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.

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

Top 5 Beauty "Must Haves"

I know I usually stick to hair, but I really wanted to share my top 5 beauty "must haves".  But before I get to that, I wanted to share pictures of my straight hair and trimmed ends - and yes I trimmed them myself (thank you Amber for giving me the confidence to do it)!  Check out the pictures below and look at how long my hair has gotten!

Okay so now on to my top 5 beauty "must haves".

1. Proactiv - I never had acne or blemish problems as a teenager, but as of lately, my skin has been acting crazy.  So after talking to my best friend about her experience with Proactiv, I decided to get some.  Already after about 3 weeks of using it, my face looks amazing!  I once again feel confident and comfortable leaving the house without foundation.  This stuff is a "must have" if you are experiencing skin problems.
2. Sexy Curves Mascara by Rimmel - I LOVE mascara.  I am actually pretty crazed when it comes to mascara.  I have tried it all too.  From the expensive stuff like Dior Show to the cheap drugstore stuff.  And I must say, I have better success with the mascara I buy from CVS.  I was skeptical about Sexy Curves when it came out, but I am in love with it now!  The mascara actually does it what it says it going to do.  Love it!
3. Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter - I haven't experienced dry skin since I started using this body wash years ago.  Sometimes, especially in the summer, I can go without lotion or just use baby oil after a shower.
4. Wen Hair Cleanser - Anyone who has read my blog knows that I love Wen Hair Cleanser.  It is sulfate-free and can be used as a cleanser/conditioner/detangler/leave-in.  It is definitely worth the money!
5. Bare Escentuals - Once I tried the foundation, I never looked back.  It is easy to control how much or little coverage you want and it feels like you aren't wearing any make up!  I never had a problem matching my shade.  Since the make up is all natural, if you happen to fall asleep without washing your face, you won't break out.  Their products are great for sensitive skin.  I use the foundation, eye shadows and shimmers.

My Transitioner Tips

Lately I have been getting a lot of questions regarding my transition, so I thought I would compile a list of my top tips for transitioning from the fire cream (aka relaxer) to becoming happy and nappy.

1. Be patient and don't get discouraged! I can't stress this enough. There were many days when I wanted to just slap a relaxer in my hair and there are times when I didn't think I would be able make it the point where I am today.  People will tell you you are crazy and that you just need to put a relaxer in your hair.  But if you are really serious about going natural, don't let anyone discourage you.  Natural is beautiful!
2. Maintain the moisture and protein balance in your hair. Different conditioners are protein or moisture based. I found that as my relaxer grew out and I had more natural hair exposed, protein conditioners didn't really benefit me. But when I had a relaxer, I found that I needed to use protein conditioners more often.  Check out a great post from one of my favorite blogs, Healthy Texutres.
3. Be gentle. As your hair grows out you will have a demarcation line - the point at which your relaxed hair meets your natural hair. It is imperative that you keep this particular area of your hair in good condition and moisturized. If not, you will experience a lot of breakage and damage. With that said, no matter how gentle I was with my hair, my hair still snapped at the democration line. Some people say that you are able to transition experiencing little or no breakage, but I don't know if I really agree with that.
4. Avoid heat as much as possible.  I know it's tempting to constantly try to keep your roots straight by using heat. I was a slave to my flat iron for months. But excessive heat can sometimes change your natural curl pattern. If you are tempted by the sight of your flat iron, curling iron or blow dryer, get them out of the house or wear hairstyles where you won't be tempted to use heat (i.e braids, weave, straw sets).
5. Do the BC sooner rather than later.  I did the big chop after about 8 months (in March 2008) with no relaxers and I wish I would have done it sooner.  I would have saved myself time in maintaining two different textures, my hair would have grown faster and my curl pattern would have developed faster.  I know it's scary to cut all of your hair off, but trust me, you will be happier after you just go ahead and do it.  Buy some wigs, wear braids, get a weave - just cut it!  I cut mine myself but if you don't feel comfortable, go to a salon.  I eventually went to a salon to have my hair straightened for a nice trim in July 2008.
6. Water and vitamins are you friend.  Be sure to get plenty of water and vitamins in your diet on a daily basis.  Not only will your hair benefit from this, so will your overall health.  In terms of vitamins, I take a multivitamin formulated for women and a Biotin supplement.  Not only is my hair growing like a weed, I don't get many skin breakouts and my nails are strong and long!
7. Trial and error.  As you can see from my many blog entries, I have tried many products.  Everyones' hair is different therefore different products work for different people.  Unless you are a very lucky person, chances are you will have to experience a lot of trial and error to see what your hair likes.  Your natural hair might not like the products you used to use on your relaxed hair.
8. Do your research.  There are soooooo many forums, blogs and websites focused on black natural hair care.  The questions you have have more than likely been asked by someone else.  So do your research and read the plethora of information available to you.  More importantly, talk to people you know who are natural and get a hair coach.  I have several! :)
9. Be happy and nappy!  All of your hard work will pay off and you will be happier because of it!