Blow 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 shrinkage 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!

Now, I know, I know, I know....before you lead me to the "no heat" Gods for slaughter, I decided loooooooooooooong 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)

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:

•  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)
• Moisturize! Moisturize! Moisturize!
• 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.
• Clips are your FRIEND!
• Apparently, blow drying your hair once you're a natural doesn't quite entail the same ease as having processed hair...who knew? (lol)
• A heat protectant is NECESSARY!
• 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.
• 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 YOU and YOUR HAIR! 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.
• Blow-dryer type DOES matter.
• 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.
• If reversion is a fear, blow dry just a step above your desired look.
• 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.

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.


As always, be Happy. Be Nappy. Be a Nappturalista!



UPDATE:

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.
Hopefully, if I inspired you to blowout, your experience netted MUCH better results.

Be Happy.
Be Nappy.
Be a FIERCE Nappturalista!

Choosing Your Products

Okay, 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 unique! 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.

Anywho, enough of my blabbing here's the tips:

1. Read ALL product labels.
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.
3. Give your product at least 3 months before you ditch it.
4. If you can't pronounce the ingredient, chances are it's not good for you or unnecessary.
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!


My last tip is the MOST important of all:
DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU AND YOUR HAIR! Listen to those curls because they are the best guide you will ever have!

Protective Styling

So, 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!




Naptural85's Mini Twist Tutorial: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OSBFMjCoZOQ
MsTanish's Loose Twist Tutorial: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eiZqSEBiOJM

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.

Domineque Banks (longhairdontcare2011) Memorial Fund Update

Thank 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: https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/rmd4/in-memory-of-domineque-banks

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.

The 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, longhairdontcare2011 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.

https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/rmd4/in-memory-of-domineque-banks

Happy Nappy Friday!

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.

Naptural85's twist tutorial: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OSBFMjCoZOQ

I'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! :)

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...

My Henna Journey

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Henna takes time. 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 12 hours. I've watched the hair and paste beneath my plastic conditioning cap mature from a swampy green to a bright brownish-orange. 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 earthy 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 EASILY become my new creamy crack! 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 YouTube video!

Henna on the Horizon

So, I've finally decided to bite the bullet and henna my hair! I' also going to take that opportunity to YouTube the experience, so be on the look out for that. I just got my batch of henna and although I ususally encourage patronizing local vendors for all your natural hair care needs, henna is one of those things you can't truly trust to buy local. Now, if you live in an area where hennaing one's hair is extremely popular, then purchasing your henna at a local Indian grocer should be just fine. Unfortunately, I live in an area where I think I'm the ONLY Nappturalista looking to henna her hair, so I order my henna offline. Now, if you're just starting out I'd recommend you purchase your henna from Mehandi. They are the henna for hair experts and they offer high quality BAQ henna at pretty good prices. If you're comfortable in your henna knowledge, then Amazon is also a pretty decent place. Click here to see the brand I recently purchased from Amazon.

Two Strand Twist Headband Twist Out

Check out the latest style pics here!

Feature 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 page 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!

We're On YouTube!!

The first official YouTube video is live! Check it out @ the NappturallyYours YouTube Channel!