Confessions of a Wanna-Be Curl Star

10Things

2011-01-11T16:10:00.007-05:00

*I'm a sucky blogger- we've established that. But, I'm thankful for all of you who continue to support me and follow the blog. Here are some things I've been wanting to share that I've learned about my hair over the past year.

10 Things I Learned About My Natural Hair in 2010

1) My hair does not like to be washed as often as I thought. Every 2 weeks is sufficient.
2) My hair does not like gels.
3) Or Carol's Daughter. But, wait- we already knew that.
4) The key to maintaining my hair is to twist it every night before bed.
5) This does not mean reapplying more product each night. A heavy buttercreme is sufficient to last for 2-3days (tops). I just need to do some quick twist, tie it up, and go to sleep. My mom came up with this regiment and she doesn't even have natural hair!
6) That being said, I don't have to put product in my hair every single day if I'm using the right product to begin with.
7) For me- that product has turned out to be Miss Jessie's Curly Buttercreme. And buying an 8oz jar during *BOGO* month allows me to get another jar for free. 8+8=16oz for 8oz price whopie! Should last most of 2011.
8) Just because other naturals preach not to use it because of the petrolatum does not mean it will not work for my hair.
9) By using Miss Jessie's every other day, and twisting every night, my hair is moist, stylish, and I don't experience problems with greasy buildup
10) My kinky, coarse, extremely dry, 4b hair can be manageable

Here's to 2011

Hair Update

2010-11-18T15:29:00.004-05:00

Twist out with Miss Jessie's Curly Buttercream. Had a birthday party to go to in Atlanta this past weekend so I twisted my hair all up on Friday, and let loose Saturday! Loved loved loved the results! My hair is starting to shed more so I'm excited to run across some Black Friday deals to try something out.

Dry Hair

2010-11-07T19:10:00.002-05:00

My hair is so dry! The cold air is really taking a toll on my hair. I can apply Miss Jessie's Curly Buttercreme in the morning with Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Hair Spray, and by 6pm my hair is completely dry and brittle. I've also tried Jane Carter Solution Nourish and Shine- which doesn't absolutely nothing for my type 4 hair. Like, it literally sits on top of my hair. Carol's Daughter makes my hair say yuck and feel all greasy. Sigh, shea butter doesn't really moisturize my hair either. I feel like everything is just "sitting" on top of my hair. Olive oil, aloe vera gel, kinky curly, oyin, the list of wasted money continues. Here we go again...

An Observation & Miss Jessie's Super Sweetback Treatment

2010-10-17T15:26:00.005-04:00

Today was wash day. I washed one time with Suave Coconut Shampoo and then applied Miss Jessie's Super Sweetback Treatment. I got the 2oz sample size, and let's just say my hair feels ahmazing! I mean Ahhhhhmazing. I absolutely love her treatments. Rapid Recovery was always good to me as well. But, this stuff. I have NEVER been able to detangle my hair as easily as I have with this new treatment. The comb was gliding through my hair like buttah! The consistency out of the jar was a bit stiff, and the smell was kind of odd at first. I read online that it smells like cotton candy, but it doesn't smell like that in the jar if that makes any sense. It didn't take much for my super thick and coarse hair, and then it did smell a little bit like cotton candy, but not in a heavy way. That was always my complaint with Oyin, it's way too sweet and sticky smelling for me (and I love sweet smells). Now, Miss Jessie's claims it will elongate your curls, enhance the definition, etc... From one treatment I do not have elongated curls- I still have a twa- and as far as definition-I really had a more stretched out fro. So, I guess it counts for something. But, most of all, my hair feels great. And, that works for me.

An observation- I think the problem with my hair the 1st time I was natural was that I used heat periodically, and I probably had some heat damage. Another observation- I read on bglh advice to a newbie natural to just enjoy your twa and not get so hung up on trying to do styles your hair isn't long enough for yet. I took this advice. All last week, I just sprayed my hair with Jane Carter Solution Hair Revitalizer spray or whatever it's called, fluffed my hair, and threw on a stylish headband. I must say it was a great accessory to my outfits and I got a lot of compliments on how pretty my hair was. And I can't complain that it only took me 2min tops to "do my hair." And it's a look I would be comfortable wearing to the District Attorney's office this summer. Every other day, I applied Miss Jessie's Curly Buttercream to my hair for moisture. By yesterday, I noticed that my hair was super dry however. I'm trying to stretch my washes to every two weeks. But, I may do a co-wash and deep conditioner once a week and see if it boosts my moisture levels. I'm also drinking my green monster shakes and trying to up the ante on water. That's where the real moisture will come in I'm sure.

It's not as easy as you think

2010-10-14T18:37:00.005-04:00

Hello Ladies! Good news is here! But, first:

I received this comment from the Lovely L. Michelle

L. Michelle said...

I've been reading your blog for a very long time...hoping, wishing that you would one day come to the realization that hair is hair. You don't need validation from ANYONE but YOURSELF!
I work in a very conservative office. VERY VERY VERY conservative office. The HIGHEST Office in the State of Texas and my co-workers LOVE my hair. My boss...a highly elected official in Texas has commented on my hair smelling good... I have come to learn that people that are negative about natural hair are often ignorant individuals and I treat them as such. I advise you to do the same. If it's your boss...file a claim...it's called discrimination. You know this already.

October 5, 2010 12:39 PM

To address this very quickly. *Disclaimer this is not legal advice* You cannot just file a discrimination claim. The system is set up in such a way to prevent the overwhelmingly frivolous lawsuits people would file if they could claim discrimination over any and everything. Which would burden the courts, ruin people's reputation, and cause overuse of limited judicial resources. You have to have an agency find your claim to be worth merit before you can even mention discrimination. So, it's not as easy as people think to show cause that they're being discriminated against for race, gender, let alone HAIR. And yes, I know that already. Soooooo I'm kinda rolling my eyes just a bit b/c if it were as easy to say hair is just hair, I don't think we'd have the natural hair movement that we have today, the powerful hold hair has on young black girls in being accepted, and we sure wouldn't have Chris Rock's movie Good Hair now would we? I can only speak for me and how I was teased as having "nigger hair" "buckwheat hair" and the list goes on. Now, I was pretty popular in high school as captain of cheerleading squad, but even for a pretty girl, hair was never just hair. Cultures all over the world, and society really puts emphasis on hair, and long straight hair at that. I just think the point of everything is undermined to just say hair is hair.

The good news? I got an internship offer at one of the TOP FIVE District Attorney's Offices in America!!! I cannot believe it! Out of 1000 applications and they only hire 40ppl! Whoop whoop!!

Some Real Talk

2010-10-03T19:52:00.002-04:00

Last night, bf and I had a really deep and interesting conversation. I was browsing various natural hair blogs online while he watched football. All the sudden he looked over at me and was like, why don't you leave your hair alone and just let it be natural. I was kinda surprised he was watching me fawn over beautiful fros I wish I had lol. Then, I explained to him, my hair won't look like any of the pics I was looking at (all type 3b-4a). So, he wanted to see pics of what my hair would look like if I let it grow out natural. With just about each pic I showed him, he complimented the hairstyle, and actually liked the type 4b hair. I was surprised he thought it was pretty. I don't know why I don't think it's as pretty as he does. Considering it's what I have and all. Then I gave the excuse how natural hair isn't professional enough in such a conservative field as law and he didn't buy it! And, bf is a middle class white guy from the south, so if he thinks natural hair is professional that's saying something. Then he asked me to promise him something. I asked what. He asked me to promise him to leave my natural hair alone (as in don't relax it). That really touched me. My bf just wants the real me. Not that what he says validates me or anything- he didn't want me to cut off all my hair and I did anyways. But, the natural me isn't ugly- not that I thought it was, but it's just me. I felt kinda sad for relaxing it this summer when he really urged me not to. I think I partly did it b/c everyone told me not to and to just "leave my hair alone." I felt helpless and hopeless. My hair is always dry, unmanageable, and I think unkempt looking! But, I'm going to try again. There's an amazing natural hair support system out there and bf even recommended I tap into it more when I'm feeling like I can't cope with natural hair. It's great having a support system like him encouraging me to do these things!

Kinky Curly Results

2010-09-26T09:48:00.004-04:00

After bc'ing yesterday I decided I would try to use kinky curly knot today and curling custard again. I know I know I hate it right? Well, not this time! I washed and conditioned with nioxin and then applied knot today to dripping wet hair. Then I applied kccc by mixing a dime size amount with water to my twa in sections. I have 4a/b hair and REALLY made sure my hair was dripping wet. When sections began to dry I rewet my hair with a spray water bottle throughout the day. Please tell me my natural hair is way cuter than anything else I've had! I for sure know it is!!!

Big Chop

2010-09-25T14:45:00.003-04:00

That's right! 9 weeks post relaxer, I've big chopped for the second time! It felt sooo liberating this time. Last time, I was nervous, scared, and any other uneasy expression you can think of. Today, I was excited, anxious, and couldn't wait to have my natural hair back. I didn't think I would miss it as much as I have. I see natural women out and about and I asked myself why did I throw it all away. I had that. But then I tell myself, I'm 23 years old! I can just as easily go natural again!! So, after washing my hair and seeing a sink full of hair I went and got my hair cut. All the natural hair go bye bye! Starting over with a positive attitude and a love for my hair! Also, I love that I already have a host of good natural hair products in my arsenal. First up, kinky curly. Maybe it'll work this time lol. Let's get it!

Still here

2010-08-31T21:16:00.002-04:00

Still here and still alive! I just got sooo busy over the summer, and so caught up in the madness. I wore my hair natural to the DA's office and I had a hard time. I don't know if it was all internal or what. But, I was suffering a lot of breakage and thought it would be easier if I relaxed my hair. The next day one of the attorneys said, "Now you look like you work at a DA's office." It kinda hurt my feelings a bit, b/c I felt like I had to conform. On the other hand, I felt like all my problems would be solved. Not so much, my hair fell out in patches in some places. So, I wore a weave for about a month to give it a rest. And today I got a half big chop so to speak? I went for a Rihanna cut- so you know it's dope! The only relaxed bits of my hair are in the crown. I will slowly snip it off and I think I'm going to keep my hair short. The stylist today was awesome b/c it was a white woman who had only worked with black hair in hair school, and she encouraged me to "ditch the relaxers." I loved the fact she wasn't scared to work with my texture and thickness. Sorry if I disappointed you guys. I don't think I threw a year down the drain or anything. I think hair, just like life, is a constant journey and is always evolving. I think if I hadn't did the big chop, grew it out, and then relaxed thinking it'd be healthy now, I'd never had known how much I actually do love my natural hair. I miss being curly! So, I'm back. Pics of new cut. Which I love love love

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Whew

2010-05-22T18:51:00.003-04:00

Bonjour! I cannot believe I haven't posted the whole month of May! Well, with good reason. Between finals, my boyfriend graduating with his Masters degree in Accounting, and starting summer school taking capital punishment and my internship at the DA's office I have been way to busy to even begin to stress and worry over my hair. I straightened my hair for my bf's graduation the Wednesday before his Saturday graduation and it was back poofy by Friday. So, I pressed it myself and wore it straight through the first day of my internship Monday. Then, I used some Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter and really saturated each section and did medium twists all over. The result was an *amazing twist out.* The curls turned all spiraly onto themselves and I loved it. The only drawback was that it was a wee bit greasy. So, I wore it like that for a few days and then last Saturday i washed it w/ some Suave shampoo to clarify and then used some Organix Cocnut Milk Conditioner I keep reading so many good things about. Well, the hair loved it. It gave me good slip to detangle my ahri with, and left my hair feeling nourished to say the least. Then, I used the new formulation of Hair milk exclusively at Sephora and wore my hair just in its natural state this past week since I've been super busy working on an armed robbery case. I noticed my hair felt kinda hard though. The only thing I can think it is, is the new Hair Milk formula. But, other than that all and all life is good. Busy but good. Hope all is well with all my followers out there. I haven't checked a hair blog in like two weeks!

New!

2010-04-27T22:24:00.004-04:00

Today is day three of my stretched twist out. Meaning I put my hair in twists while wet let it dry and undid the next day. This morning I did the same thing I did yesterday morning; Carol's Daughter Hair Milk on dry hair to fluff and went out the door. My curls were moist, more defined, and even had a little luster to them! Love love love. It's amazing how I'm really working well with this hair milk, considering how much I HATED Carol's Daughter Products over this past year. As I was perusing Sephora, I saw that there's a *New* Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Line exclusively at Sephora. It includes Hair Milk Curl Perfecting Shampoo and Conditioner, and Hair Milk Original Curl Definer in Lite and Regular. I couldn't figure out how it was any different than my old bottle of hair milk, but I see the formulation is slightly different. Lemongrass is listed further down in the ingredient list of the new formula than the old, so I'm thinking it should smell slightly different to say the least. The regular hair milk smells kind of like pine sol to me. Also, the new hair milk has a slight variation in the first 5 ingredients as opposed to the old version. Instead of the Vegetable Emulsifying Wax being in the top 5 ingredients, the new hair milk boasts cocoa and shea butter in its top 5 ingredients. Also, Sephora has a promotion; enter HAIRMILK when checking out to get a free sample of the Hair Milk Lab. It includes a nice size sample of the new hair milk curl perfecting shampoo, conditioner, and curl definer lite. <-- I ordered regular since I'm a 4b, but I'll still use the sample. I will def have an update once I receive my order!

