Henna 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.

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....

In the mean time, what do you use in your henna mix? What's your brew and how does it effect your color result?

NappturallyYours,

Challenge Check In

Hey Nappturalistas!
I'm soooooooooooooooooooooo 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....

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:

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.
2. I allow the hair to air dry after moisturizing and sealing the hair.
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.
4. Once my fsg (flax seed gel) twist out is old, I re-twist my hair using my Honey -Shea Pomade.
5. I wear the Honey-Shea twist out in twists for at least 2 days.
6. Maybe 2-3 days before wash day, I untwist my hair and wear it loose.
7. I repeat the process every 2 weeks.


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?

NappturallyYours,

DIY Facial

Greetings, My Nappturalistas!
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.

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:

You'll need :
Cosmetic grade bentonite clay
Honey
Herbal Tea or Coconut Milk

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 :)

NappturallyYours,

Honey-Shea Avocado Hair Smoothie

 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 Mix & Match. FYI: you will need a blender for this one.

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.

NappturallyYours,

Hello, 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.

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 YouTube Video up and running by the end of today. Until then, be happy, nappy, and naturally you!


NapptruallyYours,

Challenge: Day 1

Okay, so in keeping in line with my own challenge I am trying to cut my, already manipulation low, daily routine to an even lower level of manipulation. So, instead of re-twisting my hair, I decided to "ride out" an old twist out even further. I rolled the front into a poof bang and pinned it in place. The rest of my hair, I simply secured with an out stretched elastic hairband (double banded, of course) and slowly pushed the back up until my puff had achieved the height I desired. I fluffed for flair and I was out the door. It literally took me 3 minutes.....talk about a Nappturalista on the go...

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!

NappturallyYours,

My Healthy Hair Challenge to You

So, the napptural/natural blog community is ironically small and we often overlap one another in content and subject matter. With that being said, I've seen a ton of articles, YouTube Videos, and testimonials about the benefits of certain "hair growth potions" (Monistat 7, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Cayenne Pepper/Hot Sauce); the list goes on and on. I beg you all to ignore these unorthodox and sometimes just down right ridiculous "potions"! There is no magic way to make your hair grow faster or longer! Your hair is growing every moment. It is constantly alive and growing. The difference between people with long hair and those with short hair is simply length retention. You hair needs love and TLC. 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 grow your hair the natural way, the healthy way. To learn more and to join the challenge click here.

Post 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!).
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.

Oh, what else have I learned you say? That I am a "HenJay"! Don't know what it means....just reference my lingo dictionary. Yeah, I made it up, but someone had to make up all the other terms, too!!

 The curl is there and I have very little frizz.....just no volume due to the weight...