekend in the wind before I pack my coils back up for fall and winter. So, I'm doing a blowout today!<br />
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Now, I know, I know, I know....before you lead me to the "no heat" Gods for slaughter, I decided <span style="color: blue;"><u><b><i>loooooooooooooong</i></b></u></span> ago to avoid heat when it comes to my hair. However, my anniversary is coming up this Monday with my love and I decided it was high time he got the chance to see my hair in all it's glory. He loves my natural kinks and coils and has never once asked me to straighten it (he's a dread head, so he understands), but I really want to do something special to my kinks in honor of him having tolerated me and my hair melt downs for the past year. (Yes, I suffer from the occasional "Why couldn't I have been a 3b - 4b?!" days. They're far and few but they do happen)<br />
<br />
So, I've decided that a mild blowout to stretch my locks a little would be a wonderful change to the usual hum drum of my protective styling regime. I've scoured the net and countless other blogs to see how the "other side" of the natural community lives and I've come to the following conclusions:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> Hair should be thoroughly washed, conditioned, deep conditioned, and detangled before attempting a blowout. (I was hoping I could do this the lazy way and just carry my last wash from 2 weeks ago over, but that's out)</li>
<li><b>Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize!</b> </li>
<ul>
<li>I know this is a given but it was highlighted in every single bit of advice that I saw, so I felt the need to reiterate.</li>
</ul>
<li>Clips are your FRIEND!</li>
<ul>
<li>Apparently, blow drying your hair once you're a natural doesn't quite entail the same ease as having processed hair...who knew? (lol)</li>
</ul>
<li>A heat protectant is <u>NECESSARY</u>!</li>
<ul>
<li>As a nappturalista who doesn't use heat at all, this is especially important to me. My virgin strands haven't seen heat in God only knows how long and I'm not about to reverse all my hard work by damaging this bountiful crown that the Good Lord blessed me with by skipping this step. </li>
<ul>
<li>Now, I've looked high and low and I've seen several suggestions......everything from grape seed oil to products. and I have come to the conclusion that you should do what's right for <u><b>YOU</b></u> and <u>YOUR HAIR</u>! I, personally, intend to use a combination of Shea Butter and Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I feel rather confident that this should protect my hair from the heat. I also know that I'm not about to use a large amount of heat and I definitely will NOT be using a high temperature.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<li>Blow-dryer type <b><u>DOES</u></b> matter.</li>
<ul>
<li>As someone who doesn't use heat often, I don't actually own a blow-dryer and I am not about to go out and purchase one for something that I don't intend to do often......heck, I'm not sure if I'm going to do it again after this. So I will be using my mother's blow-dryer. She's a professional stylist (an amazing one at that!) and I'm confident in her tools.</li>
</ul>
<li>If reversion is a fear, blow dry just a step above your desired look. </li>
<ul>
<li>I live in a home with a wood stove and once it gets kicking, there's no way to dial back the heat. So, while I'm not looking to go pin straight, I will be stretching just beyond the point of what I truly desire. I'm going for a look that's soft and cotton-y just with a bit more volume and closer to my actual length......not the length that shrinkage allows.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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Well, here goes nothing.......I'll let you all know how it turns out. If it's not an epic fail, I'll post a few pics as well. Hope this helps if you, too, are considering a blowout.<br />
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As always, be Happy. Be Nappy. Be a Nappturalista!<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><u>UPDATE:</u> </span><br />
<br />
So, I may not be the blowout kind of girl. It was an EPIC FAIL! I'm too embarrassed to post pictures. Y'all, it was BAAAADDDDD!!!! My fear of heat was a definite influence on the outcome. In better news, I did manage to elongate my roots a bit and I settled with Bantu Knots instead. It was pretty cute.....and they held for a while. I had to take them out though.....It's getting cold here on the east coast and every time the wind blew my scalp would shudder. It's not used to having exposed parts.....smh.<br />
Hopefully, if I inspired you to blowout, your experience netted MUCH better results. <br />
<br />
Be Happy.<br />
Be Nappy.<br />
Be a FIERCE Nappturalista!<br />
<br />