Old Hair Milk

Water, Soy Bean Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Vegetable Emulsifying Wax, Cocoa Butter

*New* Carol's Daughter Hair Milk the Original Curl Definer

Water (Aqua), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter),

Moisture, moisture, moisture!

2010-04-25T19:46:00.004-04:00

Wow! I don't know if I mentioned that I bought another jar of Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter. If you look at previous posts, it's evident I am not a fan. But, I've found that the healthy hair butter is the only thing that adequately moisturizes my scalp and strands. I've been making a conscious effort not to be heavy handed with it. Today is day two of my twist out from that pinup style and my hair looks great! It's still a nice and curly afro! I love. Before bed two nights ago I spairingly applied some CD HHB to my scalp b/c it felt dried out from Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding. But, the pudding did give me nice curl definition. I retwisted some parts of my hair that didn't have as much definition with the CD and put on my bonnet. When I woke up, I decided to give Carol's Daughter Hair Milk another try on dry hair. Previous posts will show that when I used it on wet hair it gave nice definition, but made my hair hard and very shrunken. Well, when I applied it to the palm of my hands and just ran my hands through my hair in a circular motion, my hair became even more moisturized and the curls became more defined as well! Did the same thing today. It's been like 5 min prep to do my hair getting up the past two days. Now, this I can roll with. Love the definition. Then I lightly apply a dab of the healthy hair butter to individual dry/itchy spots of my scalp. And then a little along my hairline to lay down the baby hair. Seriously guys, I'm loving it!

New Style part 2

2010-04-24T00:10:00.002-04:00

I redid the back by pinning each section of twists into a threesome and pinned it up. Yes, I did them on freshly washed hair. I did it in the shower after washing and conditioning with hopes of having a protective style while stretching my hair too. So, I went over to my bf's and he loved it. Then, I went and met my friend at the coffee shop and he's quick to tell me if he doesn't like something- i.e he told me I've gained about 5lbs since starting law school, and he's not a fan of the natural hair. He likes his women with a tamed relaxed look bs. But, for him to say it looks nice was like whoa! I felt it would be the perfect time for him to "jive." The pictures make it seem like it's crazy, but I promise it's not! I even got a compliment from a stranger and when I just walked in the door my roommate was like whoa your hair is cute! Hopefully, I can take better pics in the morning! Thanks for the advice guys!

Instead of a Wash and Go

2010-04-23T17:06:00.006-04:00

I washed, detangled, and conditioned my hair with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration. Then applied a silver dollar amount of Miss Jessie's Unscented Curly Pudding all over, and then did flat twist all over. I always try to do them straight back, buttt they end up going slanted and take on a mind of their own! So, I really like the front. I want to learn how to do just two big flat twists on the sides with like a part in the middle and then the two twists meet in the back in a french braid (which I finally learned is the same thing as a cornrow- just the un-ethnic term for it I guess). Anywho, my hair has since dried and this is what it looks like. I think the back looks jacked up. It was pretty hard to grip the hair back there to flat twist. Could I wear my hair like this out in public? Be honest! I wish I knew some way to do something to the back b/c I really do like the front and sides. Suggestions!?!

*Edit* I took bobby pins and pinned three sections of twists at a time together in kind of a faux pin-up style. So the pic immediately above is before and the pic below is what it looks like now. I love it! Please tell me what you think!

Moving on up

2010-04-23T11:33:00.002-04:00

I'm trying something different than my usual wash and gos. I think my hair is getting to the point where it doesn't like to just be washed and left to its own madness. Although, I always put some sort of curly pudding, hair milk, etc on it, I think it's time to move on. I have a lot of hair. It's not long by any means, but my hair is super thick. And I want to show off what I have instead of just washing it and wearing it all shrunk up!

So, with that being said, I gave wash and go's one last try on Monday. And, I used an old school product that I have never had any success with- Kinky Curly! Instead of doing the rake method as suggested on the jar, I just took maybe a half dollar amount into my palms, rubbed them together, and scrunched through my hair all over. Still had the day drying time, but I did have less shrinkage and some curl definition going on. What I really like about Kinky curly, is that it is super moisturizing. The downside- it still left flakes (although less than usual) and stickiness. And, I just can't deal w the stickiness. On Wednesday, I started twisting my hair and braiding some sections at night without adding anything to it (I'm out of any sort of cream moisturizer) to see if I could revive the look since the kinky curly product was still in there. Eh, it came out okay. I think I really needed some product to set the look overnight. So, I'm now trying different methods of styling my hair to see what works for me and will update with the results.

Quick Product Reviews

2010-04-18T09:17:00.003-04:00

Oyin Burnt Sugah Hair Pomade- 2 out of 5
The Jane Carter Solution Hair Revitalizing Spray- 5 out of 5
The Jane Carter Solution Hair Nourishing Cream- 2 out of 5

The verdict on Oyin Burnt Sugah Hair Pomade is less than stellar. I ordered it Black Friday, and have used it now and again since then. It feels gritty, and actually smells way too sweet. Now, we all know that I LOVE sweets- hence I can't stay a size 6 but for so long before I gotta pull my 8 & 10 jeans out the closet, but this stuff takes the cake (hehe). It smells like pancakes drowned in maple syrup. And the results are nothing spectacular. I love how the marketing on their websites will tell you that beautiful shiny moisturized hair will appear after taking down twist. Well, not the case for me. My twist had mediocre definition & absolutely no shine. I was actually disappointed at how dry my hair looked!

Fast forward to yesterday. To put a little moisture in my hair by using Jane Carter's Revitalizing spray and Hair nourishing cream. Well, the verdict is in for that too. The Revitalizing spray remains my FAVORITE leave-in of all time. I absolutely love that her products smell like sunflowers. And it's super moisturizing for a leave-in. My hair actually feels revitalized. If my hair is properly moisturized I just use it in the morning and midday as a refresher. But, that hair nourishing cream can get to stepping! All it does is leave your hair "wet." No real moisture. Just wet. So, I'm thinking of going back to either Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, which I have some serious mixed emotions over, or trying something else.

My mom talked to her natural hair stylist up in DC, and she was saying that I need to be clarifying more with products that aren't all natural as my hair is sooo thick and stuff, sometimes these all natural products aren't strong enough. Now, she could be right. But, what about ppl from thousands of years ago. They only used natural products and their hair seemed to flourish just fine. Now, I know this atmosphere is a lot more messed up than it used to be too however.

This is the Life

2010-04-15T23:41:00.004-04:00

If you consider 15hr days in school and the library,then coming home for another 2 hrs of studying before settling to bed only to find you can't turn your mind off from the law your idea of the life than I'm living it. Gotta go harder than I've ever gone before this semester. Grades count 2/3 + and my summer job for next summer (which essentially will lead to an offer hopefully) depends on these grades! So, I am studying like MAD yall. But, don't worry, I get my breaks in- I have two Yorkies who are always ready for attention.

So, my hair this week went a little something like this- Monday- press was full blown gone lol. Even with my humidity blocker spray- my hair puffed up. So, when I woke up Tuesday morning I said, "Eureka!" And since I only have one class on Tuesdays wore some jeans, hot pink toes in strappy sandals, white tank, and hair in a picked out fro with the most gorgeous cream headband with a bow and little stones on the bow. Everyone at school was like whoa- you look so springy and got tons of compliments on my hair. On my way home my friend sent a text saying she loved my hair. It literally took 10min. I sent my mom a pic, and she said I should wear my hair like that to work (working as law clerk at DA's office this summer). Wednesday, woke up with hair all over my head- put some carrot oil, that's right, I've been using Organics Carrot Oil, on my scalp, Jane Carter Solution Nourishing Hair Cream on the hair and sprayed it with Jane Carter Solution Revitalizing Spray (for the humectant effect) and went on about my day. Lots of compliments again. At least two ppl said they were jealous how I can always change my hair.

[-Here is where I interject a response to a recent comment on what I want out of being natural b/c I seem to flip flop- What some may perceive as being uncommitted or not sure of what they want I perceive as being versatile. It's not that I like to "flip flop" with my hair, well maybe I do if desiring to change my styles drastically is flip floppin. Ever since I was a little girl, I changed my hair every week. Flips one week, curled under the next, part on this side, that side etc. I believe hair is an expression of who I am and how I'm feeling. I am a gemini- so I can't do just one thing in any aspect of my life and I love change and versatility. Something I don't necessarily dislike about the natural community is sometimes (well a lot of times ) there seems to be a lot of hostility towards natural hair who straighten their hair as not being really with "the cause" or what not. To be honest, the only "cause" I'm committed to is trying to be a good steward for the Lord (which of course I fail at every single day). But, I want healthy hair, have healthy hair (for the most part), and I do enjoy being natural. I love being diff- hence natural hair in itself gets me looks of either oh that's cool, I could never do that, or wow, I can't believe you're in this professional field with that kinky stuff- do something about it! But, those are the breaks. If I want to wear my hair straight, throw on a wig, or try the keratin smoothing complex- which I keep hearing is amazing for strengthening the hair, mega shine, and isn't a relaxer. It's all natural, so if I'm interested in it, I don't see why that's bad or not being committed to being natural or what not. But, I appreciate everyone's opinion and advice that I've been given and please keep it coming!]

Back to Wednesday- I put more Carrot Oil in my hair and I think I may have been a little heavy handed. So, last night I went to Kroger and bought Organic Uplifiting Shampoo. It claims to Gently lift flakes & excess oils, stimulates and irrigates scalp. Well, I shampooed my hair an hour before class, and it did get rid of the itch and didn't leave my scalp burning or dry so I was happy. Then I detangled with Aussie Moissst Deep Conditioner or whatever and went about my business. I got a bunch of compliments on my hair today! Two people asked why I cut my fro! I said, um, I just washed my hair guys. Thursday night, after a whole night of studying I decided to flatttwist my hair and apply a *light amount of carrot oil to my scalp for tomorrow's big day. One of our professors is throwing his annual 1L keg party at his house tomorrow. Very excited for a "Sundress and Curls Affair" :) Well, I could've made some flashcards in the amount of time it took me to type this but I wanted to check in with yall! I will def take pics of my hair tomorrow! But, for the record, I love the way the flattwist look! I would wear it like this if the back wasn't so jacked up haha. But, the front is soo pretty. It reminds me of Gwyneth P in that one movie *shrugs. Back to Adverse Possession studying!

Press

2010-04-11T10:21:00.002-04:00

Quick update- Sorry guys, just been working on outlining and trying to finish up the rest of my 1L year. It's hectic to say the least. But, I went to my local stylist and got it pressed yesterday. I was so distraught about my hair falling out, I wanted to seek professional help. This stylist did a great job pressing it and it had no problem reverting back to curly so I liked it. She said my hair is not falling out! She said that what it is is that I wear my hair natural and am not combing it out everyday and that you lose 100 hairs a day or so, so to just chill out. My hair is getting longer. It finally covers my hair on the sides and the back is to the middle of my neck. I'll try to post pics tomorrow. I'm thinking of the Keratin smoothing complex. Any thoughts?

2010-04-07T12:36:00.002-04:00

I'm at a really difficult place right now. My hair is full of knots and it looks nothing like the pretty head of natural hair that you see on other websites. Don't know if just being "natural" is enough to justify this

Wig

2010-04-02T13:53:00.002-04:00

I got a new wig to combat manipulating my hair while it's going through this phase of falling out. I talked to my stylist and she thinks it may be the change in medicine but I changed meds over a month ago and falling out just now started. So, I bought some Carrot Oil and have been twisting my hair and then wearing this wig- which has been getting nothing but compliments!!! I LOVE IT!

Am I on track

2010-03-28T10:22:00.002-04:00

So, I'm coming up on *10* months natural! Can you guys believe it!? But, as I browse all these various blogs of naturalistas who big chopped one or two years ago and they have a serious fro! Um, where the hell is mine at!?! I pretty much shaved my head last June and I don't have nearly half as much hair as these ladies do once they reach a year. Now, I realize a lot of people transition and I pretty much had no transition. But, I'm just wondering if I'm doing everything I'm supposed to in order to stimulate as much healthy growth per month as possible? Trying to drink more water is a constant challenge, I massage my scalp daily, take the multi-vitamin, limit the heat, deep condition (bi)-weekly, etc... What's up!?!

