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