<br />Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-58850138785552920502014-04-22T15:33:00.002-04:002014-10-24T14:20:26.245-04:00Choosing Your ProductsOkay, so as many of you all know, I'm a mostly homemade, organic type of natural. However, for those of you who are PJ's or just don't have the time to invest in making your own products here are a few tips to choosing products that benefit your hair. Now, please, remember that no one product or products are going to work for everyone. Your hair, just like you, is completely <u><span style="color: #45818e;">unique</span></u>! This is just meant to be a starting point and I'd suggest you go for the cheaper products and slowly work your way up the price points. No point in investing $40 in a conditioner that doesn't work the way you want, especially where there may be a $5 option.<br />
<br />
Anywho, enough of my blabbing here's the tips:<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">1. Read ALL product labels.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">2. Pay close attention to the first five ingredients! These are what the product is mostly comprised of. Companies are required to list ingredients in descending order. This is especially important when looking for a shampoo, conditioner, or leave-in conditioner.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. Give your product at least 3 months before you ditch it.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">4. If you can't pronounce the ingredient, chances are it's not good for you or unnecessary.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">5. Avoid alcohols, petroleum based products (this includes mineral oil as it is a derivitive of petroleum), anything that doesn't list water in the first 5, Pilyethylene Glycol (PEG), Propylene Glycol, DEA, MEA, TEA, Cholrine, FD & C Color Pigments, and Fragrance just to name a few. Not only are many of these products detrimental to the health of your hair but some of them are downright harmful to your HEALTH!</span></i></b><br />
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<br />
My last tip is the MOST important of all:<br />
DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU AND <b><u>YOUR</u></b> <b><u>HAIR</u></b>! Listen to those curls because they are the best guide you will ever have!Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-39019039569546825172014-04-14T19:51:00.000-04:002014-04-14T19:51:26.345-04:00Protective StylingSo, lately I've been going back and forth between mini twists and loose twists as go to protective styles. Both are single, two strand twists and both can be worn for weeks on end. Both also allow you to moisture and protect your ends as well as versatile styling options. For those of you who are unfamiliar with either technique, I'll post links to tutorials on YouTube from two lovely ladies and my personal favorites below. So far, I'm loving the length I've retained and the ease of both styles. What are some of your favorite protective styles and what works best for you? Let me know!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Naptural85's Mini Twist Tutorial: <a href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OSBFMjCoZOQ">http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OSBFMjCoZOQ</a><br />
MsTanish's Loose Twist Tutorial: <a href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eiZqSEBiOJM">http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eiZqSEBiOJM</a><br />
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Ms Tanish's video also has an awesome routine for length retention. She's a 4B-4C, so she really understands and speaks to kinky girls like me.Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-82006432742773546522014-04-11T13:00:00.001-04:002014-04-11T13:00:54.368-04:00Domineque Banks (longhairdontcare2011) Memorial Fund UpdateThank you so much to my readers who gave and/or shared the link to Domineque's Memorial Fundraiser! It's due to that sweeping response from you beautiful souls that allowed Domin's family to not only reach, but, exceed their goal! The fund is still open and if you'd still like to give, you have 36 hours left. I'm sure her friends and family are eternally grateful. There's a message acknowledging and thanking everyone for the rapid response. Again the fundraiser link is: <a href="https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/rmd4/in-memory-of-domineque-banks">https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/rmd4/in-memory-of-domineque-banks</a><br />
<br />
And bless each and everyone of you who read my previous post and responded so swiftly. It shows the strands that bond the natural community are strong, healthy, and globally boundless.Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-32658600990212687122014-04-10T21:42:00.000-04:002014-04-10T23:59:22.411-04:00The Natural Community Has Suffered a Great Loss! RIP Domineque Banks (longhairdontcare2011)It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I deliver this news: The lovely Domineque Banks or as we all know her, <a href="http://m.youtube.com/user/Longhairdontcare2011" target="_blank">longhairdontcare2011</a> from YouTube, is no longer with us. She passed away due to complications from lupus yesterday. She was 27 years young. There is a fund set up to cover the expenses for her final rest and I will supply the link below. I'm asking each and every one of my readers to please give to honor her. She gave us all joy, advice, knowledge, and hair envy via her wonderful YouTube Videos. As she suffered from lupus, I'm sure she gave of herself even when she was not feeling the best. As a natural community, I ask that we band together to support her friends and family in their efforts to pay her this final honor. She will be sorely missed. I, personally, enjoyed her videos.