No title really

2010-03-25T08:18:00.004-04:00

My scalp is feeling much better. However, my hair is still feeling extremely dry. But, having a calm scalp makes dealing with the other issues much much easier. I've been spraying Carol's Daughter Leave-In conditioner in the morning and then using Jane Carter's Hair Nourishing Cream over top. Yes, I hate Carol's Daughter, I'm simply waiting for the Jane Carter Leave-In to get here. Should be delivered today I hope. I'm also looking for another moisturizer.

Remember how I kept going on and on about my "mystery product?" Well, it was shea butter. It worked quite well on my hair for a while, but now it causes my hair to feel filmy if that makes sense. I really wanted it to be a permanent staple in my regimen too. Oh well. I'm back on the market trying this that and the third. I've tried so many things already. Tomorrow I have a Garden Party that I'm going to, so I plan on doing a twist out. I wish it wouldn't take so long to twist my hair all up. Maybe I'll do flat twist, that shouldn't take as long. And then take them out in the morning?

I'm Losing my hair!

2010-03-23T09:46:00.003-04:00

My oh my was there a lot of hair in the comb. I washed with Carol's Daughter Rosemary Shampoo. I usually find it drying but, I wanted to use it more for my scalp since it has the peppermint and maybe tea tree in it. I used Hello Hydration for my conditioner, and man oh man, is that stuff moisturizing. Every time I get good results with it so I think I need to make it my staple conditioner! I detangled using a wide tooth comb from ends to roots. As mentioned before, there was so much hair in the comb :( Then I mixed Carol's Daughter Hair Milk and Jane Carter's Nourishing Hair cream in my hands and applied it all over my hair for curl definition. The hair milk makes my hair crunchy so I'm trying it with the moisturizing cream to see if it keeps my hair soft. Finally, I ran the denman brush throughout my hair to pick up that last shed hair. While I'm very concerned at how much shed hair and tangles that I had, it feels good to have all of the shed hair out of my head! I will try a protein treatment the end of this week as skeeta suggested. I couldn't do it today b/c I'm getting cable installed this morning and then class so I can't leave!

Knots and Tanglesl

2010-03-22T22:44:00.005-04:00

03.22.10

Knots and tangles oh my! I washed my hair with Aveda Dry Remedy, followed up with Aveda Dry Remedy Masque, finger detangled, dried with a little Jane Carter Hair Nourishing Cream. Today, I've found so many tangles and little balls of tangled shed hair all throughout my hair! I'm thinking that maybe finger detangling is not enough for me at this point. I'm almost 10 months in the game yall! Tomorrow morning I will do a cowash with Hello Hydration since it's the only thing that has the most *slip for my hair. I will detangle from ends to roots in sections with a wide tooth comb or my denman brush. The whole parting my hair in sections thing is hard b/c my hair isn't long, just super thick. So, making four big sections doesn't seem to work for me. But, my hair is dry, my scalp is calmer since using the Jane Carter Scalp Renew, and I have knot balls of hair shedding everywhere. Help!?

p.s- like the new layout!?! The blog needed some spring sprucing up!

New Regimen

2010-03-20T08:16:00.003-04:00

03.20.10

Yesterday was tough folks. I've noticed that every time the season changes, my hair goes into freak out mode. That, and the chronic hair dryness that I just cannot seem to shake! So, I'm really out of products. Can you believe that!? Well, I am. I was doing wash and gos with Miss Jessie's Unscented Curly Pudding- whack, Carol's Daughter Hair Milk- whack, using Oyin Burnt Sugah Pomade as a hair dressing since I'm out of any sort of hair moisturizer-super whack, and my mystery product- has since become whack :(.

So, I figured well shoot, it's time to get some new products! I settled on only using Oyin Juices and Berries which makes my hair feel almost sticky while I shopped online for what I'm going to use this spring. I'm happy that humectant season is back on the block, so I knew I needed some daily leave-in spray to keep in my bag for daily use!

The tough part was deciding what to buy when you've already tried a lot of different product lines that didn't work for you. I really hate Carol's Daughter but, it's the most reasonably priced out of that and Miss Jessies, and it gets here a hell of a lot quicker than Oyin (which isn't that great to me anymore anyways). Then I remembered seeing the Jane Carter Solution at Earthfare (organic/green grocery store like Whole Foods). So, I decided to go and see what they have. I ended up purchasing

This

I've only used them once so I'll let you know how I like them in a few days. I really love how her products smell like sunflowers and sunshine to say the least! And the mission statement on her products make me want to try the whole line and see if the overall condition of my hair improves!

After 20 years of experience in working with every different hair texture imaginable and frustrated by not being able to find natural based products that worked effectively for everyone, I decided to start The Jane Carter Solution.

Our products are specifically designed for dry hair. Including curly, wavy, straight, relaxed, natural hair, color treated and locked hair. We use ingredients derived from nature, natural butters, and certified organic essential oils that make your hair vibrant and alive again. Like the thousands of satisfied customers that use our products on a regular basis, I am sure that you will get great results from every use.

Use them in good health. ~ Jane Carter

Yeah, so I'm late doing my spring cleaning, but I'm going to get on that right now!

The Fro!

2010-03-09T21:57:00.004-05:00

3.09.10

I'm off to meet boy's parents tomorrow. Very excited! As promised, pics of my hair as of last Friday! I don't know what she used in my hair, it was an in-house product. It lasted from Fri until Sun without me doing anything or putting anything in it. Then I twisted it Sunday and will be wearing my hair in a twistout for "meet the parents." Yall like how after she trimmed it and was starting to burn my scalp I told her stop, paid her for the wash and trim and then walked across the street and bought this headband from american apparel? She was so surprised I was wearing my hair in a "fro", and suggested it was wild. oh well, I got a lot of compliments!

My best friend and I

My brother and I

Sick but well now!

2010-03-08T17:35:00.004-05:00

3.8.10

Hey yall,

I have been SO sick. At first it was the common cold. But, then my asthma got out of control and my lungs just went into hyperactive mode. I've missed a lot of school but, thankfully I keep up with my work. Nah, I just have amazing friends who got my back! So, they had me on pneumonia watch and chest x-rays and, I also HAVE to start using my inhalers reg as I did not do so before. But, I'm feeling much better. Narcotics have that effect on people! So, it's spring break! I'm meeting boyfriend's parents on Wed! How's the hair going to be styled!?! I FINALLY got a trim. I made an apt to get two strand twist and the lady tried to talk me into pressing my hair b/c I have a soft coily texture. WTF? I came here for TWO STRND TWIST. She burned my scalp while blowdrying it to trim it so I left. That's right. I paid the woman $25 for the trim and got out of there. I'm over ppl screwing up my hair! I've been wearing it in a big blown out afro! Igot a new camera on clearance for $88! And will upload blown out fro pics in its own post! But, for now, I leave you with my own attempt of a blow out a few weeks ago when I went downtown w/ bf and his friends.

How's everyone doing? Drop me a line, I've missed yall!

p.s- don't my boobies look great in this shirt. I finally got me a push up! It's Victoria's Secret PINK wear anywhere push up!

Blowouts & Mysterious Free Products

2010-02-23T11:12:00.004-05:00

2.23.10

Blow out turned out not so much like a blowout but it was very pretty. Yall know I lost my camera cord so no pics. But, some of bf's friends took pics so whenever they load them to facebook, I'll post them here. I'm afraid my hair is full of split ends and don't want to get my hair pressed to get rid of them. I'm really feeling blowouts with a cute headband right now. I just cannot figure out how to get my hair all blown out into a big fro like they do at the salons :( And youtube has not been very helpful in this regard.

So, I was working like mad on my paper, feeling all stressed and stuff and I had a package on the front porch for me. My landlord sent me chocolate covered strawberries and cookies from California, next day delivery all the way here to GA! It said congrats on getting an internship with the DA's office as a 1L and I should be proud of myself. Very uplifting. Then, the next day I had ANOTHER package on the front porch! This time it was an entire bottle of this stuff- Redken-Curl Wise 14. Curl defining cream for "coarse" curls. It said congratulations, here's a free sample. I'll take it! Hmmmm, I just washed my hair and conditioned with Aussie Moist (that stuff is great), finger detangled (was a breeze considering how much slip Aussie gives me) and applied the product. It smells heavenly- the mango butter I'm sure. Let's see if I get that "curl definition." The instructions on the website are diff than what the tube says. The tube says to apply to damp hair and let air dry for intense curls, whereas the website says to apply to towel dried hair and diffuse. I prefer applying it to damp hair and it's currently air drying. Pics in a few!

p.s- Guess I forgot to mention me and boy made things official Jan 24... We dated for two weeks and everything just felt right. Still does actually! And he's really been helping me with all of my insecurities so it's great to have someone who lifts me up and helps me become a better person instead of making me feel bad about myself. Hopefully, I do the same for him!

Me & This Hair are Going Out!

2010-02-19T17:58:00.003-05:00

2.19.10

Okay, this will be quick and brief, as I have my brief due Monday (yet I'm still going out tonight to celebrate the job)! It's amazing the different reactions I've received to my natural hair among boyfriends. Him- hated my natural hair. Thought it was kinky, nappy, and "ghetto." He preferred it weaved up, so that's what I did. Note, he never ever played in my hair. New BF- LOVES my natural hair. Even sometimes when I'm feeling ashamed of it, he doesn't see it that way. He loves to play in it, and I love for him to play in it. I just wish it wasn't soooo tight on my head all the time. I'm going to try to do a blow out for us going out tonight. I want a big ass fro as my outfit haha. Like put it on center stage! But, I don't know whether to use curly pudding, kinky curly, or what to get that jumbo blown out look. Any suggestions before 8pm TONIGHT would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for ALL the wonderful comments! Glad I could even inspire some of yall to wear that natural hair to the interviews too! We're on a movement yall.

Courtroom here I come!

2010-02-16T17:54:00.002-05:00

02.16.10

I got the job!! I will be working at the District Attorney's Office this summer! And I'm a 1L and they usually only take 3Ls whoop whoop! The best part about it, I went in with my natural hair in all its kinks and glory! I didn't want to go through the trauma of pressing it out! I did a co-wash with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration and then applied Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding. Then, I used a blowdryer and kinda diffused it dry. The results were great! While it's all shrunk to my head so to speak, it has amazing curl definition which I totally love. I received many compliments on it today! And, I guess it didn't look too shabby for my interview either!

Natural Interview

2010-02-06T08:57:00.003-05:00

02.06.10

Hi hi hi! Hope all is well, and everyone is getting ready for superbowl Sunday! I am super busy right now so, this will be brief. Boy loves the curly look. So, big plusses for that. And, I had an interview at a public defender's office Thursday and I wore my hair curly. It was a panel of 8 Attorneys and the interview lasted 2hrs. I felt confident in my appearance, and I hope the interview went well. I have two more interviews coming up in the next few weeks, so please pray I get the job I really want! Well, I have a major paper to write, so I'll be back soon.

What am I thinking

2010-02-01T12:44:00.002-05:00

02.01.10

Okay, so I think I was just really feeling down when I went to the salon and was ridiculed for being natural and I felt like I didn't know what to do. Then, I read all the fab comments from you great guys, and remembered I'm eight months in the game. I love that my hair is different, unique, and nothing like it. So, I did a twistout. Got my *mystery product*- promise i'll post today/tomorrow what it is, got my contracts book, and got to twisting. I think the results speak for themselves yall. I received more compliments in the past few hours than the total month of wearing my weave. All my friends (who are mostly caucasian) keep telling me they love my hair like this better, and they wish they could do all the funky things that I can! I even put in a feather headband. Now, that I have all this hair I am really going to try to start accessorizing it. But, I absolutely love this look! Boo hasn't seen it yet, but I don't care whether or not he likes it. After fluffing it this morning I couldn't help but say Damn, this looks good! And my roomie was freaking out about how I look like a little movie start today. Sometimes, outside factors can get us well at least me down, but I gotta keep my head up. When you project a positive image ppl will have no choice but to perceive you that way as well. LOOK at those curls. Tell me you don't see the POP!

