Only a few days left!

Don't forget about the Clairol Jazzing giveaway!  All you have to do is fill out a super quick survey to be eligible to win!  You have until December 31, 2009 to enter!

Trying to give up the blow dryer...

So with almost 2 feet of snow on the ground, I have been doing a lot of thinking and experimenting with my hair.  I think that I am going to try and ditch the blow dryer (for as long as possible).  After the Hair Rules experiment and after a four hour nap, at 12 a.m. I decided to play with my hair yet again.  After watching some really great YouTube videos, I decided to "remix" my two strand twist out.  This time I tried two strand twisting my hair wet with Baby Buttercreme.  Then I set my twists on flexi rods and went to sleep (please ignore the blue flexi rod still in the back of my head in the picture). I think that I may be on to something...

I am still trying to figure out what to do with the left side of my head, hence the flexi rods.  Maybe I'll pin that side up too and have a curly mohawk of some sort.  If I can get this technique to work, I may have found yet another super easy style.


I like how my color looks when I let it air dry and it is nice not having to pull out the blow dryer.  I am just scared of dealing with shrinkage.


PS - Don't forget about the Clairol Jazzing giveaway!  All you have to do is fill out a super quick survey to be eligible to win!  You have until December 31, 2009 to enter!

Ok and the verdict is in...

Okay so I was pleasantly surprised.  Let me first start out by saying I didn't have high expectations for the Hair Rules products.  There are a slew of products that claim to elongate and combat shrinkage for kinky, 4A/B hair types.  So far, the best product for me has been Kinky-Curly Custard (KCC), but the sticky factor sucks.  And now there is the Hair Rules.  I used the aloe grapefruit purifying shampoo, daily cleansing cream, quench deep conditioner, and the kinky curling cream.  I am actually impressed with the results.  The products are all creamy and the cleansing cream is AMAZING.  The minute it touched my hair, my curls instantly softened.  After applying the kinky curly cream, I sat under the dryer for about 10 minutes.


The one issue I have is that you need to use a lot of the kinky curly cream.  The front and top came out very cute but I don't think that I used enough in the back.  Right now they are running a special on kinky curly cream (BOGO), so I am definitely going to order some.  But I am going to stick with my current shampoos and conditioners; I don't want to go overboard and spend a ton of money.


Now, the ingredients are not ideal.  The second ingredient in the kinky curly cream is mineral oil.  My hair is still drying, but since the front and top are dry, I used some Baby Buttercreme to soften it up.  I think if I do this again, and use more product, I will get the result that I want.  I am also tempted to use both KCC and kinky curly cream to see what kind of results I get.


Bottom line: KCC gave me much more curl definition (see picture below) but kinky curly cream doesn't leave my hair feeling sticky.  I am going to try a mix and see what I get!

Picture Time + A Trial Run with Hair Rules, Maybe?

I thought that I would post some pictures!  Not only am I amazed at how fast my hair is growing, but I feel like it is "filling in" if that makes any sense.  It seems like it is thickening up some; that's always a plus.  With that said, I think that I am going to be brave and try the Hair Rules products this weekend.  I have the "kinky" travel set that I got from the wonderful folks at NaturallyCurly.com.  So far, the only product that has gives me some type of hang has been Kinky-Curly custard.  I have heard both good and bad about Hair Rules, but like everything, you have to try it out for yourself.  I just try not to get my hopes up!  Whenever I get the courage up to rock a super curly look, I am usually disappointed because I feel like a poodle.  As much as I love my curly texture, I sometimes hate dealing with the the shrinkage.  Oh well, I will take shrinkage over the fire cream any day!

PS - Don't forget about the Clairol Jazzing giveaway!  All you have to do is full out a super quick survey to be eligible to win!  You have until December 31, 2009 to enter!

PPS - Also don't forget to check out my vlogs at NaturallyCurly.com! I hope that you enjoy!

Clairol Jazzing Giveaway!