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/rmd4/in-memory-of-domineque-banks">https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/rmd4/in-memory-of-domineque-banks</a>Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-45869372336422104422014-03-28T09:46:00.001-04:002014-03-28T09:46:31.834-04:00Happy Nappy Friday!<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Good morning! Happy Nappy Friday to all! Can I just take a moment to rejoice in how shiny my hair is this morning! Whoooo! *happy dance* I'm on day 5 of a 4 week protective style (mini-twists) and I've been moisturizing with the LOC Method as needed. I won't post a mini twist tutorial because the wonderful ladies of YouTube have already made EXCELLENT videos; however, I will post a link to one of my favorites by Naptural85. As you all may know, I only wash once a month so if you wash more frequently also see her video for washing your mini twists, as I'll probably be taking mine down by the time I wash my hair. I will co-wash these twists in a few days or so....may have a video for that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Naptural85's twist tutorial: </span><a href="http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OSBFMjCoZOQ">http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OSBFMjCoZOQ</a></div>
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Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-85900776949385410052014-03-24T05:23:00.000-04:002014-03-24T05:23:35.424-04:00I'm Baaaaack........Hey everyone!! I'm soooooooo SORRY for the long leave of absence........got a bit busy in my "mommy life". So, to get reacquainted, tell me how you've been on your journey! I know that since my hair has grown, my wash days have goten ALOT longer....I'm talking 4 1/2 hours of active washing longer! Luckily, I only "wash" once a month.....but enough about me. I wanna hear about you and your journey and that beautiful napptural hair of yours! :)Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-53347072003527555572012-10-18T23:12:00.000-04:002012-10-18T23:12:03.682-04:00Henna Day!So, it's been a while since I last henna'd my hair and I'm due for another round. Since I usually co-wash and clarify once a month, I decided to wait until my "official wash day" to henna my hair. I start by clarifying my hair and scalp with my "mudwash" recipe (see Mix & Match) and allow the hair to air dry while I await dye release. ****I recommend hennaing hair on an off day, as it takes time.**** After allowing the henna to sit for about 10-12 hours, I DC and style.<br />
<br />
This henna experience will be a bit different...I neglected to buy orange or lemon juice, so I'm using tea. I'm debating using either green or chamomile tea. I know I definitely don't want to use black tea, as it will make my hair darker. *Great option if you're doing a henna gloss and desire darker hair :)* I'll let you all know how it goes....<br />
<br />
In the mean time, what do you use in your henna mix? What's your brew and how does it effect your color result?<br />
<br />
NappturallyYours,<br />
<br />Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-15283478132834510232012-10-16T23:57:00.000-04:002012-10-16T23:57:23.601-04:00Challenge Check In<b>Hey Nappturalistas!</b><br />
I'm <u>soooooooooooooooooooooo </u>sorry it's been such a long time since I last blogged to you all. I just started a new job and it's been seriously occupying my time. Any who, let's get down to the hair....<br />
<br />
So, it's been a little over a week since I started my challenge and I'm happy to report that I almost never touch my hair! I've developed a regimen that allows me defined curls that last and almost no need to manipulate my hair. I'll share it with you:<br />
<br />
1. I deep condition with my Honey-Shea Avocado Hair Smoothie (see Mix & Match page for recipe) on wash days, allowing for a generous amount of time dedicated to detangling.<br />
2. I allow the hair to air dry after moisturizing and sealing the hair.<br />
3. I use flax seed gel to two strand twist my hair while damp. I don't concentrate on stretching the hair as it will stretch as the week goes on.<br />
4. Once my fsg (flax seed gel) twist out is old, I re-twist my hair using my Honey -Shea Pomade.<br />
5. I wear the Honey-Shea twist out in twists for at least 2 days.<br />
6. Maybe 2-3 days before wash day, I untwist my hair and wear it loose.<br />
7. I repeat the process every 2 weeks.<br />
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<br />
What regimen are you using for this challenge? How does it differ from your pre-challenge routine? Will you go back to your old routine?<br />
<br />
NappturallyYours,
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I know, I know, I know....I've been slacking on my posting. It's my new job....a girl's got to eat! However, I promise to do better - much better. But while I was gone, you all were not far from my psyche and I did manage to discover a new DIY for you all.<br />