The Plot Thickens

2010-01-31T20:24:00.003-05:00

1.31.10

Skeeta & NewbieNaturalDiva, your comments are much appreciated and right on time. So, I went to a local salon upon taking my extensions out to get a shampoo and press. The stylist was accosting me for being natural, couldn't believe I didn't comb my hair when dry, or get trims every 4 weeks, and just kept asking why I wasn'

t relaxed in a very loud voice. She was saying natural hair is too "hard." She even said ONCE THE SUN HITS YOUR HAIR, YOU'RE NOT NATURAL ANYMORE ANYWAYS. At that point, right when she took the scissors in her hand, it was time for me to go. I asked to speak to the manager, told her how unprofessio

nal and rude this lady was, and that I didn't feel I should have to pay for the shampoo and lackluster service. They offered to finish my hair on the house, but I told them that I had told the stylist I wanted a rollerset anyways... So, I came home, and put some curlformers in my hair. They didn't really turn out right. My hair is as you know, super thick. So, here I am sitting here with a head full of hair on my head. I'll even take a pic. And I am like really scared about showing my guy :( Like what if I'm not pretty anymore? And this my friends, is the same twisted thinking I've been trying to get away from... He's really excited to see my natural hair. He was talking about how he can't wait to play in it now, and even wants to come over tonight to watch a movie. But, I'm feelin too "unkempt," and I don't even know why... I told him I'm thinking of doing a braid out or a twistout and he asked me to send him pictures of both and he'll vote on which he likes best. like, he wants to take an active part in the whole natural hair and he knows hair is like a big deal to me. I'm just sitting here feeling kinda bleh. Any suggestions?

I know you got real hair up under there...

2010-01-31T11:02:00.002-05:00

1.31.10

So, I've been dating this white guy for about a month now. He's amazing by the way. So much better than my ex. He's only average looking and i usually go for the hotties, but you know what, he treats me great, we get along perfectly, and he makes me laugh! Anywho, he's tried to play in my hair like at least 6-7 times. And for white guys, they may or may not get the whole "don't touch my hair b/c you'll mess it up, or there's tracks I don't want you feeling" concept. Well, it's embarrassing to say the least! Watching a movie, guy goes to play in you hair, "WAIT, please don't touch my hair!" I've tried to play it off like I just don't like ppl playing in my hair. When, in reality I LOVE IT. Who doesn't like their hair to be played in. So, I've had to ask myself- "Why am I hiding my hair?" It's more manageable with the weave, it's always done, and it's a protective style. Is it really? I have this stupid net cap that prevents me from really moisturizing my scalp like I need to, is hard to wash, and she braided it slightly too tight to wear my edges thinned out in the back. Furthermore, my hair has been growing like crazy, so the whole front edges are my natural kinky texture, and the rest is the bone straight weave. I don't wear my satin bonnet whenever I go to hang out over there, so my hair gets super tangly, and he's even tried to like pat it down for me. Whoa, I'm not an unkempt person! To top it off, the other night when he asked why he can't play in my hair bc he does it without even thinking, and I just kinda shrugged he goes, "Girl, I know you have real hair up under there..." Whoa! Um, I wasn't trying to hide the fact that I'm wearing a weave. I just don't want him feeling all up on my weave. The more I think about it, this is silly. I can just as easily try a roller set for protective styling right? I've worked SO hard these past EIGHT months almost growing my own friggin hair! Why hide it?

Weave Maintenance

2010-01-28T14:43:00.002-05:00

1.28.10

Yesterday, made one month on my sew-in! Yay for protective styling. This is the longest I've had a protective style since going natural almost eight months ago. My hair is so itchy! I'm so curious as to what's going on there. I'm hoping that my hair is resting and staying healthy. I'm going to wash it and put in the curlformers again. The curls only lasted a day, but I really enjoyed them. I picked up some great tips for caring for one's weave. I was going to take it out today, but I really need to get another month out of this. How long do you wear your weaves?

Check out these great tips for maintaining your weave!

Curlformer's Results

2010-01-24T23:55:00.005-05:00

1.25.10

Sorry guys. I've been in a whirlwind between dating new boy and the new semester taking off! Anywho, here's the results of curlformers on a sew-in weave.

Wet weave hair with water. Not dripping wet, but wet
Applied Miss Jessie's Unscented Curly Pudding from root to ends, combing through for even distribution
Applied curlformers according to instructions on www.curlformers.com
Slept with satin bonnet
Removed curlformers in morning according to same demo video
Finger fluffed & woila! Love it!

Before

Rollersetting Part 2

2010-01-19T08:18:00.002-05:00

1.19.10

I didn't get the curlformers and here's why. If I get the curlformers and make my hair all pretty and spiraly, won't you see the tracks!?! B/c if it isn't laying flat I'm thinking you will see the tracks in-between each curl. This is what is holding me back from transforming an everyday bob into a head full of spirals :( And as usual I'm having a hard time getting much needed moisture to the middle of my scalp. I'm trying the best I can using oils to penetrate the cap.

Also, the hair along my hair line and edges will not lay down! I've never experienced this before. That hair is usually very fine and I can slick it down with pomade or gel. Well, I've use pomade, gel, mousse, you name it, and it will just not lay down! Darn!

How to Roller Set Dry Hair | eHow.com

2010-01-18T11:45:00.001-05:00

1.18.10

I am looking to jazz up my sew-in bob. So, I'm trying to figure out how to roller set my dry hair! Any suggestions? Have you ever roller-set your weave? I found this great article and will be back with results!

How to Roller Set Dry Hair | eHow.com

Hairspeak; Natural on tv

2010-01-16T20:57:00.003-05:00

1.16.10

Sitting here watching episode 7 of season one of True Blood when Tara's mother gets the demon exorcized out of her. Remember the lady who does it had a bald head. I remember when I first watched this over the summer I thought she looked "authentic." Yeah, that's just the way to portray a black woman in small town Louisiana straight from the bayou. Ragged clothes and bald head. Never in a million years could I imagine taking that step and taking all my hair off myself. It was deep thinking about the feelings towards "natural" and a lack thereof then and now. I also find it amazing how "mainstreaming" natural changes people perception towards the whole movement. Sometimes, I feel like it's taking off and people are understanding they don't have to be what society wants them to be. Other times, I feel like it's turning into a fad and will subside or that people are doing it for the wrong reasons. Regardless, I know where I came from, where I'm at now, and where I'm headed for the future. Authenticating the real me in every arena of my life.

Two Weeks Sew-In

2010-01-13T20:02:00.002-05:00

1.13.10

So, somewhere my camera cord is floating around. Yes, yet again! But, this time i think my camera is broken :( I have to think about where the cord is and then see if I can pull it up. I'm curious as to how my hair is doing. Today made two weeks on the sew-in. I think I had previously said I was going to keep it in for 3 months? I don't see that happening. I do not like not being able to moisturizes the middle of my head. I mean come on people, we all know I suffer from dryness and that's a key area of dry if I ever knew one! I just keep using my Oyin Juices and Berries & Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade. On a positive note, I have noticed my edges filling in quite nicely. I'm going on a date tomorrow! That's right, and it's not with him. My friend really said it nicely about getting over him: "Sometimes you gotta come to the painful realization that the person you like will never shape up to be the person you need..." Wow, that was deep. But, something I needed to hear. It's been 3 years, and he still treats me badly. I mean hell, it's 2010. Year of dreams, right? So, anywho she set me up with her friend's best friend and we've talked on the phone a few times & I like him. We're going to lunch tomorrow. Wish me luck!

2010-01-10T15:34:00.001-05:00

1.10.10

So, I'm not feeling the sew in for one reason and one reason only. This net cap is terrible! I just cannot get moisture to the middle. I've tried pouring different oils onto my head that just won't get there. I hate not being able to scratch the middle of my head! I take that back about there only being one reason. There's another one! I have bumps on the back of my neck from where the braids were too tight! I'm trying to remind myself that my hair is resting without any manipulation, not fighting a losing battle with moisture- at least everywhere except the middle, and my hair is styled and ready to go everyday.

Post Water Detox

2010-01-07T07:29:00.002-05:00

1.07.10

They have given us so much work I feel like I need to go on a whiskey only diet haha. We have closing arguments to make, moot court participation, job fairs, and a whole lot of work on top of that. Anywho, results of my water detox- I only lasted 14 hrs. See, I had left a box of cheese-its on my coffee table, and anyone who knows me knows I love cheese-its like a fat kid loves cake. So, before I even thought about it, I popped open the box and was eating a handful of cheese-its! Whoops! But, I still have been going to the restroom more frequently and I drank all that water on Monday! That's what I don't like about water. Especially since we have 50min classes and are not allowed to get up and leave during them. So, it's not very comfortable to sit for 50min and concentrate with water pressing down on your bladder. Yeah, I'll save all the water drinking for the weekends! Did any of you take on the challenge- how are you coming along! As long as you're sippin, you're doing fine :)

24 Hr Water Detox

2010-01-04T08:34:00.003-05:00

01.04.10

Something that often is on many people's list is to drink more water, as it should be. It's been on my resolution list for years, and I never succeed! I think the reason why I fail is I always try to go cold turkey on sodas and sweet tea. All the while, my beautiful skin has become damaged and ridden with hyperpigmentation! Last night my brother asked if I realized just how much sugar was in these tasty drinks. I couldn't believe my coffee has 32g of sugar a cup, my pomegranate 7up with antioxidants mind you has 22g of suga per 8fl oz, my Mayfield sweet tea has 22g of sugar per 8oz cup, and the list goes on and on. I've spent hundreds of dollars on this product, that facial, this prescription, etc... only to be sorely disappointed. Well, I was doing research on all the benefits of water and found my allergies, problem skin, dry skin/hair, and chronic back pain all may be a result of an inadequate supply of water. So, instead of saying I'm going to drink 5 cups a day, which just isn't going to happen, I'm doing a 24hr water detox to get rid of all the toxins in my body! I'm going to try to do it once a week. While it is a simple program, drink only water for 24hrs, I found an interesting article that guides one in starting their water detox. There are numerous variations on the water detox diet.

Starting a water detox program

Why I Blog

2010-01-02T19:56:00.004-05:00

01.02.10

Just wanted to take a minute to really think about the proposed question; why [do] I blog?

One might say with so many natural hair blogs out there, why add another one, and one that's all over the place at that? Well, it's easy really. I've seen & experienced the natural hair community blow up this past year (2009), and I'm so happy to be a part of it. Each blog, forum, online community has something unique to offer, however small and unnoticeable it may be. You've got your tutorial sites, stories of transition, natural hair blogs with a fashionista twist, etc... So, what's up with Confessions of a Wanna-Be Curl Star? My blog is here to show you how a below average mane became natural, and is on a constant journey to being as healthy as possible. I think it's quite dope if you think about it, because so many natural blogs that I've read either had healthy relaxed hair and wanted to become natural, and/or went through the emotional big chop only to find they have these gorgeous curlies on their heads and they're happily on their way. No, I am not generalizing, this is often what I've seen on the numerous hair blogs I've read. Well, check this out my friends. My hair was shitty when it was relaxed, and when I went natural it wasn't a cakewalk by any means. I didn't have the often desired type 3 hair, but one of the tightest, driest, dullest curl patterns you've seen recently! So, I went through a whole new phase of learning to love (or at least like) my hair for what it is. That was after the shock of having the curls cut off only to see I in fact did not have hair like Mya or Alicia Keys. Yeah, I was pretty naive on this whole shinding. All I knew is that I wanted my hair to be healthy. Because I was smart enough to know that healthy hair equals flourishing hair. However, the journey has become much more than healthy hair. Being natural has become a lifestyle with many ups and downs, but still worth the ride! Here's to doing it big in 2010.

2010 Hair

2010-01-02T18:19:00.005-05:00

01.02.10

Welcome to the year of protective styling. I want my hair to be as healthy as possible so I'm covering it up. I got this sew-in bob December 30, 2009. I will get it washed and tightened and want it to last 3 months. Unfortunately, she used a net cap in the middle to protect my hair from breakage, but that means I cannot oil my scalp in the middle! I've tried spraying it with my Oyin Juices and Berries, but that's not doing the trick. I'll pick up some Africa's Best Anti-Itch spray and see if that helps. I have to be careful not to use something so heavy that will cause buildup! Hope you likely!

P.S- Happy New Year! Many blessings to all and I hope the the new year is a perfect 10!

Finally Home!

2009-12-31T13:29:00.002-05:00

It feels good to be home, and safe and sound at that! So much has gone down for me in the hair world and I can't wait to share! I have new year hair resolutions coming up, started my very own hair challenge, and the "mystery product" is still going well. It has it's cons now too, don't get me wrong! The internet has been down at my place as well! This really sucks. Being so disconnected with the world. But, in my absence I decided to redo my living room. I hadn't really decorated much since I graduated, moved, and started law school 2 days later! So, since school doesn't start until next Wednesday, I'm taking advantage of this time. My parent's place was so decorated as my mom is a decorator and there's no reason for my place to look shabby! My mom sent me to tjmaxx. I got a cool orange and brown rug for the living room and this gorgeous copper, gold, and brown sculpture to go above my light sage green suede sofa. My mom said the rug and sculpture should be enough to set my living room off. I already have cool I guess paper lamps from IKEA and tables with decorations on them. On my black coffee table I have jeweled boxes in green, gold, and maybe purple that I think will go well. Now I just need to figure out how to clean the hardwood floors, and then I will put the decorations up! Pics are def coming. I'm still unpacking so my camera cord is packed away. Oh yeah, I'm redoing my bedroom in black and white with red accents with all decorations (comforter, pillows, pictures) curteousy of ma mere! Chic!

