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!

Some Clairfication

Okay, so I recently posted two different articles about henna and mud washing your hair. These sparked a few questions. So this is just a quick post to clear some things up.

• Do I DC after a mud wash?
• 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.
• Can I henna and mud wash?
• 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!
• I noticed the mud wash ingredients don't include water. How come?
• 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.

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 :)

Mud Washing

Now, 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 Terressential 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 Mix & Match page for the recipe and a few others that may come in handy for you.