<br />
So, you know how some ladies visit the spa and shell out $40 bucks for a mud facial?? Yeah, well this girl just can't do it! However, I do love a good facial from time to time. So....I devised my own and you can too! Here's how:<br />
<br />
You'll need :<br />
Cosmetic grade bentonite clay<br />
Honey<br />
Herbal Tea or Coconut Milk<br />
<br />
Simply combine equal parts and mix into a smooth paste. Apply to your face and allow to sit for 10-20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water. It's just that simple... If you really want to go all out, slice a bit of cucumber, draw a nice soak for your feet, and sit back; relax; and enjoy :)<br />
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NappturallyYours,<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eeUzf2vUOD4/UHNoPY9HSiI/AAAAAAAAAM0/geanN_GxaR4/s1600/IMG_1154%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eeUzf2vUOD4/UHNoPY9HSiI/AAAAAAAAAM0/geanN_GxaR4/s320/IMG_1154%5B1%5D" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's one of the homemade deep conditioners that I use when I want hair that is strong, soft, and shiny. Just head on over to <a href="http://nappturalista.blogspot.com/p/mix-match.html">Mix & Match</a>. FYI: you will need a blender for this one.<br />
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Now, I enjoy this particular recipe because it not only leaves my hair feeling softer, shinier, and stronger; it also gives amazing "slip". I can easily detangle my hair shortly after smoothing the smoothie onto my hair.</div>
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NappturallyYours,
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</script>Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-78054910525391545172012-10-08T15:37:00.001-04:002012-10-17T01:27:54.897-04:00Hello, Jello!So, I've been resisting using gel, however, with the acquirement of a new job and the need to have a polished, professional look; I have jumped on the gel bandwagon. I have scoured the internet and interviewed several stylists to find out what would be the best gel - one that 's inexpensive, non-damaging, and feasible to make at home.....Flaxseed gel was my answer.<br />
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So, being the DIY Nappturalista that I am, I set about to find out how I could make my own at home. I found that it was easier than I'd thought! All you need is some flaxseed (easily available at your local health food store; I brought mine at Whole Foods for 73 cents. It was $2.23/ lb.), some good ol' water, a heavy sauce pan, a strainer (or old trouser sock, in my case), a container, some EO's; oils; or a butter (cocoa or shea), and something to stir with. It's just that simple. I'm sure you may have almost everything already around the house. The process is even easier and I'll have a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2050827166631111533#template">YouTube Video</a> up and running by the end of today. Until then, be happy, nappy, and naturally you!<br />
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NapptruallyYours,<br />
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So brothers and sisters in "naps", I want to know how your challenge is going. Is it easy, breezy? Or is it a struggle? Let me know! I need to know! Below's a pic of my hair's flair for today....let me know if you're digging it!<br />
<br />
NappturallyYours,<br />
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</script>Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-46327105951745506692012-10-03T22:12:00.001-04:002012-10-03T22:29:48.907-04:00My Healthy Hair Challenge to YouSo, the napptural/natural blog community is ironically <u>small</u> and we often overlap one another in content and subject matter. With that being said, I've seen a<b> ton</b> of articles, YouTube Videos, and testimonials about the benefits of certain <i><span style="color: #990000;">"hair growth potions"</span></i> <span style="color: cyan;">(Monistat 7, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Cayenne Pepper/Hot Sauce</span>); the list goes on and on. I<b><u><span style="color: #0c343d;"> beg</span></u></b> you all to ignore these unorthodox and sometimes just down right ridiculous "potions"! <u>There is no magic way to make your hair grow faster or longer!</u> <span style="color: red;">Your hair is growing</span> every moment. <span style="color: purple;">It is constantly <u>alive and growing</u></span>. The <b>difference </b>between people with long hair and those with short hair is simply <u><span style="color: lime;">length retention.</span></u> <span style="font-size: large;">You hair needs love and TLC</span>. Over brushing, over handling, and even over conditioning can all lead to damage and, potentially, breakage. So, instead of buying into the "flavor of the month" hair "potions" for growth and retention, I challenge you to <b>grow </b>your <b>hair</b> the <b>natural</b> way, the <b>healthy</b> way. To learn more and to join the challenge click <a href="http://nappturalista.blogspot.com/p/healthy-hair-challenge.html">here</a>.