BLIZZARD

2009-12-24T02:37:00.003-05:00

My brother and I drove right into the 2009 snowstorm this past Saturday in Northern Virginia on our way to visit our parents in Fredricksburg. We were stranded in Bowling Green where the town was overrun with frantic travelers. We saw more big trucks, and suvs spinning out in the snow but our front wheel jetta kept on! The good Lord was watching us when the weather station announced they were shutting down I-95 down for the night at 10pm but we continued to drive through two feet of snow to reach our exit at 10:24, and the interstate still hadn't been shut down. We went 3 miles in 5 hours. A normally 10hr drive from Atlanta to Fredricksburg takes us 10hrs. It took us 17 hours Saturday. Unfortunately, my brother's car spun out and got stuck in the snow 2miles from our parent's house. So, we walked two miles in the snow at 2am with my two Yorkies, bless their hearts, they were troopers. The next day, we shoveled 1mile worth of snow to be able to drive the car up. That's right, a family of four skinny folk out their shoveling snow with regular shovels for a mile! We were determined b/c we didn't want someone to come by and slide into my brother's car! All is settled down now. But the internet has been down all this while. Merry Christmas, I'll be back Sunday! Pray we have a safe return! Oh, my hair is great, I have many surprises for you all in the coming days! I've been taking pics.

2009-12-11T18:31:00.003-05:00

12.11.09

Look at that shine!!!

The left side comes to just the bottom of my ear

But the right side comes way past my ear!

You can't really see it here but it's pretty curly!

Tit for Tat- Regimen

2009-12-11T12:42:00.005-05:00

12.11.09

*PSA: The Gingerbread Latte from Starbucks isn't that great. However, I encourage you to try the White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha for when you know you're going to be up late!

I have been trying to decide whether to put Kinky Twist back in my hair for the holidays (going to visit parents in DC), or if I want to leave my hair out and just do some twists and then do a twist-out in a few days. Let's see, I did dry twists on Monday night and it's now Friday! OMG. My hair isn't tangled at all either! Oyin plus mystery product have my hair feeling soft and cottony! It's moist to the touch and has an awesome shine to it. Really guys, at this point I'm waiting to reveal b/c I want to write up a world-class review of it. I just don't have the momento to do so right now. Monday is my last final, civil procedure *shudders*. Then, it's onto trying to forget questioning how I did and enjoy my time off.

Back to the point- Wash and gos are done for me! I think that was what was causing all the fairy knots and tangles, and this is what i read on many a hair blogs out there. I am SO happy to be condensing the amount of different products I need to use for different things.

This is where I'm at:

I still need to find the superb deep conditioner, but I'm thinking of going with a Cholesterol conditioner when I get more funds.
I'm co-washing with HE HH, but I may switch to Organix Coconut conditoner. My hair loves coconuts, coconut is really good for your hair, and I've read rave reviews.
For moisture, twist-outs, eventually braid outs, sealing I'm using *mystery product*. I'm sure some of you clever ones have probably figured out what it is by now. What's a product that has so many uses I'm also using it on my skin and body?? *tic toc tic toc. Is that your final answer*
Mmm what else, while co-washing is good, I will use a peppermint sulfate free shampoo to clarify with as my scalp doesn't feel clean and gets itchy if I only co-wash. I hate the Carol's Daughter Rosemary Mint Shampoo. I have a lush peppermint shampoo bar that I lurve, but it's like 9 bucks for 1.7 oz solid shampoo bar. Yes, they last forever but I'll probably switch to Organix peppermint shampoo b/c I can pick it up at Target as opposed to ordering Lush online or having to drive to Atlanta to get it.
And that's it. That's my regimen to take me through winter and my proposed regimen for 2010 boooyahh

Progression

2009-12-10T22:41:00.006-05:00

12.10.09

I made it through my hardest final yet; contracts. To celebrate still being alive afterwards, and my friend's birthday (which unfortunately fell on the day of the hardest final ever known to man), we went to the local brewery. I found my camera cord, and was so happy to take pics. When I came home and looked at the pics I almost freak

ed out. Without further explanation, here's why!

August 13, 2009

November 15, 2009

December 10, 2009

*Note this did not include any stretching, curling creams or products. Just applied my mystery product to my hair after spritzing with Oyin Juices and Berries this morning *Will reveal next week. I'm still like this is too good to be true*. My hair still looked good (at least to me ;o) 12 hrs later hanging out tonight!

My lil fro has grown!!!

My Hairspiration

2009-12-08T18:44:00.003-05:00

My Hairspiration 12.08.09

Aaahmazing

2009-12-08T13:30:00.002-05:00

12.08.09

Things have been on the up and up lately for my hair and skin. Ever since I started using my new mystery product, my skin has been glowing, and my hair moist. Sunday night I did a dry deep condition with Carol's Daughter Kohret Amen hair smoothie (it still sucks) and in the morning I used Miss Jessie's Sulfate Free Cleansing Cream (all gone, yay) and then applied my Aussie 3 minute deeep conditoner. I let it sit on my hair for a while to really create some slip. Not so much. I finger detangle- which still leaves massive tangles in my hair and then applied Kinky Curly Knot Today and followed with my Denman. I was still surprised by how much hair was in the brush, but Denman gets ALL the shed hair out of your own hair. So, normally when I run my fingers in my hair some shed hairs will come too. Nothing excessive, just the dailyness of life. Now, if I don't detangle but once a week, that can build up. So, I'm hoping it's just a week's worth of shed hair combined with winter time increased shedding. I left the Kinky Curly leave in and went on about my day with major clumping from the Denman.

Last night, I applied some of my new product all over to dry hair. I don't remember if I sprayed some of my Oyin Juices and Berries or not. Sad I don't remember 12 hrs ago isn't it? But hey, I just took a crapshoot Criminal Law exam so blame it on that :). Anywho, I did some flat twist in some places and regular twists in others and my hair twisted beautifully. I wore a crochet beanie today while leaving some of the twists in the front out and free. I really need to find my camera cord so I can upload quality pics of my hair again. I'll look for it again as soon as finals are over!

Checking In

2009-12-06T02:13:00.003-05:00

12.06.09

I'm having the strangest sleep habits. I'm blaming it on them giving us finals that count for 100% of our grade! Anywho, so far so good on the dryness factor. I put in my new product Friday afternoon and my hair had an unbelievable shine! I always thought my 4b hair couldn't shine, but it does! I mean glistening too. And my scalp is still moist and here it is Sunday morning! My hair isn't as moist but again, I've only used it once. I've been using this product on my face and lips too and it's been really good for my eczema! What is it you ask? Well, I don't want to gush about it too soon. I've only used it once! Tomorrow, I'm going to wash and condition my hair. Detangling with the Denman didn't work as well last time. I noticed more hair in the brush than usual. It seems that no matter if I comb, finger comb, or use a brush I always lose a good bit of hair when I detangle. And believe me, I'm not pulling my own hair out or anything. I've always had a sensitive scalp so I know when to stop! Well, back to studying.

*PSA* Drink a glass of water right now! You're hair and skin will thank you!

Quick Update

2009-12-04T23:47:00.003-05:00

12.04.09

Quick update: I've been really busy with finals (as I warned ya), so sorry for lack of updates! Property went well and I feel Torts this morning went extremely well. Civil Wrongs for the win! The reason for no pic updates lately is that my hair is looking as dry as it's feeling and with that being said pics would be no bueno. I've also noticed I've got maybe 99% shrinkage going on so I can't even sport a mini fro or anything. But, these are the breaks. Tomorrow I have a review of something new I've tried that has potential of being my new elixer. I'll give you a clue; it's a standard staple in the Natural Hair Community. I'm just late trying it. G-night.

Hairspeak; Product Junkies

2009-11-29T21:49:00.005-05:00

11.29.09

Often times I feel as if I'm on a quest to find perfection. The perfect hair product, the perfect face product, the perfect shoes, perfect earrings, perfect man -yeah right, perfect place to eat, live, shop, attend school, etc... But, sometimes you have to step back and realize life is not, cannot, and should not be about perfection. It's about being and doing the best you can possibly do and nothing more. I think once I solidify that concept in my life, I'll be a happier person. How this relates to my life is that I used to be on a quest to find the perfect path for my life to take. However, I realized there was no one perfect way and that I would have to pick something and take a risk in that choice. Now, I'm still trying to figure out how to do what I love and make it work for me, but I take comfort in the fact that God doesn't put you on a journey for no reason.

How does this relate to hair you ask? Well, on Black Friday I was browsing this hair forum which shall remain undisclosed, and it was ri-dic-u-lous how these women were acting. Now, I know it's the Black Friday Sale, but seriously it's not that much of a sale. You mean to tell me that since they're offering 15-20% off you're justifying spending an extra 50-100 bucks to satisfy your product junkism? I think there is a sincere difference between buying something you don't need just because it's out there, and trying to find a product that works for you.

I've noticed that sometimes people are like "Oh, I'm natural, this means I have to try every product on the shelves." No, it doesn't! Being natural does not equal a free for all on your wallet or your hair. Or, you find something that works, use it a month and then move on to the "next great thing" because you read about it on someone else's blog. No, stick with what's working for your own hair! Because then that same person goes on a tangent about not knowing why their hair isn't flourishing to their buttocks without realizing all the trauma their subjecting their hair to!

With that, I gotta get back to studying. Although, I did just leave the gym where I did 5 miles on the eliptical while studying so that counts too!

*Now I don't want to offend & like I said, there's a difference b/w trying to find something that works for you (which I'm still trying to do 6 months post BC) and going overboard. If the above sounds like you, take a step back and maybe think about re-evaluating your quest for perfection

Post Black Friday Deals

2009-11-29T08:24:00.003-05:00

11.29.09

Well, I hope everyone had a pleasant weekend so far! I've been in the library going hard for finals this week. Please say a prayer for me! I kept things modest for Black Friday. Considering I don't get my second installment of scholly money until Dec 28th, what choice did a girl have ;). That being said, I limited myself to two things I really wanted to try. So, I purchased Chai Scented Sunshine Whipped Shea Butter. It was on sale; 4oz for $4.25. Also, I purchased Oyin Burnt Sugar Pomade. It was $10 with 15% off. Oyin didn't really have a deal since they always offer 15% off in their monthly podcast :/. I've noticed a slight increase in shedding, which I guess can be expected due to the winter months. I wish I had time to put some kinky twist back in, but I don't. I'm thinking of getting some micros or a sew-in for a month s a protective style. Well, off to the library...

Black Friday Hair Deals

2009-11-26T20:32:00.005-05:00

11.26.09

I hope everyone enjoyed their day. I didn't go home for the holiday since finals are next week and a summer job is dependent on 1st semester grades in law school so eh, we'll all live! However, I have been piddling on the net and there are some cool deals going down tomorrow in the natural hair community. I've listed only a small sampling of what I've come across. I'll post more as I come across them.

My girl Sunshine makes homemade whipped shea butter in fab scents & other natural wonders. She's having a one of a kind sale tomorrow so go shop and tell her I sent ya! Peacelove&Sunshine
Curl Junkie will be releasing 5 new products tomorrow and will have 35-50% off several items with no code required & 10% off all orders over $50 with the code "NEWSTUFF'
Carol's Daughter Fast Free Shipping on all orders over $25
Oyin Handmade- 15% off all orders this weekend with code that can be obtained at the end of the podcast featured on the homepage
Jane Carter Solution- Remember that Revitalizing Leave-In Spray I was gushing about over the summer? Well, everything is 20% off through 11/29
Qhemet Biologics-I've heard so many things about their heavy cream for drrryyy hair like mine. 20% off Black Friday special, coupon code is "CULTURE"

Hope that helps! I'm in the market for either Shea butter or something that's all oils. I know, I know I always hate oils! Well, I'm thinking about trying some sort of pomade or something. I've been reading that thick hair loves oils???