If you want to give your color a boost without the committment, you will love Clairol Jazzing temporary/semi-permanent hair color.  I have used these colors when I wore a chemical relaxer and once I went natural and I have no complaints!


To be eligible for my very first giveaway, you have to complete a very short survey.  I will choose 3 lucky winners at random from completed surveys and you have until December 31, 2009 to finish it!  I have 3 great colors: Ebony, Spice Cognac, Bluest Black (I have used all of these colors).  I will contact the winners via email during the first week of January 2010 to get your address and I will mail out your prize!

Also check out Jazzing's Facebook contest where you can transform your look with 18 fearless temporary haircolors and share your before/after pix to win a 3-day, 2-night fierce hair makeover in NYC by celebrity hair stylist Tippi Shorter.

AND they are giving away great prizes every day, like gift cards for beauty, music and more, concert tickets for you and a friend, and digital cameras in Jazzing colors.  To be eligible, you can either enter the contest via the Facebook link OR vote for your favorite before/after pix (up to 3 times daily). 

So you have MULTIPLE opportunities to win.  Good luck!

Protecting Curls + Staying Warm

I have struggled for a few years now to keep my head warm without wreaking havoc on my hair.  I have been able to keep my hair cute and safe in the DC area without wearing a hat, but that will probably change soon.  I could potentially be attending business school in some brutally cold areas, so enough is enough!

1. Stay away from hats lined with fabrics that will pull, snag, or catch your hair.  I have been searching for hats with satin linings and I have had no luck.  BUT, I kind of like the Aviator style hats with the faux fur lining.  I still have to be careful with faux fur, because that might pull out my hair too.  Not necessarily the cutest hat, but it's funky enough that I think I could make it work.  Check out Amazon for some good deals!
2. Earmuffs.  I haven't worn earmuffs since elementary school, but I may have to get some.  Earmuffs would be perfect on a not-so-bitterly cold day.
3. Be careful with scarves and coats!  Make sure your scarf and/or coat isn't snagging your hair at the nape of your neck.

Do you have any tips to share?  I am close to putting a satin scarf on underneath of a hat.  I am trying to avoid that as much as possible!

I have made my video blogging debut!

Lovelies -

I have made my video blogging debut (which is both exciting and kind of terrifying)!  Please take a minute to check me out at NaturallyCurly.com.  I am listed on the left hand side; you can't miss me!  I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am.

PS - Bookmark this link so you can always find me!

First Giveaway... Soon!

Hi Lovelies!  I will be having my very first giveaway soon!  Stay tuned and pass the word.  Here's a hint: this giveaway will be great for someone looking to spice up their 'do!

Miss Jessie's BOGO is back!

I have been waiting for this all year!  Miss Jessie's buy one, get one free sale event is on!  Enjoy!

Who says you have to go darker in the fall?

So I had to go see Nicole before she went on maternity leave.  I decided to go all out and I told her that I wanted more "umph" in the front.  I figured that I won't see her for a couple of months, so I might as well get exactly what I wanted.  She touched up my roots and added lighter highlights in the front.  I didn't need a trim this time so she blew me out and sent me on my way. 

Of course, I can't stop playing with my hair and now I miss it being straight, but then I am reminded of my dear friends sweat and humidity.  Today I woke up with poofy hair and kinky roots.  This is why I don't keep my hair straight all the time. 

I can't believe how fast my hair is growing!  I attribute my hair growth to not only being natural, but weekly deep conditioning treatments and tons of water!  Happy Turkey Day lovelies and I will be posting again soon!

Stay tuned!

Hi Lovelies!  Thanks for being so patient.  I am in the midst of making some upgrades to my blog.  Please stay tuned!

Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade + Dry Twists = FANTASTIC

Forgive me for positing so infrequently - I am in the midst of seven business schools applications!  But I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by to share with you my excitement.  I have had a half full container of the Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade in my closet, but I haven't known what to use it for exactly.  Occassionally, I have used it for my pulled back puff because it gives me hold, shine and moisturize.  Well in doing my hair tonight, I grabbed it and figured this would be an experiment for my dry twist out.