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</script>Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-33203178949173225172012-10-01T21:03:00.001-04:002012-10-01T22:17:46.469-04:00Post Henna: I'm a "HenJay"!So it's been 1 day & twist-out since the henna. My hair feels soft, a little heavy, and I can detect bits of color when I catch the light (and the mirror) just right. I've also noticed a slight relax to my curl that is really helping to kick shrinkage's butt (yeah!).<br />
So, what's my issue? The heaviness is affecting my styling habit. I usually use quite a bit of my homemade honey-shea pomade when I twist my hair. It's an all natural/organic product so it doesn't have the holding power of syntheticly made pomades and gels and it smells SUPERCALLAFRAGALISTAEXPIALLADOPOUS! (in other words, I love the smell) So, I've learned that I will have to twist with smaller pieces to really get the fullness and definition I desire and that I'll have to use a little less product. Not huge sacrifices when I think of the benefits henna adds to my crown....I'll eat that.<br />
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Oh, what else have I learned you say? That I am a "HenJay"! Don't know what it means....just reference my <b><u><a href="http://nappturalista.blogspot.com/p/say-what-natural-hair-lingo-dictionary.html" target="_blank">lingo dictionary</a></u></b>. Yeah, I made it up, but someone had to make up all the other terms, too!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxwNvjLxAF0/UGpOVK9vpsI/AAAAAAAAAMU/yH52xGr_lKc/s1600/IMG_1077%5B1%5D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxwNvjLxAF0/UGpOVK9vpsI/AAAAAAAAAMU/yH52xGr_lKc/s320/IMG_1077%5B1%5D" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The curl is there and I have very little frizz.....just no volume due to the weight...</div>
Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-43004291772112195152012-09-30T20:01:00.002-04:002012-10-03T22:12:46.594-04:00My Henna JourneyI've said it before and I'll say it again: <span style="font-size: large;"><u>Henna takes time</u>.</span> It's an intimate process between you, the henna, and your hair. It's like swaddling a baby and watching the array of emotions that drape its face as it sleeps. Because of the very nature of henna, you're required to get really personal with your hair.
I'm currently allowing the henna to "set" in my hair. It's been in there for about <u>12 hours</u>. I've watched the hair and paste beneath my plastic conditioning cap mature from a <span style="color: #274e13;">swampy green</span> to a <span style="color: #b45f06;">bright brownish-orange</span>. Once I'd applied the henna I immediately noticed the weight of it on my tresses and how my curl started to loosen. For once, shrink wasn't an issue!
The smell is really <span style="color: #93c47d;">earthy </span>but through my 12 hour journey, I've fallen in love with it. I, sometimes, work my fingers against the conditioning cap just to get a whiff of the smell...lol. I'm even beginning to fall in love with the creamy feel of it on my hair....this is a tad scary...Henna could <b>EASILY </b>become my new <span style="color: #e06666;">creamy crack</span>! Oh, well, I'm off to rinse my hair and say my final goodbyes to my henna paste. I'll have pictures up soon, and if I can get it completely edited...possibly...maybe...a new <b><span style="color: #660000;">YouTube</span></b> video!
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to see the brand I recently purchased from Amazon.