Denman Changed My Life

2009-11-25T22:42:00.002-05:00

11.25.09

And I've only used it one time. That's right folks, my Denman brush changed my life. Here's the skinny:

Washed Hair with Lush *New* Shampoo- It's a peppermint solid handmade shampoo bar for itchy dry scalp. Love it. www.lush.com
Conditioned with Aussie 3 minute Deeep Conditoner
While conditioner was in hair I began to detangle with my Denman. Now, I didn't find as much slip as I would like so I added Herbal Essences Hello Hydration. When there still wasn't enough slip for my thick hair I added Carol's Daughter Kohret Ahmen Hair Smoothie (yes unfortunately I still have that crap)
Detangling from ends to root didn't work for me. So I detangled from root to ends slowly while making sure to have the smooth red part glide on the hair. *This is key to smoothing your curls*
Rinsed the conditioner and woila- awesome detangled *no more shed hair* curlie fro.
This is where I should've stopped.
But I used some Kinky Curly Curling Custard.
Then tried to smooth it with the Denman- Not uh no way. Couldn't get the brush through my hair
But I could run a comb through it no problems.
Let it sit. and sit. and sit. 10-14 hours later and my hair still hadn't dried in some sections!
Washed it out by co-washing with Herbal Essences
Used some Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter (I am in the market for a new moisturizer- maybe shea based)
This morning I just sprayed Oyin Juices and Berries Leave-In to reactivate
Perfect hair!

Denman Brush!

2009-11-21T16:50:00.004-05:00

11.21.09
I am so excited right now! Why you ask? I just purchased a *Denman Brush*. All the reviews I've read about naturals swearing by it for detangling and styling your hair made it worth the purchase. I can't wait to try it! I don't know if I'll use is with Hello Hydration Conditioner and leave it in my hair, pomade, or what. We shall see.

What I've been up to

2009-11-19T20:59:00.004-05:00

Finals start in less than two weeks! I figured I should probably detangle my hair since I hadn't in over a week. I used Miss Jessie's Sulfate Free Shampoo, Kinky Curly Knot today and finger detangled. I no longer use combs on my hair for anything. They snag and pull my hair. I lose a lot less by just using my fingers. Something that worked great which you're not going to belive was I took a dollup (whatever that means) of Kinky Culry Curling Custard b/c my hair is SO dry and just ran it all through my hair. I didn't "rake it through each section" as the application method states. I don't care about that, I just want some moisture. Well, lo and behold, my hair was moist and little to no flaking this time! We had to go to a legal monologue on Clarance Darrow and I started twisting my hair. It was unbeliveably easy to twist and I didn't add anything to it. So, I twisted the rest of my hair when I got home and slept with a satin bonnet. This morning I sprayed my head with Oyin Juices and Berries and was on my way. Soooo many compliments were bestowed my way today. Everyone loves when I have the twist all ove my head. And the kinky curly smell always gets me compliments as well. If I can get 2nd day twist tomorrow than I will stick to this routine. I'll spray my head again before bed and cover up. I like this b/c it didn't take that long to twist, and involves no real manipulation. Yes, I feel bad for trying the texturizer but I'm glad it didn't take.

Coffee

2009-11-13T10:54:00.001-05:00

I wish hair liked coffee. I'm on my 5th cup trying to get this memo done. Will be back later

Burn Baby Burn!

2009-11-11T23:34:00.003-05:00

11.11.09

I forgot to post this earlier. Something caused a burning irritation to my scalp within 12 hrs of washing my hair last night. The culprits

Carol's Daughter Rosemary Mint Shampoo with Sea Moss
Miss Jessie's Unscented Curly Pudding
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

You be the judge! I'm leaning towarrds the Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse as I applied it directly to my scalp without water (I forgot), and that's when I felt what I thought at first was just a *tingle*. My scalp still hurts, so I really hope baggying helps soothe it. And even w/ the Rinse my scalp was still itchy. That's unfortunate.

Hair This n That

2009-11-11T20:21:00.003-05:00

11/11/09

Tonight I went to an amazing seminar by Mary Crane entitled "The Rules of Engagement." Ms. Crane teaches young people how to become young "professionals." So, she travels to all the B-Schools, Law Schools, etc.. and she is AWESOME. Check her out if you get a chance sometime. Today, was an interesting hair day....

Last night I washed my hair for the 1st time since taking my kinky twist out two days ago. I washed w/ Carol's Daughter Rosemary and Sea Moss (which dried my hair out by the way), deep conditioned with Aussie 3 Minute Deeep Conditioner (love it-smells like Aussie), and my dumb butt followed w/ Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding. I flat twisted my hair all over and went to bed. Whoa, was my hair hard, dry, brittle, crispy, and white flakes everywhere! I had to wash my hair 2x with CD to get that crap out. Then, I was running late to school, so I just used Carol's Daughter Tui Leave-In (one more use and it's all gone-yay). So, I had a wet head in the wet windy weather today. And of course, it dried hard. Never again. So, I just got home from the program and am baggying for the evening. I mixed water, Aussie 3 Minute Deep, and a little bit of Extra Virgin Olive Oil together and distributed it to my hair. Then, I covered it and will sleep like this. In the morning, I will rinse with cool water and hopefully I won't have to put anything else on it. Ultimately, I wish to build up my moisture by baggying. I read on a blog of a young lady doing it everyday. I've also read about ppl doing co-washes everyday. It seems to be these ppl whom I encounter w/ less fuss and more success with their hair recently. The reoccurring factor I'm seeing between them is conditioning agents. Things such as conditioner everyday or with baggying, one uses different oils/conditioners. So, hopefully I'll discover something new! I may switch to Herbal Essences hello hydration as my baggying method. And, I may not rinse this all out. Just a quick run through.

Curls n Threads

2009-11-10T18:16:00.001-05:00

11.10.09

I've never really been a fan of hats, but I've always thought Trapper hats were cool!

"Get em while it's Cool"

Kinky Twist Take Down

2009-11-09T18:58:00.004-05:00

11.09.09
As much as I loved my kinky twist, my hair was feeling kinda icky having gone to the gym last night (going tonight as well), and applying product every other day, and they were super loose so I took them down. Besides, I missed my natural hair anyways. It was nice having a pop of color and kinky length for a week! The only thing is I don't want to wash my hair right now b/c of how cool it looks to me. My hair looks like springy coils! It's not really dirty, it just needed to breathe! That's something I think is important as a natural or relaxed woman. I didn't lose any hair except for one twist in the very back on my edge so I'm happy about that. The protective challenge is still going on so I'm going to do twist and twistouts and perfect my flat twist and try cornrows next! Gotta find a youtube vid!

Sometimes the cheap stuff=the good stuff

2009-11-07T16:48:00.005-05:00

11.07.09
So, since I am on a self-induced "End Product Junkyism & Use Up Those Products Challenge", I looked under my bathroom sink and found this:

Ingredients: Soybean Oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, microcrystaline wax, beeswax, horsetail extract, rosemary leaf extract, nettle extract, safflower seed oil, lanolin oil, trimethcicone, black pepper, propylparaben

Sorry guys for the ppl who don't like beeswax or cones. However, this has been AWESOME to my kinky twist. I noticed that- there's no water in this! I have been using cream based products with water as the base my whole life. However, this stuff melts into my hair and scalp, smells like grape bubblegum and isn't heavy in the least bit. Plus, I got it from Target for $2.14 clearance. Unfortunately, they no longer carry it and the one ethnic beauty supply store doesn't carry it either, so I won't be buying it again. But, I still have a good bit of the 7oz left, so I'm going to continue sealing my ends and massaging my scalp with it nightly. Love this stuff!

4.5 out of 5 Stars (wish it didn't have the cone, paraben, or beeswax in such a high amount- but for what you're paying you're getting straight oils and in the 1st 5 ingredients, which are the highest amounts in your products)

How to "Winterize" Your Humectants!

2009-11-04T21:17:00.005-05:00

11.04.09

So, I read on a blog that one should put away their warm weather products that contain Humectants. The reason being is that they draw moisture out of the air to make the hair big which is great in the summer, but drying in the winter since there is a lack of moisture in the air during these colder months. But, I thought to myself, brands such as Oyin which really market the humectants can't just close up shop over colder months, so what are they doing. Then, I saw their latest podcast on "winterizing" your humectant products! I've started doing this and it really works. I love the Juices & Berries Leave-In conditioner! I've been spraying that or Carol's Daughter (almost out of that ish) on my hair in the mornings and that's it. Two minutes to do my hair. And I've received so many compliments on my self-done Kinky twist. I'm so amazed that it is actually decent! I've provided the podcast for you, and there's also a 10% off coupon code at the end so watch it. Don't worry, it's actually entertaining!

Natural Hair in Church

2009-11-01T13:25:00.005-05:00

November 1, 2009

Just got home from church. I was so impressed by how many naturals I saw, and the sermon. So often, we (I) put off going to church due to such a hectic schedule, but I just felt moved to make 2 hours for God today :) This is the finished product of my kinky twist! I rolled the ends on plastic rollers and dipped them into boiling water. After church I stopped by the library to get some books and already got compliments! Glad to know it didn't turn out crazy so far. I am very proud!

Kinky Twist!!!!!!

2009-10-31T20:34:00.005-04:00

Yes sir, it's that time of year. Winter Time Protective Styles Hair Challenge. I joined a *her* hair challenge on youtube. I got to thinking, what in the world can I do for protective styling for two months. Well, I found an amazing tutorial on how to do Kinky twist! Now, i thought there is no way I can do this- my hair's too short, I don't know what I'm doing, oh and did I mention I don't know what I'm doing? Well, I bought a pack of $5 Marley braid hair and figured I had nothing to lose. 5-6 hours later- Kinky Twist Baby, Kinky Twist! I LOVE them. Yes, they're a bit *ahem* messy. But, I went out to Sally's and was talking to this natural girl I met (Yes, more exist in podunkville), and she couldn't believe I did them & said it looks great! Yayyyy! Excuse me while I go do the funky chicken. My hiar is about 1-3 inches all over and I was able to do it, so get off your bum and join the challenge too! It's from Nov 1-Jan 1. Please also let me know what you think of the twist!

October 31, 2009

Miss Jessie's Unscented Curly Pudding

2009-10-30T20:25:00.004-04:00

Miss Jessie's Says:

By an overwhelming popular demand... you asked for it! Now it's here! If you've got a "sensitive sniffer" Unscented Curly Pudding is perfect for you curlies who want amazing Curly Pudding performance without the added scent or color.
Instructions for use: Apply a palm full of Unscented Curly Pudding™ to damp freshly shampooed and conditioned hair. Rake through large sections and air dry. For maximum elongation comb a nickel sized dollop thru small sections and air dry.
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT CHEMICALLY ALTERING
The must have maintenance product, Baby Buttercreme and Curly Buttercreme, add to hair the day after styling.
Available in 2oz & 8oz
Ingredients: Water, Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Ordenone Triethanolamine, Carbomer, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Wheat Amino Acids, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifola Seed Oil, Oleth-5, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Disodium EDTA, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate

Today was furlough day. Budget cuts have caused us to get random time off during the year, and I must admit I did not make good use of the day off. I relaxed!! I caught up on sleep, cleaned up a little bit, and just hung out with my Yorkies. And, I'm not sorry for it either. Since I had a day to waste, I thought it would be a good time to use my Miss Jessie's Unscented Curly Pudding that my mom sent me. I cowashed with Herbal Essences Hello Hydration, and then applied MJ all over. I did a few big twists on the sections of my hair that never curl on its own- namely in the crown area. Well, that was at 1pm and it's 8:30 now, and my hair is still not dry in some sections. However, I have nice curl definition- clumping which I like, and it's somewhat stretched out/ elongated. MJ's claim to fame is being "the best darn 'fill in which of their products you are using here' period". I think there is probably something better out there with healthier ingredients. Also, the magic bullet of this product is that it will "transform shruken fros, into strectched out coils and kinks"- Again, it wasn't some kind of a miracle. It's better than Kinky Curly Curling Custard in that it doesn't leave my hair gummy and nasty, and it doesn't flake. Also, it's a cream base so it doesn't dry my hair out like gels. However, it still takes all day to dry & doesn't stretch the hair $22 bucks worth. Not bad, but not my holy grail. Although, it did used to be my holy grail 5 months ago when I first went natural. So, it's interesting to see how my hair has changed in how it responds to certain products! Is this something I will do on a constant basis? I used to when I first went natural, but I probably won't for right now. Even though it gives good definition, it doesn't leave my hair feeling moist and supple as when I use my Herbal Essences Hello Hydration on its own. I prefer the simple routine, and plus I normally do not have whole days to waste where I do not need to leave the house for anything!