This product is great for twisting.  Because this product is a pomade, I have just enough hold to twist nice and tight right at my scalp.  It also doesn't hurt that it smells fantastic!  I can't wait to take my twists out tomorrow.

This product will be great in the winter since it is a humectant and will attract moisture to your hair.  Try mixing Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade with some of your favorite products to give your hair an extra shine.

Take a look at my twists.  My hair is really growing!  If only it didn't shrink so much when it was wet!

Finally stopped being lazy...

So for weeks, I have been rocking the pulled back poof ball.  Well I decided to finally two-strand twist my hair. Here are some pics.  Please excuse the quality, I took them with my blackberry.

Product Review: Mizani Coconut Souffle

So as you know, I have been on a quest for an alternative to Miss Jessie's regularly priced products.  I have no problem buying their products when they are on sale, but I need a cheaper alternative.  Through a suggestion from one of my beautiful sorors, who JUST did the BC, I bought a container of the Mizani Coconut Souffle.

Product Description (from website):Natural coils and curls—and even some wavy hair types—require extra moisture, protection and style control. New whipped-texture, Coconut Soufflé Light Moisturizing Hairdressdisperses evenly and absorbs quickly for touchably soft waves and curls. Using a concentrated, natural-oil blend of coconut and camellina oils, it instantly envelops each strand and infuses it with uniform moisture from the inside out. Additionally, coconut oil helps strengthen hair and reduce breakage. The result is targeted moisturization, along with extra protection at the "stress" points of curly strands. 


Price: $20 (8 ounce container)


Positive comments:  The product is very light and smells good.  I used it for my dry twist out last night and my hair feels soft and moisturized today (it is still twisted).  There are some good ingredients in the product such as Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Camellina Oil, and Rice Bran Oil.  You don't need to use a lot so the 8 ounce container should last a while.


Negative comments: The product is a little slippery for dry twist outs and I prefer a heavier, creamy textured product for dry twist outs -  that is one thing I love about Miss Jessie's Buttercreme.


All in all I would recommend this product as a daily moisturizer and I would purchase it again.  But, I am not convinved that this is the best for dry twist outs, but it is great for keeping my kinks moisturized.  Miss Jessie's is still in the lead for my dry twist out go-to-product!

Miss Jessie's Withdrawal

I am basically out of Baby Buttercreme, but I am trying to wait to replenish my stock, hoping it will go on sale.  I have yet to find an alternative creamy product, that moisturizes my hair like MJ Baby Buttercreme does.  My attempts to find it on eBay have failed miserably.  I am tempted to try making my own "butter".  I know what ingredients my hair "likes", but it is just so much easier to buy something!!!


Any suggestions as an alternative to spending $50?

New Lazy 'Do

I am always excited to share something new, even if it is really nothing, so thank you for putting up with me as I express a lil bit of joy :o).  My hair is growing at a nice pace, so I am able to do more.  I blew it out this morning, but didn't want to just pull it back like I usually do.  So before my Board meeting, I threw some clips in it and did a "half" pull back.  The 'do is nothing special, but I can add it to the my list of lazy hairdos.  Check out the pictures.

 

Overnight Oil Pre-Poo

After my trip to Cornell, in the mountains, my hair was feeling pretty dry.  I wanted to do some sort of overnight treatment, so I decided on an overnight oil pre-poo.  Since I am still on this Peppermint Oil kick, I was eager to mix up a concoction.


My mix included:
Peppermint Oil
Avocado Oil
Olive Oil 
Vitamin E Oil


I didn't drench my hair in the oil, because I didn't want to wake up with a mess, but I definitely used more than I normally would; I would say that I used enough to coat the hair shaft.  As I was applying my mixture, I made sure to massage the oil into my scalp as well.  I put a plastic cap on my head and tied a scarf around my head.  I figured that the heat would help the oil to penetrate as much as possible.