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</script>Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-73333410541501375932012-09-28T17:52:00.003-04:002012-09-28T17:53:14.463-04:00Two Strand Twist Headband Twist OutCheck out the latest style pics <a href="http://nappturalista.blogspot.com/p/ready-set-pose.html">here</a>!Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-30782893277145406722012-09-28T13:55:00.001-04:002012-10-03T22:13:36.480-04:00Feature Friday Is HERE!!I'm sure you noticed the new tab. It's here to stay. Once a month, on the final Friday of the month I will be sharing a special Nappturalista with you. This <a href="http://nappturalista.blogspot.com/p/fridays-featured-nappturalista.html">page</a> is dedicated to the celebration of hard-working, proud, up and coming Nappturalistas who take as much pride in their growing crowns as they do their work. It is an absolute pleasure to bring these ladies to your attention. They are a source of true inspiration. They motivate me to push harder towards both my hair and career goals. I hope you find them as enlightening as I do. Enjoy!
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</script>Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-77256675556120437922012-09-28T02:09:00.000-04:002012-09-28T02:11:14.033-04:00We're On YouTube!!The first official YouTube video is live! Check it out @ the <a href="http://youtu.be/lfUcnmJLLdA" target="_blank">NappturallyYours YouTube Channel</a>!Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-24796179496957624352012-09-27T06:47:00.001-04:002012-09-27T06:47:54.079-04:00Some ClairficationOkay, so I recently posted two different articles about <a href="http://nappturalista.blogspot.com/2012/09/to-henna-or-not-to-hennathat-is-question.html" target="_blank">henna</a> and <a href="http://nappturalista.blogspot.com/2012/09/mud-washing.html" target="_blank">mud washing</a> your hair. These sparked a few questions. So this is just a quick post to clear some things up.<br />
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<br />
<ul>
<li>Do I DC after a mud wash?</li>
<ul>
<li>If your hair feels dry, DC. If you want to obtain moisturizing properties from the mud wash alone, just add honey and oils into your mud mix.</li>
</ul>
<li>Can I henna and mud wash?</li>
<ul>
<li>Absolutely! The henna will act as both a protein treatment and DC for your hair, while the mud wash will clarify your hair and scalp completely. It will also define your curl and give your hair a soft, springy look and feel.I do recommend mud washing first!</li>
</ul>
<li>I noticed the mud wash ingredients don't include water. How come?</li>
<ul>
<li>Water was not listed as an ingredient because I use water to thin out my mix. Even if you don't thin out your mix, a few drops of water will be required smooth out your mix to a workable texture.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
Well, that's it. If you have more questions feel free to drop a comment or e-mail me. Until next time, Nappturalista, be nappily you :)</div>
Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-41172821808725580592012-09-25T23:42:00.000-04:002012-09-26T19:32:30.235-04:00Mud WashingNow, since I've began on this healthy hair journey, I've constantly been on the hunt for products that do no harm to my hair, body, or environment. As a result, I have been pooing my hair with an all natural soap (up until now, I hadn't found a fairly traded, organic poo) and while I was pleased with the results, I wanted more. Finally after scouring the internet, I stumbled upon testimonial after testimonial about Terressentials Mud Wash. Now I know what you're thinking, "Did she just say 'mud'"?. Yes, I said MUD! Turns out the "mud wash" isn't really mud at all, it's clay! Bentonite Clay has long been seen as an all natural cleanser (and one of the best around). I proceeded to promptly make my way over to the <a href="http://www.terressentials.com/">Terressential </a>site, I read what type would suit my hair needs (as it is explained on the site), and proceeded to checkout. I came a screeching halt when I saw the final price: $19.50 for one 8oz bottle...I don't think so! Beauty of the Terressentials site is, they list the ingredients to their products on the site. That was my AHA moment! I have the recipe, I can just make my own! Bentonite clay (you can use sodium or calcium) is literally DIRT cheap and every Nappturalista in the know has a bottle of AVJ, ACV, her favorite EO's, and oils at home. So instead of paying $20.00 for an 8oz product, just make your own (as much as you'd like) at a fraction of the cost! Just head on over the <a href="http://nappturalista.blogspot.com/p/mix-match.html">Mix & Match</a> page for the recipe and a few others that may come in handy for you.Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-53683450000542354462012-09-25T00:53:00.000-04:002012-09-25T00:53:21.348-04:00To Henna or Not to Henna....That Is the QuestionSo, I've been hearing a serious and continuously growing buzz about Henna in the Napptural Community. I, personally, have never tried henna; however, I am extremely curious. I have read that henna is an incredible deep conditioning treatment for natural hair and that it even helps to ease one's natural curl pattern. So, for you Nappturalistas who have made the decision to henna your hair, here are a few tips to make your henna experience the best it could possibly be for you:
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Henna is an <u>all natural</u> plant dye. It should be<b><span style="color: #274e13;"> green</span></b> in color (like pea soup). If it is <span style="color: red;">red</span>, black, <span style="color: orange;">orange</span>, or anything other than <span style="color: #38761d;"><b><u>green</u></b></span> <b><u>AVOID</u></b> it! It is most likely a mixture and contains ingredients that may react (unfavorably) with other products you may have or may use on your hair.</li>
<li>Freshness and crop year are extremely important! Because henna is a plant it can grow stale. Stale henna doesn't develop color as well as fresh henna. Also, if you are looking to henna for the color aspects, the crop date may have an effect on that. Different crop years hold different color potencies. I do want to state that henna <span style="color: purple;"><b><u>WILL NOT LIGHTEN YOUR NATURAL HAIR COLOR</u></b></span>.</li>
<li>Purchase <u>BAQ</u> or Body Art Quality henna <u>ONLY</u>! Henna seems to be a rather loosely regulated industry. For that reason, Nappturalistas should only purchase henna that has been deemed safe for application to the skin. <b>Take no chances</b>.</li>
<li>While this may differ depending upon the brand and type of henna you purchase, I recommend that you mix your henna with an acidic liquid. Lemon juice, orange juice, whatever you have on hand. If lemon juice is drying to your hair, I'd add a little honey as a moisturizer. It may also help with the earthy smell. (although some people like this).</li>
<li>Wear gloves and henna your hair in a well news papered area.</li>
<li>Beware the curl loosening properties of henna. It <u>doesn't </u>chemically loosen your curl pattern such as BKT treatments or that creamy crack. It simply weighs the hair down as it deposits upon the hair. Now, while this isn't permanent (henna washes out) if you are a frequent henna head, it can drastically loosen your curl pattern.</li>
<li>Don't have concrete expectations for color. The color that henna may give your hair is an absolute variable. The color grows richer and deeper when exposed to sunlight and it largely dependent upon your natural hair color.</li>
<li>Don't rush the development of your henna paste. Allow it to set for each and every minute required per the specifications of the packaging.</li>
<li>Use an applicator brush to apply henna to small sections of your hair to ensure that it is evenly and thoroughly applied.</li>
<li><u>Rinse </u>henna from your <u>hair thoroughly</u>. If you don't you'll have little grits of green paste in your hair. Not a pretty site.</li>
<li>Lastly, HAVE FUN!</li>
</ol>
Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-63744428500687694702012-09-21T12:23:00.000-04:002012-09-21T12:23:56.392-04:00Feature Fridays Coming SoonBe sure to stop by next Friday when I will be debuting "Feature Fridays"!! I will be interviewing a hard-working Nappturalista on the come up. She's doing big things, everybody!! You're going to want to tune in and check this lady out!Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2050827166631111533.post-58271579949925841032012-09-19T17:21:00.001-04:002012-09-19T17:21:41.796-04:00Style Alert!
Decided to break my own rules and play in my hair a bit today. I've been wearing a twist out, religiously, for the past few weeks and I was starting to bore myself. So, I dediced to play with a few other looks on a fresh twist out. Just head on over to my <a href="http://nappturalista.blogspot.com/p/ready-set-pose.html">pictures page </a>for a quick peek at my new looks!Annonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00559574295947970280noreply@blogger.com0