3 out of 5 stars

October 30.2009

Confession

2009-10-28T17:21:00.003-04:00

Hence the title of the blog! I have a confession to make. I'm not really natural.....
Just kidding! That would be funny though. Anyways, my confession is that... I've been dying to straighten my hair. The desire to pull out my flat iron and just try one piece creeps on me at the weirdest times. While in the library daydremaing about being anywhere but here, in Criminal Law, shucks, I even go to youtube and watch naturals straighten their hair for how to do it while protecting their hair. I know, heat damage would ruin everything I've worked for these past 5 months and even worse my hair might fall out. But, I do miss my hair being straight sometimes. I don't know if 2 1/2 in is long enough to catch on a roller either.....
October 28, 2009

Natural Hair in the Hospital!

2009-10-26T19:44:00.002-04:00

You wanna know another good thing about natural hair? When you have to go to the hospital and spend three hours there or longer- you don't have to worry about rushing to make sure your hair is "done." Not that one would probably be worried about that in the state of an emergency anyways, but still. I woke up this morning in excruitating pain and had to miss school. Pray I don't get too far behind. I have tonselitits or however you spell it. At least it's not swine flu since there have been 24 cases of it at my school with one person in the actual law school too. Goodnight

Curlformers

2009-10-25T21:59:00.004-04:00

OMG! I have a new goal! You guys would not believe how many times I've been to a hair salon with a picture of beautiful spirals, ringlets, and curls with the actual idea I would leave with that. I was always told your hair is too short, it's too thick to hold a curl like that, etc... Fast forward to being natural, when I was transitioning (for the brief month that I did transition-yeah it counts :)) and I saw a stylist create these beautiful spiral curls on a client. I was like, now that I'm natural I can get that? My stylist said sure, we use this thermal (heat=flat iron/curling iron) technique and it lasts two weeks. So, fast forward yet again, I now have all this knowledge about heat and I thought I couldn't get those spirals someday b/c I don't want a whole lot of heat on my hair. Youtube gets me again and I have discovered Curlformers! What I love about these (and the reviews I've encountered) is that they're quick, easy, create beautiful curls on the thickest of hair, and require no heat! Now, I've also read that they'll work on the shortest of hair, but since I'm doing 2 new challenges (details to come in next few days), they will be my 1yr naptural/ birthday present since the two events fall within 3 days of each other! The idea of having such old school shirley temple curls (don't even care that I'm 22) inspires me to take even better care of my locks. That means sealing my ends morning and night!

October 25, 2009

Turning Point & 5 Months Natural!

2009-10-25T13:18:00.005-04:00

I am starting to finally feel really good about my hair. I woke up this morning to a curly messy but cute bedhead look. I sprayed my hair with water and let it set. The curls became more defined and moist. I finished with Carol's Daughter Tui Leave In (just b/c I'm trying to use that ish up- you already know) and I was on my way. Instead of being the same TWA, my hair in the back is beginning to stick up off my head a good bit and take shape. I'm lovin it. I did random flat twist all over and yeah, they were messy and you probably can't even tell they were twist but that's not the point my friends! The point is that my hair is growing and I am so excited to try all sorts of styles. From watching youtube I got the bright idea to do my flat twist horizontally instead of vertically back and that should give me a fuller look on the sides. So, we'll see in the morning when I take them out. And, when I get a little bit neater with the twist, I'm going to leave them in and wear them to school like that. For those of you who have been there from the beginning, you know I started with nothing but a flicker of hope and the internet (inc you all's tips :)) as my guide. I am finally starting to feel like I am on my way...

My hair is sticking up at the top b/c the sides are flat twisted down. But look at how much it's sticking up now!

October 25, 2009

Flat Twists!

2009-10-24T00:54:00.004-04:00

I am so freaking excited right now! Like, I can't even begin to tell you. I am terrible with styling my hair, which you all have figured out by now. Well, my mom said she was going to make plaits (?) in her hair, and I got to thinking that if my mom can do some sort of braid in her hair, why the heck can't I? My beloved brother is always telling me to youtube EVERYTHING. How to groom my Yorkies, how to cook fish, how to deliver a baby for crying out loud- it's gotta be on youtube! So, I viewed numerous tutorials, and I did it, i did it! I made a messy flat twist, but a flat twist nonetheless! Love it, love it, love it. I even got so bold to search flat twist with added hair to make it fuller and last longer. Now, I'm actually considering trying this as a protective style! I know one can get synthetic hair for like $2. It should last at least a week, ideally 2 weeks. How do you guys feel about flat twist with added hair as protective styling this winter? And how proud of me are you guys that I actually flat twisted my own hair. *Now I'm going to be with my bad self!*

Liquid Potion

2009-10-22T19:45:00.003-04:00

So, I'm trying to make my own spray leave-in/mositurizer so I can strectch my co-washes to at least every other day to start out with. So far, I've been co-washing in the morning, applying a small amount of Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter all over my hair at night (tryint to use that ish up) and then washing it out in the morning (b/c it leaves my hair very hard). I love the moistness the Hello Hydration creates/leaves for my hair, but by mid-day my hair is dry. So, I'm thinking- do olive oil and water go together in a spray bottle, or is that icky? Do you think that will up the moisture throughout the day? And, I'm just about ready to throw my Carol's Daughter Leave-In in the garbage, b/c that does nothing to moisturize my hair. I'm considering writing them a letter, but that's for another day. I have contracts hw to do.

Whaaa? A breakthrough??

2009-10-21T12:15:00.004-04:00

Today all the first years have the day off so we're all here in the library outlining, catching up, and working on our reasearch test like crazy. Here's a hopefully not too fragmented recap of what's been going on with me in the hair world from Monday until today.

Monday- Washed hair with Miss Jessie's No sulfate shampoo to get the product buildup out of my hair, then followed up with Hello Hydration from Herbal Essences. To style I used Miss Jessie's Unscented Curly Pudding. After an hour of still not drying it was time for school so I ened up having to blowdry my hair on cool and it took THIRTY minutes. I couldn't go to class with white stuff in my head (which sometimes still happens but my friends are nice enough to point it out before I look like a fool for too long). So, I was almost late to class over 2 in of hair. Let's just say I was not happy.

Tuesday- My hair still felt pretty moist from the Curly Pudding, so I just sprayed it with H2O before class. In the evening I put Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter all over my hair and then covered with a satin bonnet

Wednesday- This morning I woke up and did a quick co-wash with Hello Hydration. My hair is MOIST!! Soft too! I didn't wash all of it out and only had to blot my hair for 5min or so before leaving since there was still a little white showing. It's now 12:20, and my hair still feels great. Minor frizz, but with my hair feeling and looking good (curly wurly whoop whoop), I just may call this a small breakthrough. No, a hugh breakthrough. Free Pizza, gotta go!

October 21, 2009

Hair Woes part 26

2009-10-18T20:26:00.002-04:00

I'm Shaving My Head.

Not really, but that's what I feel like doing right about now...

Carol's Daughter is Now on My **** list.

2009-10-17T17:51:00.003-04:00

Okay, so last night the hair was so dry I used some of my Carol's Daughter Kohret Ahmen Hair Smoothie on the hair. It made the hair immediately feel soft. However, when I woke up this morning my hair was hard as a brick. And I do mean hard...

Fast forward to this morning's shower. I used Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Conditioner for a co-wash. I've seen on so many blogs ppl swearing by this stuff. I had no shining light moment. But, then again, it's my 1st time using it. I didn't rinse it all out, left a little in to help seal in some moisture. Once dry, my scalp felt nice, the hair wasn't as dry, but still dry. And my hair was a frizzy mess too. So, I used some Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter to moisturize my hair strands. Yeah, they're moist. And yeah, my hair is hard. Grrrr. All this Carol's Daughter stuff is making my hair hizard. So, I might put it under the sink and give it to moms when I go home to D.C for christmas lol. But, does anyone know of a cream based hair moisturizer sold at *Walmart, Target, or maybe CVS?? There is no whole foods here, or any other natural foods market here, so I'm limited to those 3 places. And I can't order anything online anymore so I need something $5-6 bucks or less. Let me know what you use please!

Saturday Ocotber 17, 2009

It's 55 degrees outside

2009-10-16T22:32:00.004-04:00

So, I'm going into my first winter natural, and I'm not too excited so far. I believe I washed, deep conditioned, and used hair milk wed or thurs. Well, it's 55 degrees outside and I went out to dinner with one of my girlfriends. All day I've noticed my hair getting drier and drier. We can't wear hats at school since "the classroom is like a courtroom), so that's another reason for me not to invest other than the fact I'm really a broke college student right now. As I go along on the journey, I'm learning new things about my hair everyday. The winter has always been harsh on my hair and I think being natural might actually make it worse. It just may be a neverending mission to find something that works! Ladies, I receive emails and comments about using different oils which I really appreciate. But- my hair loathes oils. Everytime I use some sort of oil on my hair it just sits on my hair or makes it feel really nasty. So, they are out for me. Shea butter is too thick even when I'm sure to use a small amount. I've seen my dermatologist about this problem and my scalp is as healthy as ever, other than being severly dry and sensitive like the rest of my skin. So, this is nothing new for me. I just don't like feeling like I'm using/wasting products without the results beneficial to me. I've heard so much success from having used Herbal Essence Hello Moisture Conditioner for co-washes so I may try that. But, I'm scared to apply a whole lot of water to my hair during these winter months. We shall see what happens.

10/16/09

Eew

2009-10-13T19:08:00.002-04:00

Hair feels nasty right now. I'm sorry, but kinky-curly is going right back under the sink. Remember, I did say the flaking was less time. Yes, but that doesn't make up for the flakes that are still there! It looks like my hair is dir-ty. And, it's not. Besides that, I used the CD Healthy Hair Butter last night since my hair felt ubber dry, which either combined with KC or own its own has my hair feeling nasty. Not so much greasy, well kinda greasy. I undid my twist yesterday and my hair looks fab and all curly today. But, I don't want to wash it right out b/c of this ickiness. Nooooo

Brief Update

2009-10-12T23:31:00.002-04:00

I've been in the library studying for hours for my first law school exam tomorrow morning! Eek! Wish me luck. Results of Kinky-Curly- Less flaking than usual so that's a plus. I needed to go to the library but that all day drying time was holding me up, so I pulled out the blowdrier and my diffuser attachment and dried the product that way. Sorry guys. Yesterday, while studying I made big twist that are too cute. I wore my hair like that today and got compliments. I like it b/c it's different then the wash and gos. It's a style!!!!! Today I put Carol's Daughter Hair butter in-between the parts on my scalp and I will probably put some on the ends of my hair as well. Satin bonnet and I'm off to bed.

Family & Natural Hair Law Day

2009-10-10T13:34:00.003-04:00

This will be brief. Yesterday was friends and family day at law school. So, my dad drove down from DC just to come! My brother came from Atlanta as well! The first thing my dad said when he saw me was that my hair was 3x as long as when he saw me a month after my BC in July! That made me ubber happy. For school, I just sprayed my hair with some of my Carol's Daughter leave-in and then used her healthy hair butter on my hair. I rubbed a quarter sized amount in my palms and applied it to my hair in a circular motion. My hair was super moisturized and curled up all on its own. It looked hot! Plus, I got called on and so I had all the student's family & friend's eyes on me (including my own), & I was proud to be a dope natural. Plus, I performed well!

Today, I just washed my hair with Miss Jessie's, used Carol's Daughter Kohret Amen hair smoohie (which doesn't really do anything), and then Kinky-Curly Leave in. The crazy thing is, I had a very hard time detangling my hair. You would think after the hair smoothie my hair will at least be soft. B/c it sure isn't a detangler like it states! Normally, my Kinky-Curly leave in is my go to product for detangling. Maybe it's because my hair is getting thicker and thicker?? I decided to use my Kinky-Curly Curling Custard using a different application to see if I achieve better results. Yeah, I hate the stuff, but I'm on a challenge to stop wasting my money and use up these products. I'll let you know how it turns out tomorrow after it's 17hr drying time.

I have midterms so I'll be back after Tuesday.

More Thoughts on Co-Washing

2009-10-06T21:58:00.002-04:00

I talked to a natural hairstylist today, and she thought my problems with dryness might be because of not applying enough product. Hmmm. I'm not really an adovcate of when something isn't working-just apply more of it! But, she did impart a tip that I am interested in. She suggested when I co-wash or rinse out my deep conditioner, to not rinse it all out completely. She said this should help with keeping my hair moist. My scalp wasn't dirty at all, so I decided to just do a light co-wash. I used Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner b/c I still have the sample size of it. We'll see how my hair feels in the morning. I'm left with a few questions about co-washing

How often should one with extremely dry hair and scalp co-wash a week? I've read about some ppl doing it 1-2x a week, everyday, etc...
Do you still use leave-ins on a daily basis with a co-wash regimine?
What are some of your favorite conditioners for co-washing?
Any thoughts on Herbal Essence Hello Hydration that I keep reading about all over the web?