I woke up this morning and washed out the oil, and then continued with my normal wash/condition/deep condition routine.  My hair is very soft and is full of life.


An oil pre-poo can be a cheap alternative to a overnight deep conditioning treatment.  Chances are that you have oils in small amounts already.

I *heart* Pureology

So I finally washed my hair; I had enough of the straight 'do.  I am in LOVE with Pureology shampoo and conditioner.  Please splurge on yourself and try the Hydrate line - it is simply amazing!  The shampoo doesn't leave your hair stripped of all life and moisture and the conditioner is very moisturizing (and tingles)!  Both products smell fantastic!  Below are some of the ingredients in each:
Hydrate Shampoo: Melanin, Sunflower Seed Extract and Oil, Glycerin, Rose Extract, Sandalwood Extract, Hydrolyzed Oat, Wheat and Soy Proteins.
Hydrate Conditioner: Sunflower Seed Extract, Sage Leaf Extract, Peppermint Leaf Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Shea Butter, Hydrolyzed Oat Protein.

I tried using the Paul Mitchell products highlighted in the routine I posted a few weeks ago.  After my hair was mostly dry, I used some BioSilk as well and that gave me a nice sheen and locked in moisture.  I am really happy with the curl definition that both the Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam (red top - Flexible Style line) and Paul Mitchell Foaming Pommade (red top - Flexible Style line) deliver.  I didn't experience terrible shrinkage and my hair doesn't feel crunchy.  The foam also allows your hair to dry very fast, so this could definitely be done in the morning before work.

I will post a YouTube video of this styling technique once I "perfect" it.  This will work well when I am feeling lazy and do not feel like twisting my hair and this is the closest that I will get to the wash and go.

I love the tingle!

I hope that everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend - I know I did!  I was able to relax and get some work and studying done. 

So it has 9 days and my hair is still straight!  Being in Virginia Beach did cause some "poofiness" due to the humidity, but I was able to use a little heat to get it back to normal.  It is supposed to rain through Wednesday in DC so I am not sure how much longer I can keep this look up.

My scalp has been itching something terrible, so I mixed up a concoction of pure Peppermint, Avocado and Vitamin E oils (I simply took a plastic Tupperware lid and mixed a few drops of each; I didn't make a big batch).  I gave myself a scalp massage and let me tell you, my scalp feels great.  The tingling sensation is so refreshing and I must admit that I smell great!  Not only will this help with the itching, the peppermint oil promotes scalp stimulation and promotes hair growth.  For more information on Peppermint Oil, check out my article at the The Coil Review.

PS - If you are looking for 100% pure Peppermint Oil, check your local vitamin and health shops.  I picked some up from GNC for only $7.

Flexi Rods aren't just for wet hair

Day 4 and my hair is still straight and full of volume.  On Sunday night, I wasn't quite sure what to do with my hair to maintain the curls because I didn't want to use any heat during the week.  So I looked through my closet and came across spongy pink rollers, hard pink rollers and flexi rods.  Not sure if you all remember, but I attempted to flexi rod my hair when it was wet a few months ago and that was an epic fail.  But I figured they had to be good for something, why not dry hair?


They have worked well!  My hair is at the length that it doesn't matter which way I roll it because it will look great in the morning no matter what.  So I have been using the flexi rods and pincurls to maintain the curls and I only use heat to touch up the roots in the front or to tame a wild piece.  To finish off my look, I used KeraCare's Oil Sheen with Humidity block and I am pretty happy with the results.  I took the below pictures this morning before I left the house:

Check out my article on The Coil Review!

Good morning!  I have another article up on The Coil Review, about Peppermint Oil.  It is a wonderful essential oil, so hopefully you will find the article useful.

Gym or no gym, that is the question...

First - don't judge me.  And yes I am having a vain moment.


So we all know that I don't get my hair blown out often, so it makes sense that I want to keep it straight as long as possible.


I think I am forgoing all gym activity for the week!  Let me try to rationalize this:

1. We all know that the minute I hit kickboxing, my hair will "poof" and I will leave looking like Simba and there goes my money down the tubes.
2. I count my calories, so as long as I eat like I am supposed to, missing a week of the gym won't be too bad - right?!?!?! (hmmm - let's not think about how I didn't go last week either).
3. (I'm fresh out of reasons already).

When you hair is blown out, how do you keep your hair straight through workouts?  Clearly I need some help here!!!!

Salon Visit + New Products + Pics

Well I had a wonderful weekend and I hope everyone did as well.  My appointment with Nicole at Pure Beauty was wonderful as usual.  She really knows natural hair is an expert colorist - I adore her.  I highly recommend her to anyone in the DC area who wants color (single process, highlights, etc) or a very good blow out.  Her blow drying technique is fantastic.  This time she just touched up my roots, gave me a little trim (not much at all), and blew out my hair in a cute curly look!  Check out the pictures (notice I threw in a picture of my "date night" outfit haha).

I had coupons for my hair services as well as products, so I figured I would splurge a bit.  I feel in love with the Pureology hair products, during my first visit to Pure Beauty, so I picked up the Hydrate shampoo and conditioner (purple bottle) as well as Redken Butter Treat hair conditioner.  The last time I saw Nicole, she said my hair was very dry and told me to use the Butter Treat.  Well in 3 months I finished the whole bottle and she said my hair felt like it did the first time I went to her for a below out - before I had any color.  I warn you that Pureology is expensive, about $30 a bottle, so I don't think I will be able to keep this up! 

In my quest to one day be able to the "wash and go" look, I asked Nicole for some suggestions.  She assured me that there is no reason for me or anyone else not to rock this look.  So here is what she suggested:

1. Wash and condition (and deep condition) as usual.
2. Detangle with conditioner in your hair and rinse.
3. Use a generous amount of Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam (red top - Flexible Style line) mixed with some of the Paul Mitchell Foaming Pommade (red top - Flexible Style line).
4. Distribute thoroughly through your hair.  Your hair should be saturated and covered with white foam, so don't be alarmed.
5. After you work it through, pull it through your hair.  (When I watched the other stylist do this step, it look kinda like she was shingling in an upward motion.)
6. Sit under the dryer for 5 - 10 mintues, just so the foam will disappear.
7. Shape your hair and you are done!

I recorded a video blog post on Friday night and I haven't been able to upload it yet.  So I will try again and this time tape myself trying this new "wash and go" technique.

Beautiful

I have stumbled across some wonderful things today regarding black hair. On 8/24/09 my father would have been 63 years young - Lord knows how much I miss him. So when I stumbled upon the photo gallery of a father braiding his daughter's hair it really touched my heart. Even more beautiful is that the father is white and his adopted daughter is Ethiopian. I have a found memory of my dad trying to roll my hair on pink rollers when I was younger. I have no idea where my mother was, but she wasn't around lol. Needless to say, it was a mess, but he tried.

Enjoy - http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/living/braids/10.html

The NYT writes about black women and hair...

Good morning lovelies!  The NYT posted an article about black women and hair and it pretty good.  Chris Rock's new movie, "Good Hair", is really bringing the issue of black hair out in the open. 


I always find it interesting when people talk about "good hair".  I honestly hate the term and in the past have fell victim to using the term myself.  But it really doesn't make sense.  What makes someone's hair "better" than mine?  That is ridiculous.  Our hair textures and types are all different and beautiful.  Just because I can't wet my hair have it be curly and bouncy with no effort, doesn't mean that my hair is "bad" - just different.