Natural in Public

2009-10-05T22:06:00.003-04:00

I thought it was pretty cool how I just left Walmart & when I had to show my i.d to buy some cough medicine the girl starts flipping out about how differently I look. My driver's license has the long brown weave and now I'm sporting the twa. She even calls her co-workers over to show them how different I look. Then she said she loves natural hair but could never pull it off. I told her she could and to have a nice night. I'm not going to sit there and be all militant about it. My hair did the talking for me! My curls were poppin by the way! Yesterday, I washed, detangled, deep conditioned, and used the hair milk. Let me tell you, although my hair still feels somewhat dry (not the scalp, the scalp is moist-it's the hair itself that feels dry), the curl milk is becoming my go to styler for setting my look for the week. Interesting considering how much I hated it. As funny as this sounds, I think I may go back to kinky-curly once this runs out b/c I like the mositure it left me, and I don't want to shuffle out a whole lot more money. I have vowed to use up some of the stuff I already have. Or, at least find the one thing that I can tolerate the most and stick with it, as I don't like going from product to product. With that being said, I almost bought Garnier Spray Curling Gel as it was $3.00 opposed to $13.00 for Hair Milk, but I put it back!

Brrrr, It's Cold in Here.

2009-10-04T20:24:00.002-04:00

So, I did my weekly wash and go, & I can already tell I'm going to have problems. Walking around with wet head in the winter doesn't seem too smart. And I do it early before bed, but I still have to go outside a lot to walk my Yorkies and I'm always on the go. So, I was watching youtube vids (hey, I was at the coffee shop doing hw for 6 hrs today), and I saw a video about elongation with a diffuser. I thought I would try it as an all in one way to style, and dry my hair and have more of a fro! The hair is there, it's just always shrunken to my head :(. Well, my results came out miserably, but my hair is more dry.

2009-10-03T23:29:00.003-04:00

I like to have a picture timeline to refer to as the journey continues!

Big Chop June 7, 2009

1 week post-bc

1 month natural

3 months natural

4 months natural

Curls curls everywhere

2009-10-03T19:55:00.004-04:00

I got up late to go study, but eventually got my butt to the coffee shop. I'm studying, studying, studying, and realize I need to go to the bathroom. While in the bathroom, something catches my eye. My hair is really getting curly! I didn't even put anything in it. Tomorrow makes 17 weeks. I can really tell the curl pattern is looser in the back which is fine. But, I love how it's starting to curl on its own all over. Hopefully, you can somewhat see what I'm talking about in the pics. But, take my word- it's happening each and everyday :)

P.S- I've only been using Carol's Daughter products the past two weeks on my locks. Don't know if that has anything to do with it, or if my hair is just changing, or both. Also, I'm wondering if I should try to figure out a protective style with this length or just keep up the wash and gos as the winter time approaches? Any thoughts?

Back to The Basics

2009-10-02T22:28:00.004-04:00

Sometimes, I think we have to just take it back to the basics. At the conclusion of my previous post, I went to go wash my hair, thinking that should soothe my scalp and dry hair problems. Well, I parted my hair and my scalp looked clean and healthy. There was not a drop of dirt in my hair! So, I just didn't see the point in (co)washing my hair when it wasn't dirty-at all. So, I said to myself, "take it to the basics. What did you previously do when relaxed?" I remember always having a dry scalp and hair problem, as well as an excessive shedding problem. Thankfully, I don't have the shedding problem having gone natural. So, I used my cream moisturizer and my head feels so much better. Mind you, the actual hair is not soft like I would like for it to be. I put on my satin bonnet however, so in the morning it will hopefully have softened up. It's funny b/c I carry around these leave-ins, try to take in all there is about co-washing, using this oil, that cream, and I still feel like I never find the right solution that works for me. I'm almost 17 weeks natural, and I'm starting to feel like this is getting ridiculous.

Fall Madness

2009-10-02T20:54:00.002-04:00

It's been a hard week in hair world to say the least. From waking up to my scalp hurting so bad it almost felt like it was burning, to the overall crunchiness of my hair, it's been almost unbearable at times. Tuesday I woke up with my scalp almost on fire. It felt super dry and very hard. So, I immediately washed my hair w/ Carol's Daughter Rosemary Peppermint Shampoo w/ Sea Moss. It was *soothing* to my scalp. I didn't expect it to be. I expected it to burn and I read a lot of negative reviews about it being gritty. It wasn't. I like using the hair milk as my curly wurly go to after shampooing and it makes for a nice lightweight hair lotion/curling potion. It doesn't leave my hair all hard as long as my hair is soaking wet upon application (like Kinky Curly & Miss Jessies). The next day I applied Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter sparingly b/c my scalp felt weird again. That was Wed. Today is Friday, my hair is hard as a brick. There's nothing wrong with my scalp, just the hair is dry. I carry my leave-in with me in my bag since the weather is changing and that only helps somewhat. I'm learning that my hair hates oils. They just sit on top of my hair/scalp. Ugggh.

Gettin my study on

2009-09-29T13:45:00.003-04:00

This morning right when I got to school. Hair still damp.

Washed my hair this morning w/ Carol's Daughter Rosemary mint sea moss shampoo and then used her Hair Milk to set my curls. Notice the lack of frizz today! I'm strating to like this Hair Milk :) Back to class.

Fall is here!

2009-09-27T16:12:00.007-04:00

Hello Govenuh!

So, here we are at *4* months natural ,and I'm excited. Everyone keeps telling me that once you get past the first 4 months you really start to see the fro take off so we'll see. Then again, others say after the 1st 6 months, and still others say the 1st year so I'm excited either way. I'm considering getting braids or extensions as protective styling as we go into the colder s

eason. Any thoughts on this. My hair is still

pretty short ot hold a twistout for more than a day and I'm trying to go for low maniuplation. I will leave you with pics taken 5 minutes ago. I did some chunky twist for a nice curly look for tomorrow. What do ya think?

I threw on some earrings for the occasion!

"On the eve of four months natural, my true love said to me..."

2009-09-26T22:05:00.004-04:00

"On the eve of four months natural, my true love said to me..."

He he, that was dumb, but I'm giddy b/c tomorrow makes *4* months natural! That's a quarter of a year! Did I see myself making it this long? Yeah, pretty much. I didn't know what to expect, and I still don't know what to expect for the future. Today, as I finally unpacked the boxes in my room (yeah, I've been here 2 months, but law school is a beast), I noticed all the pictures of me with weave. It's not a totally different person, but the old me wasn't me with the weave. I wore it so much that it became a part of who I was. And that's scary. Reading "The Tracks of My Weave"(read it, it's short) resonates with me b/c I used to really be like that. Even if she claims to be joking or that the piece was simply satricial, she fails miserably at doing so. Deep down inside she probably does feel like that on some level. Trust me, I did. As soon as I could get my hands on that Premium Yaki I would finally look good. That's all it took. Two packs of the mixed blend goodness and then I too could be a Goddess. And that my friends is sad. A true Goddess is the woman who can face her peers with her hair looking what society deems to be nappy & "toe-up" and not even be phased because she knows that for one, there's more to life and so much more at that then worrying about if her hair is straight enough, and two, she knows she's beautiful regardless. It has taken me a very long time to reach this point. I would say once I reached the two months mark, I started to feel pretty with my twa. Now, you can' t tell me anything! And trust there are people (they tend to be Af-Am) who say things like, "this is law school, can't be running around with a nappy head like that" and things of the like. My answer is that if I can't work in a firm with my hair in its natural state then that's not the firm with me. The same way I feel about tattoos. I'm professional, carry myself with class, and will be a damn good lawyer in 3 years. If a future employer is willing to pass that up, because I have let go of the bond (get it, bond=bonding glue hehe) then oh well. Plus, the economy should be better in 3 years so I should have more firm options anyway so there lol :)

Pre-Poo w/ Olive Oil & Shedding?

2009-09-24T19:39:00.006-04:00

Okay, so after reading about the benefits of Hot Oil Treatments on various sites, I decided to give it a go. Since my hair was feeling super hard, I needed some softness and moisture back in my life! I opted for Extra Virgin Olive Oil, because frankly, that's what was in my pantry! I warmed it up in the microwave and then put it on my hair. Then I added a little water to what was still in the cup and put it on my scalp. I didn't use a heat cap b/c I don't have one so I left it on for an hour. Next, I washed my hair with Miss Jessie's Cleansing Creme and just put on Carol's Daughter Kohret Ahmen Hair Smoothie. I had to keep applying more to be able to detangle. Looking at the hair in the comb has me a wee bit perplexed. I'm not sure if this is abnormal or not but then again, I only detangle once a week. So having not detangled since last Thursday, the picture above depicts how much hair was in the comb. Does that seem normal to you? I've always had a problem with severe shedding when I was relaxed so this nothing like that, but as a natural I'm not sure what's normal or what to expect.

As you know, my style regimine consists of wash and gos or twistouts. Could either of these be causing more hair in the comb than usual? If so, what am I supposed to do? I know low manipulation is key, but I thought that's what wash and gos or twists/(outs) were for! Help!

P.S- Sunday makes 4 months natural & I think I'm reaching 2 in. all over. Don't konw if that has anything to do w/ it or not.

Edit:

Okay, so when I pulled the hair out the comb, this is all it really was:

So, maybe I was exaggerating. It has been a week with no combing. I'm wondering if I'm waiting too long to detangle. Maybe I should supplement my weekly shampoos w/ a midweek cowash & detangle. Or does it really matter?

Which Boots

2009-09-23T21:14:00.003-04:00

Okay, I've found "The" boots! But, I need help picking the "right" color.Click Here

And please tell me if you like "luggage" or "nutty" better!

Hard Hair & Edges Update

2009-09-23T19:24:00.002-04:00

Man my hair feels hard. I noticed that just now. The only thing I've put on it is Oyin Whipped Shea Pudding 2 days ago and have since sprayed it with Carol's Daughter Tui Leave-In everyday. I was reading on some other blogs that Shea butter makes some natural ladies' hair hard. I find my scalp greasy the next day and I really try not to use too much. Overall, I really think I'm a cream moisturizer. The best one that I've tried has to be Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter. Something else I'm going to try with the hair milk is adding olive oil to it when I do my wash and gos. This could potentially keep my hair from being hard and crispy so wish me the best on that one lol.
I was looking at my edges today and I can remember when I was relaxed how much they had thinned out. I'm talking right at my temples, I looked bald! Whenever I would go to the salon they would always part my hair on which ever side looked less thin that month. That should've been a clue right then I needed to leave that creamy crack alone! Anyways, I looked in the mirror today and they're all filled in. I can't believe how thick my edges are with hair. Well, the right side is still thinner than the other side, but this is the thickest my edges have been in a good 5 or more years!

Boot Shopping

2009-09-22T21:20:00.002-04:00

For the past few days I've been spending class time boot shopping! I finally threw away all my loved and worn boots and dress shoes only to realize I don't have any boots! So, I've been boot shopping on a budget. From western knee highs to funky oxfords, brown is sure to be a go to color this season.

Atlanta Flooding

2009-09-21T21:27:00.003-04:00

In case you're unaware, Atlanta is in the midst of a severe storm right now. At least 6 ppl have died, including a baby swept out of his home, and my old apartment complex was even flooding! This is near and dear to my heart, b/c I spent the last 4 years of my life there for college. (I'm still in the state of GA, just not ATL). My previous university called to tell me they're shutting the school down due to the storm and I laughed b/c I already graduated, but thanks! Here's the story to read more about it:

Communities Under Water; 6 Dead in Atlanta Metro Flooding

Please keep Atlanta citizens and residents in your thoughts and prayers. It's supposed to be brutal tomorrow as well.

Outfitting a Curl Star- "Curls n Threads"

2009-09-20T22:26:00.003-04:00

How darling is this piece that can be purchased from Painfully Hip. I'm starting to get into Etsy shops. I'm tired of commercial shopping. One of a kind items are so much more fun and unique. A Curl Star needs a delectable wardrobe to go with the hair, and hey, even a girl in this recession can dream right?
P.S- Love the new layout? It's pink, plaid, and has a guitar! Get it. Curl Star!?!
But, I don't know how to get that banner spot off the top right about the blog post :/

Moisture & Trimming Take 27

2009-09-19T21:49:00.004-04:00

Now, I know what you're thinking. You sure do have a lot of time on your hands to be posting 3x in one day. No, I don't. Just not doing my hw is all. So, I've been watching youtube videos on trims, moisture, shea butter, scab hair,and how the colder winter months are right around the corner. I think I'm suffering from all of these lol. So, I'm tossing the hair milk into the cabinet until the funtime summer months. I like this idea of moisturization:

Also, for your viewing pleasure here is my final take on trimming. I know you're tired of me talking about it, but I gotta get it off my chest lol