The article also touches on hair coloring and if one is still "natural" if they color their hair.  We know this hits close to home.  I've never claimed to be chemical-free, but I do consider myself to still be natural as I don't alter the texture of my hair with a relaxer.  I love hair color and it is a way for me to express myself.  Right now, I am lovin' the red tones but maybe I want to go lighter, or darker.  Who knows - the options are endless!


But anyways - I am rambling.  Check out the article and let me know what you think!

I'm ready for the Fall...

I'm getting bored again!  I desperately want the summer to end so I can wear my hair straight.  I'm so envious of girls rockin' full, cute roller wraps.  *hmmph*.  People have been telling me that as my hair gets longer, the weight of my hair will help keep it straight.  Is that a lie?  Does anyone successfully roller wrap and flat iron their natural hair and have success keeping it straight!


I have an appointment with Nicole to get my roots touched up, more highlights (if she thinks I need them), a glaze and a trim.  I don't think I am going to let her straighten my hair because the minute I walk outside, my hair is going to poof up like a cotton ball.


I'll post a picture of my dry twist out when I get home.  My hair is finally back to the length it was at before Nicole had to chop all of it off!

Braids + Transitioning

I have been receiving some questions about braids and transitioning, so I thought that it would be a good idea to publish a post. When transitioning, I think it is very important to wear protective hair styles (i.e. roller wraps, twists, braids, etc). The less heat and stress you can put on your hair while trying to grow out a relaxer, the better you will be. But with that said, exercise caution when deciding to go with braids. Below are some things I think you should consider.

1. Experience/Quality - I know we all love a bargain but don't let the recession lead you to an inexperienced or sub par braider. Do some homework and go to someone who knows what they are doing. If it means paying more, it is worth it in the long run. Sometimes you get what you pay for!
2. Tension - Do not and I repeat, do NOT let someone braid your hairline and edges tight. Yes, you may have to get them touched up sooner, but at least you will still have them! Once you start to lose your edges, trying to get them to fill back in can take years. I think getting the tension right is hard to do. Too tight, your head hurts and you can lose hair and too loose, the braids fall out. This is why you need to find an experienced braider who knows exactly what they are doing.
3. Frequency - Give your hair a break and don't constantly keep taking out braids and putting them right back in. After you take your braids out, try not to mess with your hair too much. If you can, let it rest for at least 8 hours (overnight). I would follow with a really good deep conditioner and maybe protein treatment. Don't rake through your hair and don't freak out if you feel like you are losing a lot of hair. Keep in mind that you haven't been coming your hair for weeks!
4. Scalp Health - Do not neglect your scalp just because you have braids. I know that when I got "lacing" (the braids that really look like hair), I couldn't wash my hair, because they would slip out, but that didn't stop me from cleansing my scalp. Whether you use witch hazel or some type of astringent cocktail, use something!
5. Maintenance - Just because you have braids does not mean that you can simply do nothing. Protect your hair at night by wrapping it in a silk scarf or wearing a silk bonnet.
6. Stay away from the flame and scissors - This is just me talking, but in my opinion, don't let the braider cut the pieces of hair sticking out up and down the braid, because that is probably your real hair! The point of getting braids is to protect your hair, not destroy it. Also stay away from the fire - need I say more?
7. Take them out - Do not leave your braids in forever. Not only does it look bad, you are putting a lot of strain on your hair.

Again, these are my thoughts, not sure if they are right or wrong, but this is what I have learned from experience. You know your hair the best, so really think carefully before sitting for 6+ hours to get your hair braided. Done properly, I do believe that braids are a great protective hair style. Braids can be a lot of work and cost a pretty penny, so be prepared to invest the time and resources for it to be done right.

Kinky-Curly Results

Okay - so it wasn't a total disaster.  My hair actually came out really cute BUT I need to get the hang of knowing how much product to use.  I first applied the Knot Today leave-in (I still had some left in the bottle) and made sure my hair was soaking wet and I went crazy with the Kinky-Curly custard.  After I applied it all over, I two-strand twisted my hair.  I tried to stay up long enough for it to dry, but I had to go to bed and my hair was still semi-wet when I woke up.  But it was cute... and sticky/tacky and still is!  I am not quite sure what to do about that.  Check out the pictures.  I will keep yall posted!

What do you think?

Kinky Curly Custard Revisted

Hi Lovelies!  So one of my dear sorors has convinced me to try Kinky Curly custard again.  The trick is to put it in your hair SOAKING wet.  So I will try applying it in the shower.  She also suggested that I two-strand twist my hair and use a diffuser while pulling each twist down.  I will try to get a diffuser attachment for my blow dryer tonight.  I went to the website to read the FAQs and they said if your hair ends up sticky (which I have experienced in the past) your hair wasn't wet enough to begin with.  I really hope this doesn't end up a disaster.  


I am going to do my hair while watching CNN's Black in America 2.  Please watch as MLT is being featured.  I am currently in their MBA Prep program - you may catch a glimpse of me (yes, shameless plug).  Send me some Kinky Curly suggestions if you have any!

Air Drying + Color

I hope you are enjoying your weekend!  The weather in the DC area has been amazing and hot.  Yesterday I decided to wash my hair but I wasn't in the mood to deal with the blow dryer.  So I washed with my Wen cleanser and did a deep conditioning treatment with Butter Treat (by Redken).  While the Butter Treat was sitting on my head, I mixed up a moisturizing spritz - water, glycerin and some Kemi oil.  After I rinsed out the conditioner, I sprayed my hair with some spritz and then used Organic Root Stimulator Loc & Twist Gel (love this stuff and it's inexpensive) to coil my hair.  And let me say that this took me a good hour, maybe a little bit longer.  I wasn't terribly happy with my hair when I woke up because of the dreaded shrinkage issue that I deal with, but the curls were defined and coily.  Take a look at the pictures below and ignore the random two strand twists in the front.  I had my hair pulled back all day so before I wrapped up my hair for the night, I had to do something with the semi-straight pieces in the front.

The one positive of air drying, is that my color looks great!  I am not sure if it is from my spritz, the gel, the air drying or a combination of the three.  But my highlights look great and my roots don't even look that bad.  Dare I say that I will try no heat again next week?  Maybe I'll two strand twist...

Hair Rules products + Ingredients 101 on the Coil Reivew + Other Tidbits

Hi Lovelies!  I know, I know... I have been neglecting yall!  I am so sorry.  For those of you who sent GMAT prayers my way, THANK YOU.  I did pretty well, but am going to take it one more time, so thank you for hanging in there with me.

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding Hair Rules products for "kinky" hair - both good and bad.  My aunt told me that Hair Rule products were featured on the Today show this morning, so I have been trying to find a clip of the segment, but I haven't had any luck.  I have been on the fence for months about whether or not I should buy them and try them out. We all know that my experience with the wash and go look, has left me pissed and lookin' like a poodle.  If you have used them, let me know your experience.  I might finally bite the bullet and give them a try.  The only thing that I am kind of weary about is that the second ingredient in the Kinky Curly Cream is mineral oil - yuck.  I try to stay away from products that contain mineral oil, but some of my favorite Miss Jessie's products contain mineral oil but they are near the bottom of the ingredient list.  Yall know I love products so I am very close to pushing the "buy" button so we shall see...

So the new name of my section on The Coil Review is "Ingredients 101".  Check out my July article on Aloe Vera.  Check back monthly for my new articles as well as all of the great information and resources on the website!
 
I have stopped being lazy and have finally 2-strand twisted my hair and it looks fabulous (if I might say so myself).  My roots are definitely coming in, but I am trying to hold out until I get them touched up again.

Pictures from my Photo Shoot

I had a photo shoot a couple weeks ago with my wonderul soror Amber (you might remember her spotlight).  Below are some pictures from the session.  We had a lot of fun!

Calling website designers!

If you know someone who is a genius when it comes to website design (and reasonably priced), please let me know. I am looking to revamp the blog! Thanks lovelies!

So far, so soft!

Hello lovelies! The Redken Butter Treat is really working. My hair is noticeably softer and I am able to use less product through out the week. This week I am going to rock a pulled back afro look. I have been studying like crazy and I don't even have the energy to twist my hair every night after I study for 3 hours. Yes pure laziness!

I am going to a wedding in SC in a few weeks and I am trying to figure out how to wear my hair. I am thinking about blowing my hair out and finding a really pretty ribbon or hair band of some sort to match the dress I am wearing (see right). I think the yellow (the actual dress is a richer yellow if that makes sense) will really look great with my red-golden hair! What do you think?

I am going to get my hair straightened and possibly my ends "dusted" right before July 4th. I am slightly worried about the upkeep of my color and highlights. It is one thing to have roots when you have one color, but I have highlights too, so I am not sure how my natural roots will look. That could be down right tacky. I will be sure to talk about the color "game plan" with Nicole when I see her in July.

Well please keep me in your prayers. The GMAT is in 10 days *gasp*. I have already booked my massage and pedicure for the day before the test. I am praying for complete relaxation for test day. Also, please keep checking out my articles on The Coil Review. My articles will be focused on the good and bad ingredients in hair products. I am really excited about delving deeper into some of the ingredients in products that are marketed to natural beauties!

Summer = Time for Swagger

Swagger Like Us
By: Elisa Dobbins 
 
"Swagger" is an expression that has been introduced by Hip Hop and has been embraced by all. Swagger is the natural hustle encoded in each of us. Swagger is brazen confidence exhibited through one's persona, vibe and style. Swagger is natural, timeless and is not just a state of mind; it's a state of being.
 
Sometimes we don't explore our own personal swag out of fear of how people may react. Newsflash – stop making apologies for being yourself! We are all beautiful in such unique ways and these distinctions make our community so fabulous.
 
We all have swagger, but sometimes need an extra push in discovering it. So why not unleash your inner 'swag star'?

• Play with color: You will be amazed at how a change in color can give you that extra "umph". If you are hesitant of permanent hair color due to the chemicals or commitment, try semi-permanent or temporary rinses.  Red hues add a beautiful warm hue to dark hair and a funky, richness to medium brown tones.
• Switch it up: Change your hair style. Spend a day experimenting with new styles and new products.  Let your hair speak to you – you might be surprised as a new style is unleashed.
• Get inspired: Try collecting pictures of 'dos that you love and make an inspiration book of sorts.
• Be comfortable: if you know that you don't feel comfortable with your hair pulled back, don't do it!  Work within your comfort level.  You cannot be confident if you are uncomfortable.
• Rock it: Whatever your style is, rock it! If you feel fabulous, that feeling will follow you through the whole day.

Bottom line, take some time to explore what makes your style special and embrace it. Nothing is more beautiful than a confident woman that doesn't apologize for her swagger! Spring is finally here and your inner diva is itching to get out.  No one on the corner has swagger like you!

Courtesy of The Coil Review

LOVE my highlights

Okay - it's official. I am giving up the box color *sniff*. Nicole is an amazing with the color, so I might as well leave it to a pro. I went back for my color appointment on Saturday and I have to admit that I was a little nervous. First, she did foil highlights all over (about 2 - 3 shades lighter than my base color), then my roots and then a glaze. My color is beautiful! I think I was born to be a redhead :o). She said the glaze should last a few months.

I didn't have time to let her straighten it because I was already late for my wine club meeting. So I wore it blown out and cowashed, used the Butter Treat conditioner and twisted it last night.

I am going to treat myself to one 'do a month from Nicole andI already scheduled my next appointment for July 2. (I tried to get into the sunlight this morning so you could see the highlights in my twists, but the picture where my hair is pulled back is the best way to see the highlights).